Buying a Vintage AS

[AgDawg]

I have been looking at various travel trailers and can't get a good feel for the costs involved in buying a used airstream. There are several for sale in Des Moines for $4,000 - $5,000 but how much should I expect to pay for renovations?

[TG Twinkie]

In that price range, you can expect to put considerable $$$$$ into the coach. In addition to the purchase price.
The longer, 31' etc are typically less expensive.
Good Luck in your search.

[idroba]

I would budget at least double your cost, buying in that price range, and that assumes you are a proficient do it yourselfer with lots of skills. If you are not such a person, I would recommend looking at units at a higher price point which either have already had significant work done on them, or are new enough so they don't need it.

And yes, there are exceptions to every rule, you could fall into a sweet deal on a great trailer at a low price, or be burned with a real turkey rig, not worth close to what you paid for it.

There is no real answer to your question only generalities and opinions. Each trailer is different, along with each owner's expectations of what they will wind up with.

[Splitrock]

I bought a 1976 with good axles, current lp tanks, 3 good water tanks, all good windows and screens, and a good frame. This trailer sold new for over $14,000. I have more than that invested in hard costs. I still have window drapes to have made and a recliner to buy. When I do another one, I'll budget from 12 to 15 thousand USD material costs over purchase price.