General Repair costs for my 78 Excella

[startrekker2001]

I have been reading this forum for the last year and a half. One of the things people seem to want to know is how much they can expect to spend on initial maintenance when they purchase a used/vintage Airstream.

Mine is a 1978 31' Excella which I purchased in March of '02. It was in excellent shape when I got it, but with no history on the unit, I felt that it was important to deal with those things that can prove dangerous if left alone.

So here is a list of things I have done and their costs.

New shocks, brakes, bearings....................1688
New Tires Goodyear Workhorse 700/15 'D'....475
Reese Dual Sway Control...............................144
2 batteries......................................... .............141
Micro Wave oven............................................10 8
New License Plate light and mount..................45
water filter............................................ ...........31

total............................................. ................2632

Some things I did that I thought were important
30amp outlet at house..................................245
30amp extension cord.....................................37
Electric Cord Reel contacts and new cord......188
Rebuild Hose reel.............................................. .2
Fix 12v Fuse Panel...........................................10
Fix Leaky Toilet............................................ ....38
Bal Stabilizers....................................... .........189

Total............................................. .................709

Cosmetic work

New Tile Floor............................................. ...153
Refrigerator door panels.................................40
Window Shades............................................ ..16
Stripped and Polished...................................992

Total............................................. ...............1201

Grand Total (so far)...................................$4542

I expect these are fairly typical initial expenses. except for the cosmetic work.

The coach with tax/tags, hitch and brake controller came to $11,000.

Some people will have to do more, some less. This is meant to give a feel for what one might expect on purchasing an older coach.

BTW, I can't get the columns to line up.

Vic