Where does the Excello model rank in the Airstream family of trailers? A local dealer is in the midst of restoring an '86 32 foot Excello and will be asking $15,900 when completed. This is my first trip into Airstream territory!
Where does the Excello model rank in the Airstream family of trailers? A local dealer is in the midst of restoring an '86 32 foot Excello and will be asking $15,900 when completed. This is my first trip into Airstream territory! rich2350@hotmail.com
Rich,
It is actually an Excella I agree it is hard to tell from looking at the script! The Excella was one notch down from the Limited. Depending on what all they have done to the unit that price may not be too far out of line.
The basic line up was: Basic unit no name, International, Excella, and Limited. It really gets confusing when you try to break it out by different years. Some years the Excella was only available on the larger trailers, and in some years it was available on all of them...
Aaron
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....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #2449 AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
Excellos (sic) are relatively unknown in the AirStream world. Let me know where it is, and I will save you the trouble and take it off your hands for you...
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Driver only carries $50...worth of ammo.
An 86 Excella 32 (the longest two axle trailer made by Airstream..) could be a great deal at $16K IF it is really restored and everything in it is fully functional and the decor and floorplan suits your needs...
If the restoration consists of having a cleaning crew remove food stains from the oven and carpet, and spray deoderant to remove the tobacco smells, that is not a good deal.. Searching here for things like "inspect" and checklist for trailer purchase will lead to lists of things to see that the dealer does or doesn't do... In that vintage, I'd look for items in following order:
First, check for running gear, axle set, and brakes/tires/wheels to see if it has been damaged or rusted or major repairs.. Then look at-
1. Water leak/floor rot damage covered over with new carpet or linoleum
2. Air conditioner seal and condition (new is better..)
3. Refrigerator perfromance and condition, free from ammonia smell and shown to work for 12 hours continuously (don't ask...)
4. Other appliances, including stove/oven/microwave
5. Water Heater - Remote start, thermocouples, tank integrity
6. Plumbing integrity - water pump, lines, tanks, drains, leaks at faucets
7. Window conditions - glass and latches and seals
__________________ Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
I have a 86- 32' excella. if you want to see what a clean original unit looks like go to my member photo page.The price seems good especially if the dealer does make things work. CHECK the axles, CHECK the axles.
I can give some some input based on my short time working on my '68 25 footer. Check the axels for " rear end droop" check the frame for rust, especially under and aroundthe holding tank. Check the rivets holding up the belly pan metal. Also make sure the vent pipes are connected and aren't broken, sometimes the holding tank vent is broken and it gets odors into the trailer. Check the floor all around the side and especially under windows for soft spots and look carefully in the closets for any water stains.
Everyone should keep in mind that these values are dealer to private party. Much like the NADA for cars, prices go down for both private party and trade ins. Generally speaking you are going to go down by 10-15% on private party and 25-30% on trades. These are normally asking prices so the dealer will take 10-15% less than the asking price depending on how long the unit is sitting there. Wholesale, which is a dealer buying it outright is generally 35-40% less than these numbers.
Condition also a huge factor on the negative, but not as much on the positive.
Just my industry insight for everyone, it may help you be more realistic when buying or selling.
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1986 Excella 
The Excella was one notch down from the Limited. Depending on what all they have done to the unit that price may not be too far out of line.
I can give some some input based on my short time working on my '68 25 footer. Check the axels for " rear end droop" check the frame for rust, especially under and aroundthe holding tank. Check the rivets holding up the belly pan metal. Also make sure the vent pipes are connected and aren't broken, sometimes the holding tank vent is broken and it gets odors into the trailer. Check the floor all around the side and especially under windows for soft spots and look carefully in the closets for any water stains.
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