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fletch259 · 10-29-2011, 08:23 PM

Hi all, just wanted to get some opinions on the value of a trailer I am looking at. It is all around clean unit, with some of the normal wear and tear/dings in a few places. There is some rust on the bottom part of the battery compartment behind the propane tanks.
The only other thing that concerns me was there was some separation/a crack between the left side of the stove and the wall. Could this be fixed with some caulking or could this be a sign of something more serious?
From looking around here and elsewhere on the net, it seems that 25k may be an average price for these units. Just wondering if these are worth that or not, knowing that there are many variables that could determine this price.
Thanks!

**blmitch5** · 10-29-2011, 08:38 PM

It seems like a good price and the rust around the battery compartment is fairly normal but I don't understand what the crack is by the stove Do you have any pictures?

tpi · 10-29-2011, 08:52 PM

I'm not sure I get what the crack is either. Is it cracked caulking? If so thats routine.

**moosetags** · 10-29-2011, 09:02 PM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The price seems pretty fair for a unit in good condition. I wouldn't worry too much about the rust on the battery box. The separation that you describe is very likely due to the loosening of the screws that hold the counter top to the wall. It's an easy fix, but you will may have to remove to cook top to get to the screws.

Brian

fletch259 · 10-30-2011, 05:30 PM

The crack appeared to be the caulking but I was just wondering why it would do that in the first place. I am kicking myself now for not getting a picture of it, but it did not appear to be a structural crack.

**blmitch5** · 10-30-2011, 06:21 PM

Are you talking about the area from the side of the closet and the aluminum wall? Here is a pic of mine, I can't remember (stored for the winter) any caulking there.

fletch259 · 10-30-2011, 06:23 PM

Its right where the bottom of that black wall meets the stove.

**blmitch5** · 10-30-2011, 06:52 PM

It should be fine. Is it a personal owner or dealer? Have the tires, batteries been changed? Also have the bearings been repacked? Any other areas that look like they have shifted? It might have been just a sloppy finish job.

fletch259 · 10-30-2011, 06:59 PM

Its from a personal owner. Tires and batteries are new. I didn't ask about the bearings. How often do those need to be repacked and is that a significant cost?

mojo · 10-30-2011, 07:14 PM

I sold a 2004 CCD this year and that is a fair/good price. Rust in the battery box is normal and can be wire brushed and painted. The seam along the closet and stove/counter top moves with vibration and road bumps. You can either re-caulk or place a strip of back splash vinyl joint strip along the seam. If that's the only problems, then it sound like you found a good unit.

**blmitch5** · 10-30-2011, 07:15 PM

Once a year. Not expensive and you can do it yourself. I think I have a small gap there but will have to go check it out. I'd say it's a good price and if it feels right get it. What are you towing it with?

Gene · 10-30-2011, 07:22 PM

Caulk between two objects will eventually crack because of different expansion rates during temperature changes. Because a trailer moves around a lot, caulk separates faster. Carefully scrape it out and recaulk. If you are not used to caulking, practice elsewhere because it is very easy to make a mess.

Battery box rust happens. Clean it up, paint. It'll happen on the tongue too.

Gene

fletch259 · 10-31-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blmitch5

Once a year. Not expensive and you can do it yourself. I think I have a small gap there but will have to go check it out. I'd say it's a good price and if it feels right get it. What are you towing it with?

My TV is a Nissan Pathfinder. Forgot to mention, this trailer comes with a Weight Distribution hitch already installed as well.

**blmitch5** · 10-31-2011, 12:53 PM

Let us know when you get it!

dkottum · 10-31-2011, 03:57 PM

I think for 25k it ought to be in excellent condition, rust at the battery box signals a corrosive environment (look a the frame and corrosion around the exterior rivets and fittings), wear and tear/dings is a cautionary note. Nice and clean can be accomplished on the worst of trailers. Look underneath and in every cubby hole to see what you can.

Corrosion and water damage are common Airstream problems.

doug k

fletch259 · 11-01-2011, 01:30 PM

Well the deal fell through, so back to the hunt.

Thanks to everyone for all the tips!

clancy_boy · 11-01-2011, 01:43 PM

My 2003 CCD had nothing there in that seam originally. When I brought it to Jackson Center for repairs they filled that seam with caulk. That has since split and looks bad - I will scrape that out soon. I too believe normal vibration makes that a tough area to seal and hold over time.

Fair deal on the price if it's in really good shape. Normal for rust to start in that area (not acceptable but normal).

Mike

**blmitch5** · 11-01-2011, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fletch259

Well the deal fell through, so back to the hunt.

Thanks to everyone for all the tips!

Sorry. There are some on the classifieds like this one

http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...t=14089&cat=16

I drove from KC to Williamsburg VA to get ours. It also had the green but we changed it to red, black and grey.

Keep looking, you will find your perfect AS!