Used Airstream # of miles towed matter?

TheLuvShack · 12-15-2004, 01:36 PM

I'm currently looking for my first AS and considering 1999-2003 models. Some of these TTs have been towed 1000's of miles while others have hardly been used. Does the number of miles towed really matter if the TT has been well maintained? Does a lot of miles towed affect the value? I've always felt that it's not a good idea to let TTs just sit. Problems develope that are not discovered until they become big problems. Generally the owners that use their TT for the long trips keep them well maintained. What do you think?

Pahaska · 12-15-2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLuvShack

Some of these TTs have been towed 1000's of miles while others have hardly been used. Does the number of miles towed really matter if the TT has been well maintained? What do you think?

I wouldn't worry about miles on a trailer; I would look at the condition of the unit and the maintenance it has received (bearing repacking especially).

A really big plus is a unit that has been stored under cover. Even a unit with a lot of miles is usually at the home base most of the time. A unit under cover will not have the sun damage to interior and finish and is less likely to leak or have hidden water damage.

I would be much more concerned with a unit that seldom moved but was lived in for an extended period.

joe hall · 12-15-2004, 02:24 PM

Sitting in one place doesn't do much to a trailer, especially if it is kept covered and washed and waxed. I would have the wheel bearings checked out and re-packed, and make sure the tires were not suffering from dry rot. Make sure the frame has not rusted to the point of failing. Miles on the road, like that on an automobile, depend on the maintenance performed along the way. If it is taken care of, the extended miles won't matter. Good luck.

Porky Pig · 12-15-2004, 06:38 PM

It is difficult ... if not impossible .. to ascertain the amount of miles a trailer has been towed ...

... unless the owner keeps detailed and verifiable records like I do.

There are only three things to know ... condition, condition, condition.

wallybyam · 12-16-2004, 12:09 AM

Trailer miles are not the same as a motor vehicle miles. A moter vehicle, i.e. your tow vehicle, has much more moving parts than a trailer. Pistons, rods, bearings, gears etc. You trailer has only wheels, bearings, brakes and associated parts to worry about. In other words, IMHO, miles do not materially effect the value of a trailer per se. As a previous posters said, it is CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION that is important! A trailer that has never been used and set for two years, might be in worse shape than one that is five years old and has 100,000 miles on it.

I have a 1999 that has been towed for 70 or 80,000 miles which is in like new condition.

Also, as a trailer has no odometer, there is no way to tell how many miles it has been towed. If it is in good shape, the owner would be inclined to be honest about towed miles, while if it is in poor condition, the owner would be inclined to under-state the actual miles. In short, just evaluate trailer condition and don't worry about towed miles. You have no way of determining what they are anyway.

Bruce