What's this one worth? Newbie needs advice :)

[kandp]

Thanks everyone for your help and insight! I'll continue on my hunt for a lower priced option, knowing I may have to come up from the $5-7K range simply due to my location. Also may keep my eye on this listing if it's truly been up on CL for a few months -- maybe the seller will accept a more realistic offer

[sac1gaa]

Just bought 75 Globetrotter. $6000.00 . I have pulled out the entire interior. I want to make it what my wife & I want. 1975 the interior is an erector set. Going to make it wood. Look around, their are a lot of options for a lot less.

[xrvr]

Always surprised how people will pay more for a polished trailer without regards to interier condition. Like we used to ..... Chrome dont get you home and a mirror finish is not an indication of the overall condition of the trailor. One of the first things flippers do is polish, it blinds unaware buyers.

[wildhorses]

Look all over the south for good trailers, they are out there. We found one a few states away and it was a fun trip to go get it. And as others have said, the price of the shell is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cost of renovation.

[prairieschooner]

Wow, allot of advice from those who haven't been there and maybe didn't understand....please forgive me if this doesn't sit well.
While 22K may be high it may not be that bad a place to start negotiations providing there isn't a complete restoration needed. Before I handed over any hard earned cash I would spend a day or so with the trailer. Check all systems carefully & really check out the subfloor with say a small plastic tipped hammer sounding any areas of concern. Maybe even have a friend come along to help keep you "grounded" & an unbiased opinion.

Another point stated here is the length ANYTHING 19' and under is going to cost more, this is a fact. If the trailer can fit in a driveway it is more desirable. Very early AS had pipe frames & possible issues associated with that type of construction. But an older AS will have more value than say an 80's or newer just because if the appearance.
Another consideration would be where it was built & spent it's life. If it was in an area where they salt the roads then there could be Rust &/or Corrosion issues. These could be VERY hard to see without removing the belly pan for an inspection & don't think the seller would agree to that prior to the sale.

Having gone through a restoration of mine these are only my opinions.

PS; I would not accept that low a price for mine but then I have done all of my own work & know my little gem inside & out. The "Pride of Ownership" when we show is rewarding.

[wildhorses]

Originally Posted by prairieschooner

While 22K may be high it may not be that bad a place to start negotiations providing there isn't a complete restoration needed.

For $22k it should be completely polished and everything inside it would be gold plated and in perfect working condition...

If it needs anything then it is only worth 1/2 that amount... and EVERY A/S I have ever seen needs something....

[Annie Lou]

Any interest in a year round rental of a 26' with electricity. Fun winter camping. on my own small wooded property.Might be option to buy for someone who will love it.I'm 12 miles from Ithaca N.Y.
I add a thought to reinforce one issue. Idyllwild Calif is in the desert. Stuff doesn't rust or age. Folks on the wet east coast find that hard to believe.

[SilverPal2]

To determine the GT value you will need details and a detailed inspection, for example if it were in near perfect unrestored condition the value is definitely in the low 20'S however it is most likely less than perfect. If you are planning a restoration your primary concern should condition of the floor and the exterior of the body. If the floor is bad you will most like need frame work. If the body has damage the sheet metal work is very expensive. The next most important is the windows, and door. Hard to find parts for the windows and door. A Good raw material GT may have a bad interior but good body ($12-$14,000), fully functional with all systems working(ready to go camping) $18-$22,000, Fully restored with new parts, appliances etc $25-$35, Custom restorations $35-$50,000. Please feel free to give a call if you like additional information
James Polk ASA PE
805 646 7293

[Sherpa2112]

Hello Newbie! I own the exact same Airstream. I would love to see those interior pics. Perhaps you could provide the link to the seller's site? 1970 was a great year for Airstream...don't punt yet...

[Matt59]

Originally Posted by kandp

Hi all,

I'm brand new to this forum, but figured this was the best place to come for advice in buying my very first Airstream. I'm looking vintage and need a smaller, lighter weight model in order to trail it behind my SUV.

I found a 1970 Globetrotter (21') described as "as is" but ready to roll, in need of some buff to polish and a little TLC. She's offered at $22K, but seller is open to reasonable offers. What do you guys think?

I'm looking to do a total interior reno, and don't have details on the true condition of the shell or subfloor, but from the looks of it...seems pretty solid.

Any help greatly appreciated!

The Newbie

Newbie:
This is a great looking vintage Airstream via the single photo, but due to the fact I just also purchased a 1973 Vintage for 13,000.00 and put 7,500.00 in renovations I truly think the reasonable price is 8-12K depending on survey condition. If I can help more, to explain what to expect in a vintage this old, feel free to contact me. Matt59

[lampip]

I sold my Airstream a few months ago for $8500. It was in good condition...mostly original besides me redoing the cushions and curtains. I loved my Bullet and was happy to sell to someone who would give some TLC and go camping. Our family of 5 just didn’t fit in it anymore.

[JohnnyRV]

Hello fellow Newbie. I was the high bidder on this 1962 22' Trade Wind last month on EBAY. My winning bid was $8,500 and that's about a thousand more than I wanted to spend but naturally got caught up in the auction.
Anyway, I plan on a complete renovation and it's in getting a new axle now in fact. Interior was average but I gutted it already. The market seems to keep rising on these as demand is increasing. Hope this helps.

[KellyAndersson]

Originally Posted by GMFL

22k is way too pie in the sky. Half that if you have to redo the inside

That's exactly what I was thinking, though I'm no Airstream expert. Check ebay and other online sales platforms for comparison on pricing.

RE: the tow vehicle, though .... I'm still driving a '97 Toyota 4Runner that I bought in 2006 with 99K miles on it. It's not the cheesy little SR5 model but a deluxe super custom Limited ... still got the original dealer window sticker, and it was just under $40K back in 1997, now with 145K miles on it. I've dragged horse trailers and sailboats over mountain passes with this little SUV and would not hesitate to tow an Airstream, but CHECK THE WEIGHT on your potential buy and do a test drive. I would not buy a longterm investment Airstream (or other trailer) without a test drive. Just sayin'

[KellyAndersson]

Q.e.d.

[sac1gaa]

Just paid $6000 for a 75' globetrotter. in Oregon. If all was working maybe 12-15k. I'm happy with my deal and still have some sub-floor to be replaced. furnace, WH, ac, more yet to be found. Can't wait to get it back on the road.

[jmpgino]

.....would tell you to go and feel your head bumps, with that one. You are not using your head Bonnie lad, that is a rediculous price.
Use your brain and look around, there are some serious preditors out there waiting for someone like you to feed them.
Go back to zero and take your time, investigate and do not trust anyone selling an old airstream. Internal rot comes from many places in old things and can be easily hidden by a con man. Many of these people are no better than used car salesman. You have got to have some basic intelligence and get under, inside, outside and around one of these things before you buy one of these mothers.
Go on YouTube and get an education.......remember they are all looking for a fool with an older model, unless they are truly honest, you need to know when you are being told the truth.
Construction knowledge is a good friend and if you have someone who can repair a house, use that friend.

[jmpgino]

We bought our first airstream, a 20 ft 2011 for $35,000. Had full awning package, solar panel and was in beautiful condition. Had it one year, saw a 25 footer at a great price, paid cash like the first one and got her home. Cleaned the 20 up and sold her for $4,000 more than we paid. The 25 ended up costing us $42,000 and she is immaculate, just ended up buying a Mercedes ML350 Bluetec to tow her for $45,000 and if the Airstream is not moving neither is the Bluetec, she was bought just for towing........

[ALANSD]

PEOPLE ARE GENERALLY MISSTATING THE MARKET.22000 is not exceptionally high if the interior is restorable and usable, 31 foot 80s and 70s models are the most plentiful and cost the least, while small Airstreams cost the most, as supply is limited. negotiate on that gt and get it in the teens, you won't be sorry,albeit based upon limited floor rot,no frame repair and the aforementioned interior situation.i have carefully observed and participated in the market for 18 years so I know a bit about it.it also depends on the area you look in. West is higher, south is next,due to warmer climate and northeast has lowest prices, road salt ,etc is the reason.

[water]

I have a 68 caravel 17 ft. 2300 Ibs. unrestored decent shape asking 12500.00 As for polish work , If done right its a lot of work , and a big value!

[mandolindave]

Looking to spend $ 500….which is what most of the people knocking on my door wanted to buy my Unpainted Argosy for.

Just got it painted ( will be sending pictures ). Got an offer for $2500.

Son in Law just sent me a photo of a vintage trailer with a NOT FOR SALE sign