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Old 02-09-2010, 11:08 AM   #1
pokey 1
 
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arlington , Texas
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First time buyer

I am considering a preowned airstream trailer (preferrably at least 29' w/ rear bedroom). The information online is a little overwhelming. Does anyone have any advice on what I should look for in a purchase?

Thank You,
Margaret
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Old 02-09-2010, 11:18 AM   #2
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1986 31' Sovereign
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Hi Margaret,

Your right, the info available on these forums can be overwhelming! But, if you break it down into little bits, and read anbout an hour at a time, you'll learn a lot quickly. For example, maybe tonight take a look through "buyers checklists", then maybe study interiors.

There are so many variables. Provide as much info to this group as you can and you will get a ton of usefull info.

To start:
- Budget
- Preference of new or vintage
- What will you use it for? (full timing or short trips)
- Tow vehicle?
- Experience
- Willingness to do your own work

Providing these answers will get you started.

Again, welcome!
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Old 02-09-2010, 11:18 AM   #3
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It might be good to get one of the volunteer inspectors from this FORUM to help you. They can assist you in evaluating a unit that you might want to purchase.
Welcome to the FORUMS.
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Old 02-09-2010, 11:19 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by circlem777 View Post
I am considering a preowned airstream trailer .... The information online is a little overwhelming. Does anyone have any advice on what I should look for in a purchase?
Margaret

Everything said above in spades - then double...

First, you need to be knowledgeable in just what to look for - whether new or used. THe BEST source of knowledge is right here in the forums. Use the "search" function until you wear it out.

Read every one of the rebuild threads until you UNDERSTAND what to look for, and what to run away from. Soft floor? probably means wood rotted between the frame and the shell. No fix except to put good wood back - the Airstreams require a strong bond to make the frame, floor, and shell work together...be very careful of someone throwing a new floor down over the bad spots and not doing the repairs properly....the best way to KNOW it has been done properly is to have photos of the actual wood going into place under the shell.

Spend a couple hundred bucks and have someone who has ACTUALLY REBUILT an Airstream inspect the unit for you...it may well be the best money you ever spend.

Bringing an old AS back up is not inexpensive, nor is it for the faint of heart. Get a good handle on your own abilities before you set yourself up for a bunch of expensive heartache.

Purchase the unit in the best shape you can afford - it will pay off in the long run.

Check out what others have done, and at what cost, know what you will be comfortable with - both towing and using - and consider that there are many, many trailers out there that have been gutted by there owners who are now in way over their heads, with no hope of coming even close to recovering their investments.
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Old 02-09-2010, 11:32 AM   #5
pokey 1
 
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Smile more info

Thanks for the advice DanB. Here is a little more info

Budget (up to 15,000)
Preference of new or vintage---vintage
- What will you use it for? short and long trips (1-2 weeks)
- Tow vehicle?---2004 Dodge Ram 3500 (cummins deisel)
- Experience---none
- Willingness to do your own work---willing to replace minor furnishings, but prefer mostly restored.

Maybe this will narrow things down a little.

Thanks again,
Margaret
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Old 02-09-2010, 11:47 AM   #6
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Welcome to the Forums - here is the best Vintage AS School of the Year

Quote:
Originally Posted by circlem777 View Post
Budget (up to 15,000)
Preference of new or vintage---vintage
- What will you use it for? short and long trips (1-2 weeks)
- Tow vehicle?---2004 Dodge Ram 3500 (cummins deisel)
- Experience---none
- Willingness to do your own work---willing to replace minor furnishings, but prefer mostly restored.
Welcome to the Forums...

You're in luck - this week you will find the most knowledgeable and talented Airstream expertise in Texas gathered together just North of Houston.

Even if you have to fly in for the day you will probably find the cost/benefit ratio to be waaay on the benefit side.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f289...0-a-50547.html

You should be able to find a decent unit for 15 grand, and you may have to "soften up" the hitch on your one ton.

By all means, come to the Vintage rally this weekend, ask questions, read as much about rebuilding as you can prior to coming, and, maybe most importantly, get a feel about who knows what they are talking about and who is just talking.

In order to properly investigate an investment that you are talking about you really need some expertise to evaluate whether or not the unit is "worth" it.

A spray can of pretty sure can cover up a bunch of ugly.
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