Quote:
Originally Posted by cdlusmc
Looking at 27fb new for close to 70 vs buying used and redoing interior to meet our choices. Any advice or pitfalls either way? Just seems you can find used for a third of the cost for an older model and put 10-20 into it and have basically new for about half the cost of purchasing new. Any thoughts?
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Purchasing an older trailer, and rebuilding it, has many pluses and some negatives.
If you have someone else do the rebuilding, are they familiar with Airstream construction, or are they extremely familiar with it? There is a huge difference between the two.
As an example, some construction modifications should take place, so that you don't or won't have the same original problems.
For instance, the rear end separation is a "for real" issue, that should be addressed. Adding an "upgrade" to the construction at the rear, will prevent the problem from showing it's face at a later date. The elephant fix, is temporary at best.
What kind of gaskets will they use?
Are the axles ok? Typically after 40 years, they may need replacing. If so, will the replacements have the original 12 inch brakes, or be down graded to 10 inch brakes? Will the weight rating stay the same, or increased, as they should be, within limits, of course. Does that shop have that kind of knowledge?
When selecting an "overhauler" or "rebuilder", not every shop can meet those qualifications.
To really learn about the shop, have them submit a detailed estimate, "IN WRITING" for your perusal.
Study that estimate very carefully, before you authorize any of the work.
If you would have any questions, and you should, post those questions here on the Forums, so that you can have adequate and/or proper feedback, so that you can assure yourself, that your choice of the rebuilding shop, is warranted.
Just because a shop may have been around for many years, doesn't demonstrate to what degree their capabilities may be.
If you pick the wrong shop, they may create a monster for you, that would be a never ending headache.
Good luck with your final choice.
Andy