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Old 02-13-2010, 09:57 PM   #1
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2010 27' FB International
killeen , Texas
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new or re-done used?

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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Old 02-13-2010, 10:59 PM   #2
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Yep, buying used opens a million possibilities. The older the trailer you buy, the more "possibilities" there are.

One thing for sure, buying new is quicker.

ps: your profile says you bought the new one: congrats!
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Old 02-13-2010, 11:19 PM   #3
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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?
If you're still LOOKING, and haven't BOUGHT.... the "list or asking price" is NOT what you should pay. Go for at least 15% off. Be a bit patient - they'll make more.

Paula
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Old 02-14-2010, 04:47 AM   #4
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Repairing or rebuilding is an option, if you are doing it yourself and have the skills necessary. And one other thing, you value your time at very little per hour. If you are going to have it professionally done, it will cost you more to rebuild vs buying a product ready to use. To repair or rebuild: first you must dismantle what is there, then buy the new stuff and reinstall it. RV technician time runs close to $75 per hour now. That means you are going to pay substantially more for the same equipment than the factory installed. The better idea is to buy slightly used newer trailer and enjoy it. There are many newer trailers on the market now at a greatly reduced price, because of the circumstances some owners are facing. This includes financial hardships, health, and not liking the RV life style as much as their thought. Take advantage of the owner's problems and get a great bargain.
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Old 02-14-2010, 07:14 AM   #5
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All good advice. My thoughts were of having the work done by a tech since I am no expert. Just initial thoughts were say 20-25 for trailer & 20-25 for repairs then I'd have something closer to new at much less cost. Is this reasonable? Still haven't bought yet, looking a few months ahead right now.
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Old 02-14-2010, 08:37 AM   #6
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How much time do you have to wait for the rebuild... you get what you want... if your cost estimates are good and the work comes in under the budget, great!!
I would say, in general, refurb is for people that want something different than they can't get out of the box and they have the time and patience to see a rebuild through.
If you go rebuild, you have the advantage of getting the exact size and style, the best bones for your build. You can completely customize to your needs...if you are creative, you may build a one of a kind! If you are going to buy used, get a good body and floor, the rest is easy!
You won,t save money unless you do the work yourself...all the cost is really in the labor!
For the same amount of money as new, you could have completely you!
Good luck,
Bizcamp
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Old 02-14-2010, 10:12 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by cdlusmc View Post
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?
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
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Old 02-14-2010, 10:31 AM   #8
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All good advice. My thoughts were of having the work done by a tech since I am no expert. Just initial thoughts were say 20-25 for trailer & 20-25 for repairs then I'd have something closer to new at much less cost. Is this reasonable? Still haven't bought yet, looking a few months ahead right now.
Just a thought...If everybody stops buying new ones, eventually they'll quit making them, then they'll all be old ones...
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Old 02-14-2010, 11:09 AM   #9
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Just a thought...If everybody stops buying new ones, eventually they'll quit making them, then they'll all be old ones...
Jeez that's a frioghtening thought, Terry! Take it a bit further: no more used ones, no more parts (no demand), so the AS TTs that are left will all be in museums!


Actually, that may happen all on its own, albeit gradually.

Gasoline will never "disappear"; it will simply become priced beyond which most people can afford...
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Old 02-14-2010, 12:54 PM   #10
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Why not buy a 2-3 year old used 27FB? I think there is even one in the classifieds. This would get you a trailer for under $40k that shouldn't need major work.

Based on most of the renovations posted here, getting a 70s vintage trailer to "like new" with all new systems will cost at least $10k in parts plus the trailer - and that's assuming you do the work yourself, and want to spend several months not camping.

On the other hand, those 70s trailers weigh 1500 lbs less than a new 25 or 27'er does...

Tom
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Old 02-14-2010, 05:31 PM   #11
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46,457 times I've wished I could be setting up a 03 or 07 trailer versus the 73 that is outside now covered in snow. No ifs ands or butts.
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