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11-09-2015, 05:46 PM
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#41
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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You will not regret your decision. I'd be more than happy to keep my eyes open for an Avion. How far would you be willing to travel to look at one?
If you haven't already, I like to use SearchTempest: Search all of Craigslist nationwide & more to browse the Avion ads, usually nationwide.
Quote:
Originally Posted by explore more
We saw our first Avion this past weekend, and it made up our mind: that will most likely be our next trailer. We're officially looking for an '86-'89 Avion in the 25-30' range. A 28A or 30 R would be ideal. We'll keep a close eye on the classifieds, but if anyone could pass some leads our way, it'd be greatly appreciated.
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__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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11-09-2015, 05:53 PM
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#42
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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For some reason I had not kept up with this thread until tonight.
What an AWESOME van!!! We are kindred spirits!! You are gonna LOVE that PowerStroke! Then to hear you are now looking for an Avion! Awesome X 2!!!
Congratulations!
Quote:
Originally Posted by explore more
Thanks so much for all the great info everyone.
We ended up picking up a 7.3L E350 EB from Denver yesterday. We're putting together a highlight video of the rig. Here's a pic in the mean-time:
We'll be selling the roof rack and modifying the suspension a bit, it's got a little bump-steer at high speeds, so we'll have to sort that out. I realize an EB won't be as ideal for towing, but it'll be nice to have the extra room inside.
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__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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11-09-2015, 08:14 PM
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#43
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Rivet Master
1962 28' Ambassador
1961 19' Globetrotter
1962 26' Overlander
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,996
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Wondered how you were doing. You will find your Avion and others here will likely help you. Enjoy the process.
__________________
Hittenstiehl
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11-10-2015, 08:09 AM
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#44
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Thanks everyone. We're ready to buy today, but we'll be patient 'till we find the right one.
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11-10-2015, 11:27 AM
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#45
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulnGina
How far would you be willing to travel to look at one?
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We're located in Salt Lake City, UT. We realize we're probably going to have to travel to get what we want. We'd be willing to travel anywhere west of Missouri. We'd be wiling to travel farther east as well, provided it was EXACTLY what we wanted. I worry about driving all the way out there to be disappointed in condition, etc. then having to drive all the way back empty-handed. Or even worse, making the trek out there only to have someone else snatch it up before us. These Avions are getting tougher to find (at least this time of year). So we're willing to travel for the right one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulnGina
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Thanks for the tip. We love searchtempest; that's how we found the van.
We don't want the rear bathroom models, so we're holding out for a 28 A or 30R.
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11-10-2015, 05:35 PM
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#46
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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If it's any encouragement, I made a fantastic CL deal for our Avion 34W 2 years ago. Drove 1,000 miles almost straight north of us to Hancock, MI. Trailer was just as described, the guy was very nice (sized him up pretty well over the phone as we were dealing), and I don't regret the deal at all. Paid him $4K for it (should have had it listed for $8K-$10K, but he was in a rush for some cash), brought it home with our trusty PowerStroke F250, and I have done "some" work to it, but mostly detail work other than tires, brakes, and shocks.
Now, we have an AWESOME Avion and a tremendous tow vehicle for relatively little cash, compared to most. We LOVE it!
__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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11-10-2015, 06:01 PM
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#47
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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I like the floor plan of the Avion 28A much better than the current Airstream 28. Love the huge wardrobe and the drop leaf kitchen table. Wasn't Avion purchase by Fleetwood in the late 70s? Do the Fleetwood Avions have a good reputation? I remember Fleetwood back in the mid 80s. Every trailer sold seemed to be Fleetwood. Nowadays they are a smaller player.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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11-10-2015, 07:41 PM
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#48
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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Yes, Avion was purchased by Fleetwood, and the 80's models have a very good reputation.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
I like the floor plan of the Avion 28A much better than the current Airstream 28. Love the huge wardrobe and the drop leaf kitchen table. Wasn't Avion purchase by Fleetwood in the late 70s? Do the Fleetwood Avions have a good reputation? I remember Fleetwood back in the mid 80s. Every trailer sold seemed to be Fleetwood. Nowadays they are a smaller player.
Kelvin
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02-01-2016, 11:17 AM
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#49
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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We finally picked up a trailer. We decided on a 2010 Flying Cloud 30, and we couldn't be happier. Videos coming soon, but here's a pic of us towing it back home:
Thanks for the help everyone, we're really happy with our decision.
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02-01-2016, 06:01 PM
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#50
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Looks great guys! Hope to bump into you some time.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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02-04-2016, 09:03 PM
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#51
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
sacramento
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 233
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Congrats, I subscribe to your you tube channel. I always knew you would purchase one. Also, when you first visited in utah, you ,mentioned, "everything else would be compared to an airstream". That is exactly how we felt. Congratulations
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02-13-2016, 12:27 PM
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#52
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Thanks everyone. Here's our video picking it up. We were beyond impressed with our Airstream Sales Associate. He was fantastic.
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02-13-2016, 12:27 PM
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#53
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure
Hope to bump into you some time.
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Likewise. I need to find a good app that tracks the locations of all our friends, so we can know when we're close to someone.
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02-13-2016, 12:42 PM
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#54
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Very nice indeed. Congratulations on a successful first adventure with your Airstream.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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02-13-2016, 01:53 PM
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#55
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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Congratulations.
Does it have dual air/heatpump?
The desk that was put in place of the dinette, does it have a leaf that folds up on the end? I noticed there is no side table adjacent to the couch so maybe the PO took it out when removing the dinette. Looks like you can do a lot with the desk to spruce it up and personalize it for yourselves.
Did you get the brake controller figured out?
How'd it tow?
Take it slow and easy.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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02-13-2016, 02:03 PM
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#56
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Firedog1
2018 30' Classic
Woodbridge Connecticut &
, Venice Florida
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 243
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That was an awesome video. Best of luck to you both.
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
Russ and Lisa
2018 Classic 30
2020 GMC Sierra 3500HD Denali Diesel 4x4
Sold but not forgotten: 2005 Classic 25 Limited
2015 Classic 30 RB
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02-13-2016, 08:09 PM
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#57
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,114
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Congratulations!!!
Fred has a friend! What's the trailer's name?
Have fun and best of luck to you, I am sure you will do well with your work endeavors on the road and make your dreams come true.
I know there are many young full timers on Instagram, many friends to be made!
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02-13-2016, 08:34 PM
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#58
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted S.
Congratulations!!!
Fred has a friend! What's the trailer's name?
Have fun and best of luck to you, I am sure you will do well with your work endeavors on the road and make your dreams come true.
I know there are many young full timers on Instagram, many friends to be made!
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Thanks Ted. We still need to find the right name for the trailer. Friends have dubbed it the silver twinkie, but that's not going to stick long-term. Thanks for the encouragement Ted, we really appreciate it.
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02-13-2016, 08:42 PM
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#59
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explorer
Currently Looking...
On the Road Full Time
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 441
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
Congratulations.
Does it have dual air/heatpump?
The desk that was put in place of the dinette, does it have a leaf that folds up on the end? I noticed there is no side table adjacent to the couch so maybe the PO took it out when removing the dinette. Looks like you can do a lot with the desk to spruce it up and personalize it for yourselves.
Did you get the brake controller figured out?
How'd it tow?
Take it slow and easy.
Kelvin
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The factory air conditioner (in the kitchen) has a heat pump on it. The PO installed a second air conditioner (on a second 30A circuit) with no heat pump.
Yup, the desk has a leaf that flips up to make a table. I prefer the original flip-out tables that AS put in them, but this will do.
The brake controller is a piece of junk. It's a Draw Tite Activator 2. It's a time-based delay. In other words, there are two adjustments. 1) how hard it brakes and 2) how long it delays before applying the brake 100%. It had an exponential braking, where the brakes got stronger and stronger over time, even if you're not pushing the pedal any stronger. So long, 20 second slow-downs at a light ended up pulsing because it would reach it's 5 second interval, almost lock up the tires, then I'd have to pump the brakes again. If I braked by hand, with the manual trigger thing, it was a dream.
Since then, I've purchased a Tekonsha P3 (still have to install it). With the internal gyroscope, I'm confident it'll be MUCH better.
The van towed fantastic. Apart from the suspension, tires, and regar (4.10s to put the ratio back to stock power), the van is stock. No chip, no fancy intake or exhaust, and it did well. I'm in no hurry. We never dipped below 45 mph, and we took it easy. The dealer set up our blue ox (I think that's what it's called) weight distribution hitch really well. We hit a really bad wind storm and had to take a break in Vegas, but apart from that it was great.
The trailer (or maybe it's the weight distribution hitch?) dragged on every single gas station, and the tanks hang down extremely low. We'll most likely be dropping the axle another 3" to give it some more clearance under there, and we may consider 16" wheels (though I still have to research why 15" wheels won't work with a bigger tire).
We've got a video coming soon of our white-knuckle trip driving it back to Utah through a snowstorm. We stayed safe, but our 11 hour return trip turned into a 22 hour return trip at 30 mph. NOT FUN.
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02-14-2016, 12:20 AM
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#60
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
sacramento
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 233
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Congrats left message on your channel
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