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02-20-2017, 03:12 PM
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#1
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Fr Jeff
1989 29' Excella
Saginaw
, Michigan
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 210
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Which Airstream
Slowly learning a bit about AS, but still confused.
We are looking for a used 25' to 29' model, likely 1995 to 2007 age wise.
We are a retired couple and spend 3-5 winter months in the south. Limited Summer use in our home state of MI.
Can anyone offer model suggestions, etc. based on our extended stay usage?
Thank you!
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02-20-2017, 03:21 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Venice
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,024
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A lot depends on your tow vehicle, what are you pulling with?
__________________
Joe
Venice, FL
2016 FC 25RTB
TAC FL-47
2018 Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
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02-20-2017, 03:52 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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It is a good thing you are looking at a used trailer. I say this because all to many people buy new only to realize they needed something else.
For extended stays you want to pay real attention to storage. Consider both the trailer, Airstreams are limited in this area, and the TV
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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02-20-2017, 03:59 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1986 31' Sovereign
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
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The mid 80's to mid 90's trailers seem to be the best bargains, especially the 28' and 31' models (there are a lot of them). You may need to replace axles, brakes, bearings and an appliance or two may need replacing but overall expense will be a lot lower than buying new or late model.
Don't be intimated by the longer trailers. They tow beautifully and in 10 years of half-timing I have only been unable to fit in a desired campsite once.
__________________
Sorta new (usually dirty) Nissan Titan XD (hardly paid for)
Middle-aged Safari SE
Young, lovely bride
Dismissive cat
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02-20-2017, 04:20 PM
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#5
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Fr Jeff
1989 29' Excella
Saginaw
, Michigan
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 210
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Tug
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrjkq
A lot depends on your tow vehicle, what are you pulling with?
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2016 Ford F-150 super crew 3.5 Ecoboost, 3.55 locker trans and max tow pkg. Rated to tow approx 10000#
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02-20-2017, 06:24 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
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Suggest you try to visit some Airstream rallies. Most have at least one open house period. Great opportunity to see many different models and layouts.
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
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02-20-2017, 06:43 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2019 30' International
Pennsylvania
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,241
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frjeff, It's a tough question you ask, however, I've not read of too many folks who wish they bought a smaller airstream. Your truck will tow just about any of them.
Buying used, I'd be particularly concerned about the mechanical shape of the unit, some items of which have already been mentioned here for you. I'd also be very meticulous in my inspection for interior water damage.
Lastly, pay close attention to your trucks cargo capacity. There's a sticker on the door jamb that gives the number. It'll likely say "the combined weight of cargo and occupants should not exceed...." My 2015 Ford F150 Crew Cab has a cargo capacity of 2,007 pounds. Your trailer tongue weight, plus the items hauled in your truck, plus occupants, and other things, add to this weight.
Have fun!
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02-21-2017, 05:14 AM
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#8
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Fr Jeff
1989 29' Excella
Saginaw
, Michigan
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 210
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Gratitude
Thanks everyone for the wonderfully helpful info and pointers.
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02-21-2017, 06:50 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 25' Safari FB SE
2000 30' Excella
1999 30' Excella 1000
Low Country
, South Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 820
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Which Airstream is very personal. Everyone has different ideas as to their needs and preferred layout. We have had 3 other Airstreams and now have our 4th. We had a 29', 30' and a 28', loved them all for different reasons. We now have a 25' and are very happy with it.
As someone else said, it is very important to check for water damage, especially noticeable in the flooring. Airstreams are wonderful but they do need regular maintenance. We would have no other brand. Buying used will save you lots of money, just be careful in your inspection. Check several for a competitive price. Find the one you love and negotiate what you can.
Then enjoy your rig and camping.
Safe Travels.
__________________
StreamNTyme
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02-21-2017, 08:21 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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Consider a cap for the Ford and maybe a slide out deck for it to help with the storage issue.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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02-21-2017, 08:41 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
hartselle
, Alabama
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 582
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If you can find a restored/updated 70's model they weigh much less than the newer models. I'm sure someone will chime with the exact year that the trailers got heavier, but my 1973 24 foot argosy has GVWR of 5800lbs. As others have stated finding the trailer that will make you happy is a very personal experience. Mine with the bunks sleeps six comfortably which is important to us as we often tote along grandchildren. Everyone looks for certain features and amenities and the only way you will find exactly what you want is to get out and look.
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02-21-2017, 09:29 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,118
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I think you are looking in the correct size and time frame. Decide whether you want the twin beds or a double bed. After that condition and maybe price trumps the model or layout as far as I am concerned.
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02-21-2017, 10:32 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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We spend 6-7 months a year traveling with our 2012 FC 25, winter months in the Southwest. Summers in Minnesota lake country, our Airstream is not needed. The factory dinette/bench seating had to be changed to recliner seating, that has made it a very comfortable trailer for traveling and long term camping. Don't burden yourselves with excessive gear, keep it simple.
Your truck sounds like a great match to a mid-size 25-28 Airstream with a good weight distribution hitch and setup. After using other w.d. hitches, I would use nothing but our ProPride for towing again.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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02-24-2017, 05:40 PM
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#14
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Fr Jeff
1989 29' Excella
Saginaw
, Michigan
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 210
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Found The One?
We have found a 2007 Safari(Flying Cloud)FB, Special Edition, LS, 25th Anniversary Edition for sale. It is in very fine condition and appears well kept.
Seller asking $36900.
Reasonable??
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02-24-2017, 09:40 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2007 25' Safari FB SE
2000 30' Excella
1999 30' Excella 1000
Low Country
, South Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 820
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We have the exact model with lots of updates. Regarding price, I would not sell mine for that amount because of the updates, however regardless, it is a great rig. If you have found some comps, then you will have a better idea of the value keeping in mind some that may list for less money may not be in the same shape. You could look at several rigs and they could all be in different condition. So if you find one in better condition that the others and it may be a little more money, do consider this rig would be worth the difference. Make sure you check under the benches for any signs of water damage. The rear panoramic window has had some problems and we were able to find them and correct the problems.
__________________
StreamNTyme
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02-25-2017, 03:30 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Jupiter
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,140
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frjeff
We have found a 2007 Safari(Flying Cloud)FB, Special Edition, LS, 25th Anniversary Edition for sale. It is in very fine condition and appears well kept.
Seller asking $36900.
Reasonable??
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What length?
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02-25-2017, 04:41 AM
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#17
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Fr Jeff
1989 29' Excella
Saginaw
, Michigan
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 210
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Length
Quote:
Originally Posted by sealevel
what length?
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27'
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