Hello from Georgia!

[SlimJim]

I've been reading this forum for the past several weeks to try to get some insight on the issues with owning an Airstream. I have just retired and my wife and I want to get on the road and catch up on all the missed or shortened vacations. Living in hotels is not our bag and since I am somewhat of a perfectionist, Airstream seemed the way to go. After reading the threads on corrosion and quality problems, I have become somewhat disillusioned but not completely discouraged. We still intend on getting an AS but we're going to move slowly and try to be careful. I'm pretty handy at fixing things and with all the help available from all of you, I think I can keep it on the road. I'm amazed at all the knowledge you have and how willingly you all share it. I will continue reading your threads and looking for my AS. I'll let you know my progress.
Thanks,
Slim

[rmpray]

Ah perspective is a wonderfull thing! Don't let the numerous grumblings throw you off though. Many of us are running old rigs with major renovations. What we would face in similar vintage square old boxes would be long gone to dust

Use the forum to learn what can go wrong, what to look for, and how to make it right. If you want to spend more time relaxing in an airstream than working on one, look for the ones someone else has allready labored over

Retirment? I tried that once

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As far as travel trailers go, Airstreams are the BEST out there.

[Mike Lewis]

Slim or should I call you "Brother" Perfectionist. I too am a perfectionist as well as many others here on the forum. That said be aware there is no RV on the road that doesn't require some TLC on a regular basis. If you hooked you house behind a truck and drug it coast to coast you would find things that need attention too. On the other hand it doesn't mean you have to rebuild it after each trip. As rmpray says "it all prospective". At the risk of offending some I'll give you an example a complaint some would concider major. There are those who throw a "hissy" over rusting screws on marker lamps. Again "prospective". I can assure you that any owner of a 10 year old trailer,of any other brand would be tickled to death to only have that as a major complaint.----pieman

[Sugarfoot]

Hi Slim, and welcome! I'm up the road from you near Chattanooga. Even if you don't have an Airstream yet, you would be welcome to join us for the weekend or even a day at the Pigeon Forge Rally the second weekend in May. Seeing a few in person might help you get a better feel for what you want and could potentially be willing to tackle. Moving slowly and carefully when purchasing is wise. If you are well informed, you will know when you find the right Airstream for you.

[KeithC]

Hey slimJim,

I am a new guy here, too, and also from Georgia. Welcome.

My wife and I were attracted to Airstreams but knew we conld not afford the Gazillion plus dollars a nice new airstream commanded.

We had more questions than answers and we did not want to buy some other owners problem.

We started researching the internet sites and this is by far the best site we found.

The wed master here does an excellent job, the archive search engine is wonderful, the archives are so full of information it took me two months worth of after work hours work to fully research. Almost every question I had was answered and almost a 1,000 questions I did not know to ask were addressed.

If you were seeking a pool of expert information on vintage airstreams, the guys here know the answers.

If you contact a few Georgia members, they will even help you evaluate an airstream before purchase.

I learned so much here I felt comfortable buying a 1968 Tradewind. We took it out this past weekend close to home for a trail...we had a great time.

Do you research, buy well, and you will be happy.

Keith and debby

[Minnie's Mate]

Welcome to the forums. I'm from Georgia, too. You didn't say what part of Georgia you are from. I'm from the metro-Atlanta area. This past weekend we had a rally in the north Georgia mountains where you could have toured nearly 40 trailers and motor homes and got an idea what needs to be done and what can be accomplished.

Keep us up to date on how you proceed.

[SlimJim]

Thanks for the warm welcome and the good advice. I need all the help I can get. I am from the Atlanta area also just west of Marietta. I visited the AS dealer in Jackson this past weekend and they had some very nice units in stock. I normally buy new cars but I'm beginning to think a late model used unit may be the better way to go. Minnie's Mate, do you have any experience with the Sagon RV Super Center in Jackson?

[maxandgeorgia]

Have you checked our forum Classifieds, newer as well as vintage Airstreams cared for by forum folks. You can find this on the menu strip at the top of the portal page here. ~G

[rmpray]

I have a site out in the big city of Duluth...Georgia. Too bad my company won't let me drive out from Austin for my next site visit Eventually though...have old family ties out that way.

[camperski]

you guys just missed a great rally in GA. if you get a chance, go to one, meet the folks....and be ready to be overwhelmed with knowledge, choices, and hospitality

[Kristi Foste]

Hi from Jonesboro, Georgia. I am a newbie to this site too. It sounds like they have some nice gatherings. Can I Tag-A-Long to a gathering even if I have an ugly white box? We are new to camping. We bought a vintage camper and started fixing it up so we could take our big dog camping. So far it has been a great experience.KF

[kposey]

Kristi,

Sure, come on along! There is a rally at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds Nov. 7-9. Everyone is welcome. Look at the Falluminum thread to get the details. We even have one SOB attending that has been to 7 Airstream Rallies so far. We have some Spartans attending this one too. They are nice rigs.

Hope to see you soon!

[ALANSD]

We are open to anyone who even likes aluminum! You just have to want to have fun.