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badkat · 10-14-2012, 03:54 PM

The floors are doable. The trailer is not here for me to look but shades or curtains will be freshened. If shades do not work..ok new curtains. It wil be fun. Mostly cosmetic at this point but none less important.

Hawk5274 · 10-14-2012, 04:06 PM

badkat,
We are new to the airstream and we got a beautiful 1970 31' sovereign. We lucked out and it is in great shape and up dated from the previous owners who went to every state including Alaska. All the updated repairs are logged since 1970. They found us at a auction where we were bidding on a 28 footer that needed major repairs and when we walked away they approached us to sell their (our) Airstream. They were 75 years old and had done it all. You will find yours keep looking! Don't settle for one that needs repair.

badkat · 10-19-2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawk5274

badkat,
We are new to the airstream and we got a beautiful 1970 31' sovereign. We lucked out and it is in great shape and up dated from the previous owners who went to every state including Alaska. All the updated repairs are logged since 1970. They found us at a auction where we were bidding on a 28 footer that needed major repairs and when we walked away they approached us to sell their (our) Airstream. They were 75 years old and had done it all. You will find yours keep looking! Don't settle for one that needs repair.

We have found a 28' AS and seems to only need cosmetic to make our own. Hope to meet on the road sometime.

Kat

A W Warn · 10-19-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badkat

What should I be looking for in a tow vehicle for pulling a 28' successfully?We want to go everywhere. Thanks BadKat

On this you will get a different oppinion from everyone who answers.

Almost any vehicle can pull the trailer, but you want to do it safely. The question to ask yourself is how much weight will you put on/in your tow vehicle. Make sure the TV you choose will support the loads you put on it.

cmkirkland · 10-20-2012, 10:03 PM

Welcome badkat,
I recommend any 3/4 ton truck, with the turbo diesel. Especially if you intend on traveling in mountainous areas. Turbo charged engines, whether gas or diesel do a good job of compensating for the loss of power in high elevations. My personal preference is, I prefer my tow vehicle out weigh my trailer. My 28 Classic weighs in at 6700 lbs net, and my truck barely wins at 6800 lbs. If I were to go with a lighter trailer, I would take a serious look at the F-150 with ecoboost (twin turbos!)

dkottum · 10-20-2012, 10:06 PM

There is absolutely no advantage to a tow vehicle outweighing the trailer.

doug k

dkottum · 10-20-2012, 10:15 PM

Badkat, it would be good to have a used trailer inspected for condition by a competent Airstream serviceman, before purchase. You most probably will have to give some attention to mechanicals such as brakes and tires, properly working systems such as plumbing, electrical and waste, and any leakage and corrosion treatment needed. Then it is fit to travel and decorate to suit.

doug k

cmkirkland · 10-20-2012, 11:04 PM

Let me rephrase. If you choose to tow without level and sway control, tow vehicle weight/mass matters.

badkat · 10-21-2012, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

Badkat, it would be good to have a used trailer inspected for condition by a competent Airstream serviceman, before purchase. You most probably will have to give some attention to mechanicals such as brakes and tires, properly working systems such as plumbing, electrical and waste, and any leakage and corrosion treatment needed. Then it is fit to travel and decorate to suit.

doug k

We have decided on an AS in Alabama. We will get everything checked before all the cosmetic stuff but truly like the PO. He is helping us in so many ways. He stills has an AS and has had many. Just a great guy.

badkat · 03-29-2013, 06:43 PM

It has been a while but just wanted to update you guys..love the forum. I have bought a 1999 28' Excella with twin beds. Moved in it fulltime Feb 1. We went from not knowing where the power cord was to figuring out so much more. We have a Hensley Hitch and are surviving that ordeal. The previous owner was so wonderful..showed us everything and even had us drive and park in an SKP. We are in N.O. actually Northshore in Fairview. We will camp at Chicot for a couple of days to go to Fred's Lounge Saturday morning for once a week cajun music. Then off we go heading north. We have a website www.lifeonthebluehighways.com. Already had a rodent experience. Country grocer checker said put peppermint oil on a cotton ball and they leave. Done! They are gone. Who knew...thanks and I am loving my trailer. No more a tent camper.

badkat · 03-29-2013, 06:48 PM

We did get the brakes and bearings done before our journey.

badkat · 01-23-2015, 09:09 PM

Two years later and still full-timing and the forums have saved us more than once. The AS 28' was the right choice and twin beds. Yes we had a HUGE learning curve. You freak then move on..maybe part of the fun. Hang in there with us. We need you forums.

Thanks guys, BadKat

badkat · 03-01-2015, 05:18 PM

This was my first post and 2 years later still in our 28' AS full-time. Just a thank you to you guys..have saved us more than once from real catastrophies.

Hang in there..we need you.