New Airstreamer.

ShikariJones · 07-30-2008, 07:52 PM

Hi Folks.
My name is Shikari and I recently embarked on a search for a 29 foot Excella because I like that floor plan best of all that I have seen for a roomy coach for two[and two dogs] to full time in.

I owned an Avion 28 some years back and became addicted to silver.Left it for a while and chewed through a fifth wheel and a couple of truck campers but always had a yen for an Airstream even though I enjoyed the truck campers because they let me boondock along trout streams where nothing else can go.

I live in Alberta--no 29 footers available here or in Montana south of here.

Found one in Washington state and have just closed the deal on it subject only to my personal inspection to confirm that this is indeed a lightly used Excella in excellent condition.Third parties have already confirmed this--but just in case!

This is a 29 foot 1990 Excella with all the trimmings.Awnings on all possible windows,excellent skin and interior and it isn't the pink interior--the blue one.Stone guards and window guards.New rubber.New brakes and all appliances tip top.

So I leave for the Washington Coast on Saturday with my 3/4 ton diesel Dodge as a tow vehicle and the very first thing I will do is dump the Reese and install a Hensley to tow it home.

I will the apply for membership in the Airstream community and hope to meet some of you soon.

My plans call for complete redecoration[personalization] of the interior which I think will be a lot of fun.

2airishuman · 07-30-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShikariJones

Hi Folks.
My name is Shikari and
I recently embarked on a search for a 29 foot Excella...

hi shikari and welcome to the forums!

there's NO NEED to join that club to play here or go camping with a/s friends...

we do it ALL of the time, check out the rally calendar.

is the 29 you found?

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...tml#post592560

be careful about driving there without an agreement2purchase...

and perhaps this is why darol wasn't good enough..

IF u need any info on your hitch of choice, u may find this thread useful...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ide-26279.html

and don't forget the photos of your new 'stream!

cheers
2air'

ShikariJones · 08-07-2008, 10:54 AM

Thanks for your response.

Did not read your link http://www.airforums.com/forums/f161...tml#post592560 until I got back from a long drive out to Olympia WA--and yes, I had a 29ft Excella in tow on the way back so I am now oficially an airstreamer.

I am puzzled by the experiences of the fellow who preceeded me and tried to buy this trailer and failed.He missed a beauty to my benefit!

The owners mentioned that a fellow had wanted to buy it and had arrived with cash in hand and would not wait the few days it would take to clear the paperwork as they were away on holiday.Said he stomped off in a huff! Apparently he demanded gas money to come back again[100 miles]
This kind of put these people off.

Three things one must bear in mind when dealing with people of 80 plus.

[1] Don't arrive with a bag full of cash to buy a trailer.Sends up all sorts of red flags among cautious people.Ill gotten gains? Counterfeit?

[2] Do not be in a hurry.Proceed with respect and do not assume because they are in their 80's or Nineties that they are automatically stupid.

[2] If buying,inspect and leave a deposit and then pay full amount by wire order.Cheques,cash and bank drafts are all suspect these days.

They were in their 80's but very alert and gracious and were the guests of an airstreamer who was 90 and still hauling.I should be so lucky.
These people treated me [a furriner from Canada yet] with great hospitality and kindness. My pleasure and gain to have met them.

The trailer itself is as close to perfect in condition as one could want.Only blemish is clearcoat peeling on roof--but that can be fixed.I will be inviting responses on that issue soon.

I was born and raised in India [last of the Raj] and my steadfast companion is a little French Brittany Spaniel named Rajah so it seemed natural to name this trailer the "Raj Mahal".

Trailer is absolutely complete--awnings all around--stone guards--window guards--two new Airsteam chairs in their cabinet--vented professionally installed cat heater-oven appears unused--proper A/S tire curtains--manuals and repair and maintenence documents since new.

I do believe I have been very lucky in finding these folks who sure loved and looked after their Airstream.

I intend to do an interior update soon [not that it needs it] to make it truly personalized.Out with the carpet--new floors --new upholstery etc.

Will post fotos when done.

2airishuman · 08-07-2008, 11:23 AM

alrighty!

congrats on the new trailer...

and the report on buying it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShikariJones

...Don't arrive with a bag full of cash to buy a trailer...

i agree a bag of cash might give the wrong signal,

besides buying most 'streams requires 2 bags full!

let's see some pics soon!

maybe u wanna start a new thread JUST for your trailer travels...

"adventures in the raj mahal"...

or "my pooch's new house"

anyway we look forward to seeing your trailer and the upgrades.

cheers
2air'

utee94 · 08-07-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Will post fotos when done.

Please don't wait 'til you're done, we'd love to see the "befores" now.

And congratulations on your new Airstream, great feeling isn't it?

-Marcus

ShikariJones · 08-13-2008, 04:45 PM

http://picasaweb.google.com/Shikarijones/TheRajMahal?authkey=skQZsQUYRh4

2airishuman · 08-13-2008, 06:06 PM

ok good pics!

now i c y darol liked it so much,

it appears un abused and in wonderful condition...

for any year, but at almost 20 especially so.

enjoy it.

cheers
2air'

Wayne&Sam · 08-13-2008, 06:15 PM

It's a beauty! Congrats!

jpeterman · 08-13-2008, 09:36 PM

Nice ride. She is really pretty and probably only driven to church on Sundays.
Take care