New member in Ontario

[kamadeca]

Welcome neighbour,

You will find this forum a vast treasure trove of information (most of it good, some not so good)

[Yonner]

Hi Albert. Having looked at some of the forums, I guess the frames are the most difficult items to repair. Do you think that Canadian units fare any worse than others? I cant see them being used when the salt is on the roads. Is the dealer in London the nearest to us?
Tony

[Yonner]

Originally Posted by kamadeca

Welcome neighbour,

You will find this forum a vast treasure trove of information (most of it good, some not so good)

Hi Malcolm and Katalin
Thanks for the message. I keep my boat at LaSalle Burlington in the summer so we are down there pretty regularly. Are there any trailer dealers around there, the only one that i know is on Hwy 6 near the 403 junction.

[Road Ruler]

Good day Yonner... We live very close to La Salle park and know the area well. There are RV dealers in the area but we usually make the 90 min drive to Can Am. They are an established Airstream dealer and towing specialists with a wealth of related information. It is worth the drive to London.

[AlbertF]

Originally Posted by Yonner

Hi Albert. Having looked at some of the forums, I guess the frames are the most difficult items to repair. Do you think that Canadian units fare any worse than others? I cant see them being used when the salt is on the roads. Is the dealer in London the nearest to us?
Tony

First, Can Am RV is the closest Airstream dealer; just over an hour west on the 401 - they're just north of the 401 on Hwy 4/Colonel Talbot Road. Very easy to find. They're controversial in some quarters, but I can't complain about the service and all the free knowledge I've gotten. They've also been an Airstream dealer since about 1971, so they know the vintage trailers as well as anyone.

Second, re: frame rust - I'm going to speculate a bit, based on what I've read and seen. We rarely see Airstreams on the road here in the winter, but I'd say that if they are washed well underneath before being put away, occasional exposure it probably not a big issue. It seems that significant frame rust (not just surface rust) is more a matter of moisture being retained (aggravated by the belly pan and floor insulation) throughout the year. I suspect that trailers kept in very humid climates, e.g. Florida, will fare worst over time. My trailer was sold new in Ottawa, but it has spent many winters in Texas and has been in Mexico. I haven't removed the belly pan, but the rear most frame member (a small channel section that the shell fastens to) is solid, and from reading Inland Andy's instructions for repairing rear separation, that member will often be in pieces when rear separation repairs are done. So I expect the frame on my trailer is in reasonable shape. However, I may be surprised in the future.

Minor frame repair (as opposed to a shell-off project) is probably not overly difficult, as long you have time, patience, and can do a bit of welding. Otherwise, it will cost money. Unfortunately, it is difficult to do complete inspections when buying a trailer.

Spend lots of time reading the forums now, before buying. Focus on axles, rear separation, the cost of replacing damaged panels and windows, clear coat refinishing and/or polishing, and floor rot. Look at a number of units before buying. Each one is a learning experience. I don't regret buying mine, it was a good value and very usable, but I missed a couple of things. And if you have specific questions, post on the forum or send me a PM. If you end up checking out something that's local, I may be able to have a look at it with you.

[Road Ruler]

Albert has some good tips.

When we got our 23 home and gave the frame the thumbs up the next thing I did was to spray the frame inside and out with the "Rust Check" solution. This keeps the moisture out and stops any further rusting from occuring. I will do this process every 5 years.

[gypsygirl1]

In answer to the duty question: We bought a 1952 Royal Spartanette 35ft from the States. We had it brought over here on a flat bed because it wasn't tow worthy. The guy who brought it for us, was coming to visit anyway, and he had no issue at the border at that time. Once it was delivered we called the Customs and they sent a guy out to appraise the value of the trailer. He agreed with our purchase price and filled out the paperwork. All we had to pay was the PST/GST at customs, as there is no duty on trailers!! (Vintage ones anyway). Once we paid that charge, all we had to do was take it to the Ministry and get a license for her. Very simple, very easy, very painless.
Hope that helps......

[gowyn]

welcome.

I would strongly recommend going to see Doug aka Shacksman, just a short drive for you. He really knows his stuff and has a couple really nice units. He may even have one for sale.

As far as Canamrv goes they've gotten lots of my money. I'm about five minutes from them and know them quite well. Their towing theories are well thought out, tested, practiced and explained to you. I'd strongly advise you take the time to visit them, especially if you're interested in a new or late model unit.

Good luck with it all. Right now we're into winter and I know my family is missing our trailer, we even went out to visit her yesterday...

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by gowyn

welcome.

I would strongly recommend going to see Doug aka Shacksman, just a short drive for you. He really knows his stuff and has a couple really nice units. He may even have one for sale.

Yes, Doug has also given me some great tips and restoration ideas. If you are still looking for a bullet, have a talk with Doug.

[AlbertF]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Yes, Doug has also given me some great tips and restoration ideas. If you are still looking for a bullet, have a talk with Doug.

I happened to drive by Doug's place in Avonton during the Christmas holidays. It's always great to see his vintage fleet parked there!

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by AlbertF

I happened to drive by Doug's place in Avonton during the Christmas holidays. It's always great to see his vintage fleet parked there!

Don't drive by, stop in anytime, we live there.

[AlbertF]

Wow, the creek was high when that photo was taken!

I'll make a point to stop by when we're in Ontario again, especially if we bring the Overlander. (Reason I know exactly where you are - I grew up in Mitchell.)

[Road Ruler]

Albert.. Let us know if you get back this way. We can meet you up at Dougs and have a Party. I have yet to see Dougs shop.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Albert.. Let us know if you get back this way. We can meet you up at Dougs and have a Party. I have yet to see Dougs shop.

Party's are great, we have a campfire ring in the backyard and trailer hookups at the side.