New member - needs advice on airstream purchase

[HeidiGJ]

Hi

I wondered if someone could help me? I am really keen to buy an airstream caravan, I'm based in the UK. I am keen to buy a vintage one but am unsure on what questions I need to ask or what things I need to look out for. Currently there is a 1974 26ft trade wind for sale - which needs complete interior renovation and is on offer for £7000 - is this a good price.

Any help and advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

[Melody Ranch]

Way to much...here...I don't know the import tax situation and the conversion prices. It seem to much. You will always get a better deal buying one that someone else has taken the hit on rebuilding and importing....and shopping around. Don't get in a hurry.

[BIGED52]

HeidiGJ, Keep in mind that any older trailers sold here and transported to the UK will have to be upgraded to European electrical requirements. I think that the UK requires that that work be done prior to the travel trailer being imported to the UK. For that kind of upgrade your best bet is to contact an Airstream Dealer or Factory and find out if they can do the upgrades for what ever model and year trailer you are considering. Also you may want to contact one of the AirForums.com inspectors to check the trailer over and advise you of condition issues before you buy one. Most will do the inspections for free and only need re-imbursed if travel costs to the trailer are an issue. Then you would have to have the trailer transported to the Airstream dealer or the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio to have the upgrades installed. Please let me finish by saying Welcome to the Forums and Good Luck finding the right trailer for you! Happy Trails, Ed

[Foiled Again]

I see you are interested in Vintage - that is very good. Newer Airstreams 25 feet long and over are 8.5 feet wide, older ones are 8 feet. It makes a big difference if you get on country roads in Brittain! Also you'll probably not want to go super long - 26 feet INCLUDES the tongue. I think you've targeted a good maximum length there.

In addition to electrical upgrades, there are shipping costs. One member here "Tin Crumpet" and her husband bought an Airstream Motorhome - on our West Coast. They actually came over here, and drove to a southern port in Texas or Louisiana and shipped from there. I think that actually saved them money over shipping from the west coast.

Oh, and don't forget CANADA. There aren't a whole lot of Airstreams there - but they might be wired more in line with the British standard. And if you imported from the within the commonwealth - might you avoid import duties?

It might be possible to find one in the U.S. and get someone to transport it to say the Canadian side of Niagra Falls - then sell it to you. Duties? Well no one wants to do illegal stuff, but legal tax avoidance - sure.

Anyway, happy hunting - and have you found our "classifieds" yet? A couple of good East Coast ports are: New York City, Baltimore MD, Norfolk VA, Savannah GA. (BTW - I'm right on the edge of Norfolk.

Happy hunting, Paula

[purman]

My mum lives near stroud in Minhinhamton you may want to go even older. My 1968 is only 7 feet wide. The roads are so dang narrow in the country. Plus 7000 pounds is like $14000. You can get a done one for a little more than that here. All though I know it's expensive over there I was back there 2 months ago for my brothers wedding. So it may not be a bad price for over there. What are you towing with? The price of gas is bonkers over there.