I am a new member on this website, and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading some of threads and posts. I am a fairly young guy, 41, and have thought about owning an Airstream for most of my life. Many thanks to my grandfather for that - he was an avid Airstream guy for almost 30 years.
His first trailer was a 1954 Wally Byam Holiday-16'. From there, he moved into the Airstream family with a 1958 Flying Cloud-22'. After this, he was hooked. Eventually, he expanded by purchasing a 1969 Tradewind-25'. Finally, as he and my grandmother retired, they sold everything they had and got a 1973 Sovereign-31', International Series with the side bathroom.
From the time I was able to walk until I was in Junior High School, I spent every summer with them and their "silver bullet", as I used to call it. To this day, my greatest childhood memories center around the Airstream, all the travels, all the rallies, and all the times my grandfather let me "hitch-up" the "silver bullet".
So, as a fresh face to this website, I am looking for any and all information from fellow "streamers" that will help me when I purchase my first Airstream. A lot has changed since my grandfather sold his last Airstream (1982), so I need to re-educate myself - any assistance in that regard is greatly appreciated.
My first question to everyone is the most obvious: where to find an older Airstream that is in decent shape with a decent price. Looking for something between 21' and 26'. Don't mind putting a little TLC into it, but don't want to deal with major issues like the septic tank, heater, water pump, etc.
You might look at the Craigslist post that has been going for awhile. It might lead you to something or at the very least, give you lots of food for thought.
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Leigh (IB Aluminated)
"When a great ship is in harbour and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for." by Clarissa Pinkola-Estes, author of ‘Women Who Run With the Wolves’
I have already gone through these classifieds. There are some possibilities, but I am trying not to be so picky. My only requirements are:
1. 1965-1982
2. 21'-26'
3. Don't like the rear bathroom floorplan, which eliminates a lot of my options.
4. No major issues like plumbing, electrical, gas lines, etc.
My first question to everyone is the most obvious: where to find an older Airstream that is in decent shape with a decent price. Looking for something between 21' and 26'. Don't mind putting a little TLC into it, but don't want to deal with major issues like the septic tank, heater, water pump, etc.
Part of the answer depends upon what you mean by "older" Airstream. If you are thinking of something around 10 years of age or less, an Airstream dealer would be one source of a pre-owned unit (Bill Thomas Camper Sales in Wentzville has been mentioned frequently as a reliable dealer). If on the other hand, you are looking for a Vintage unit (25 years or older per definition by Vintage Airstream Club) then it is more of a search using traditional as well as electronic classifieds. The classifieds right here on this site would be one excellent source. Some other sources include:
I am sure there are others, but these are the sites that I have marked in my bookmarks. My Minuet was purchased via an advertisement on the Vintage Airstream Clubs Classifieds. You can also consult local "Trader" publications as they will also periodically have Airstreams -- I found my Overlander through one of these in 1995.
Good luck with your search!
Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
Go to rallies. Find them in the area - drive a little ways but visit groups of AS owners when they get together. You'll meet folks that can answer all your questions and, maybe, find an AS looking for a new owner. They are certainly out there - but go out and look at them. AS owners LOVE showing off their baby - that's how we discovered what we wanted. You can't really tell looking at them on a lot or in a catalogue. Talk to owners and ask them why they have what they have - why they don't have something else. Learn from those that have one - noone knows an AS better than one who owns one. Spend time with them. Good luck and welcome aboard!
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2007 25' Airstream International SS OB
2004 Nissan Armada
Equalizer hitch
Prodigy brake control "It's better to keep your mouth shut and thought a fool Than to open it and remove all doubt."
Welcome to the Airforums, Jeff... Nice to have you here, and fun to hear your story... Where will you find your Airstream? It could be anywhere...they seem to pop up in the most unlikely places...but you've received some good guidance here already as to how to find yours... Keep and eye out and an ear open and frequent the classifieds and other resources... and before you know it you'll be living the dream...
Ease on down the road!
__________________ TB & Greg...and Cockers Annie & Sadie
AirForums #21900 . WBCCI Four Corners Unit #3954 Décor Site: AZBambi Décors
Travel Log: AZBambi...On the Road Again
The rear bath was very common in the 70's, that will eliminate most of these units from your search.
You never know where you will find the trailer you are looking for. I did a lot of searching and made a few trips. One day I got a PM from another member who was about to sell his trailer, the rest is history.
I noticed that you have a newer Tacoma - mine is a 2006, four door. I do not have any hitch on it. Does yours do well pulling the Airstream??? What did it cost you for the towing hitch to be added??? Did you have to mirror extensions put on instead of the factory mirrors???
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