New Members Seek Recent Model Used A/S

[twall7]

We've never owned a trailed before (just done car/boat/backpack camping) but have decided to take the plunge - and we will only consider Airstreams. But it is so difficult to find them (used, but nearly new) in our area - they are out there but often 1500-2000 miles away. We live in the Rockies (Jackson Hole, Wyoming) where there are not even many dealers of new A/S - and they have zero used ones (I've called them all). Any ideas?

[CanoeStream]

Hello twall7 -- Welcome to the Forums!

Finding a used Airstream can take some months of cruising the classifieds here and at the Vintage Airstream Club site. eBay has the occasional good Airstream find but often is the last resort for selling worn out units (ie, needing major rehab) -- I'd avoid it unless you were able to inspect before purchase and know what to look for.

There is a wide range of potential issues and more complications as units get older. Rehabbing a true vintage (>25 years old) gets very involved (2-3 years in many hobbyists hands). Models from the late '80s through the 1990s are more ready-to-use -- but never be surprised if they need a significant investment (eg, new tires, fridge replaced ... so many things). Shorter Airstreams are in high demand. Longer Airstreams from the '70s into the '80s had weak frames and were subject to rear end separation (search on those last 3 words).

There's no secret -- it just takes steady work to find your Airstream. They've gotten a lot of publicity in the last year and good ones too often are sold the day before you'll call... Work hard but work quick when you spy a prospect. Best wishes!

[jacarape]

I bought a used Safari, year 2006. I looked all over the internet and found nothing. I went up the road from me to Bates on 4 in Florida, they had nothing in what I was looking for. I almost plopped down the cash for a new 28 footer International or Classic. Down the road I found this one. My tow truck is overkill for a 25 foot (2002 burb with a 8.1, 4x4, HD, Autoride, I am a pimp...). I chose this for the combo of mobility and the what I thought I could go more or less full time in as I hope this has room for a full time pooch and a part time wife, so here I am.

Cheers and good luck in the search-

Michael
WBCCI #3841

[CanoeStream]

Wow Michael -- that's a neat take on a flamingo theme. I can't make the picture bigger. Are they sandhill cranes?

Originally Posted by jacarape

... My tow truck is overkill for a 25 foot (2002 burb with a 8.1, 4x4, HD, Autoride....

I don't think a 3/4-ton Suburban is overkill for the tongue weight of any 25' Airstream of the last decade. You probably appreciate the 8.1 L engine but that's the only part that's bigger than it has to be. A 1500HD truck is one of only a few 1/2-ton models with higher load capacity. 3/4-ton tow vehicles have more load capacity and fits the lifestyles of many individuals who like to haul around some gear in the back.

[juel]

Check the classifieds here and on RVTraderonline.com. I found my great 24ft Argosy on the Trader sight, and my new "old" Airstream right here in the classifieds. You may be able to get a Forum member to go look at a trailer for you if you can't make an inspection yourself. Keep looking, you'll find what you want. Newer ones in decent condition should be more plentiful than the "vintage" ones. One thing I always look for is a person who will tell you ALL the things that are wrong with the trailer. Even if it's something that really doesn't matter to you. They will be honest and send you pictures of even the bad stuff. Then you know you may have a winner.

[jacarape]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Wow Michael -- that's a neat take on a flamingo theme. I can't make the picture bigger. Are they sandhill cranes?

I think they are sandhill cranes, this is the second time that I have seen this type of bird. It was funny, we were talking about what to have for dinner and these two walked up. When I was cropping the photo I got a laugh, I was also thinking what a twist on the flamingo theme! You are probably right on the 3/4 ton truck comment. While the 8.1 motor is gets just enough gas mileage to make it to the next gas station, I can barely feel the Safari in the back. If anything, the truck seems a tad more stable with the trailer tugguing on the Burb.