Newbie in PA

[PoconoAir]

I just started and am still looking for an Airstream. I am semi-retired, building a new home in the next year or so and want to set up an office/construction site trailer on my 4.5 acre hillside here in the Pocono "Mountains". Some day maybe it would be a studio/garden shed/retreat or something like that. There will be quite a nice view from the site particularly at sunset. Something with lots of square feet would be nice and does not need to be too road worthy. I will setup a temporary 110 service and just plug in. A larger propane tank on the ground is indicated too. Reading some of the posts here I get the urge to look for something to travel with but perhaps that will come later. I am single/divorced so I can do what I want. Furthermore, my French Brittany Spaniel "Buck" does not like sleeping in a DOG house. The member picture section here is really great but a little wide for my screen. I can see the restoration threads are going to be very helpful when I have a problem. I used to do some machine design so maybe I can contribute too.

Hi to all

Barry

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums, Barry. Best of luck with your search for the right Airstream.

[boatdoc]

Welcome to the Forums Barry, we are glad to have you join us. My name is "Boatdoc" of Norristown Pa. We have a semi adopted son who owns Lighthouse Harbor Marina whom we visit periodically. I would be more than happy to offer you any assistance in your endeavor for a Airstream. We have purchased 1973 26' Argosy last year, which we are restoring from ground up.
Whatever you do do not buy one site unseen. Watch out for unbelievable deals, most likely they are scams. I can help you if you ask. Thanks "Boatdoc"

[PoconoAir]

I know a couple who sent tens of thousands to CA for a Caterpillar and never received it. The best or worst ones on the net are the emails and professional quality web pages asking for your vitals in order to check for security breaches. I am pretty careful. I may need a recommendation for towing a 31' Excella from the Delaware Valley to the Poconos.

[PoconoAir]

I wasted all day Thursday driving to Conshohocken to look at a frameless beast. More Arab oil and time down the ... holding tank. There is a '53 footer in NJ that I thought might make a good traveler for one or two persons if cut down to Bambi size. Is that ever done? There goes "collectable". I need a small project where the end is in sight and less than 20 feet would work better.

[flyfshr]

Hi Barry and welcome. I don't believe Airstream ever made a 53 footer. Or did you mean a 1953 model? Personally, I like the older units but that's just me. Welcome aboard.

Brad
FF

[PoconoAir]

Guess I am getting mature. I ment '53 26 footer. These restorations are residential personal property that is portable and appreciates. I am a little afraid of tackling rusted steel frame. Guess that comes from 4 years in the USN many years ago.

[Roscinante]

No need to fear. The Forum members will guide you and they are incredibly generous with their advice and help.

Welcome!!!

[PoconoAir]

I have an idea for efficiently conducting a search in rural areas for a prospect. Some counties in PA list trailers as real estate and the tax number is suffixed with a "T". Properties with the t that are going or have gone up for tax sale enter a data base. "Mapping" will give you the location of the trailer and several will indicate a good area to search. If you ever hit bingo it is back to the court house for the name and address of the owner. If it is on the repository list then BUY IT! Wonder what it would cost to clear title on a vintage AS. Excuse me while I look for my old list of TCB phone #s.

Barry

[PoconoAir]

It looks to me like the supply of restorable '50s Airstreams is much more abundant in warmer climates. I guess many people purchase them up north and later someone drives them down south or south-west and fewer people drive them back up north. Maybe I can find someone down south in the spring with a tow vehicle who is coming up north empty.

Guess I will keep looking.

[robandzoe]

There is a early 70s 26 footer up here about 40 minutes above Binghamton. It needs a good cleaning, hasn't moved in about 15 years, and the guy would probably take $2000 for it. It's all there, AC included. I think I have a couple pictures listed here on the forums in my gallery or search for "Jurasiac"

Good luck.

Rob

[PoconoAir]

Rob, thanks for posting. I can't find those images but I am holding out for something from the '50s. If I had one that was under 20 feet I might be tempted to tow it south next winter and back for the summer months.

[PoconoAir]

I am considering that 1948 AS Chinook that is on OldTrailerGuy Home.
I know it is a long ways from PA but what else do you people think?
Thanks

Barry

[robandzoe]

In 48, AS had the following models: Weewind, TrailWind, Liner, Whirlwind. I have not heard of a Chinook. This trailer needs alot for the price! The skin has many dents and many patches. Lots of work there!!! and it'll be pricey! Plus, a long way to go, but you know that. Some work has been done on the frame so it has a hybrid pipe frame (original) and then additional C channel (the pipe frame (known to fail being this old) apparently needing work) to support the trailer. Beware. If you go get this, I'd put it on a trailer back to PA. Good luck.

[PoconoAir]

He does sah Airstream Liner Chinook so guess it is a Liner. I did notice some members here who have similar units so they can't be too rare. I really would prefer to find something sitting in a swamp somewhere and save it instesd of buying through a dealer. Seems like an important part of the journey.
Thanks Rob for the assessment, very helpful.
Barry

[juel]

Just a personal opinion, but you might buy something from the late 70's (that has both black and gray water tanks) to have fun in now. Then when you get the feel of what you want in an AS, go looking for the really old one that you can completely restore when you're not having fun in the newer one. You know once you get one and start camping, you gotta have another one to restore. It's an addiction. The late 70's and 80's AS and Aargosy trailers that are around are somewhat affordable without needing too many repairs before you can take them out on the road. Got to go camping.

[cnb61]

there may be a couple of airstreams not far from you theres one on the way to coulurs just out side of stroudsburg, there was one over in Columbia NJ don't know what you want to spend temp trailers in canadensis could cause you troubles its not the old country any more if you know what mean.

cnb61(polished argosy upper seeese)

[PoconoAir]

Polished Argosy thanks for the post. I am close to Canadensis (Barrett Township as you know) but in Price Township. What is "coulurs"? Exactly where is the one in Columbia?

Thanks

Barry