Tips for first timers

[John Rousch]

Hello,

My wife and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary this June and a way to be "silver" was to get a vintage 1969 Airstream restoration project.

We looked at a friend's trailer that has been sitting for some time, either an Ambassador or a Sovereign. When we left I was not sure what we would do, and after checking the retail prices, I countered their offer, and we agreed on $2,300. I think we made a good deal knowing systems will have to upgraded and new tires etc.

So we will be looking for help in bringing this wonderful thing back to life.

[hiking1]

Hello, AS Community. I have no clue if I am doing this correctly, but something stated 'into yourself here.' We are seriously considering an AS - die our first walk through at Tampa RV where they had several 19-30 footers. My husband and I had hoped to like something smaller than the 25 FC, but our first experience in them was small and 'not too great' floor plan for us. I liked dual axle. Tow vehicle wont be a problem as we plan to get one AFTER the right TT. I initially thought Oliver, Escape FB would be our ticket, but still not sure. I just cant like some thing more reasonably priced like Lance, etc (I need windows, not hotel wannabe). We live in FL and dont feel its great for camping - takes 8 hours to get out of state! This is a dilemma for doing this at all. Our plan (or desire): 1-2 trips to NC/TN per year, some nice almost local camping (St. Augustine, FL, etc), and 1 trip out West, etc per year. Not a lot for a big ticket item when living in Bradenton, FL. What are the chances of hail storm damage? IS 25 TOO small for National Parks (WE WANT to do that mostly - not campground stuff). We will have 7 yo granddaughter on occassion. What is the upkeep on AS and its quality THESE days (we hope to find a gently used, few years older perhaps, but this is all speculative). Thanks for any help you can offer.

[MJP]

No airstream yet thinking about a 25 foot flying cloud for just the wife and I , we bought a new little guy trailer to pull with our wangler , a week ago my father in law give us is 2002 f150 super crew 4x4 with the big v8 with only 60,000 miles on it so this changes everything, as of now our closest grandkid is 600 miles away any the others are 2500 miles , the wife and I are retired so we want to be able to go stay awhile then leave , thanks for letting me join I'll sit back and learn

[mboothe]

My wife and I are looking hard for a mid 90s 25 foot excella. We are getting into camping and only have a family of 3 but we may occasionally travel with 4. We have seen many in the 30 foot and 34 foot range but so far are not having much luck with the 25.

[FreedomRay]

Hey all! I'm Anne from Michigan and I am so excited to be a part of this forum/group. I have been reading through some of the forums already and am amazed at all the info and camaraderie here! I finally made the plunge and will be finalizing my purchase of a 1975 27' overlander in the next few weeks. It will be a complete gut job and renovation but I think it's going to be an amazing experience. I would love to know if anyone has any favorite threads or must read info for a total newbie!

[switz]

There is a huge forum section dedicated to the vintage folks and their trials and tribulations with the restoration process. Discovering a bad frame or rotted floor can lead to a shell off job which extends the competition date WAY out into the future after putting a significant negative cash flow on the owner's finances.

So some serious reading of the literature for the trouble areas to look for (many with detailed photos), and the ever willing offer of advice from their experience makes a restoration possible by any owner with some technical skills above just writing a check..

[Wandair]

My wife and I are headed to Colonial in two weeks to pick up our 2014 FC 28W. This is our first travel trailer. Patrick has been great. We've been reading the forums and appreciate all the information available for newbies like us. The more we read, the more we realize how little we know. Looking forward to the adventures.

Steve and Wanda

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by Wandair

My wife and I are headed to Colonial in two weeks to pick up our 2014 FC 28W. This is our first travel trailer. Patrick has been great. We've been reading the forums and appreciate all the information available for newbies like us. The more we read, the more we realize how little we know. Looking forward to the adventures.



Steve and Wanda

We just got home from picking ours up from Colonial. Patrick and his crew are great. Be prepared with a list of items you want to check. I posted my list on my blog ourflyingcloud.com. I found the exterior porch light was not working and they replaced it on the spot. Everything else worked great. I also chose to stay the night at Colonial to test every system more thoroughly. There's a lot of stores and shops around. Be sure to take your GPS with you and enjoy!!!

[switz]

Walking to the closest restaurant from Colonial (turned right at the entrance) was in the weeds with no sidewalks. Did spend the night there.

The obvious issues I discovered should have been noted and fixed during their PDI. Obvious as in no word "AIRSTREAM" on the back of the trailer and a wad of the plastic film beside the mattress that was not fully removed from the wall at the factory. They did install the mattress cover and no one noticed the wad of plastic or the broken Vista View shade. There were other issues as well.

The pantry pull out shelf was improperly installed and was an issue until I got it to a third party repair facility. The devil is in the details.

[wkm]

Just joined....empty- nesters soon..3 in college (yikes!). Look forward to learning and , hopefully, jumping into a 25 footer with boondocking capabilities. Thanks!

[Gail C]

Originally Posted by BMW Sid

My first day here, too. Have had my 73 Tradewind for years. It has many issues that need to be addressed, so I will be looking into that 'search' feature. I was first attracted to the airstream because I have been welding aluminum since 1969. Thought it might be the way to go. I do have a few small holes to weld up,(It had an add-a room snapped to it) and a couple cracks in around the entry step area.
I don't think my univolt is 'putting out'.
Mine had the awful rolling vertical cabinet doors. All the pieces were there, and we tried to glue canvas on the back, but they didn't last long. Lots of wasted effort. Still have all the original appliances in it. Furnace needs attention. Have to find the thread about the reacall, it is that model. NT22A. Pretty rusty anyways. I guess that is more than enough for now. When do I get my first rivet?

Added

[themostream]

I recently became the proud owner of a 1973 31ft Airstream Landyacht Sovereign, center bath. I understand that I do not understand the amount of work ahead of me.
To begin, I know I need new plumbing. I am unsure of the condition of the fresh and black tanks. I will need to replace the subfloor at least front and rear. Do I need to pull out all the cabinets and bathroom before I replace the front floor? Can this be done in sections? What about the inner shell? I like having the fridge working so I have cold beverages at hand.
I appreciate any input, and would LOVE to meet anyone in the central Missouri area that has done or is doing this. I've replaced a bathroom sink and hung some sheet rock before. I might be a bit out of my depth taking this on.
Thanks, and I LOVE the Forums! I've been lurking for absolutely ages.

[Vroominum]

Greetings all,

4th time poster. I have committed sacrilege and posted elsewhere before a proper introduction here. Apologies are in order

The responses to my first inquiry were remarkably informative and generous with information. Technology rocks, eh? Thanks for the warm welcome.

After years of pondering a retirement lifestyle, we have settled on extended periods of Airstreaming from our home base in the Twin Cities. We are a couple in our early 60's.

Our journey forward has only recently begun which led us to the Air Forums. With a wealth of information available from experienced AS'ers, we feel confident that we will be able to make a proper investment in our future.

Thanks to all who make these Forums a reality.

Vaya con Dios

Snuffy

[camp kyle]

Hi this is Chris from Eugene, Oregon.
We just placed a deposit on a 27' International Signature from Sutton RV here in Eugene. We take delivery in November.
This will be my first trailer (wife grew up with them)
We have 3 young kids and are excited to extend our camping season.

[Cinmeredith]

Hello Everyone! We purchased our first Airstream yesterday, a 2017 Flying Cloud 23' FB. Haven't named her yet. We are very excited and plan on taking her out for the 'honeymoon' trip in 3 weeks. Would love to hear from anyone who has a 23 FB and loves it! I've been reading the different topics on the forum for hours. Lots of great info. P.S. We are in our late 50's and retiring in a few years. We have been camping the last few years in a tent camper so this is a major upgrade for us.


Cindy

[Msmoto]

Maybe you could join us at this Carolina's rally, October 13 – 17

Palmetto Cove
521 Table Rock Road
Cleveland, SC 29635
Sites: 148 full hook-up sites, $25 per night

Go to this link

http://carolinasnc.wbcci.net/unitcal...es-2016/978-2/

and just click "attending the rally!" All the info is on the link. We would love to have you join us.

And, to all who are in the "Newby" class...great to have you on board. One of the nicest things about the Airstream (AS) owners is the camaraderie which for many of us is through the WBCCI, (Wally Bynum was the founder of Airstream)

Look forward to seeing some of you on the road.

Sent from Lennox, South Dakota, city park.

[Machell]

Good morning!
I am new here and was looking for a little direction on the value of my Airstream? I'm going to be listing it, however I'm having trouble uploading photos to this site. I'm sure it's something on my end, as I am technologically challenged. LOL 😂
Anyhoo...I have a 1983 Excella good condition. Everything works, fully loaded ready to roll.

May I have some feedback on the value? I'm sure it's always worth more than the seller than the buyer. This trailer is dear to me. 💕💕
Thanks!
Machell

[smokinjoe]

New(b) to AirStream and RV'ing in general, but took the plunge and purchased a used 2005 Classic 25 ft. In generally good condition. I have a minor problem with a water pump that I am currently tackling. And I can't seem to get the oven to light (stovetop is fine). So much to learn!!! But it is fun and so cool!

[Clarence57]

First post here as well. Our young family joined the AS community in September and can't get enough. We finally put 'Clarence' up for the winter this weekend after 5 trips in 8 weekends amidst a busy football season. We've met some amazing people with better stories already and want to be a part of a group that lives in a similar life stage as us. Can you direct me where to find a place to connect with young families? Thanks!

[RudiOnTheRoad]

Hi Airstreamers! After a year and a half towing an Aliner pop up Camper, I just bought a 2008 International 16' Bambi! Perfect for one person and two co piloting dogs! I embark from Marin County and travel mostly in California, Oregon and Washington. But now I may get out further with a bathroom and shower in my rig! I am a photographer and scout for interesting events, people and landscapes. Environmental issues, social issues and FUN! Hope to meet some of you on the road! And would love to try out the NorCal Rally!