Which items are exclusive only to Airstream?

[tiniree]

Hi all,

I posted another thread earlier but really don't know if I posted the question I need answered correctly.

Here goes: We have the opportunity to purchase a 1978 25ft Tradewind International. I have read many posts on what to check out before purchasing an older trailer.

My main concern is replacement parts, both interior and exterior. While my husband would like a "project" trailer, we both want one that is structuraly sound and can be used right away. I am concerned with camping in a trailer with two small "active" boys that might be considered an antique as far as durability and restoration capabilities.

What items on an Airstream are EXCLUSIVE only to Airstream trailers? Items of concern: awning and awning arms, cabinet storage bins, curtain rods (especially the front wrap-around window). Because we are new at this, I am sure there are other things I haven't thought of.

MAIN QUESTION: What items are exclusive only to Airstream trailers and may be hard to find and/or replace?

[uwe]

That's a big question. Almost everything is exclusive to Airstream, short of the appliances like water heater, A/C, stove etc.
Most electrical and electromechanical parts are also interchangeable, or easily replaceable.
where it gets difficult is when you need glass or doorlocks, or replacement panels. That's when it helps ot have a good airstream parts dealer near you.
Now, we had ours out many times with the grandkids, and even though I had similar thoughts like you, so far nothing broke.
If i still had small kids of my own, I would buy an appropriate toy hauler type trailer, simply because of the floor space and the ability to carry all their toys and then have lots of floor space once the toys are outside.
Airstream trailers are fantastic, but most of them have very limited floor space for kids to spread out.

[femuse]

Your previous post asked:

Did you just "go to Walmart" and buy new Tupperware-style bins and find they fit?

Actually yes, we did and they do.

We bought several of those flat plastic boxes with a lid, and are using them in place of the bins under the bed. The size is just right and the advantage is the lid. Things stay a lot cleaner inside.
We use them in a 1974 & 1971. There is a good chance yours are the same size.

We have tried to make our current (1974 29') AS livable, without trying to make it into a restored showroom piece of art.
If this is what you have in mind, you will find that:

_ some things are AS specific, and cost a lot

_ luckily, a lot of other things are not. Some can be faked:
example: we had a broken - curved - front window on our 1971. It broke while on the road, so we had to "fake" it on the spot. We used a piece of Lexan. And it worked great. Cost a few $, a lot of elbow grease. You do not want to know the price installed from an AS dealer.

The door handle for the oven broke. Mike made a nice replacement with a flat piece of scrap aluminium. Much better and cheaper than the original.

Awning: you can always have a custom made one made from a local awning company (making store awnings). We priced them a long time ago. Much cheaper. And as good.
Mattresses, custom made, I can send you sources.

the tambour doors, but only one (the wraparound bottom cabinet door) needs to be replaced

This is the one going bad on all AS. We just left it the way it is. Half of it works, nothing has been falling off in close to 100,000 miles.


A lot of other things I will think of.