Here's what I'd do: first, take wife to an Airstream rally. There are dozens of these every year. Have her look at the incredible range of interiors, modifications, ages, etc. EVERYONE will want you to tour their rigs, offer you a drink, expound on the virtues, etc. (let them be the salespeople!). If you want to be totally overwhelmed, go visit the annual WBCCI national rally this summer in Wisconsin, where there'll be hundreds of Airstreams.
Next, take your wife to a Shasta rally. There are actually a few. Snoop around there too.
By the time you're done, your mind will have made itself up, as will hers. (Hope you both come out the same way!) Good luck!
My wife and I wanted a vintage Shasta at one time. We love those wings! Once we looked at a few trailers, we could see that the quality difference was astounding. The Airstream is the better trailer, but is priced accordingly.
This is a choice that really boils down to two things; first, what do you really want to do with the trailer, and second, what style are you after. Believe it or not, there are folks in this world who are just put off by Airstreams. They don't like the look, the aluminum, or the shape... you won't find those folks here, but I've met a number of them over the years. Hopefully, your wife isn't one of them!
I don't have to be an Airstream salesman, there are plenty of others in the thread who can do that... but if you're wife's one of those folks, buying an Airstream will be a miserable experience for both of you. And fortunately, for those folks who want quality, but not Airstream, there are other options today.
Roger
__________________ AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 1994 Airstream B190 & 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ
Those new Shastas ARE kind of nice. The only problem is they are all electric which means no hot water, stove or refrigeration unless plugged in.
They are introducing a larger model with propane; not sure if the shorter model will also get a propane system. The Shasta dealer I talked to just shook his head when talking about the lack of propane; it seems to have made the trailers hard to sell.
The lousy interior finish - even compared to the so-so "standard of excellence" that exists in the RV world - is also a turn-off.
But I'm not convinced it's harder to find an old Shasta than an old Bambi. Plus, Shastas sell for a lot less money. There always seem to be a few for sale on the Tin Can Tourists website.
I would bet this is from 1963, no later than 1964. My parent's unit is the yellow '59 Shasta. I note that in this park in either Illinois or Iowa, there is also a larger white with silver Shasta in the foreground. Note sure what the third trailer is. Also dig the 50's Buick that was used as the TV before the '62 or '63 LeSabre the next year.
Oh, and the Airstream is still way better. Sorry '59 Shasta, you're cute, but you are painfully small.
__________________ "I've got aluminum fever, and the only prescription, is more AIRSTREAM!!!"
About five years ago there was a relatively active Shasta forum that I often participated in while rebuilding a 16' Shasta for my son and his family. I'm not sure if they're still active but a quick search might be rewarding. Nice little trailers - but a world apart from an Airstream of any vintage!
I can recall as a young teenager, traveling with parents and sister in 1961 in a trip across Canada. The roads were filled with many, many trailers in tow. I recall seeing more Shasta's than any. The other popular trailers were Yellowstones, Fans and Airstreams.
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in 1961 in a trip across Canada. The roads were filled with many, many trailers in tow. I recall seeing more Shasta's than any. The other popular trailers were Yellowstones, Fans and Airstreams.
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