Well, here I am. Not sure what possessed me exactly other than the need for a new project and this forum. I lurked around for a while, gathering information and getting a feel for the place and the folks who post here.
I don't think that my story is very unique. I am someone who likes to work with my hands, use power tools and refurbish things. I am attentive to detaill. I like vintage things. I like to camp. I see the Airstream as a challenge that fits me.
My husband is a Harley mechanic. He likes fixing things. He likes shiny things. The Airstream seems to have called to him in some way.
Yesterday we bought a 1966 TradeWind. It is dirty. "Icky" he says. I see beyond the dirt to a unit that has almost all of the original features. Very little alterations have been made. "Do-able" I say. We shall see.
I understand everything you are saying. Found our a/s & fell in love and then found problems. But we did find this forum that helped us so much. Anything and everything that you can think of will be on here somewhere or another.
My husband and I have our own harley's (with lots of chrome mine that is) and
you can't find anything more enjoyable than that.Other than working on a/s. Bikes has not even been started since we brought the a/s home. Went out one time in a/s and been working on it ever since. Will be taking a break and taking it out next weekend. Hope you enjoy your new project. Need to post pic on your a/s and while the rebuild process is going.
Jalina
I am interested in purchasing a motorhome but I do not know where to start. Can you suggest someway to learn about motorhomes so that I can minimize my beginner mistakes?
I've been lurking for awhile, I'll admit it! I have an Airstream Ambassador International LandYacht in my backyard and have been dreaming of doing something with it, but I don't think it is to be. It needs TLC and a good home. I don't know much about all of this. The plate says I283T211 Jackson Center, Ohio. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi my name is Sarah and my husband is Howard,we are knew to Airstream and just brought ours about four months ago.
We found ours in North Ga,so we are some of those crazy people that drove all the way their from south La.We was very luckey to have found one in great shape {1999 Excella 30' }
We hope to start camping soon,Rita came and set our plans back abit buy all is fine and so is our airstream. Glade to br a member.
Sarah
I am interested in purchasing a motor home but I do not know where to start. Can you suggest someway to learn about motor homes so that I can minimize my beginner mistakes?
"
Where to start> First off there is a rather good check list in the motor home section of what to look for when you find that perfect motor home and what to buy it. Second I would start off on Fred's Motor Home page and familiarize yourself with all the different types, lengths and floor plans that Airstream has available. Next is to read the many posts that are available here. Find out what you are in for. I always tell owners to be that the initial cost of a classic motor home is only your down payment. Attend a rally if it is close by, check out the rally calendar and see if you can find one that will work for you. I have never met an owner of a classic motor home who is not willing to show it off and talk your arm and leg off in the process. If you are interested in a newer model try the RV shows where you can compare the SOBs (square old boxes) withe the Airstreams, that is a real eye opener.
You have made the best start by finding this forum. Search it out there is so much great info here. If you need help navigating it just ask. I have put the link for Fred's page below. Good luck and keep in touch. http://www.airstreammotorhomes.com/
Hello all, I'm a "newbe". I am so impressed with this website....hardly know where to start looking. I am looking for my first Airstream Trailer and something to pull it with.....both used, of course. I'm retired, male, single, over 50.. and in good health. I need and education about both the Airstream trailer and the towing vehicle. Looking for suggestions on books, articles, buying guides, etc., anything that will get me up to a level of knowledge where my first purchase will not be a disaster!! Oh, up to $10,000 for the trailer and $5000 for the tow vehicle. Thank you for your time. Bill
hello all I am new to airstreams. I bid on and one one in georgia. but the expence of moving has stumped me. It is a 27 ft overlander.1974 in pritty good contition and I think I got it for a good price but I do not have a vehicle to move it and the cost of flying down there renting a truck and driving it 850 miles is just too costly. what do you think. I would like to find one closer to NYC and look at it in person first. where is the best place to go to do thins that you jet
This site is truly awesome, and has more advice at better prices than many folks can handle.. Worth every penny paid, unless you've actually paid already...
My view on true beginners is to start as you are planning to, with "previously owned" trailer and tow vehicle. Smaller investment, lower risk of disasters, less depreciation, and easier to get out after getting in if necessary, or trade up..
That said, DO NOT buy something sight unseen, especially on E-Bay as newbie, unless you have really good friends to check out the vehicle.. Fraud and misrepresentation abound.. Buying a Dog can cost $ Thousands in fixup and rehab costs before it's useful, and may never be recoverable.
Second theory I'd offer is start at small end of size range you'd tolerate.. Smaller trailers easier to tow, fix, decorate, park and clean. There's a reason so many used large trailers are so reasonably priced... My standard is 20' to 25', but your needs may vary... That will get you into state and national parks, and not require monster truck to tow it.. Same theory with tow vehicle. Happily today gas prices are forcing SUV and truck owners to bail out, and good quality Suburbans are out there for $5K from late 1990's with Vortec V-8's and towing packages. Pickup trucks or other long-ish wheelbase towing vehicles are cheap these days.
Third theory of mine is to look used, but not really antique. Back to about 1980's, or even late '70's, the systems and appliances and other interior and exterior items are either still in production or readily available and repairable. The oldest units have potential issues with frames, axles, brakes, etc which many members here find lovable , but can be daunting for newbies. A lovable 1985 trailer can be purchased and "upgraded" for 1/4 the cost of a new equivalent from Airstream or less. If you decide it's not for you, you can usually get back what you paid for it...
Good luck!
John McG
__________________
Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
I am not new to Airstreams. I lived in a small one in the Mountains while my boyfriend worked in the woods, road building. This was 1973. I fell in love with the little silver pod and have been dreaming of owning one ever since. I'm still trying to figure out what model it was, I know it was 60's something...
NOW, in my early 50's, I decided I can't live without one any longer! I've been scanning backyards and have even stopped at a couple to hear..."Nope, sorry...not for sale". Or, "If I had a penny for everyone who stopped and asked about my Airstream"....! I've looked at some for sale at a dealer, no luck there. I search on EBAY every day, but only for education, I would be afraid to buy something that big online, sight unseen.
I have $12,000 to spend, already have a 1995 Ford pick-up. My husband is a wizard at fixing things and loves to do it too! I'm prepared to wait as long as it takes to find the perfect one for us. "US" being, my husband, myself and 2 dogs. ~I have been reading this forum for awhile now and thought I would pop in and say "HI".
If you had $12,000 to spend on an Airstream, which one would you buy?
Thank you for being here, and all the great knowledge I've obtained so far.
Jude
Last edited by Mel; 08-29-2006 at 08:04 AM.
Reason: Removed bold font
Quick Links
Arrival
But we did find this forum that helped us so much. Anything and everything that you can think of will be on here somewhere or another.
Need to post pic on your a/s and while the rebuild process is going.
So.Fla.Newbie
Knew owners
and in good health. I need and education about both the Airstream trailer and the towing vehicle. Looking for suggestions on books, articles, buying guides, etc., anything that will get me up to a level of knowledge where my first purchase will not be a disaster!! Oh, up to $10,000 for the trailer and $5000 for the tow vehicle. Thank you for your time. Bill 
Linear Mode
