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John, biggerbadbrad, thenewkid64 and others have pointed out that it is only fair to offer to compensate people for their mileage and mailing costs. I completely agree, and I'm going to strengthen the wording on The List so that prospective buyers understand.
29 volunteers in 18 states and 2 Canadian provinces so far! Keep 'em coming!
New version of the list will be posted to the link above later today.
I can cover southern lower Michigan and norther Ohio. I live near the intersection of US-23 and I-96. Detroit, Lansing and Toledo are within an hour away and Grand Rapids is with in two hours. Do not have digital camera yet but have several good film cameras and can take photos and overnight mail photos. Have owned 3 Airstreams over the last 23 years, so I know what to look for. PM is best way to contact as I check this site every day when I am home.
We're in!! Count on us for:
- New York metro area
- Northern New Jersey
- South East Connecticut.
We have a digital camera and video. Can burn CDs.
Besides being a VI (Volunteer Inspector), we could also be a VPA (Volunteer Purchasing Advisor). We'd be happy to help buyers interseted in NEW AS.
As for inspecting Vintage units we would appreciate if the more vintage competent forum members could write up a list of 'possible/common problems' for us to inspect.
I believe it would help everyone greatly.
Also, I'd like to suggest that RL write up a "Standard list" of items every VI should photograph and comment upon, one for Vintage units and one for New units.
The lists could be posted here in the forums and before any VI or VPA sets out for his inspection he can download it, print it and fill it in. Thanks to the list the buyer will know exactly what kind of feedback he'll get from the VI/VPA and if he needs any specif pics or info which are not on that list he will know what to ask for.
Like this all VIs / VPAs may deliver COMMON & OUTSTANDING service.
Also, I'd like to suggest that RL write up a "Standard list" of items every VI should photograph and comment upon, one for Vintage units and one for New units.
Well, I wish I was experienced enough to do that but there are others on this board who could do a much better job. Any volunteers?
I know when I did this on an Argosy I just kept shooting pics of everything, and especially made sure I took a lot of closeups and different angles. When I reviewed the photos on my PC later, the closeups were invaluable in reminding me why I didn't buy the trailer! You really can't see the important stuff in the typical "wide angle" views most sellers provide.
As a starting point, I would suggest closeup pictures of every major appliance (refrig, toilet, furnace, water pump, stove, etc.), the flooring at several places, any damage, multiple views of the skin including underside, windows, countertops, fabric, tires, hitch, dump valves, bumpers ...
And I took pictures inside the closets, underneath the couches, with the windows open (to prove they do), with the door open and closed, inside the battery compartment, etc. I even tried to find a high spot so I could shoot the plumbing vents, TV antenna, and air conditioner.
When you're shooting digital, you can't take too many pictures! Go wild. That's my $0.02.
-- RL
PS: By the way, KIMILI, thanks for the compliment but this wasn't my idea -- I'm just the guy keeping the list. The idea has been kicking around this forum for a long time.
a lot of pics is good but I still believe they should be taken in some sort of pre defined order. The list would greatly help with that. It could then identify the areas of most damage or with the greatest problems.
We're not very savvy on vintage units but would really like to help an interested buyer the best we can. If we had a list we would know exactly what to look for and take pics (many) and it would help us not to forget anything!!
Just follow the list, complete every section of it so that the essential and basic necessary info/pics are all there and then go wild with your opinions, extra pics, details, comments etc. The "further comments" section at the end of the list could be the personalized area of the VI or VPA.
What do you think of the VPA?
I mentioned it because lately I've been receiving a few PMs from new buyers in our area asking for advice.
I could help with a VPA list but I wouldn't know where to start with a vintage one...
Count me in, I can go look at trailers/MH in the Portland, OR /SW WA area. Brett will vouch for me, I inspected that MH he bought. Oh yeah, it didn't quite make the trip home. Oh well, maybe he won't vouch for me after all
As I recall Brett gave me a very good list to take with us of things to look at, since we have zero MH experience. Most of my experience is with classic cars. But I can tell a scary deal when I see one, so I'm glad to help out where I can.
Folks can PM me here (I'm on everyday), I have a digital camera, I can upload photos to make them accessable online.
And I promise not to snap up anything anyone sends me to look at (unless they pass on them first)!
In honor of Alki and her battle with cancer we will be participating in the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Please click here if you would like to see her page and donate to the cause: Donate
Oops! We have a digital camera available and can get them on a CD.
We have one vintage Argosy in our driveway, and don't need TWO!
We would be glad to look for a gem for someone else!
Best way to get us is by PM.
I can cover the Indianapolis and central Indiana area. Though I don't have my Airstream yet, I do have a digital camera, CD burner, and mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting experience.
Quick Links
I'm not that good
You really can't see the important stuff in the typical "wide angle" views most sellers provide.
In honor of Alki and her battle with cancer we will be participating in the 2008 American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Please click here if you would like to see her page and donate to the cause: 
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