Newbie - Buying Tips

[mIIwaukee]

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing an Airstream 1971 Land Yacht (first trailer purchase ever) and I plan on restoring it, but I don't know what major issues to look for (axel, structural) Could any of you offer me some buying tips?

thanks,

mark

[Janet H]

Welcome to the forums. You should count on replacing axles on a trailer this vintage - not hard but costly. The are many threads about this. use the search tool...

Check for soft floors around doors and toilet - leaks, rear end sag and body damage. Aluminum is harder to remove dents and creases from that steel and you may have to replace segments instead. personally, I draw the line at segment replacement. Check water lines for leaks - many of us have replaced all copper w/pex.

Tires, axles, interior rehab, plumbing etc are all standard fare in a trailer this vintage. We have plenty of help and advice avaialble on the forums including members in your area who can inspect a trailer prior to purchase.
Check out this thread.

[overlander64]

Greetings Mark!

Welcome to the Forums!

Originally Posted by mIIwaukee

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing an Airstream 1971 Land Yacht (first trailer purchase ever) and I plan on restoring it, but I don't know what major issues to look for (axel, structural) Could any of you offer me some buying tips?

thanks,

mark

There are several websites with information that can help you to develop a check-list of sorts for your inspection. The two that I would recommend include:

R. J. Dial's Vintage Airstream Resources

R. J. Dial's Vintage Airstream Price Vs. Condition

Vintage Airstream Club Fequently Asked Questions

Good luck with your research and inspection!

Kevin

[Chaplain Kent]

Gretings and welcome to the forum. I live in Wauwatosa and we are on our second Airstream. the first was a 1975 tradewind now we have a classic motorhome. I would be happy to have you stop over and talk about the fine times you will have owning a vintage AS. Also I can show off our "Chummy." E-mail me off line if you would like.

[erichatten]

Hello All!

I am looking at a 1995 AS Excella, 28', and it appears to be in fine condition, complete with books and records. I am not overly concerned about paying a premium for a well cared for unit, however, I have questions.

1) All around the seam in the middle of the trailer there is a large bead of what appears to be some type of sealant. It is gray in color and hard.

2) All around the exterior windows the same sealant exists

3) The same sealant (or a variant) appears around the door.

The owner claims it was this way when he bought it 4 years ago.

Other tidbits which may help in diagnosing this issue:

The new owner just spent upwards of $4,000 having the interior upholstrey on the ceiling completely replaced. It looks very nice. He also had some type of white thickish paint applied to the roof.

I spoke to the sales person who performed the work and apparantly the ceiling was cut at some time exposing the ceiling to air and after a period of time it started to bubble and needed replacing.

The unit is selling for around $15,000 with new tires/rims/hubs.

There is some discoloration of the skin around the unit.

I made sure all of the gadgets work.

I am not in a huge rush to purchase but do like this unit.

I call myself having looked through these threads to answer these questions but did not find a direct answer....I am sure I missed something.

Anyway, thanks for the read (assuming this works) and any input is greatly appreciated.

Eric

Mississippi

[doorgunner]

Mississippi huh- this thing ever spend any time under water?

[63Silver]

Mark,
Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have a nice project on your hands. You should plan on some floor replacement, usually at the entry door or rear window, window seals may need replaced, check plumbing, may need electrical upgrade, tires, axles, etc... Check them all out and then decide on what needs fixed first. We could not wait to use ours so we have it well enough to use but will replace other items in time such as the axles. Best of luck.

63silver

[erichatten]

DG,

Good question. I certainly don't think so. All the latches around the bottom are free from any type of rust or corrossion. Floors are solid. Did not see any buoys either!

Per its owner, it spent most of its time in Alabama and then in Baton Rouge, LA.

Is the seal/caulk an issue which would cause you to worry DG?

Thanks for your response.

Eric

[erichatten]

And if this post is in the wrong spot I am sorry. Not very adept at posting.

Thanks again

Eric