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Lianne · 05-02-2005, 09:18 AM

Hello. I am hopefull, in your spirit of public service and experience, some of you might be inclined to suggest some good classic Airstream models that my husband and I might look for. I've always loved Airstreams, but model names and numbers and features are still all new to me, so any information you could provide would be appreciated. We are definately interested in the vintage models as the new ones are way out of our price range.

We have a small piece of land we purchased in Taos, New Mexico that we would like to be able to stay on occasionally to get a feeling for the land before we design a structure (and until we can afford to begin) and I had several friends suggest that we investigate purchasing an Airstream as a great way to tide us over. There is already electric on the property and it could be easily wired for a trailer.

Our car can tow up to 5,000 lbs with brakes. I am still unsure if the size Airstream we could tow would hold 3 people, in that weight category.

We fall into the group that likes the sleaker interior design look (the ccd series is amazing), so vintage-wise, models that are like that in looks would be preferred.

There are three of us (with my son), plus two dogs and two birds. Am I crazy to consider this?

Thanks sincerely, for any advice you may be able to offer.

markdoane · 05-02-2005, 10:11 AM

Lianne,

I don't think you're crazy. Is your property on/in an acequia? How do you plan to handle water and waste disposal? Some vintage trailers have limited blackwater storage capacity and no greywater storage.

Welcome to the forums!

**Janet H** · 05-02-2005, 10:12 AM

Hi and welcome to the forums. Different model names reflect different interior and exterior trim and layout options. Perhaps the most importtant thing to consider is trailer size. Many models come in more than one lenght. Lenght of an Airstream is measured from bumper to tip of tongue. This means that a 25 foot trailer has an interior space of about 22 - 23 ft.

Figure out how much space you will need, what kind of storage and sleeping spaces and how much weight you can tow. Then start shopping. Used Airstreams can be hard to find and often don't stay on the market long. Smaller ones are the hottest sellers because they can be towed with SUVs. Check out the links section for info that may help you. most especially www.vintageairstream.com This site has extensive info about older trailers including layouts, features and pricing.

Good Luck.

smily · 05-02-2005, 10:25 AM

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Smily

Lianne · 05-02-2005, 10:44 AM

Thanks for your welcome, Don and thanks for creating a new post Janet.
Yes, our property has water rights and is bounded by both an acequia and the Little Rio Grande. Disposal wise, we are not far off a highway. If tanks could be pumped, we might be within range for that.

Lianne · 05-02-2005, 10:49 AM

Thanks Ken, but I really like the bullet-like deco-classic looks of the trailers.

markdoane · 05-02-2005, 11:02 AM

Lianne,

You might look at the 24' Tradewinds from the late 50's and early 60's. They run around 4000# loaded.

A lot depends on your son. If he is less than 48" tall, you can survive in a 24'. If he plays football for the Cowboys, you probably need something larger.

juel · 05-02-2005, 11:33 AM

Think about an Argosy. Very much the right color for New Mexico. They can be made to look very art deco. I am having fun with my 24ft, 1978 Argosy, which I might add weighs only 3800lbs and pulls like a dream. I have not had trailers brakes installed on my new Tundra; however, the trailer pulled wonderfully without them. Yes, I intend to get brakes, but needed to run the trailer into Oklahoma City, for a check up. The Argosy comes in several lengths and is very light and easy to pull, unlike the newer Airstreams that are generally much heavier. Just a thought you might check into.