What to look for when purchasing a used Airstream

[leslie mcb]

We will be looking at a 2016, 25', Flying Cloud with approximately 5,000 miles on it. What should we look for when inspecting this unit before we purchase? Also, what would you consider a fair price for this Airstream?

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . . the 1st thing I'd look for is a knowledgeable inspector nearby to 'inspect'. (usually listed on the right column of this page) And price is tough one, look for comparibles on Forum Classifieds & RVTrader.com. They depreciate the most at about 5 or 6 years old, IMO. . . Good luck, Craig

[HowieE]

I will offer the same advice I think the current owner of the trailer missed.

Never buy new unless you have camped enough to have some idea of what you will want and need in a camper.

Far to many people go to the camping shows and buy the dinette with the champagne glasses on the placemats and find they have no room for their shoes.

Question why it is for sale, wife did not like it, repo, too small for the 5 kids, or warranty issues.

[leslie mcb]

Thank you for your replies. We've tent and pop up trailer camped for many years with our family. We've been looking at Airstreams for about 2 years. We're happy with what the 25' Twin offers as far as storage and interior space. We will inquire as to why such a new trailer is being sold.

[KJRitchie]

New units should sell at 18% to 20% from MSRP and this unit has now been titled and considered used so you should offer more than 20% off MSRP. 30% would be at $59k.

Are you purchasing from a dealer?

Hopefully someone just made the wrong decision about their needs and after using it for 5000 miles and traded it in on a big diesel pusher.

Kelvin

Kelvin

[Mrjkq]

$58,000 to $62,000 depending on options. The awning (window) package is very important, the convection microwave no so much, solar is also important.
Other than above it's having a good inspection and being comfortable with sellers reason to sell. I don't have the solar package or convection but I do have the awning package & if I were selling $60,000 would be the magic number.

[jwscld]

I am totally new to Airstreams and also hoping to find a good late model AS. The one thing that concerns me the most after MUCH studying of the forum is tires. Does the trailer have the Goodyear Marathon trailer tires? They are commonly called GYMs. I would advise you to do a search for threads about these tires and their load capacity and reliability.

Best of luck, John

[leslie mcb]

Yes, we're purchasing through a dealer. Thanks for all your replies. They've been most helpful.

[AWCHIEF]

FYI

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f138...ist-43294.html

[leslie mcb]

Is there anyone in the Traverse City, MI area who would be willing to meet us to inspect this Airstream? We're going to be looking at the unit on March 20 at 11am. I'm aware it's short notice.

[MelGoddard]

Last May, I traded in my Hi-Lo for a 2015 25' Flying Cloud, at CanAm in London, Ont.
John Watterton gave me an acceptable deal, and I took delivery of it.
There were the usual snags that one expects from Airstream; leaking water, water heater not working, etc., but once the snags were cleared off, and it was working ok, it proved to be a decent replacement for the Hi-Lo. Except......

In time I got fed up with that East-West bed, as being difficult for me to get in or out of. (My wife had no problem, from the other side.)
I also wanted more storage space for 'stuff'.
So in Oct. I traded in the 25'er for a 30'er F.C. with a North-South bed, and more storage places.
John gave me a decent trade in price, and I signed on the line that is dotted.
It's in Winter storage there, and in April I hope to take it out and, barring problems, enjoy a good summer traveling all over Ontario.

[MAJORJDB]

Hope you found out WHY this rig is for sale. Insofar as tires, upgrade to 16" rims and put on LT tires they seem to be more durable than the ST tires that come from the factory. Curious though, how does one know how many miles there are on a used AS? Is there a hidden odometer somewhere? Hope it turns out well for you.
Regards,
James

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by leslie mcb

We will be looking at a 2016, 25', Flying Cloud with approximately 5,000 miles on it. What should we look for when inspecting this unit before we purchase? Also, what would you consider a fair price for this Airstream?

Sorry, can't comment on pricing as I'm in Canada; however, look through the unit for things like leakage under the sink, hot water heater not operating unless the outside hatch is open, furnace and air conditioner operating together when only furnace is selected.

Does it come equipped with awnings for the windows? If so, big plus!

Is the sewage hose storage long enough for your hoses? Mine was too short and I needed an extra holder installed.
Twin beds should be fine for you; avoid the East-West bed, as being too difficult to get in or out of on the forward side. You'll also bang your head on the overhead storage.
The 25'er towed very nice with a Ford F-150. and a Reese dual cam hitch.

If the PDI goes ok, go for it and enjoy!
Suggestion: Use a felt marker to label "Black" and "Grey" water handles to avoid confusion.
See my comments elsewhere on this 'thread'.

[leslie mcb]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. We were told that the 25' AS and and the TV were purchased at the same time. The couple used both for about 3,000 miles and decided towing was not for them. That is the reason we know the mileage on the AS.

[banderabob]

We knew the original owner of the unit we bought, which is probably the best scenario. That said, we didn't have an inspection, which MIGHT have discovered a cracked pump (which we discovered a year later), which MIGHT have prevented us having to deal with a failed subfloor 3 years post-purchase. I'm not blaming the former owner, she probably didn't know. Get an inspection from a reputable source. Can't help you on pricing.

[NWGetaways]

If it hasn't been in a wreck and the price reflects a big penalty for initial depreciation, get it!

[switz]

We traded our 2013 25 FB in because of the bed orientation and me hitting my head sitting up in bed let alone the crab walk to go pee in the middle of the night. Storage at the far end under the queen bed was not reachable for me from outside. So we got a 2014 31' Classic and we both are happy. It is our primary trailer. We tow with a 2012 Ram 2500HD Cummins using a ProPride hitch.

The 23D allows us easy access to the old and smaller camping areas out West where even the 25FB was too large. We tow this trailer with my 2007 Mercedes ML320 CDI that was the initial tow vehicle for the 25FB and reusing the Hensley Arrow hitch.

[NoResults]

I just purchased my 2016 23' Airstream Intl Serenity for $58,00 from a dealer if this helps. Could not tell it from new.

Dave

[leslie mcb]

Thanks everyone

[Boxite]

Watch out for "soft" flooring beneath windows and sinks and in front of the shower, where leaks may have softened the flooring. A squeaking floor is a bad sign.