Does it ever end?

[trekerboy]

We've been renovating our '79 Excella for almost 2 years and are finally near the end... or are we? I mean, the inside is done (well, almost), the outside is polished (most of it) and all the loose ends are taken care of (for the most part). But when you renovate an airstream, is the work every really done?

It seems like the items on my to-do list get crossed off, but more always get added on... I just notice little things and think "Oh yeah, I should finish that" or "I should really redo that before we hit the road" or even "it would be better if I did x this way instead" and of course the "well, if I knew then what I know now I would have done x differently; probably should replace it".

For those who have done complete or extensive renovations to their AS's, where do you draw the line? When is it "good enough"? I started this project to create a means for me to ESCAPE that kind of mentality, but it seems to have followed me into this new season of life (moving family of 4 in AS full time, selling everything, September 2016).

I'm guessing the advice I'm going to get will apply to other areas of my life as well. I'm 32, so those older and wiser lay it on me.

[centennialman]

I think you draw the line when you have the peace in your mind that your Airstream is safe and comfortable. It's like owning a house. There will always be something to do. You are young and have lots of time ahead of you. Your Airstream should appreciate in value as the years go by. Take a break when you are ready, get on the road and enjoy it. It's a good time to step back and re-think what has to be done and to prioritize everything. Go to rallies and see what others have done to their Airstreams....enjoy life

[Belegedhel]

Short answer is "If you are asking that question, then no, it is never really done." To wax philosophical, Airstream ownership is like a sound relationship with your spouse or kids. You have to pay attention to it every day, you have to nurture it year after year if you want it to stay healthy. It isn't like a car or some other random possession, that just wears out eventually and gets replaced.

I have read many threads on these forums where the poster asks the existential question: "Should I spend the cash and buy a newer trailer that is ready to go on day one, or should I buy a cheap old vintage unit that I know will require a lot of rennovation?" My asnwer is usually "Do you want to spend your time camping, or spend it working on a trailer?" In your case it is apparent that you want to spend your time working on your trailer, as this is the decision you have already made, consciously or not. I can't offer any solution to it as, I am almost 4 years into my total rebuild...and...it...never...will...end...

Only you can decide where to draw the line and call it "good enough." It is like the story about the millionaire that was visiting his friend the billionaire. The billionaire was bragging about his massive estate, his 100 ft. yacht, and his trophy wife. He kept asking "don't you wish you had more money so that you could buy all this stuff too?" The millionaire responded by saying "this is all very impressive, but I have something you will never have...enough money."

Good luck!

[drboyd]

Owning an elderly Airstream is not a destination to be arrived at; it's a journey to enjoy.

[Hittenstiehl]

Agree to the good answers posted....... It will never end till you sell it......it's an ongoing process........a work in progress....strive for safe, good, great, fun, full of memories but not perfection.

[youngpeck]

And the good part is you and your family are young enough to do it all and enjoy it!

[trekerboy]

Originally Posted by Hittenstiehl

strive for safe, good, great, fun, full of memories but not perfection.

Full of memories, but not perfection. I like that. Thank you

[hippiechick]

I asked this very same question about my kitchen renovation a few years back. There were and are still things I think about doing but now in using the new space with all the changes and upgrades I have put aside some of those outstanding things to enjoy it. Living in it has softened the need to do more . . . If your trailer is safe for travel and comfy for your family then start enjoying it. There will always be time for projects.

[AWCHIEF]

Trailers and boats have at least one thing in common. They break sitting still. There is always something that needs to fixed, adjusted or replaced. My to do list always seems to have a couple of projects on it.

[StarckMad]

Treckerboy, you have something now that will slip through your fingers in the future...time to build memories with your family. Every moment with your mate and children is precious. And I mean "every!" Do you want them to remember your backside as you work on the AS or your smile and theirs as you sit around the campfire. If it's safe and sound get out and start enjoying it!

[MAJORJDB]

Laying it on you,
You could start by quitting your whining. What did you think you were getting into? Most "vintage" cars, trailers and even people need continuous upkeep to remain functional. Not sure what your endstate is with your AS but if you are looking to camp now, just do it with what you have and let the little things go. You have to ask yourself what makes you happy, is it in just finally owning an AS (my case) or having the perfect TT. Most folks will tell you that you need to own several RVs to see the good, bad and ugly in RV ownership. The great thing about AS's is that you can change them as your needs/wants change. Appreciate what you have, instead of wishing for that level of perfection you may never find. Good Luck in your travels...
JDB

[Dan@LED4RV]

You might think this is crazy but once you hit the road and meet others you will look back with a selective memory, of all the accomplishments here, and want to fix-up another. Then you will realize that part of your soul is in this 31 and so you will have to get another.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Does it ever end?

New or Old.... it never do.

I never considered 'restoring' our '63 Safari....just get it ready to Camp, constantly, again & again & again.



Bob

[MelGoddard]

I agree with "Centenialman".
Once everything works as it's supposed to, and it's safe for the road; "THEN leave it lay where Jesus flang it." and enjoy the trip.
My first trailer was a Starcraft 'Centennial,' and right from the factory it had so many snags that I spent ten days of my vacation time to make the damn thing roadworthy.
And then in Newfoundland, the door popped open, and the lid raised a bit; took me two hours at the campground shop to make it work properly.
After that, everything worked OK until I traded it on a Hi-Lo. And THAT was good trailer.
Too bad that they went out of business.
My 25' FC? Lots of snags to address before it worked as it should.
Now I view my new 30'er FC with trepidation with the new season coming up.
I want to spend my time enjoying the ambience of the 'camp', and not spending it on idiot snags!
In the past few years, I have purchased two Subarus, one Toyota 4-Runner, and now a Ford F-150.
EVERYTHING worked from the get-go.
Why can't the R.V. Manufacturers do the same? Many RVs cost much more than the tow vehicles.

[68 TWind]

I learned that perfection is impossible. Go camping and enjoy it at every opportunity. We used ours as an "aluminum tent" the first summer.
I also learned over the years that all those little things that really bug you are never seen by others. Most folks just see a big pretty shiny trailer and never see all the little blemishes and dinks and scratches that drive you crazy. I'm not saying to not strive for it to be the best it can be but don't sweat the really small cosmetic stuff. The work never ends (but does slow down a lot) but for me it is a labor of love. In a few years you will look back with fond memories of the time spent fixing her up. When all systems work, you have all the leaks fixed, and you get to spend time at a nice campground-all the work is worth it.

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by MAJORJDB

Laying it on you,
You could start by quitting your whining. What did you think you were getting into? Most "vintage" cars, trailers and even people need continuous upkeep to remain functional. Not sure what your endstate is with your AS but if you are looking to camp now, just do it with what you have and let the little things go. You have to ask yourself what makes you happy, is it in just finally owning an AS (my case) or having the perfect TT. Most folks will tell you that you need to own several RVs to see the good, bad and ugly in RV ownership. The great thing about AS's is that you can change them as your needs/wants change. Appreciate what you have, instead of wishing for that level of perfection you may never find. Good Luck in your travels...
JDB

Coming on a little strong aren't you? The OP is young and discovering that all that glitters is not gold. Let the grasshopper learn and grow. Anyway I didn't detect any 'whining' so I think the world is still good.

[trekerboy]

Wow, so much good advise here. I knew I was going to get some passionate responses. What an awesome community; lots of wisdom.

We took the collective advice here: just get out there and enjoy your time with your family, in whatever form that takes.

Took the family out on a "test trip" last night. Here's this morning's sunrise over Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan (still some snow on the ground mind you!):

[centennialman]

Beautiful picture! Now....that's what we are talking about....enjoying your labor of love. Old Airstreams have such character and I often wish they share all of their experiences with us. They are Americana at it's best and are to be enjoyed

[trekerboy]

In true "does it ever end?" form, we set out for our 1st "real" camping trip this weekend only to find out the furnace stopped working, the city water connection was pouring out water and something strange was happening with the trailer brake controller... but we overcame all of that to have an amazing weekend at a beautiful spot all to ourselves. A shot from the sunset: