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Nick7764 · 08-30-2006, 11:48 AM

Ok, I have yet to own an airstream (but hopefully that will change in the sort of near future), and am kind of puzzled. A while back, about a year or so, I saw an airstream motorhome on ebay. I LOVED it! But later, looking at "normal" airstream motorhomes, the one I saw was totally different! It didn't resemble a motorhome so much as it did a trailer converted to one! Thats the best way I can describe it- I wish I had pics. I think it was being sold in Texas at the time. The listing might have mentioned that it was one of a few that had been converted by this company or something like that. Nevertheless, it looked awesome. It had the looks of the trailer with the rv-ness of an rv. In other words, the front was just like the back. I think there was a blue stripe on the side, if that helps identify it, or what it might have been. I can't really remember, but something dodge might have been used for something like the engine. I dunno...its been a while, but I've never forgotten it! Does anyone know what I'm talking about, or am I just crazy? lol

-Nick

Chuck · 08-30-2006, 11:56 AM

sounds like you're talking about the "classic" airstream motorhome, which were made from the late 70's to mid 90's. They look like a motorized airstream trailer, and essentially, thats what they are. The factory stopped making them some time in the 90's, switching to a more traditional "white box" style. They've announced that they'll soon be stopping motorhome production altogether.

Search around on the forums, and in the photos section, and you'll find lots of pics.

Nick7764 · 08-30-2006, 12:17 PM

No, I don't think its those...the front looked different. It looked like a trailer in that thr front was shaped like the back. and square grills below for the engine. Didn't really look factory...hmm...

bobchevy89 · 08-30-2006, 12:25 PM

Yes I have seen that one listed on here a month or so ago.I think it was listed under some weird sightings...some one put the rear end of a trailor on the motor home frame be the drivers front window...

Nick7764 · 08-30-2006, 12:37 PM

When you say "listed here", do you mean for sale? If so, does anyone know who bought it?

Condoluminum · 08-30-2006, 12:44 PM

Nick-

If you look at Classifieds tab at top of screen, click there and then again on classic motorhomes, you'll see a variety of pictures of motorhomes looking like trailers with windshields...

There are a variety of Airstream and Argosy motorhome configurations and models around, ranging from 22' to 39' in length...

John McG

swebster · 08-30-2006, 12:44 PM

Nick,
First of all, welcome to the forum. You might be talking about something like this

http://www.airstreammotorhomes.com/u...version_A.html)

There are a few "conversions" out there that pop up on eBay from time to time. Most were homegrown or non-factory conversions.

BTW - Fred's site is considered "THE" resource for all things Classic Motorhome. Check it out: www.airstreammotorhomes.com

Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

Nick7764 · 08-30-2006, 01:23 PM

That's IT!!! Wow! I never thought I'd see it again!!! It even says "DODGE" in the front like I thought I remembered! Wow! Does anyone know whose that is? Thx so much!

JBK · 08-30-2006, 01:25 PM

Back in 89, my inlaws bought a 345 (which I am purchasing this fall) and I fell in love! I went looking for something more in MY budget and did come across a converted trailer that was made into a MH. This one had a Ford 351.
I was told to avoid those conversions at all costs, so I went no further.
It was kinda cool though. Wish I had taken some pictures...

JB

Nick7764 · 08-30-2006, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBK

I was told to avoid those conversions at all costs, so I went no further.

JB

Avoid them? Why? Are they unreliable or unsafe or something?

swebster · 08-30-2006, 04:08 PM

These "conversions" were typically done by home builders or small time converters. They were not built by the Airstream factory (like the Classic Motorhomes were) so you would likely be dealing with some serious "backyard engineering".

Like any home built anything....if the builder is a genius then you win..but if not...then well you could end up with something that is hard to support & maintain and it certainly could be under-engineered and unsafe.

Keep in mind that simply bolting a trailer onto a pick-up truck chassis does not make a motorhome. Things like weight dsitribution, braking systems, chassis suspensions, etc all need to be engineered as a complete unit. The factory Classics are all built on Chevy P30 chassis (bread vans) or Gilligs (bus). Take a look at the brakes on a P30 and compare them to a Dodge pickup...there is a huge difference.

If you're interested in the classic motorhomes I would strongly recommend sticking with the factory versions.