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LAWFISH · 12-12-2007, 10:27 PM

OK, as a new guy looking for an Airstream, I would like to know which ones are the most desirable and who. Also, is there such thing as a modle thats alemon or ones to stay away from?

I am doing some reading and I have read that the center bath models are more desirable? Also I have seen posts on older ones like Flying clouds,. ect.

I am on thye hunt for a trailer but dont want to buy one if its on the list to be carefull of or check certain items on certain ones. I also dont want to buy one, only to stumble across a more desirable one in a month after learning more info.

Thanks for any healp with some informaiton. I am looking for a longer one in the 28 ft to 32 ft range.

I have my eye on a gutter 69 28 ft Ambassador that is for sale. Any pitfalls to these?
Thanks
Dave

**Janet H** · 12-12-2007, 10:34 PM

Hi and welcome.

Desireable is in the eye of the owner. In general, the shorter and older the trailer, the more collectable it is. However, older trailers, especially really old ones need restoration or rehab work.

Some of the longer trailers made during the early to mid 70's (28 feet and above) were somewhat under engineered and may be prone to rear end seperations, sometimes called tail droop.

goransons · 12-12-2007, 10:38 PM

we have a 25' 69 and love it, wouldn't trade it for the world (ok so maybe, but unlikely). Its our favorite year for interior of the 60's and 70's. I guess it depends on each person's tastes!

Zeppelinium · 12-12-2007, 10:45 PM

You pick the length based on your intended Airstream lifestyle, with one exception. You have to worry about shell separation (frame sag) in the longer models--just be careful to inspect carefully this aspect of anything over 25'.

I thought the shorter the better and I love my Caravel, but after 7 years of experience in a Caravel (18') and Overlander (27'), I finally opted for the shortest thing I could find with two axles (a 23' Safari). Two axles definitely tow better and 18', although fine for one person, gets real cramped after a week or two with two people.

Zep

KeithC · 12-12-2007, 11:10 PM

Every Airstream owner has their own opinion, but after a bit of compairson of value, the sifting of functional features, you are left with the only one really true correct design choice. The 1968 24' Airstream Tradewind.

2airishuman · 12-12-2007, 11:11 PM

hi law' welcome to the forums!

many ask this question which has no one correct answer.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/378627-post4.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/464087-post2.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/223971-post7.html

it's more about you than the year or model...

how will u use it, what features do you want, diy or ready2go, how much money...

and image as metaphor....

cheers
2air'

Foiled Again · 12-12-2007, 11:33 PM

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
(Cosmo Fishhawk)

How you intend to use it will determine which is the best model for you. Also your personal handiness and record of following through will determine whether you should buy OLD vintage, a newer unit, or brand new/fully restored.

2Air gave you some very good threads to study. Hang around, attend some rallies, visit some dealers... SIT in some bathrooms and lie down on the beds.

BUT also know that sooner or later you'll find one that speaks to you. That will be your best one.

Welcome. Paula Ford

Excella CM · 12-12-2007, 11:56 PM

The most desirable one, without a doubt, is the one that's just out of reach.

robandzoe · 12-13-2007, 12:06 AM

Go here and listen to all 59 shows... Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast

To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel

But I am in love with our 58 30 footer.

Of all the Airstreams I've owned (15 I think), one of the best floor plans I've seen was in the 75 22 footer double axle Argosy with the Center L layout.

69 was a transition year for Airstream - I like that year - the year I was born.

Rob

Ganglin · 12-13-2007, 04:39 AM

Welcome to The Forum.

The very best Airstream is the one you own without owing the bank any money on it...

jkcru · 12-13-2007, 06:11 AM

The grass is always greener on the other side. There will always be one just a little better,cheaper and brighter than the one you just bought.

JimGolden · 12-13-2007, 08:41 AM

I like the old Liners. Really sweet looking, long, and light. Wish I had one

Inland RV Center, In · 12-13-2007, 08:45 AM

Tough question.

Easy asnswer.

A 2008 34 foot trailer, with a slideout........................thats paid for.

Andy

urbanfood · 12-13-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robandzoe

To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel

huh, that's funny rob, i was thinking the same thing

InsideOut · 12-13-2007, 08:51 AM

Ding ding ding!!!! Right answer by me too! Although I like our GT too...and it's campable! Hope both will be by summer ~

Shari

ckeysor · 12-13-2007, 09:03 AM

I agree with every thing said to this point. Particulary that everyone has an ideal size/weight/style/layout and time period. One thing a potential Airstream buyer has is information and I would encourage you to look at the details.

For instance, the general thought is trailers in the 1980s had significant weight gain. Absolutely true, I charted it! But within that period you might find the ideal trailer for your needs. I have owned a 1978, 79 and a 2004. The 2004 was too heavy and I didn't necessarily like the wide body or particle board framing of cabinets and walls. To me that adds unnecessary weight. But my 1986 has advantages to my 1978 that are important to me including center bath, large LP tanks, 2 batteries, rock guards, full closets and much more storage! Oh and did I mention no rear sag

My point is on this forum you can find the details behind most of the models and years. What a great resource. I would also recommend some of the Airstream books out there. Airstream Living and History of the Land Yacht.

But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck

InsideOut · 12-13-2007, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ckeysor

But don't dwell too hard on this, you will love any Airstream you buy! Good Luck

I agree. And don't worry, your "first" is the most difficult to find. Once you have one, you will learn what you like & dislike and shopping for your second will be much easier! The most expensive one is your first...it's all a trade after that!

Well, unless you become a collector like some of us!

Shari

Goin camping · 12-13-2007, 10:42 AM

Best one? Easy to answer.

Its the one where you have all the room you need in the bathroom. It'll also have the right sized bed and the bed is easy to get in and out of and make in the morning.

It'll also have the floorplan that fits how you camp.

Floorplans are more important than length. Go to rallies and look around. You'll know it when you see it.

Currently I think the most popular new Airstreams are the 25 & 27 FB models.

safari57 · 12-13-2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robandzoe

Go here and listen to all 59 shows... Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast

To me, the perfect length is a 22 footer - perfect year 1956/57 Thirteen Panel

But I am in love with our 58 30 footer.

Of all the Airstreams I've owned (15 I think), one of the best floor plans I've seen was in the 75 22 footer double axle Argosy with the Center L layout.

69 was a transition year for Airstream - I like that year - the year I was born.

Rob

Ditto on your comments Rob excepting I'd be extending it to include all the 13 panel years, particularly those that have been upgraded to include a bathroom and water and waste systems. NOT that I'm biased in any way

Barry

Silvertwinkie · 12-13-2007, 03:11 PM

When at the factory I seem to recall them saying that 19 and 25 footers were the most popular, but that was before the 20, 23 and 27 footers showed up.