Visit our Popular Forums

CharlieCami · 01-23-2016, 11:12 AM

We found our ideal trailer; a 1973 center bath Sovereign located 1.5 hours away. Unfortunately after looking closer at the photos and asking for more details, we discovered a large amount of damage on the driver's side. The owner states they have a roll of "stainless" material from Airstream and that a reputable dealer quoted them $500 for the repairs. Before we make an offer we would like to hear your opinions on the extent of work. I have attached the only photos we have been given:

https://twinfalls.craigslist.org/for/5407770485.html

CharlieCami · 01-23-2016, 11:15 AM

They've told us to make an offer on a $5,000 asking price as-is

RamblinManGa · 01-23-2016, 11:17 AM

Hi from AZ. . . Wecome to our gang. . .whoa ! that's a fair amount of damage, and as you probably know, Airstreams are aluminum, not stainless. . . I might keep looking !. . . good luck, Craig

CharlieCami · 01-23-2016, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

Hi from AZ. . . Wecome to our gang. . .whoa ! that's a fair amount of damage, and as you probably know, Airstreams are aluminum, not stainless. . . I might keep looking !. . . good luck, Craig

I did think they were aluminum and asked the seller if the aluminum panels were cut to shape. They responded saying that they had a roll of stainless from airstream.

I agree with you - unless the cost is almost nothing, we don't want this amount of headache. The worst part is the distance from us is so enticing!!

OilnH2o · 01-23-2016, 11:31 AM

I wouldn't even answer them back. I showed the picture to my wife and she said it looked as if it had been rolled. It is not worth $5000 unless in top shape - and you can't even see the other side, the ends, the running gear, or the inside. It might cost $500 just to get it out of there.

There is a reason new Airstreams are so expensive. If you look at the "Classifieds" here on the forums - Parts and Appliances (used, rare and vintage) Archives - Page 2 of 11 - Airstream Trailer Classifieds - Airstream Trailers For Sale you'll see a new Airstream aluminum panel - 2 feet by 6 feet - for sale for $450. That's just for one 2x6-foot panel of proper sized aluminum. Someone telling you a "reputable" dealer said it could be repaired for $500 is flat out... well - being less than truthful.

We looked for several months to find ours - they are out there, but if I were considering this, I'd pass. Good luck!

idroba · 01-23-2016, 12:34 PM

Run away from that one. It is a total loss. The cost of repairs with that amount of metal damage would far exceed the value of the trailer when repaired.

idroba · 01-23-2016, 12:36 PM

Oh, tell them that if a "reputable dealer said they would repair it for $500" then have them have it repaired and sell it to you for an extra $500.

Not going to happen of course.

n2916s · 01-23-2016, 01:25 PM

Run, not walk, away from this deal. The trailer appears to have been on its side.

Mike

CharlieCami · 01-23-2016, 11:43 PM

Yeah, like it almost rolled and came slamming back on its wheels and collapsed that side huh? Thanks for all of your inputs. It's a pet peeve of mine when people take poor photos, especially of damage. We didn't even notice the damage for the first couple of days, just looking at the craigslist ad. The photos are so terrible... like from a flip phone? I finally noticed the large dents then asked for more photos of the damage. You're right, a total loss. Moving on!

Martin1214 · 01-24-2016, 10:44 AM

Do a 180 and run away from these "sellers". That or send me the money and I will promise you nothing in return. Good luck with your future hunt!

Inland RV Center, In · 01-24-2016, 11:40 AM

Biggest JOKE in quite a while.

Back in 1970, the labor to replace just the lower panel was 25 hours, plus all the cut outs, for a total of about 32 hours. Plus painting time.

Perhaps the owner misplace the decimal place.

Andy

tjdonahoe · 01-24-2016, 12:02 PM

Leaver rite , leave it rite where you found it....

SuzyHomemakr · 01-24-2016, 02:26 PM

You should maybe try looking more in the Sunbelt, or down here in Florida. A larger Airstream can be had for much less money. I'm helping a friend look for an Airstream, and we got suckered in on one of those "looks great on this side" ads in Craigslist. What I told her: anything other than the body can be fixed by a relatively handy person. Fixing the big dents is a very tough job. Especially in the curved corner sections!