Omigosh. I think I just bought an Airstream.

[LittleRadio]

It's a 31' Sovereign of 1983 vintage. Used every year, but maintained meticulously by its 2nd owner, and stored inside when not being towed around North America.

Skin shows no sign of weather-beateness or CC peeling, minor dent in front, minor scratch on side. Everything works. First year for front wrap-around windows (according to owner). It's very clean. No problems. Systems recently checked out by Airstream of Chicago techs.

I think this trailer is really as good as it gets. And the price is reasonable (I think).

I close on the deal tomorrow if he doesn't get a buyer willing to pay more before then.

I'm a firm believer in "if it's too good to be true..." so.. what should I look out for? What should I know about this model year?

[kposey]

I just got one of those off of Ebay recently! Early congrats. Hope it all works out for you. Don't know anything about the 83's, but I'm working my way up!

[GStephens]

There aren't any issues with the '83. They have the beefier 4" frames so there is no issue with the rear end sag of some of the '70's models. There are no issues with the headliner sag of the mid 90's models. These are generally solid units.
GStephens
P.S. 1983 was not the first year of the wrap around windows. They were introduced in 1982.

[bobfowler]

Originally Posted by GStephens

<snip>P.S. 1983 was not the first year of the wrap around windows. They were introduced in 1982.

Unless you have an Argosy, they had 'em in 1972!

[boondockdad]

don't miss this one...
and there's still plenty of time for a nice fall vacation...

[jimmickle]

Please join us at the fall color pig roast in Pecotonica, north of Rockford, next weekend.

Jim Mickle

[vswingfield]

Sounds nice! As much as I liked my ’67, I really like my ’83 Excella. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, you can get a copy from Airstream’s online store. I just got one and an ’84 shop manual, since they don’t offer an ’83 shop manual. I am glad to have them.

Vaughan

[boondockdad]

didjagetit???!1!1

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by LittleRadio

It's a 31' Sovereign of 1983 vintage. Used every year, but maintained meticulously by its 2nd owner, and stored inside when not being towed around North America.

Skin shows no sign of weather-beateness or CC peeling, minor dent in front, minor scratch on side. Everything works. First year for front wrap-around windows (according to owner). It's very clean. No problems. Systems recently checked out by Airstream of Chicago techs.

I think this trailer is really as good as it gets. And the price is reasonable (I think).

I close on the deal tomorrow if he doesn't get a buyer willing to pay more before then.

I'm a firm believer in "if it's too good to be true..." so.. what should I look out for? What should I know about this model year?

Little Radio..
Look out for: The BEST TIME OF YOUR LIFE~!!
The biggest thing to be concerned about is..Replacing the rubber seals over your sewage pipe vents. There's two of them..I'd check them now. this will prevent water from getting into your unit. All of the appliances from this era have had an excellent life. You might or might not find the A/C to be getting near the end of it's life. Depends on where you plan to use it the most.
The cabinet/door latch may start to break due to aging due to the plastic giving up.
Since it's been inside for storage, you may well be spared all of this for a few more years..One more thing..Another year and you can join the Vintage Club~!!
Good luck with your new unit~
ciao
53FC

[boondockdad]

what's up, LR?

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

One more thing..Another year and you can join the Vintage Club~!!
Good luck with your new unit~
ciao
53FC

Another year? It's the middle of October already.

[Silvertwinkie]

Nice...where are you planning on storing it during our interesting rust belt winters to keep in in that condition?

[juel]

Well, did you get it?? Are there pictures??