Checking out an Argosy tomorrow (PICS)

[TennArgosy]

I've never owned a trailer or mobile home. I'm 24, and my grandfather just retired. Him and my grandmother talked about getting a small Airstream but I just found an Argosy (which I know nothing about other than they are almost the same with minor differences).. I think we can get it for $1,500 and for SURE under $2,000.. I was told there are mice and no refrigerator and everything else just needed to be cleaned. It is a 1979 but that is all I know. I believe it's a 27 footer but can't confirm at the moment..

-Is this a good price?
-How much am I looking at spending to make this thing nice again?
-What should I look for specifically when looking at it in person? and what should I ask the current owner specifically?

I really want this for my grandparents, we would be going in 50/50 on it but it's mainly for them. They never get out and do anything and this would be perfect!


These are the only pics I have right now, will try to post more tomorrow! please let me know what I should take pictures of for you guys to assess the value better!

THANK YOU GUYS!

[Argosy Heir]

I think that beast is a 30 footer . If you can get it that cheap , then go for it .

[TennArgosy]

Originally Posted by Argosy Heir

I think that beast is a 30 footer . If you can get it that cheap , then go for it .

I'll know tomorrow for sure. What do they usually go for? I've been checking online but prices are all over the place!

[mixedpuppy]

I see a fridge. Having a [more modern] 27, that looks bigger. And it seems it reasonable shape from the pictures...but are you ready for potentially unknwon reno's? under 2K seems like a steal.

[mixedpuppy]

Oh, search the forums for a checklist, there are a few of them, and they will be useful to evaluate the condition.

[TennArgosy]

Originally Posted by mixedpuppy

I see a fridge. Having a [more modern] 27, that looks bigger. And it seems it reasonable shape from the pictures...but are you ready for potentially unknwon reno's? under 2K seems like a steal.

Originally Posted by mixedpuppy

Oh, search the forums for a checklist, there are a few of them, and they will be useful to evaluate the condition.

I saw that too, I'm not sure if he meant that it was not working or if he took it out and sold it separately after the pics were taken? and yes, the pictures look decent. I'm hoping I can get better pictures and possibly a video tomorrow.

I'm honestly not ready for renovation and I'm on a very tight budget but I don't want to pass this up.. I see this as something my grandparents and I can do together and I lost my dad at 42 last year and realized I have very little that I can show or give my future children that was his or something he had a part in.. I want this to be something I can always look back on and know my grandparents and I shared and I can pass it, along with the memories, down to them..

as far as the checklist, I will do that ASAP. Thanks for that info.

[crispyboy]

To me it would be a steal at that price.
Be prepared for rotten floor, appliances that don't work, bad smells from mouse urine, axles that need to be replaced, tires, brakes, etc......
You could fix many things if your handy, budget some yearly money for repairs and maintenance and do a little at a time. I have repaired 3 different trailers so there can be many hidden costs.
This could also be a gem in disguise. It is definitely worth going over with a fine tooth comb but have your eyes wide open.

[TG Twinkie]

Unless you are prepared to spend at least an additional $5K to $10K to make it road ready then walk away.
What do you have for a tow vehicle?
It is at least a 30 footer.

[rostam]

Its a 30 footer, as 27 footers are rear bath. I think the price ($1500) is right and Argosy's are beautiful and all character. However, it would take an enormous amount of time/effort to make it road worthy (and I would say at least $10K). Good luck.

[bigbeard]

Don't let the doom and gloom scare you.

You COULD spend 10k getting it fixed up....but I don't think you NEED to spend that amount. Legally speaking, it needs a current inspection and good tires to be roadworthy. After that, it's all about what level of reliability and comfort you(and your grandparents)want.

Yes, new axles will help the ride and prolong the trailer's life...but if the axles/brakes are functioning as-is there's no need to change them immediately. Even if you do change the axles and tires, you're under $2500 total....I don't see the other $7500.

Cleanup/mouse removal will be free, and a dorm style electric fridge is cheap on Craigslist.

I would check it out, and if the appliances are working and it looks decent, think it's a great price. If you have your heart set on Airstream/Argosy it will be hard to find one cheaper. Yes, you may eventually find out it may leak, have shell separation, appliances might not work/stop working randomly, other hidden problems...but you can still camp in it. It just depends if your grandparents are comfortable with all those potential problems. I think some folks on this forum lose sight of the fact that not everyone needs/wants/can afford to camp in a fully restored/updated Airstream.

As with ANY brand vintage camper(or new for that matter), just know that stuff can break or go wrong and leave the trailer unusable until fixed. Owning a camper in general is not a great financial investment...but you only live once!

[bigbeard]

I would add.... be sure that you have an adequate tow vehicle for a trailer this big.

[Cleosdad]

I bought one just more than a year ago for $500 and put probably $3k into it...plus a lot of labor. If you have any experience or are willing to learn, you can do most of the repairs/replacements yourself. Good luck and happy to assist in any way.

Mine is a 1973 26'

[kenfconnor]

First great that you would want to do something for your grandparents!
The $1500 seems fair and you would have a good starting point. With a lot of work and some money it could be a good trailer. I would really evaluate if this is the the best trailer for their needs. Many state parks may not accommodate that size of trailer and it would take a large tow vehicle and perhaps that would not be suitable depending upon their age and desires? Unless that have a very solid and reliable truck that cost is going to dwarf the cost of any used trailer, even one in much better condition.

[USAtraveler]

The priced is a steal in almost any condition. I'm with BigBeard. Go for it!

[rvb]

It would be a good plan to check to see if they have the title. A bill of sale could be a potential headache depending on the state. In Texas if you have a bill of sale and the original owner shows up, you loose.

I have a 28' and that definitely looks like a 30'. It should weigh about 4500# +- empty and 6500# +- loaded and you would want a V8 1/2 ton pickup minimum to tow it. Mine is a 77 that was stationary for 12, but, the axles still have good travel and are ok, Jack it up and see if there is axle travel and how much. Plan on new brakes and wheel bearings.

Common places to check for rotten floor are: either side of the door, bathroom floor, along the front and back walls under the wrap around windows, particularly the corners and the back. They leak where the bumper connects. Use an ice pick or knife point to probe for soft spots. Small areas are not hard to fix. Lots of large areas of rot are a reason to pass.

[VT Wanderer]

Argosy brings back fond memories of my parents' first and only trailer when they retired in the early 1970s, while camping for me was my backpacking tent.

[The Twinkie]

Just as a heads up..............
Our 25 ft AS was in a barn and the Mickey and Minnie critters lived well. So well that we gutted it gently in hopes of getting rid the "le' oduur" but to no avail. We ended up removing all interior walls, electrical and plumbing.
When you drill out the rivets and start removing the walls, as you will see........ there will be mice runs (tunnels) all along the entire length of your camper. OH, and by the way, there will be a couple gallons of other stuff for your garden (mice poop). That's where the smell came from.
This project is for someone who can pull it under a shelter, remove all the interior and has the time (average about 8 - 12 hours average per week for 2 years. Be prepared to spend about $7,000 to $11,000 on it. They are fun to re-do if you have the time and patience to re-fix the frame, floor sections rotted out, and probably new axles.
It's tough fun and if not taken the time to re-do the way it should be done (new mechanical, electrical, etc.) then when done, it still doesn't smell healthy.
You'll need a 3/4 ton to pull probably just to be safe.
Good luck.

[newsgauger]

Hi TennArgosy,

I'm bettin' it's a 30', Center Bath with Double bed in rear.

All that the others say is true, in one form or another. But, don't be afraid! That model in either the Airstream or Argosy line-up is sought after by many.

I easily tow our 28' Argosy with a Ford 1/2 ton, 5.0 litre V8. So, the extra two feet, should only add 200 pounds or so. With the tongue weight being about the same.

Good Luck and keep us posted!

Chris

[ke6gkv]

Go forvit. Take someone who knows about airstream systems. I have a 80 carevell, it was gutted, but all systems were working. I figure i'll finish maybe 2018. Kurt

[doctorlewis]

My first travel trailer was a 1974 26 foot Argosy. I have a lot of great memories about the trips that I took with it. The Argosy was/is a great trailer. For the asking price, it would be hard to go wrong. Nothing beats an Argosy or Airstream. Good luck with it!!