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10Smiles · 06-03-2011, 08:44 AM

Hello. My wife and I are new to this forum and we do not own an Airstream yet. We have been camping (tent, tent trailer, hard side trailer) for many years. We have always been interested in Airstreams, but have never been in a position to own one. Well, that is soon to change (hopefully). We have been looking for a while now and are hoping to purchase a ~30 foot trailer.
We found an Airstream trailer that looks to be just what we want on Craigslist. It is a 2003 30 foot Classic M30 that appears to be in quite good condition. The problem is that it is in Colorado and we are in Washington State (at least it is on the correct side of the U.S.!!). The trailer is found in both the Denver and Boulder listings, with slightly different pictures in each; it is stated to be in Longmont, CO (which is just north of Denver). Anyway, we were wondering if there is someone on this forum in Colorado who could take a look at the trailer for us. I called the owner and he does not have e-mail (a friend listed the trailer for him) and has very few pictures.
He stated that the trailer has a bit of damage on the curb side as the awning was hit and was subsequently removed. Also, the front window was damaged in the incident and has been replaced. So, our concern is that there is more damage to the trailer than he has said (structural, skin integrity, cosmetic, etc.).
We would be willing to pay for fuel if someone agrees to take on this task for us.
Thanks a bunch,
David and Tammi

vinstream · 06-03-2011, 09:07 AM

Hello David and Tammi!
I am from WA (Spokane) and now reside in Denver! I would be willing to Look at this trailer for you! It will not be until next week, however! The listing as you described it sounds a little strange! I will do this for free NO CHARGE!

Todd Owner of Vinstream...

Mike Leary · 06-03-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinstream

Hello David and Tammi!
I am from WA (Spokane) and now reside in Denver! I would be willing to Look at this trailer for you! It will not be until next week, however! The listing as you described it sounds a little strange! I will do this for free NO CHARGE!

Todd Owner of Vinstream...

The listing DOES sound strange, take some pics, Todd.

Jammer · 06-03-2011, 09:39 AM

Sounds like quite a project. Collision damage, even if fairly minor, can be extremely expensive to repair. I would opine that if the trailer is not local to you and you don't have ready access to one of the major Airstream repair facilities (the closest one to you is in southern California), you may be better off to keep looking.

Mike Leary · 06-03-2011, 10:43 AM

I rather agree with Jammer. There is a new AS dealership just down I-5 from you in Covington. Nice weekend for a drive!

345bill · 06-03-2011, 12:35 PM

If you go down there be sure to see Loren Swartz, who was Airstreams service manager here in Las Vegas, and is presently at the new Covington dealership. He is for sure the man to see for any type repairs related to Airstreams.

InsideOut · 06-03-2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Smiles

"appears to be in quite good condition." ...<snip>... "has a bit of damage on the curb side as the awning was hit and was subsequently removed. Also, the front window was damaged in the incident and has been replaced."

These two phases regarding the same trailer...hmmm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Smiles

...our concern is that there is more damage to the trailer...

I would say that's a very valid concern. Good to have someone check it out...would love to see pics of this one, wonder if it's anyone we know?

Good luck with your search!

Shari

10Smiles · 06-03-2011, 12:46 PM

Todd (Vinstream),
Thank you, thank you!! Your help would be most appreciated. I will send you a PM with my e-mail for pictures.

Mike Leary and 345bill,
Yes, we were planning on taking a trip to this new dealership this weekend.

Thanks all,
David

vinstream · 06-07-2011, 08:15 PM

I met today with the elderly couple that owned this trailer. They are the second owners and purchased the trailer from a man that "worked on trailers" in OH. It's very clear this trailer was rear ended, and my judgement totaled by the insurance company! Someone (the guy who worked on trailers) then purchased the trailer and did a hack job on reworking the panels, my favorite touch, turned the rear-end into a 5 panel trailer! The entire sides of this trailer are warped to say the least. The amazing part is Olympic rivets were used and never shaved... and the rivet rubber gaskets were left on and have since rotted away! The front curb side window of the trailer has also been poorly replaced and again an extra panel was added for detail?! The impact from the rear ending has bent the main door frame not allowing the door to fully closed!

The sad part of this story is this couple purchased the tailer and knew of some damage but had no idea the extent of it! The trailer looks like it has never been used! They said they pulled it twice to AZ to visit family, and I believe them!

The man that sold them this trailer should be .... well you get the point!

This would make a great parts trailer, the interior is like brand new!

Todd

vinstream · 06-07-2011, 08:31 PM

As you can see the interior is very nice! Notice the upper back cabinets separated from the ceiling due to the rear ending of the trailer... To fix this correctly the entire interior need to be removed and start from scratch!

Final note... If your in the market to buy a trailer use someone local to go and see the trailer first hand if you don't live in the area! I am sure this has helped the three people that contacted me that were interested in this trailer!

Good LUCK in your search... but I think after seeing the pictures you will want to pass on this trailer!

Todd