Advice on Airstream Purchase

[Meagan0316]

Hi,
I'm a newbie on the site. I'm looking for some advice on buying a vintage airstream. What are the major things I should look for and ask about before I purchase an Airstream? I know to look for mold, rust, water rings (leaks). I've been searching for an airstream for several months but it seems that I either miss the opportunity or the airstream would be too big of a project for me.

I found this airstream on Craigslist and it seems like a fair deal. Any opinion and/or advice would be greatly appreciated? Also, what would you offer? I hope to one day actually be a part of the airstream community and not a "wanna" be?

Thanks, Meagan M.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/5482401795.html

[Stefrobrts]

Hi Meagan, welcome to the obsession.

Your best bet is to go look at that trailer and crawl through it to see what you find. Poke around everywhere. Even better would be to take someone along who knows what they are doing. You may be able to find a forum member in the area who is able to help with an inspection.

This link might help answer some of your questions
http://vintageairstream.com/frequent...s-faqs/buying/

Good luck!

[ijustlee]

Looks good from photos but unless it was stored inside there will be some water damage somewhere. If somebody lived in it or used it a whole lot of time it might be OK. Most trailers sit in the back yard for years and nobody goes inside in the rain and checks in the nooks and crannies for leaks, Almost every RV that I've seen or worked on that is more than 5 years old has some water damage, that is just what happens.

[mimiandrews]

If the trailer has spent its whole life in the Phoenix area, you may be in luck. The desert climate minimizes the damage from water leaks, rust, corrosion, etc.

Stefrobrts advice to crawl through it with great attention to detail is very good. Floor damage, usual result of water leaks, is most likely along the edges where the shell meets the floor. Look into all the dark corners.

Welcome and best of luck.

[Hittenstiehl]

Megan I think you would need to know what it needs before you can make an offer.

Is it pull/road worthy?
You can figure tires, unless they're new.
How is frame?
Any rear end separation?
How is floor rot?
Do any interior systems work?
How handy/determined are you?
You can pull it apart but who puts if back together?
How is your ancillary spending budget?

I am local and would be glad to go see it with you. I'm NOT an inspector but we'll read have two in aluminum tent status and can at least be a set of extra eyes.

PM if you want company, schedules a but right but I'm in east valley.

[FreshAir]

2 things rise to the top of any older Airstream. Floor rot could mean removing some or all the interior to replace damaged wood. Best to test for spongey areas. An ice pick poked in areas covered will be a way to be certain of such suspicious areas. The other thing is on older rigs you WILL need new axles unless a previous owner has replaced the a while ago. There are several posts on threads on this subject on the forums. If you are handy you can do the work yourself. I did mine 9 or 10 years ago not long after my hip replacement surgery.......no I did not tell my doctor. The job took longer because I was extra careful. I believe that I posted my job with pictures. If it comes to that for you and you can't find my thread....pm me.
Neil

[DavidsonOverlander]

Looks like a nice trailer, but I agree with the suggestions that a close look is needed, preferably with someone with some Airstream experience.

I don't think this is a '67 as stated in the ad. It's probably a '69. The '67s had square corners on the windows and no wing windows on either side of the front window. Here is a link to some photos for reference. And here's a link to some photos of '69s. I've heard that the '69s are sought-after by some people because they were the first year with the windows with curved corners and the last year with a real wood interior.

The ad lists it at being 27' long, but it looks like a Sovereign which would be 31' long, so the seller probably just measured the trailer body not including the hitch.

[TxDave]

It does indeed look like a 31' Sovereign. Exterior skin looks to be in pretty good shape. With the rear bathroom it will most likely have floor rot and will probably need the black water tank and toilet replaced. Open that rear access door and examine the area inside thoroughly.

It will almost certainly be a bigger project than you initially anticipate. If you have the skills and enjoy this sort of thing, it could be a lot of fun. For price reference, we purchased a pretty solid 1971 Sovereign with a clear title last September for $4000.