Airstream Panamerica

[ElCamino Man]

Hey guys. Im looking hot and heavy at my options for Airstreams. I came across one I think would fit me well. Its called the Panamerica! I LOVE riding my Harley and also have a jacked up golf cart that Id love to take camping with me and the PA fits the bill perfectly. The only problem is... only 19 of them were built. Theyre few and far between. I came across one for $52,000 which seems like a good price for such a rare piece of soon-to-be history! Am I right?

Next thing is (if I get it) trying to swallow that large camper payment every month lol

[JimGolden]

I really like the looks of those too! But if the price is to high, and you're a good mechanic, you might buy a used 34 footer (especially one with a trashed interior) and remodel it yourself.

I saw a guy online that took a Spartan trailer and made a toy hauler out of it. It looked awesome. I think he put an old Lincoln in it.

It'd be a lot of work, but could be done for half the price you're talking. I'd fab up a new frame with new axles. Then make the back swing open however you like. Just make sure you don't get it too tail heavy. Might need to move the axles a little aft of the original space.

Or, something I've always wanted to to; get two Excella's and take the front from one and the rear from another and make a 40 footer. If you're making a frame anyway...why not. I'd do a long silver tube with the garage in the back (I have a V-Rod myself and love it!) and maybe even a slide. A lot of work, but that'd be a cool rig.

Or, just buy the Panamerica and have at it now!

See ya on the road,

[ElCamino Man]

Now your speaking my language! Iv noticed a lot of guys on here arnt into the whole "modification" scene. Iv seen a couple pics of the 40 footers Airstream built for the railroaders. I loved it! Id have to put some power adders on my Powerstroke to pull that beast though!

My only problem would be finding the finances to purchase two Airstreams...

[switz]

That could be the opening price for a large sink hole for lots of $$$. I would make sure to have an escape clause if, upon an inspection, the unit turns out to be unacceptable.

[JimGolden]

I wouldn't want to cut up a new(er) one, but you can get the late 70's 31 footers pretty cheap. Especially if you found a couple with frame damage and shot axles (which would be pretty easy to find..). I'd stay away from the double pane windows (my 77 had them) just for simplicity, but if you found a couple with decent shells and the rest toast, that'd be the ticket!

Best of luck whichever way you go!

[daveswenson]

$52,000 sounds like a pretty good price if the trailer is in decent shape. I know someone who has one and they love it.

[xrvr]

How much weight can the pan am carry? Jim

[JimGolden]

From Colonial Airstream's site, they say up to 3000lbs in the garage and a little over 4200lbs total load in the trailer. I didn't realize how big the garage is....11' long!

I'd love to have one!

Colonial Airstream - Airstream 2010 PanAmerica 34' Toy Hauler Travel Trailer RV NJ

[ElCamino Man]

Yes sir. The trailer itself weighs a hefty 12,500 lbs and can carry 4000 lbs in the "garage". Perfect for a Harley or my brothers side-by-side

Im not "too" worried buying off ebay. They have buyer protection. Even if they didn't, Id rather walk away with the cost of fuel than dumping 50 grand on a crappy unit

[Airtandem]

have you talked to Colonial Airstream? I see they have one in stock, new 2009. Price is higher, but.

[switz]

The one at Colonial I see on line is setup as a store/bar. It would have to be gutted and redone for habitation. I am not sure there is even a toilet installed.

[ElCamino Man]

Its not a camper. Its the Victorinox edition which is basically a rolling store. Not worth $30,000 more IMO lol

[Bigventure]

52 is a good price for a nice trailer.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by ElCamino Man

Hey guys. Im looking hot and heavy at my options for Airstreams. I came across one I think would fit me well. Its called the Panamerica! I LOVE riding my Harley and also have a jacked up golf cart that Id love to take camping with me and the PA fits the bill perfectly. The only problem is... only 19 of them were built. Theyre few and far between. I came across one for $52,000 which seems like a good price for such a rare piece of soon-to-be history! Am I right?

Next thing is (if I get it) trying to swallow that large camper payment every month lol

Is this the same poster that was talking in another thread about buying a nice trailer for $15,000?

My, how your tune has changed, El!

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by JimGolden

I wouldn't want to cut up a new(er) one, but you can get the late 70's 31 footers pretty cheap. Especially if you found a couple with frame damage and shot axles (which would be pretty easy to find..). I'd stay away from the double pane windows (my 77 had them) just for simplicity, but if you found a couple with decent shells and the rest toast, that'd be the ticket!

Best of luck whichever way you go!

Actually you could go cheaper then that, get one with front damage and one with rear damage.

[ElCamino Man]

The difference is $15,000 for 3 years or $52,000 for 20 years lol!

Sadly, the $50,000 camper is $130 cheaper a month!

[ElCamino Man]

Heres something I didn't consider. What would insurance be like on a trailer of this magnitude? Id of course put full coverage on it. Whatdya guys think?

[ElCamino Man]

Iv been thinking a TON these last few days. 50 grand is a ton of money to dump on an Airstream. Im getting a bit cold footed. Are there any Panamerica owners on here? If so, please speak up. Id love to talk to you!

And Iv discovered the Eddie Bauer Airstream. Its somewhat like a PA... ish. They only come in 25 and 27 foot though but they still have the lift gate in the back. I don't think its meant for motorcycles though...

[switz]

A small trail bike might be low enough to fit through the EB rear door and not overload the frame.

[ElCamino Man]

Eek. That's what I figured... Iv never actually seen an Eddie Bauer in person so I wondered how big that door was.