ARGOSY value / AIRSTREAM

[brunoffrance]

As I plan to buy another travel trailer or motorhome for living more time in your country, what is the difference between an ARGOSY and an AIRSTREAM ?
I don't see why there is two names for what it seems to be the same model , exept the body in silver or painted...
Is the interiors different, cheaper, with less quality equipment ????
Apparently, the Argosy are better prices than Airstream in used ... Why ?

Bruno

[Happycampers]

Good Morning Bruno... The Argosys were prototypes for anything new that was tried for Airstreams.. silver ones that is.... The interiors are the same .. Personallly we like the Argosys better ... they are just painted versions for their silver cousins.... The outside endcaps are steel and the rest of the body is aluminum. We have had a silver one and this is our 2nd Argosy redo from top to bottom. We love them...

[dwightdi]

Argoies have always been regarded by the public as less iconic and therefore they did not command as big a price tag. There were made at a separate factory from the Airstream and the years they were produced were more limited. Some ideas were tried out in the Argosy product line before they were addopted into the Airstream product line. If you do not mind the fact that they are painted rather than polished metal, they represent a better buy for your usage.

[brunoffrance]

is the only difference , the painting coat on aluminum instead of clear coat on aluminum ... and the name on the front & rear sides of the caravan ?
Inside, No difference ?

And for motorhomes ( I've seen used MH with really good prices... ) , sames rules than the travel trailers ?

Bruno.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by brunoffrance

is the only difference , the painting coat on aluminum instead of clear coat on aluminum ... and the name on the front & rear sides of the caravan ?
Inside, No difference ?

And for motorhomes ( I've seen used MH with really good prices... ) , sames rules than the travel trailers ?

Bruno.

Bruno, Argosy trailers and motor homes are considered more Spartan in appointments, and have fewer windows, and are one foot shorter than their Airstream counterparts. Argosy coaches also have galvanized steel single piece end caps, while Airstreams had multi-piece aluminum end caps.
Air conditioners were optional on Argosies for the most part, have a slightly thinner floor (1/2" vs 5/8'+), and don't have all the "gadgets" that comparable Airstream models do. The NuTone food center that was optional on Airstream models was not available on Argosy models, the "Airstream control center" was also not available on Argosy models, you have to be aware of your holding tank levels without the (usually incorrect anyway) gauges. The "Vista View" roof mounted windows were almost unheard of in an Argosy. They also had slightly smaller holding tanks, both for fresh and waste water.
The one foot difference in length was achieved by simply lopping off a foot from the back of the frame, which I think helped the towing characteristics. A foot shorter equates to higher tongue weight for trailer length, and a center of gravity that was moved forward as well.
Most Argosy trailers had 10" brakes, vs. 12" brakes on most Airstreams, and the wheels had a slightly lower capacity weight-wise. Later model Argosy trailers had wagon-spoke wheels, and cheap plastic center caps, rather than full hubcaps.
Later model Argosy trailers and motor homes even carry a small badge identifying them as Airstream products.

[Gosman]

Question 1 am new to the airstream world and have just purchased a 1975 argosy and my wife and I will be doing a little remodle , question behind the couch their is a frest water take , can it be removed???
being new to camping world of Air Stream and never owning a trailer they say no question is a dum one , what is it for ??? and should I leave it be and not take it out ?????

[Gosman]

I am new to the airstream world and just have purchase a 1975 argosy it handle grate in the towing to my home , now I have a new 2010 F150 with THE TRAILER TOW PACKAGE SO ALL SHOULD OF BEEN WELL ,
but when hooked up to the trailer the back up lights on my truck will pop on and stay on untill I unplug the trailer plug any one know why this would be???? the truck has only 400 miles

[Gosman]

I have a 1975 argosy and in need of a replacement light cover on the rt. Rear top, does any one know were one could be purchased also a few of the bulbs need replaced , were can they be purchased as well.
The 1975 argosy we justed purchased has what appears to look like back up lights ?

[memgrove2000]

Originally Posted by jett

I am new to the airstream world and just have purchase a 1975 argosy it handle grate in the towing to my home , now I have a new 2010 F150 with THE TRAILER TOW PACKAGE SO ALL SHOULD OF BEEN WELL ,
but when hooked up to the trailer the back up lights on my truck will pop on and stay on untill I unplug the trailer plug any one know why this would be???? the truck has only 400 miles

First things first.... Welcome to the forums. You will be better answered if you put questions in a better place. You have posted theese in a very old thread that wont get much traffic.... Also use the search feature in the upper right corner of the page (I like the google search). The people here are great and willing to help the new guy!!

Now for your lights... The Umbilical cord might need to be rewired. The new plug on the truck and the old wires in the trailer plug are not in the same order OR color scheme. (this is not just your trailer it was all of them that old)... you will need to search around for the right diagram to show just how they need to go ... Me... I used a test light, and found the wires by function... Brake light, turn signals, trailer brakes, charge line, running lights.... on the trailer... then matched them to the truck (DO NOT CHANGE THE TRUCK SIDE)

good luck and dont give up .... people here ARE the best!!!

[overlander64]

Greetings Jett!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Vintage Argosy Ownership!

Originally Posted by jett

I have a 1975 argosy and in need of a replacement light cover on the rt. Rear top, does any one know were one could be purchased . . .

The clearance marker light lenses should be readily available from several sources. I suspect that you will be able to find replacement lenses for any exterior lamps on your Argosy from Vintage Trailer Supply.

Originally Posted by jett

also a few of the bulbs need replaced , were can they be purchased as well.

You can purchase replacement bulbs from most larger auto supply stores. The easiest method is to take the defective bulb into the store for matching. If you need help identifying the correct bulb, you can find the information on replacement bulb numbers in your coach's owners' manual. If you find that you need an owners' manual, reproductions can be purchased from the Airstream Corporate Store.

Originally Posted by jett

The 1975 argosy we justed purchased has what appears to look like back up lights ?

Most Airstream and Argosy trailers of the 1970s came equipped with backup lights. The wire is in the trailer's umbilical cord, but isn't always connected. You can solve the mystery of your coach's umbilical cord with the wiring diagram found at this link.

Originally Posted by jett

. . . but when hooked up to the trailer the back up lights on my truck will pop on and stay on untill I unplug the trailer plug any one know why this would be????

You will likely find that your coach's trailer plug (Bargman 7-pole) is still wired to the original (non-industry-standard) Argosy schematic. This could explain the reason that your truck's backup lights are on constantly when hooked to the trailer -- in the Argosy's original wiring schematic, the charge line is where the backup light feed is on the current industry standard wiring schematic -- so the trailer is constantly feeding current to your tuck's backup light circuit.

Originally Posted by jett

I will be doing a little remodle , question behind the couch their is a frest water take , can it be removed???

I would suggest that you retain the fresh water tank for several reasons, including the following:

• The fresh water tank is placed in that location to insure that at least 12% to 15% of the coach's weight rests on the hitch to help insure stable towing. I have towed my Argosy all over the US and have always had better handling in adverse conditions if the fresh water tank is full or nearly full.
• It is always nice to have potable water for stops where there are no utility connections available. Lunch stops in parks are always nicer when you have water available for your coach's kitchen and bathroom.
• The resale value of your coach will be adversely impacted if it doesn't have the original self-containment features including the demand fresh water system.

If the problem is dirt in the tank or leaks, replacement tanks are available from Airstream dealers or other independent suppliers. If the tank just needs cleaning, you can try the process identified at this link.

Good luck with your Argosy, I am sure that you will enjoy your coach!

Kevin

[Bex]

I am in the process of trying to get the Argosy I have bought (but not yet paid for or placed a deposit) collected, and this info is very useful.
Thanks Overlander64

Bex