We 'ALMOST' did it

[casa3805]

Yep, we "almost" bought a 2012 28ft International with all the bells and whistles... well, one of we almost did, till my DW, and personal financial consultant, got involved. Price was right but our 1984 is paid for and instead of putting all that money into a new one, we will put up a barn and continue making improvements to "Bud".

One day, I say....One Day....

[rodsterinfl]

Well, from looking at your pics, Bud looks like a nice AS and in good shape.

[casa3805]

Thanks very much! And it is, but man oh man that 2012 was a gorgeous machine... still pretty torn... (-:

[rodsterinfl]

Yes, I know. I bought used but had never looked at used until the dealer called me about this used one. My wallet spoke to me and I am thankful! And, this may not apply to your specific 27' Sovereign but I have started looking at the older trailer floor plans and I actually prefer some of the "floor plans of old" better.

[whitsend]

Chuck - Shame on you!! (-: You and Skye would be perfect vintage folk.

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by whitsend

Chuck - Shame on you!! (-: You and Skye would be perfect vintage folk.

I know, I know, and I am already trying to grow out my hair and get me a "vintage" pony tail, but it is difficult with this big bald spot in the middle of the back of my head!

We have tossed around the idea of hanging on to the one we have (we do love it) AND buying a new one for longer trips.. But more and more I see the problems others are having with new purchases. Jeez, many of them are much worse than we have ever had with our 1984. So I do believe Airstream has lost its desire to hang onto the market. Now we have started looking at other brands for our 2nd trailer. I almost think that those of us with the older trailers, many of whom have made them into showcase homes, are the reason people still like Airstreams. They see the vintage ones still on the road, have seen them all their lives, and make the assumption that the Quality is still there...I sure did, till I started reading here...

Ahh well, for now, we are vintage. And pretty darned proud of our old trailer.

[xrvr]

And you believe everything you read here? Jim

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

And you believe everything you read here? Jim

Heck no! I write a bunch of it! And right after I post that new ones have too many problems, I start searching Airstream inventories at nearby dealers. Sooo conflicted! Good thing Skye's Masters is Counseling!

[dkottum]

We've had two new late model Airstreams (upgraded for larger size) and the problems have been very minor. No doubt corrosion and leaks will happen. Corrosion can be managed with treatment of exposed edges on the shell the day you bring it home, regularly thereafter, and clean and paint when it happens. Inspect for leaks often visually and using a moisture detection meter under (through) the vinyl floor covering, and annual leak pressure test at a dealer. Don't wait for symptoms, that's too late. Or Murphy's Law, if it can happen, it will.

I suspect the Corpus Christi climate and location near salt water would be an additional challenge to these issues. On a new trailer anticorrosion treatment of underbody (frame/axles/etc) would also be wise.

Those suggestions are offered in case you break, or you may be greatly disappointed. But I would hold the course. You have a decent Airstream and its yours, not the bank's. You could have a new one for half price by squirreling that money away for a few years, and the satisfaction of enjoying your Sovereign and a new one in the future. We played with VW campers for many years then bought the Airstream at retirement, couldn't be happier.

doug k

[FreshAir]

A couple of February's ago....or was it 3....we overnighted 3 nights in back of an Airstream service center while we were having a new 'skin' to replace a big boo boo I did. That's 2+ days of checking out almost every model Airstream makes....sometimes several re-checkouts on favorites. I'm sure that perhaps the dealership told the repair crew to take their time so we could get hooked on a new model. BUT the service shop was liberal about folks wandering by to check out our Trade Wind. The repair guy told us that he had a lot of gawkers with admiring looks. I like classic cars too....nothing to me gathers more attention than classic and vintage rigs. As for all the 'bells and whistles' of new cars and coaches I am reminded of what my dad used to comment when the 'new' car model 'bells n whistles' were anounced, "More things to go wrong and fix"! Dad passed away in 1962.

Hang in there, Chuck, Skye, You have a beautiful coach.

Neil

[casa3805]

Great advice from the last two posters! Gotta luv this site. Keeping the ol boy and putting up a shelter for him. And I HAVE to straighten out my driveway. Backing that thing around those turns at the end of each trip is aging me!

[bwoodtx]

There is nothin' wrong with Bud. I told you before if I had my druthers, your floor plan would be it. As you well know, I am goin' backwards and buying older stuff. Have many happy days in ole Bud.