Buying an Airstream

[Alexa Raes]

Hello!

My name is Alexa and I am on the quest to purchase an airstream to live in full time. I believe I may have found one in my budget. I would love to hear some people's opinions on this 1967 Safari. I will include the facebook link for you to check it out.

I intend on fixing up the interior and making it my own.

I am mostly looking for an airstream that has the essentials in tact such as the body, the underbelly, the hitch, the water, and electrical system.

If anyone would be willing to give me advice on the process of purchasing an airstream. Would you consider hiring an inspector? (he already has gotten it appraised.)


I appreciate any feedback!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...17879335782368

[B. Cole]

21 K for a old Airstream, that needs tires?
What else does it need? A lot of these " Vintage" trailers have rotted floors, etc.Someone who knows trailers needs to look at it for sure, before purchase.
Lot of variables here.If you're going to live in the northern tier full time, that trailer is going to be cold in the winter.Hot in summer.They all are.
Airstreams, simply by design, are poorly insulated.The old ones? Worse. I just heard its going to be way below zero in Chicago this week.Not much different in many other places.
The operative question is how experienced are you at camping?
How handy mechanically are you, or close family members/ friends, who won't charge you shop fees, by the hour?
Where will it be hooked up to power/ water/ sewer?A campground? Many now wont allow trailers over 10 yrs old.Although Airstreams are sometimes given a break, due to fact they all kind of look alike.
The tow vehicle, and experience towing? You'll find these are just the start of full timing questions.

[Daquenzer]

I think you would find yourself better off getting something like a Lance (4 season) than an old Airstream like that. As stated above Airstreams are for camping and not for living in year round unless you live in a very temperate climate (Momma bear climate; it has to be just right). You could probably get a Lance (or another 4 season RV) in pretty decent shape for that kind of money.

I love my Airstream. But it is not for winter living.

[Bubba L]

I agree with B. Cole. You could go to the Airforums portal and look up an inspector close to the location and see if they will check it out for you. The trailer looks good, but who knows what the wiring, plumbing, propane, etc is like. We have a 66 Safari and really like the layout. But, we renovated it so know it’s safe. It also has the curved windows that are hard to come by if broken. Looks like some patchwork on the rear where the Marinco power inlet is located. There’s always Airstreams coming up for sale. Don’t get too excited and purchase something that would be considered a “polished you know what”. Good luck in whatever you decide.

[Daquenzer]

P.S. RV’s are in high demand right now. I don’t know when that will change, but my guess that as soon as this pandemic is over there are going to be lots of used RVs for sale and lower prices. Not sure if you can wait for about 6 months, but it might be prudent to be patient.

[Foiled Again]

Agree on the Lance. AIRSTREAMS are great second.or.third trailers.... and are full of rude surprises for newbies. I have actually seen all of these EXAMPLES:
1) Sewage tank (black tank) fell off a rusted frame while trailer.was.being slowly towed home from purchase. Tank had not been drained for.several years because the gate handle broke. Corrosion on.the frame plus the weight of a full tank and rust broke the frame what was.left of the tank failed upon impact with the pavement.
Plumbing & wiring were both "jackleg" repaired.
2) beautifully "restored" Airstream with "solid" floor really had a solid fiberglass and resin floor, poured over a rotted plywood floor. Problems happened when the solid floor expanded and contracted at a different rate than the walls.
3) approximately $700 to repair cosmetic dents. Why did I pay $4000 at the factory for major damage to my rear quarter panel.
May I suggest you also look at Oliver Travel trailers. You will be unlikely to find one used. People hang.on to them. They aren't as pretty as Airstreams but look hard anyway..
These are like the original VW beetles 🪲. They would drive you anywhere--- except.to the poor house.

[OTRA15]

FYI Alexa has a new thread about finding an inspector:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f35...ty-219137.html

[Wazbro]

A 1967 did not come from factory with a gray tank. No mention of one added. I would NOT full time without a gray tank.