Noob Found another

[Phrunes]

Hi Folks,

I found another one in my price range and it definitely has some exterior issues. I have attached a picture in hopes that some of you in the know can describe what might be going on in the photo. This one is local, so I can actually go look at it and supposedly everything works inside. The door appears to be missing and ??? It looks like they replaced panels on the nose? Here are the specs:
72 Trade Wind but listed at 27 feet?
Is that right? Shouldn't it be a 25 footer or a Caravanner at 27? Anyhoo...here's the pic. and the "asking price is $2,000.

Matt

[wasagachris]

Phrunes run fast from this one. A new door is going to cost you nearly as much as the asking price. It definately needs axles. The first picture shows what I believe to be sealer from some sort of add a room built around the trailer. That would explain why the door has been removed. I think this trailer has been sitting in a park and was used as a second or even primary home. If you really want this one offer $500 and maybe go as high as $1000 but I wouldn't pay that much for it.

[cameront120]

Ugh, they put silicon on the seams. That'll be a bigger pain than getting new door.

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by wasagachris

Phrunes run fast from this one. A new door is going to cost you nearly as much as the asking price. It definately needs axles. The first picture shows what I believe to be sealer from some sort of add a room built around the trailer. That would explain why the door has been removed. I think this trailer has been sitting in a park and was used as a second or even primary home. If you really want this one offer $500 and maybe go as high as $1000 but I wouldn't pay that much for it.

Thanks again! You guys are absolutely fantastic, this is EXACTLY why I want my first and only trailer to be an AS! I have found a door for this model for $250 ... dare I go take a look at his coach and make an offer? Say max $1,200?

[wasagachris]

Phrunes be careful about the replacement door. A/S made changes to it's door set up right around that year. I'm not exactly sure what year the change was but I think a 72 is different than 73 and up. Hopefully someone in the know will chime in and clear it up. Find out exacyly what type of door was there originally and make sure the replaement one will match before buying either. Like I said i wouldn't pay even $1000 but that is your decision. What happened to choice #2. It looked good.

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by wasagachris

Phrunes be careful about the replacement door. A/S made changes to it's door set up right around that year. I'm not exactly sure what year the change was but I think a 72 is different than 73 and up. Hopefully someone in the know will chime in and clear it up. Find out exacyly what type of door was there originally and make sure the replaement one will match before buying either. Like I said i wouldn't pay even $1000 but that is your decision. What happened to choice #2. It looked good.

Yeah, I was really bummed on number two... He received a local offer, but will let me know if it falls thru

[funkill]

Holy crap Phrunes --- just the exterior alone scares the bejeebies outta me. I know you said that you are handy but... that's a lot of work. There can be so much hidden damage to address before even thinking about the cosmetics. If I had known a couple years ago, I'd have asked someone to help me inspect a few units to get a feel for the different conditions and associated prices. There's a link on the front page of the site for area volunteer inspectors.

27' = Overlander. 25' = Caravanner or Tradewind.

[Foiled Again]

You'll spend weeks getting the SILLY-CONE off of the exterior - you use an "orange stick" which is used by women to push their cuticles back as part of a manicure. AND you may find that the silicone has corroded the exterior aluminium wherever it was glopped on. Run don't walk!

Paula

[Aviator]

I agree with all the above....run away!

[cameront120]

Once you buy a trailer, how much do you have budgeted to make it roadworthy and campworthy? Maybe start looking at trailers in a higher price bracket and get something already roadworthy?

[DougZ]

If you are looking for a work project, this looks perfect. If your a looking for something to go out camping in sometime in the near future - forget it!

Doug

[ddstech]

If the door is missing and panels have been replaced on the nose, I'm certain everything will work inside and there will be no floor rot damage.. . . .I mean, thats how you tell its been cared for, missing door, obvious patches to the exterior. ..

I agree with the others, walk away. There is ALWAYS going to be another airstream for sale, and chances are pretty good its going to be in better shape for less money.

[TouringDan]

Phrunes

The worst thing you can do is to buy the wrong AS. As soon as you do this, the right one will come along. Then how will you feel? It is kinda like marrying the wrong women. Don't do it. Run!

Dan