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mtbguy · 09-11-2013, 12:03 PM

I've been following this thread because I have a 76 year model trailer and sometimes look at and long for the years 2000's models. At this point I have refurbished about 85% of it so will probably use it for next few years then decide. I can always find a newer one, and I have so many custom design features I have added to mine its very personalized to my needs and tastes.

I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Aage made some good points. I think you might have more room to talk the price down given the current ownership situation the older one. You can polish it yourself and use about $1500 of your savings as a DIY axle project.

The newer one will probably not have as many things that need replacing, but assuming you could buy the old one for 10-11k or the newer one for 18-19k you can do a lot with the 8000-10000 in savings, even buy an older 7.3L F250 diesel as dedicated tow vehicle if you want.

mtbguy · 09-11-2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichHog

I've had a 72 Tradewind (it was stolen) and then moved on to my 06 Safari. If you love fixing and refurbishing or just the vintage look then a Tradewind is great. Much lighter than a newer trailer. I will say that in the past 40 years Airstream has made some nice improvements. The same 25' is a lot mode comfortable to sit sleep in. Yes it's heavier but everything about it is better. Still long for a vintage trailer sometimes but it's hard to find the right one in the right condition.

Just curious- Why is the newer one better to sleep in? Is it true the safari windows don't open? thanks

ALANSD · 09-11-2013, 12:27 PM

I am a Porsche guy too, a 20 year owner of a 78 911SC. If you are like me and love old cars and such you will get more enjoyment out of the older trailer.
Sure it may need something once in awhile, but so wil the newer one. I have had 4 Airstreams, and each was older than the previous one. Got a 66 now. With little bit more work it could go anywhere.
I would work the price some. not too many 70s models are worth over 12,000...they would have to be very nice and not need axles for sure.

John&Vicki · 09-11-2013, 02:13 PM

There's an on-going discussion with my wife about this. She is supportive as always but she would really prefer the nicest, most ready to go, most dependable Airstream that we can buy for our budget of $20,000. Maybe that's another thread.

Poppy

FL Crackers · 09-11-2013, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aage

Hi, Birds and welcome to Airforums.com, the forum for all ages, as long as you have an Airstream

Maybe it's just me, but I find the difference in price to be a lot less than I expect given the difference in age of the two trailers.

So I will ask; what are the two prices, and if you would like to post some photos that might help us to understand your choices better, too.

One point regarding the '79: if it hasn't been done already, all the appliances are probably due to be changed (cooling unit only in the refer can be changed if the cosmetics are OK). So look into what a new furnace, water heater, and air conditioner will cost you, installed. Bet it's more than $5k.

Can't recall the interior width, but the '01 is 6" wider, if that helps.

And after you've considered everything that Aage has mentioned, take a look at the axles. They were shot on my '77 in 2010 when I bought it. Your '79 axles are older than that now. That being said - I'd probably negotiate the best price for the '79 and go completely through it. It is sweet.

mutcth · 09-11-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbguy

Just curious- Why is the newer one better to sleep in? Is it true the safari windows don't open? thanks

The Safari was Airstream's entry-level trim during those years. It uses Hehr windows; found in some other RVs, they have a small inset glass window that hinges open. To be totally fair, there are advantages to these windows: owners report that the operating panes are inexpensive to repair and they can generally be left open in the rain.

Richhog and I own Safari SEs. That ritzier model has the same windows as the Classic/International CCD models. Big frameless pieces of glass that completely open. You get tons of ventilation and they look cool. But watch out for your head outside on the open windows, they're heavy to open (and stick on the gasket), and expensive to replace if they break.

1970s Airstreams have fantastic windows. They fully open and have frames around the glass, which protects them, plus they are easy to operate and rebuild if needed.

Looking at the picture of the 79, it looks like the axles are done. You can tell by seeing how far up into the wheel wells the hub caps are. If there is little tire sidewall visible above the hubcap beneath the wheel well, time for replacement. It's not a super-expensive or difficult job, and it pays big dividends. But it's around $600 an axle for the parts...

Tom

perryg114 · 09-13-2013, 12:20 PM

The interior of the 79 is that plastic on wood and plastic on plastic crap that is in my 81. If the 01 has some real wood cabinets in it, then it is worth more already. I never open my windows all the way. In most camp grounds, I keep the windows close so as not to bring in smoke from camp fires. If you were boondocking the fully opening windows would become more of an issue.

Perry