|
11-28-2005, 07:12 PM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
I'm new to Airstream
Hello, all!
Hi! My name is George. I live in the mountains of Southern California. I just plunked down a couple grand more for a 19' 2001 Bambi than NADA guidelines indicate. I did it only after scouring the forum for all of the information regarding evaluations that I could find. The fact a 19' Airstream at NADA valuations doesn't exist helped. I was pretty glad to find one relatively close by, though.
After outfitting my family with all the great car camping conveniences in existence, I announced we were getting a trailer. I attended the RV show at the Pomona fairgrounds recently and after seeing the Airstream exhibit I knew I wouldn't be happy with anything else. The only problem was I couldn't afford $35,000.00+ for something to take my daughter camping in for a weekend a month. Suddenly, I went from the mindset of getting a new trailer to that of a used Airstream. Thus begannath the lessons of purchasing a used Airstream...
I really only felt comfortable with buying after I found and processed the information that everyone has spent their time sharing in these forums--thank you, thank you, thank you!
My tow vehicle is a modified 1987 Toyota Land Crusier, FJ 60. I retained the original in-line 6 and though it is nicely modified it is underpowered, for sure. I use it for off-road, too, but the fact is I would get in it and drive it around the world without giving it another thought.
I would love to offer courtesy parking, but I don't even have room for my new toy.
Again, thanks for all the information that enabled me to make an intelligent decision regarding my trailer!
-Happy trails!
|
|
|
11-28-2005, 07:22 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
1951 21' Flying Cloud
1960 24' Tradewind
West Coast
, BC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,790
|
Welcome George to the wonderful world of shiny aluminum. I'm sure you and your family are going to have a lot of fun in your new trailer. You will be amazed at how many people will want to talk to you about your choice of trailer, and have a look inside. One thing about Airstreams, you are never anonymous. I never knew that aluminum was magnetic - when attached to an axle and an Airstream nameplate on it, people are drawn to it likes moths to a light bulb. Enjoy, and look forward to hearing of your travels and maybe seeing you down the highway. Barry
|
|
|
11-28-2005, 09:13 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
North Central Texas
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,003
|
Good Luck with your new-to-you Airstream! You'll probably find this soon becomes an obsession !!! Check out some of the Airstream groups/clubs. BTW, it took me sometime to figure out that the WBCCI is 'the' Airstream Club, go figure! (yeah, I know what it stands for now) anyway, there are many informal gatherings too. Watch the forum.
|
|
|
11-28-2005, 09:15 PM
|
#4
|
USN/LAPD Retired
2005 25' Safari
North Las Vegas
, United States
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 850
|
As a fellow Southern Californian (Lakewood), I just wanted to say .....Welcome George
You've come to the right place for opionions and any questions you may need answered.
Happy Trails
Safari-Rick
2005 AS Safari LS
__________________
2007 Dodge Ram Quadcab 6.7L Diesel w/jakebrake
"Better to have more then you need, then need more then you have because you don't have enough!"
AIR #: 8129
|
|
|
11-29-2005, 12:45 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
NE
, Indiana
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 620
|
Congratulations on your new-to-you Airstream. Enjoy!
__________________
Hi Yo Silver, Away II?
looking for our next AS
TAC IN-3
AIR 7185
|
|
|
11-29-2005, 06:48 AM
|
#6
|
Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by RivetED
BTW, it took me sometime to figure out that the WBCCI is 'the' Airstream Club, go figure! (yeah, I know what it stands for now)
|
Just for the "new guy", WBCCI stands for Wally Byam Caravan Club International.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
|
|
|
11-29-2005, 07:27 AM
|
#7
|
4 Rivet Member
1990 34' Excella
Windcrest
, Texas
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 248
|
Welcome to the Club!!
I can relate to your excitement on finding a 'used' AS. We drove nearly to Kansas from South Texas to pick up our jewel.
Now comes the fun part, which is making your AS into the trailer you always wanted. One piece of advice I will offer that was given to me at the early point in our AS career.
ADVICE: Decide whether you're going to renovate your AS or keep it original. This will save you money in the long run and help you focus on the direction you're going to take with any changes. Best of luck!!
Mitch
|
|
|
11-29-2005, 09:54 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,486
|
The only people I know of who can consistently purchase Airstreams at NADA prices are insurance companies paying out for totaled trailers.
Mark
__________________
'85 Sovereign, 25'
|
|
|
11-29-2005, 09:12 PM
|
#9
|
2 Rivet Member
2005 28' International CCD
Upland
, California
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 57
|
Congrats on your new Stream'. I know what you mean about seeing an Airstream for the 1st time and feeling like nothing else would do. I didn't even know I wanted a trailer until I saw my first Airstream, and then I didn't want anything else. After the taste of aluminum everything else seems weak.
Hope we see you out on the road, chances aren't bad since we seem to be in the same territory (upland, ca), and welcome to the forum.
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 04:31 AM
|
#10
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Barry- Thanks for the words of welcome--and the forewarning regarding the curious! I will take some pics when I get out for my maiden voyage. Thanks of the pic of your tow rig and trailer--very cool!
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 04:34 AM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Safari Rick-
Thanks for the welcome! Every time I look at this trailer I get 10 more questions I have to research.
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 04:38 AM
|
#12
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Mitch-
I can't stop messing with stuff. My '87 Land Cruiser is testament to that! (Pics to follow of maiden voyage) I thought for a nano-second I would keep it original and then I saw a thread about LED light conversions and saw a pergo floor that a guy in Riverside had done. Man, I'm screwed. I can't help but think I'm going to go over the top on this thing now, too.
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 04:45 AM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Kestrell-
Thanks for the welcome. I'm from Upland. Gotta be able to get out on the road when you're from that sleepy little bedroom community. Great town, though. Look forward to seeing you on the road! Not too many 18 year old Land Cruisers towing an Airstream--that'll be me.
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 04:48 AM
|
#14
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Terry-
Thanks for the heads up on WBCCI. I already sent my check.
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 06:22 PM
|
#15
|
2 Rivet Member
1977 27' Overlander
Huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 48
|
Welcome Geosouth
I got my new AS in August. Never thought I would do anything other than cosmetic. Absolutely don't want to revisit the 70s though, I don't remember being too comfortable then either. Dusty is now in the auto hobby shop, gutted, walls have devinyled, vents replaced, windows resealed and floors and frame are next.
The project just kept growing, but I have been elated the entire time. Reconstruction after floor and frame to the chic bachelorette pad that I will live in for the next 3 years.
Good luck!
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 08:09 PM
|
#16
|
4 Rivet Member
2004 16' International CCD
1997 25' Safari
hamilton
, Montana
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
|
welcome to the group. people come to my door asking to see inside my tiny stream. tis a silver addiction,, i am hooked! happy trails,, dieterdog,,,2004 16 foot bambi ccd,,, wbcci 1865 freewheelers too!
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 08:28 PM
|
#17
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
DustyRhodes-
Yeah, sounds like you got the bug real bad. Good for You! I hope I get hooked up with a competent shop that I can count on to do it right. Thanks for the welcome.
George
|
|
|
11-30-2005, 08:32 PM
|
#18
|
2 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Running Springs
, California
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 42
|
Dieterdog-
Freewheeler, huh? Cool? You certainly live in the right state! Montana (and regions like Montana) are the places those of us in CA want to go. Where do you go want to go being from Montana? New York City, chicago? Thanks for the welcome.
-George
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|