Intro and help identifying prospective purchase!

[Tubbs216]

Hello All,

I've been looking for a trailer reno project for a while, and have seen this one advertised, fairly locally.

The seller doesn't say very much about it, except that it is a 1964 Airstream. When I questioned him about weight and length, he said it as 22' and 2100lbs. This seems way too low on weight. He also couldn't offer any info on the model, although from looking at pictures I'm thinking a Trade Wind? Would love an expert's opinion on that. Also, what do you think the gold-coloured pieces are?

There's only one interior pic provided, which shows some new (nasty) paintwork and a torn-out space where the dinette would have been, but he says the kitchen and bathroom are fully functional. I'm not afraid of some hard work. My husband and I reno'd and put a 1400sq ft addition on to our cabin over the course of a couple of years. Now the cabin is sold and I need a new project!

Thanks for any suggestions re this trailer. Also questions to ask if I go to look at it?

[PaulnGina]

I'm guessing that's a mid-60's Streamline. Maybe a Dutchess?

[TG Twinkie]

It isn't an A$ it is a Silver Streak.
It weighs significantly more than 2,200 pounds. More in the 3,200 range.
The data plate on the coach may give you the dry weight as well as the GVW.

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[PaulnGina]

Here's a picture of a highly-polished 1965 Streamline Dutchess..... looks the same..

[Lumatic]

Ditto on Streamline. Definitely not an Airstream. Silver Streak also looks similar. You're right on the weight. Somewhere about 4000#. Streamlines and Silver Streaks are less common but also less collectable and less valuable that Airstreams. What does he want for the trailer?

[Tubbs216]

Yes! That's it - a Streamline Duchess. The length fits and it does look the same. Weight is an issue for us as we need to pull with a Grand Caravan (max is about 3500lbs), so I thought this was too good to be true.
He's asking $4500 (Canadian), which seems quite a lot, but if everything is sound it could be ok. I am not fixated on getting an Airstream, but I would like to get back what we invest into this project. If that's not a possibility I'd be more likely to go for any other older trailer. (Sorry, is that sacrilege to say here...?)

[Tubbs216]

Actually, the more I look, the more I think this is a Duke. The internal layout matches what I can see from the one internal photo. That puts the weight at too high for our Caravan to pull.

That's a shame because everything I'm reading about Streamlines is making me think this would be a really nice trailer to have.

Thanks very much for the info, anyway. I see I have a lot to learn!

[PaulnGina]

Any chance of trading for a different tow vehicle that would allow you more trailer options? Possibilities are endless if you are patient.

[Tubbs216]

Yeah, we really don't want to upgrade the tow vehicle, if at all possible.

I can't seem to find a consistent weight for this trailer. Is there a source for this. Also, looking at more pictures, I think that this one for sale is newer than 1964, due to having a less flared rear end. (insert joke about ends flaring more with age...)

I think I just have to go and take a look and see what other info I can get from the seller.

[pattydoug]

OK. "The seller doesn't say much about it ..." Why? "Except it is a 1964 Airstream ...." IT IS NOT (as you know already) Strike 2. "he said is is 22' and 2100lbs ..." ON WHAT PLANET? NOT here! Strike 3! The ONWER is OUT! Don't walk away from this, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Or regret it the rest of your life. Granted, the owner may be extremely ignorant ... but the title should say what it is, the data plate will tell the weight and the name plate on the front doesn't say Airstream (at least not the way it is spelled anywhere on planet earth) the owner is ignorant ... but can't read either?

You will regret buying this the rest of your life unless there is more to the story.

[Tubbs216]

I'm sure you're right. I might go and see it anyway, just so I can have something to compare at a later date.

Also, just what if it's a real gem and the guy just has no idea about it....? :-)

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Tubbs216

, but I would like to get back what we invest into this project. If that's not a possibility I'd be more likely to go for any other older trailer. (Sorry, is that sacrilege to say here...?)

Not sacrilege but the reality check is you will be lucky if you can get back the money you invest in materials on a project Airstream. You can pretty much write off labor. Non Airstream cousins are even less likely to be a good "investment" unless it is something really rare and unique. If you want vintage and are worried about the bottom line you will probably be better off buying something that somebody else has already done the work and put in the dough.

[pattydoug]

That is always a possibility ........


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[Tubbs216]

The seller's just contacted me again to say that there is no VIN on the trailer. I'm thinking it's time to forget about it.

[rmkrum]

No VIN? Don't walk away---RUN!


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[Tubbs216]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

No VIN? Don't walk away---RUN!


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Actually, I checked the email again and he said it IS on the trailer. I'm confused. Maybe he thinks it's on the trailer but doesn't want to go and check it (it's -20C here tonight). It should be on his paperwork though, which makes me wonder if he has any. I will ask, over my shoulder, whilst RUNNING away!

[Tubbs216]

UPDATE: Seller has confirmed that the trailer is indeed a Streamline Duke, so even if it was a fantatstic buy, it's still too heavy for our minivan.

What should we be looking for, weight-wise? Grand caravan can tow 3500lbs.

[PaulnGina]

Any of the Airstreams, Streamlines, Avions, Silver Streaks, etc. in the 20-ft range would be ideal, I would think.

[mayco]

If its indeed local, take an afternoon drive and go take a look. Wont hurt to look. I love looking at old rv's.