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dnrtheil · 11-25-2006, 07:45 AM

hello all! I've poked around your site a bit, and finally decided to register. My dh and I are looking for our first Airstream. We've toyed with the idea for years, but a series of events in the past several days have led us to believe it's time to act on our ambitions:

1) we came across Airstream patio lights at a local home improvement store 2) flipping aimlessly through the channels one night, we caught John Ratzenberger's "Made in America", at the Airstream factory
3) walking through a local store I found a pair of pink flamingo and Airstream PJ's.

May sound strange to some, but for me it's a sign that we need our Airstream sooner, rather than later. We're interested in a smaller airstream (we have a dodge dakota V8, with no intent to buy a larger capacity towing vehicle) and preferably one that we can restore. Any words of wisdom, or advice you're willing to share?

Thanks in advance!

Chaplain Kent · 11-25-2006, 07:54 AM

Welcome to the forums. Your wisdom is in good order with your decision to purchase an Airstream. Research the year and model you wish to purchase then hunt for it, that's part of the fun.

**moosetags** · 11-25-2006, 08:20 AM

A big Forums welcome to yet another couple bitten by the Airstream bug. Over the yuears, Airstream has made many different small units that can be handled by a V-8 Dakota. Do your research as to how much weight you can COMFORTABLY tow. To be really comfortable, you should stay at or below 80 percent of the Dakota's towing capacity. The older Airstreams are usually lighter per foot, but there are even newer Bambis that may fit the bill.

Good luck in your quest. If you have any questions, ask them here.

Mel · 11-25-2006, 08:26 AM

dnrtheil, welcome! You are correct - you cannot ignore all the recent signs! I would recommend going to www.vintageairstream.com and checking out all the floor plans and sizes to get an idea of what might work for you. Don't get too attached to one particular model, though, because availability and price will also dictate what you will be able to buy. Good luck with your search.

85MH325 · 11-25-2006, 08:27 AM

First, it may not be aluminitis... it may just be indigestion. Only your doctor knows for sure.

Then, peruse your owner's manual thoroughly for the tow capacity of your Dakota. Make sure the Airstream you buy will weigh 15% to 20% less than the max towing capacity of your truck. Make sure the trailer tongue weight doesn't exceed your allowable tongue weight, and that you don't exceed the gross combined vehicle weight rating of your truck. If it doesn't have the tow package installed, make sure you add all of the tow package components. You'll need a brake controller as well.

Here's a link to the Airstream company's FAQs that have some interesting info.

Here's a link you'll find useful in determining the approximate curb weight of Airstreams of various years.

Happy Hunting!

Roger

InsideOut · 11-25-2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85MH325

First, it may not be aluminitis... it may just be indigestion. Only your doctor knows for sure.
<snip>
Roger

So that was your final diagnosis Roger? Indigestion??? Wow, at least there is a cure for that...

Shari

thecatsandi · 11-25-2006, 09:54 AM

Run! Run quickly as fast as you can! in any direstion away from aluminum

If you are keeping the dakota, you are looking at a vintage trailer. The size will depend on the Tow capacity of you Dakota and if you have a trailer reciever what size is it? 1 1/4 or 2"? A search of the forums and the internet will let you know the weights of various trailers.

Blu_Hwy_Lady · 11-25-2006, 10:26 AM

Once I got my Airstream the flamingos started appearing. It seems like they popped up everywhere. But here is the most bizarre "omen" of them all.

This past summer in New MExico we had severe flooding. A small creek runs through my property that, at least 4 times during the summer ran like a raging river. I'm talking a torrent 8 feet deep 20 ft across. The second flood took down my favorite big cottonwood. It fell like a bridge across the creek. I was devastated. The next flood I walked up the creek looking at the damage. As I was walking back, I spied something bright pink hung up on the cottonwood tree. On closer inspection it turned out to be a large inflatable flamingo party decoration in remarkably good shape considering what it had been through.

After that it was a 6 foot stuffed flamingo that my boyfriend snagged from the set of Wild Hogs after they finished filming. The flamingo was part of a carnival scene.

Jim Clark · 11-25-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu_Hwy_Lady

Once I got my Airstream the flamingos started appearing. It seems like they popped up everywhere. But here is the most bizarre "omen" of them all.

This past summer in New MExico we had severe flooding. A small creek runs through my property that, at least 4 times during the summer ran like a raging river. I'm talking a torrent 8 feet deep 20 ft across. The second flood took down my favorite big cottonwood. It fell like a bridge across the creek. I was devastated. The next flood I walked up the creek looking at the damage. As I was walking back, I spied something bright pink hung up on the cottonwood tree. On closer inspection it turned out to be a large inflatable flamingo party decoration in remarkably good shape considering what it had been through.

After that it was a 6 foot stuffed flamingo that my boyfriend snagged from the set of Wild Hogs after they finished filming. The flamingo was part of a carnival scene.

Do mean like this ?

Jim

ALANSD · 11-25-2006, 11:29 AM

we had necer considered getting an Airstream until a few things in a row happened, similiar to your story. After the bug bit, we have not been the same. But its a good sickness!!

85MH325 · 11-25-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

So that was your final diagnosis Roger? Indigestion??? Wow, at least there is a cure for that...

Shari

Cute, Shari... cute...

Roger

overlander64 · 11-25-2006, 01:14 PM

Greetings dnrtheil!

Welcome to the Forums!

Another possibility, if you aren't determined to have your aluminum 'au-natural' is the Argosy. In fact, the Minuet series produced from 1977 through 1979 makes a very nice match for a mid-sized tow-vehicle with its 7' width (8" narrower than standard), and weight conscious design.

The Argosy had a number of features several years prior to Airstream such as the deep wrap front windows on all coaches -- and similar wrap-windows offered with rear bedroom coaches beginning in the mid-1970s. In addition, the Argosy line featured a 22' and a 24' rear entry floorplan that in some ways foretold the rear entry floorplans recently introduced by Airstream.

The Minuets featured two things that didn't make it to the standard Airstream coaches -- composite aluminum floors in some coaches (6.0 and 6.7 Metre coaches); and vinyl-clad aluminum cabinetry in all of the Mineuts. A total of three Minuet sizes were offered -- 6.0 Metre (20' - single axle) -- 6.7 Metre (22' - single axle) -- 7.3 Metre (24' - tandem axle).

Good luck with your search for the ideal Airstream!

Kevin

CaddyGrn · 11-26-2006, 12:55 AM

Welcome!

Oh it is fun to search for just the right Airstream!

I wish you lots of luck! Perfect time of year to look. Would make a great Christmas Present!

Might I suggest taking a look at the following thread...it will give you lots of food for thought whether buying new or vintage:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...eam-22920.html

If you consider going vintage... try the search button on the blue toolbar and key in my hubbys thread about 63 Bambi floor replacement... it will give you an idea of what we went through to get ours ready for the road.

Be prepared for lots of work if you buy vintage, unless you buy one restored. The wood floors are always a consideration!

Good luck!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)