Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-29-2016, 08:53 PM   #1
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
SAINT LOUIS , Missouri
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
New from Missouri

As relatively new empty nesters we've decided to begin a new adventure in traveling. After much shopping around for travel trailers, once we looked at an Airstream there was no other consideration. Since we're newbies, though, we had felt confident that we needed to go with brand new. However we just saw an opportunity for a used 1985 that fits our needs but are concerned that we don't know what to look for that would be concerning. Are we crazy to consider a used trailer that old?
Road Warrier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2016, 09:21 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
Alluminati's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 415
Images: 3
We have an '89, and are very happy with it! Someone else took all the depreciation for us, and left us with an excellent trailer for less than the cost of a new popup. It is very common for newbies to get a trailer they think is enough, but upgrade to the next larger model within 2 years. With an older trailer, you'll be able to get all your money back when you sell for the upgrade.

All trailers need repairs from time to time. Getting a new trailer, although covered under warranty, will still have plenty bugs that need to be worked out. You may not have to pay out of pocket for items under warranty, but you'll keep a lot more money in your pocket to begin with if you buy used.

Good luck!
__________________
The Morgans
1989 Avion 34VB
Alluminati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-29-2016, 09:30 PM   #3
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
Quote:
Originally Posted by Road Warrier View Post
As relatively new empty nesters we've decided to begin a new adventure in traveling. After much shopping around for travel trailers, once we looked at an Airstream there was no other consideration. Since we're newbies, though, we had felt confident that we needed to go with brand new. However we just saw an opportunity for a used 1985 that fits our needs but are concerned that we don't know what to look for that would be concerning. Are we crazy to consider a used trailer that old?
The bad thing about buying this time of year is that most owners have winterized their trailers. One of the things I'd insist upon if I was purchasing is to hook the trailer up to city water, put water in the fresh water tank and testing the pump and water heater. If an owner is truly interested in selling they would dewinterize to allow all of the systems to be tested.

I am in the St. Louis area and would be happy to talk to you more or assist you in your process.

Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-30-2016, 06:38 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
64airstream's Avatar
 
1964 22' Safari
1968 26' Overlander
Beaver County , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 620
Road Warrior,

Welcome to the forums and good luck with your decision-making. I agree with the previous posts. If the '85 is in good shape and currently camp and road-worthy, it gives you a lower risk opportunity to try the experience, figure out what you like best, then upgrade later, if desired.

In our experience, the folks here are very experienced, helpful and supportive. Jack's offer to help is a classic example, he may even be able to take a look at the unit you're considering and give you his thoughts.

Good luck on your decision (you can't go wrong with an Airstream, in my opinion.)

Roy and Marie
64airstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2016, 06:38 AM   #5
New Member
 
Currently Looking...
SAINT LOUIS , Missouri
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
Thanks Jack and would appreciate your insights. We're in the SoCo area. What would be the best way to reach you? Would likely be next week before I'm available due to work.
Road Warrier is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2016, 10:46 AM   #6
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
I'm southwest county in Fenton. I'll send you a PM with my phone number. Let me know if you have problems getting this.

Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-01-2016, 11:16 AM   #7
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
Quote:
Originally Posted by Road Warrier View Post
-- snip -- Are we crazy to consider a used trailer that old?
You are not crazy, but proceed with extreme caution.

A moisture meter is your friend. Airstream trailers are constructed from many panels and punctured with many holes for rivets. It not properly maintained, they leak.

A well cared for coach is a joy. A neglected coach is a full reno project.

Do your research first. Folks flip these things with all the good and bad that can mean. Folks also lovingly care for them since new. You want one that has been stored inside and used/maintained annually, or one that has been renovated to better than new, or one that you are willing to enjoy as is, or one you can make your own.

If you are a DIY person/couple - you can deal with all. If you have a pay to get it done life style, find a perfect coach - either renovated, maintained, or new.

AS has gone through ups and downs. Quality in design and manufacture has varried with the health and management changes in the company. Some of the older trailers are likely as good or better than recent new models. However, old is always a risk.

In the boat world, you want to find a good deal, you look for the one that someone has worked for years to make perfect at no expense spared and then finds the wild blue yonder is not for them. Not too many ASs come to the market under those circumstances, but there can be good deals. The new option cost is high, but as an older person with retirement facing you, it is time to move forward now.

Consider your options and make the choice that is best for your lifestyle. We purchased new with an extended warranty and we support our local dealer's service department. It's time to do our traveling now, so we moved forward to make it happen, while we still have the health to go for it. Not everyone has that option. Some folks do it with an aluminum shell, because that is what they can afford while they DIY their renovation. Others just buy an SOB. Do what works for you, but do it.

Travel safe - Pat
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-03-2016, 12:04 AM   #8
4 Rivet Member
 
Alluminati's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 415
Images: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Road Warrier View Post
We're in the SoCo area.
We are in south city, but our trailer is in storage over on the east side. If you'd like to see what a well loved 27 yr old trailer looks like, we may be able to show you ours too.
__________________
The Morgans
1989 Avion 34VB
Alluminati is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 04:37 AM   #9
4 Rivet Member
 
Twinke58's Avatar
 
1962 24' Tradewind
Independence , Missouri
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 363
Welcome fellow Missourian. I live on the other side of the state and have a 1962 Tradewind. Good luck on your inspection of the 85.
Rachel
WBCCI 9380
"Agnes"
1962 Tradewind


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forum
Twinke58 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-11-2016, 05:19 AM   #10
2020 Globetrotter 25 FBT
 
GettinAway's Avatar
 
2020 25' Globetrotter
Wildwood , Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,589
Welcome from another St Louis area Airstreamer. We love ours. We did exactly what was described above. Bought used, and then went up in size three years later. With the temps we are looking at starting next Tuesday, you might have a tough time getting to water test a trailer. I guess you could check plumbing etc.. with just pumping the RV antifreeze through the pipes and tanks. We've had good luck with the dealer in wentzville. (Bill Thomas) We mostly camp out west, not so much in Missouri. We do like the empty nest though!
__________________
2020 25GT FBT
2012 Toyota Tundra Dbl Cab, 5.7 4x4

Previous AS trailers: (04) 19’ Bambi, and (11) FC 23FB
GettinAway is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New from Missouri johnandgret Member Introductions 10 04-24-2015 07:56 PM
new member in Missouri Sky pilot Member Introductions 5 11-26-2011 02:51 PM
New Airstream Options: Springfield-Branson Missouri MO Airstream Commercial Listings 7 10-27-2011 10:49 PM
New in Missouri MO Airstream Member Introductions 7 01-12-2011 07:35 AM
New guy in Missouri fogy44 Member Introductions 14 04-13-2007 08:20 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:57 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.