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Old 07-16-2008, 10:27 AM   #1
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1974 27' Overlander
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New to the forum and airstreams!

Hello all! I came across this forum while researching an airstream I was considering buying. I have now made the decision to buy, but was hoping for a little advice:

I am purchasing a 1974 Tradewind Land Yacht. It seems to be in near perfect condition with a beautiful exterior and interior. When I looked at it, the gentleman (a friend of a friend) had everything hooked up and running so that I could see that it worked. No soft spots on the floor, no asthetic issues, shiny as all get-out etc. I fell instantly in love. I am paying $3000 (is that pretty good?). He wasn't advertising, just wanted to get it off of his property as he does not use it anymore.

My question is: We plan on living in this for at least several months while we are relocating. Is there anything in particular I should look for that tend to be common problems in Airstreams? Anything I should check or watch for? I know nothing about Airstreams and trailers in general. This is my first one and I sort of just fell into it.

Also, I have a 6 cylinder Jeep Laredo (1998), if I get the right tow package, does anyone think I can tow it, or do I need something bigger?

I'm sorry if I sound like an idiot. I need all the help and advice I can get!
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Old 07-16-2008, 12:04 PM   #2
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Hello and welcome. Looks like you have a lot of reading to do. What are tow specs on the Laredo? Chances are good, it's not enough tow vehicle .. the dry weight on a 74 tradewind is about 4150 lbs.
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Old 07-16-2008, 11:01 PM   #3
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Welcome to the Airforums...lots of good information and moral support (not to mention good folk) here... Poke around in the subforums to find info...here's some starters for you:

Check your Loredo for towing info and then check in the towing subforum for some pointers... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463/

And here's a subforum with pointers for buying Airstreams that will be of use to you... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353/ and another of values: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f349/

Good luck and keep us posted!
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Old 07-16-2008, 11:38 PM   #4
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Welcome from the Florida Panhandle

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Living in the Tradewind is doable. Just make sure that all of the systems are functioning properly. If you are going to be living in the thing, come close don't count. The price sounds good for what you describe.

As far as your six banger jeep for a tow vehicle, that's probably not gonna work real good. If you just plan to move the Airstream a short distance, park it and live in it, it might be OK for starters. If you plan to do any traveling with the Airstream, you're probably gonna want a heftier tow vehicle.

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Old 07-17-2008, 12:20 AM   #5
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I have to agree that you may find the Jeep lacking...

If the Trade Wind is in great shape, with everything working and is polished as well, $3K would be a good deal..
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Old 07-17-2008, 08:29 AM   #6
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Welcome to the forums. I'm living full time in my Tradewind now and am really enjoying it. As long as everything works and you don't mind living in a smaller space you should be fine. I was initially worried about storage, but I'm really very pleased with how much storage there actually is in one of these things. Me and my two Labradors are very comfy. One change I made that I'm glad for is that I swapped out the original water heater for one of the new ones that runs on both propane and electric with and electronic start. This alows me to control the heater from inside the trailer and not worry about going out and fiddling with pilot lights. It's an easy job to replace the unit and wire it up. Also, I find running it on just electric supplies me with plenty of water for a shower in the morning. If I want to take a longer shower on the weekend, I run it on both electric and gas for faster water heating. This allows me to save on propane and use it for just the range and oven.
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Old 07-17-2008, 03:17 PM   #7
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Wow! What a great response and warm welcome! I will definately check out the links that were posted. In terms of towing, I would be going about 185 miles on fairly flat road and then parking for quite some time. I have asked for opinions from local mechanics and would you beleive I'm getting about a 50/50 response for yays vs. nays? The two yays said it should be ok if I tow it empty and dry, and the two nays just said NO! More research to be done... I would hate to have to rent a truck...
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