New to the forum! No nothing about air streams

[bbheigle0605]

Hi everyone!! My husband and I purchased this from a friend. Paid $2,000 for it. We were told it is a 1978. Not sure if we overpaid or not 😬 Can some of you awesome experts help us! Thank you so much!!!!

[andreasduess]

$2000 is a pretty good price for most any Airstream.

Depending on how much work you want to do to it, you now own an unlimited opportunity to spend money.

[AWCHIEF]

Welcome. It was produced in Oct 1977. It probably was sold and initially titled as a 1978. For 2 grand I would say you got a heck of a deal if the floor is not rotted out and most the systems still work. Looks like you will need a couple of propane tanks and probably new batteries and tires.

[dbj216]

Welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. I do not believe you paid too much. I do believe you will pay a lot more to get it "travel ready". You will need to do a thorough analysis of your 78 trailer from the tires up. Tires, brakes, bearings, axles, belly pan, frame, subfloor, electrical system, exterior lighting, plumbing system, all appliances, body rainwater leaks, windows, doors, etc, etc. Make a list of everything that needs attention; much of it will. Then get to work! Old Airstreams can be made like new again with enough time and money. I understand the trailers from the wet and lush southeast have more frame rust issues than trailers from the dry and hot southwest. That makes sense to me.

You will find a wealth of information here on Air Forums as you work your project trailer.

David

[shineybullet]

Show us some photos of the inside

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by bbheigle0605

Hi everyone!! My husband and I purchased this from a friend. Paid $2,000 for it. We were told it is a 1978. Not sure if we overpaid or not 😬 Can some of you awesome experts help us! Thank you so much!!!!

Welcome.....get your check book out and let the fun begin......

[PKI]

Concerns

If the coach was stored inside, it may be in good shape, but if you store it outside that can change in a hurry. Research skin, window and vent leaks.

If the tires are toast they must be replaced before you tow it anywhere. The loss of a tread on a 50 mile trip home can do multi-thousands of dollars damage to the wheel well and aluminum around that area. Good tread means nothing. Trailer tires usually fail internally from heat and side wall stress. They seldom wear out the tread.

The hubs/bearings likely need repacking if that maintenance has not bee done in the last two years.

The brakes need to be checked. If you pack the wheel bearings, the initial inspection of the brakes is an easy part of the process. If you are having the bearing packed, it may be cost effective to have the brakes replaced at the same time as the labor to pull it all apart is same.

Battery power is required to activate the brakes if the trailer come off the ball. So install at least one fresh battery if what is there now fails to hold a charge.

Lots to learn. Research the threads for info. You do not need to know everything, just enough to know what can bite you in the pocket book and how to avoid the worst.

When towing, watch that you do not hit anything. Use a spotter and if you do not know where you are. stop and look. Look beside, the coach does not follow exactly; look behind, cameras and mirrors help; look up, trees and roofs can bite hard.

From the pictures, it looks like a very nice coach. Hope it provides you with lots of happy adventures. Go slow, plan and understand the basics first. You will do great. Worst case, you have a great aluminum tent until you get it all worked out. Get it safe to travel, get it clean, keep it dry, and enjoy your shiny and the smiles it will deliver! Pat

[guskmg]

A backup camera system and 2-way
Radios are trailer backing God Sends.
guskmg

[Gneiss Guy]

At this point in time, a backup camera should be waaaay down the list of what you need to spend money on!

[larryglarson]

I paid a lot more for my "starter" Airstream 7 years ago. You are in for a wonderful hobby and many wonderful experiences if you get it all fixed up. You will find the people at the Airstream factory at Jackson Center, Ohio wonderful at helping you. You will want to get the "Newby" book from the Airstream Life people.

You will find that we have some wonderful campgrounds at some wonderful State Parks. You are in for a wonderful adventure. Take you time, relax and injoy.