Help deciding between 1968 and 1969

[BambiTex]

Aside from the obvious difference in body style/wrapped windows, are there particular reasons to favor either a 1968 Safari "Land Yacht" or a 1969 model?
The two I am considering are in similar condition and are similarly priced.

[InsideOut]

The biggest determining factor should be the overall condition (floor, panels, etc.) of the two trailers you are considering - rather than the year. The "soft goods" (carpet, curtains, upholstery) are are easy fixes - no difference between years and you're probably going to want to update them regardless of which trailer you go with.

If the trailers are going to need restoration or "fixing", 1969 is a transition year so some things may be unique to 1969 trailers, thus more difficult to find if you need parts.

1968 is the last year of the Corning windows - which can be difficult (or expensive) to replace unless you go with plexi/Lexan - however the rest of the trailer has more parts in common with the 1966 & 1967 models, thus easier to find replacements if need be.

"Land Yacht" models were the basic trailers and "International" models had some upgrades - mostly in finishes & accessories. Neither are going to have gray water tanks, unless they have been retrofit by a PO.

Personally, I prefer the clean lines of the 1966-68 windows over the 1969 and newer framed windows, so it would be an easy choice for me.

Shari

[BambiTex]

Really surprised there are no other opinions...

[Melody Ranch]

Oh.....I have opinions. I have had, and redone both year models. Each has a uniqueness unto themselves. Windows are expensive and some times a problem on both. The Corning windows are expensive....the sealing has to be GOOD to prevent leaks. I like the narrow 68 shape. The wide body 69 is more comfortable. System access on the 99 thru the back hatch is nice to work with. The 68 you do a lot of standing on your head to get at things. Both polish well. Entry door on the 69 was better design and less problems if work was needed. front corner windows are impossible to find....and they come in two shapes....know which you have. Both have floor rot problems at the hatch doors. Now it is up to you to decide.

[m.hony]

Buy them both-

[mefly2]

Uncle Sam decided for me ... joined in 68 ... flight school in 69 ...LOL !

[64airstream]

You recognize the obvious differences. The trailers are in comparable condition. Are there any differences in what appliances will need to be replaced or the depth of the restoration needed. One might have a new furnace or refrigerator, for example. A quick comparison and some online research can reveal that one or two major appliance replacements can easily change the equation by more that $1000. Solid floor or rotted floor - many hours of labor are involved in removing the shell. If the wing windows are damaged in a '69, they are rare parts and very hard to find.

I remember a professor teaching us how to create a spreadsheet based program that took all the features and costs into account and prioritized then applied an importance factor to each. She used her new car purchase as the example. When she finished the lecture, someone asked, which car she bought. Her answer was, "the red one..." The lesson for me was, sometimes you already know which one you want.

Good luck, enjoy and don't worry about looking back.

Roy and Marie

[NJtoNC]

I wouldn't but the 68 as my own vehicle. I hate the windows. Leak leak leak!!!! And don't ever break one. The replacement windows just do not sit closed properly.