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Old 05-26-2020, 01:11 PM   #1
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2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City , Nevada
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Airstream Quality? Are you a NEW OWNER?

My first Airstream was a 2006 Safari. I felt I must had been sold a 'like new' unused used 2006. Lots of issues for a Newbie to understand and my expectations were to have a Trailer... that was like my Toyota Tundra: Perfect. The Toyota Warranty was not ever needed.

After eight years... the 2006 was perfect and I purchased the 2014 after selling the 2006 that was 100% operational. Other than the 14 inch wheels/tires... I was a happy camper. This trailer was BETTER than new when sold...used.

Purchased the 2014 International. Went through the entire trailer with my wife and the trailer never had a problem due to the factory build. It was taken to places that most would be reluctant to camp.

Sold the 2014, tried Tent Camping for a Season. Uhhhh... lets say I decided that Tent Camping was for much younger travelers Off the Grid. One Season... back to... AIRSTREAM.

When buyers looked at our used trailers, their eyes would glaze over if you showed them how everything worked. I found that interesting, especially with the amount of money that changes hands and AS IS. If you are an anxious buyer, bring someone who understands that some people sell their problem to someone more ignorant than themselves. (I also like to hear the variety of WHY are you selling?)

IF you are considering buying USED or NEW, consider finding an experienced Airstream owner to help you decide options and check it out. If you are embarrassed to ask... settle for what you end up with.

Often, like ourselves, the 25 foot would have a been a better length for our FIRST. You will discover that sooner, than later. The 25 is the BEST of all, but even the best may not be on the lot and this 27 foot was just right for us... now.

If you are overwhelmed with the drawer handles, color of flooring and pillows... you will probably regret not looking at the AC, water pump, water heater, tires and everything else that you SHOULD be looking at.

These are built unlike a robotic Auto Factory. You will find loose screws, sawdust, pieces of pex, extra rivets, aluminum clippings... If you did not... you had better get on your knees and open everything, check out the drawers, how they pull and lock, cabinet hinges, warped walls, splits in the flat walls... on and on.

For a $50,000, $100,000 or more... you would pay an Inspector to look a house over, yet not a trailer... Just squeezing the pillows, lay on the nice bed and sit on the cushions and... write the check? Be nosy and ask questions. Have everything shown to you that they... actually operate NOW. Not AFTER the purchase.

Make YOUR DEALER earn your business. Otherwise, make up a list after purchase and get a map to Jackson Center if you bought the... wrong trailer.

The 2019 International: Inspected it outside and inside. Added three inch lift, two solar panels, AGM batteries and upon delivery the dealer had everything operating and demonstrated a 100% functional Airstream.

Made the deposit. Upon re-inspection... same trailer, serial number, options all operation... and GRINNED all the way home. Still 100% happy with the purchase and the staff at Las Vegas Airstream. This is a keeper for the long... long haul.

Experienced Airstream owners find themselves purchasing a great Airstream off the lot.

NEW Airstream owners... not as lucky. Or should I say, experienced to look the trailer over BEFORE owning and move onto another to inspect... 100%.

DEALER is Number One. Experienced inspection is Number Two. Purchase... once you are 100% satisfied. If you are treated like you ask too many questions... go somewhere else, like out the door.
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Old 05-26-2020, 01:35 PM   #2
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Hi Ray, as a new owner I have to agree that we didn't do a proper inspection of the trailer when we picked it up. We were under the the illusion that something this expensive must be perfect!

We were also dealing with COVID procedures which prevented the tech from actually going inside the trailer. We looked at the outside and played with the awning and all the little doors and covers.

When we got home with the trailer, we went through it and the first thing we noticed was water coming in from the Exit window.

Our dealer is a 4 hour drive away so we have decided to wait to get some things fixed up. Our list has been growing but most items I have adjusted or repaired myself including the leaky window.

With the help of this forum, we have been able to settle into the trailer and feel much better about it than we did a few weeks ago.

We are looking at this as a solid trailer with a few issues, but nothing that we can't deal with. When we finally get back to the dealer there will be very little for them to fix.

As far a trip to Jackson Center, we would love a road trip but we really can't right now with the borders the way they are. I would love nothing better than to shake the hand of the installer who put that Exit window in our trailer!
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Old 05-26-2020, 02:05 PM   #3
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So we were the first time RV owners you describe. Didn't know anybody that owned an Airstream, but I found this site and YouTube and learned a lot. Started shopping for a used one and ended up with a new one instead. Thanks to online education, gone was the expectation that the trailer would have Toyota build quality. And yes, some things are wrong, but I was prepared for that. They will get fixed. So, all in all, we're good. Not the least bit disappointed. So far anyway. We've only been able to use it for one week in the 3.5 months we've had it.

I am truly appreciative of the kind folks who contribute here. It has been very helpful.
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Old 05-26-2020, 02:21 PM   #4
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Experience is purchased with Sweat Equity

PB_NB the learning curve is straight up and it sounds like you have discovered that if Airstream can adjust a cabinet or hinge... you can as well at home.

It is the misfitted or cut wrong or non working hardware or parts that take time to discover and repair. If you do it yourself, I found Airstream in Jackson Center was a bit difficult to send a replacement. Try a Refrigerator Fan for those that do not vent through the roof. I ended up buying on the Internet...

The dealer needs to SEE the issue if there is one needing parts, order the part, you tow the trailer home. You then return to leave the trailer when the parts arrive at the dealer. You then return again to pick it up.

Learning to tighten windows and minor issues is best. Leave the AC, Dometic Refrigerator and complicated stuff for the Dealer. Get on the appointment list and finish off your check list and recheck.

Have leaks on the roof... check it out yourself. You will take more interest in the fix than a guy being paid a flat rate on a trailer lot.

The warranty period will go by fast and much of the time the trailer is parked. The first year you will find most of anything you cannot do. For most: Three year warranty... used three weeks a Summer and on some weekends is not like your new tow vehicle you use often.

I wanted to mention to those who really want to inspect a trailer on the lot:

- A creeper to inspect under the trailer, front to back. Open areas suck dust into your trailer like a vacuum cleaner. This was one major problem with our 2006 23 foot. Jackson Center recut the fender wells and we were 95% dust free after that.

- Take a ladder to inspect the roof. I found the dealer installed Solar panel wiring had not been secured to the roof. It was done within ten minutes of seeing they were loose. They are now secure.

- Buy your Latch Lock from the Internet. The dealer charge a lot for a simple latch lock at some places. I have used the Trimax hitch lock. If I lose the key... I am in serious trouble.

- Negotiate Dealer Add Ons... as part of the purchase. Solar & AGM battery choice, 3" Lift Kit if desired, Hitch with appropriate hardware (I like Equalizer with Bars). Simple to use and adjust if the need comes up with another Tow Vehicle.

- Find a Tow Vehicle or an Airstream that FITS the combination. A 33 foot Airstream with an F150 six cylinder is going to be a disappointment. FIRST have the trailer and LATER decide on the Tow Vehicle. (We learned.) If I were to cut costs... I would cut the length of the Airstream to the Tow Vehicle. After a season... you will understand.

- Tools. You will need to add to your TOOLS. Sockets to check out Hitch Bolt Hardware, lug nuts, electric screw driver with philips heads for cabinet hinges and the list grows. It will cost you a lot more on the road for anything you want. If you never need it... great. If you do... you will learn like we did between 2006 and 2014.

- Everything needs a bit of tinkering. At times the husband can handle it. Sometimes the wife. Same with towing. If a bolt can be tightened... they can also become loose and the drawer falls out.

- Build a selection of screws, bolts, washers and wire connectors. Again... if you need it... sorry.

- Fresh Water filled at home is heavy. Fresh water when you are getting closer to your Off the Grid campsite would be nice... but never 100% available. RV Parks... probably do not need to flush the system and fill the fresh water tank. A decision for your kind of traveling. We go either way. Often, most likely... the water at a Forest Service site in the mountains is better than our tap water in Boulder City... and this excellent mountain well water is free for the asking.

- Anyone adding something else?
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Old 05-26-2020, 02:29 PM   #5
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For everyone's general information . . . there tons of earlier threads/posts on QC etc.:

2020: https://www.google.com/search?biw=14...h1QMICw&uact=5
https://www.google.com/search?q=qual...=airforums.com
https://www.google.com/search?q=QC&s...=airforums.com

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f48...ip-200265.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...am-166041.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...es-172509.html

Plenty of company on the "Poor QC" lifeboat.



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Old 05-26-2020, 02:35 PM   #6
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CHECK the Trailer's Electric Dexter Brake System

Testing electric brakes before you purchase:

Smell them? Nope.
Look at them real, real close? Nope.
Tire tread is thin... maybe the brakes are not? Yes and No.
See if they are hot, cold, luke warm? Nope, unless after a trip through town.
The trailer is New... of course they... work. Sure they do... maybe, maybe not?

Be curious. Wear reading glasses if necessary. I do.

Have the dealer or seller supply their tow vehicle and on a Double Axle, get one wheel in the air and engage the manual braking system of the tow vehicle. If you use the peddle when connected, you can check the tail lights... but from what I have learned, the tow vehicle must be moving before the peddle brake will send voltage to the electric trailer brakes. Someone may want to add to this.

If you stop at a Stop Light... have your foot on the brake... the brakes would obviously heat up with power just sitting still? (This is what I believe was said.) That is why you must be going 15mph or so... just saying. It seems to be a... secret.

Spin the wheel. Engage the manual braking system on the dash board. The wheel will stop immediately, may... slow down... does nothing. This test I find the wheel locks immediately and firmly. Otherwise you have magnet or brake adjustments in your... future.

Do it to EACH ONE. Listen to the bearings. Cruncher... is not a good sound.

A single axle has a point that is marked to put the jack. Never on the axle, no matter how smart the mechanic appears. There is a sticker: JACK HERE. Not Jack this axle and trailer up with the Axle... numbskull. Spin and brake manually.

Aw... nothing like a brake that works. Then tow down Monarch Pass in south central Colorado to see how WELL you can keep the speed down! Yaa Hoooo they work.

A brake expert may chime in... but if the brakes engage manually... you know the wires are connected and the magnet system is operational. If one or more DO NOT... maybe you need to look into the issue closer. A LOT closer.

Labor if they like you: $100 an hour. No, not a physical exam of your person, but to LOOK for anything they need to fix, repair or replace. Which, of course is extra and labor... unless you have negotiated a check and fix price.

Not to bore anyone else, you have some of my experiences.

The MOST COMMON braking issue are not the shoes themselves, but the springs or self adjusting components. NEXT are the small exposed two wires on the back side of the drum, exposed to brush and even poor connections with the wire loose and the brake never has worked.

The wires are white, mine are. They are FRAGILE. Some are not crimped well, you will test them by giving it a bit of tug... enough if the wire is loose. If it is not loose... you do not need a crow bar to test it. Like pulling a hair in your nose, kind of tug.

How do I know. Well... it sure was not from the service manual or a small bird on my shoulder. You should check every season. Dexter brakes are great when they are working. Otherwise you are a possible statistic on the highway when all your brakes are needed. I have a post about one side OUT on my 25 foot International... on this Forum.

**Yes there are TONS of other fixer uppers on the Forum. I am sure they are fine and dandy, as well. This is how you TEST first. The others are those complaining and all kinds of how to fix it... good, bad and boring at times. Once you own someone else's DOG Trailer of any brand... you do the whining and hope to get a real solution. Otherwise get a Puppy and ignore my posts.
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Old 05-26-2020, 03:02 PM   #7
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Poop in the Pot Checkup

OK, the Casinos in Las Vegas will be open someday in my lifetime. I need some nickel video poker on these days when it is sunny and no wind.

Take a flashlight and look down into the Potty. If you see a mound that looks like Magic Mountain... you may want to figure out if the Black Tank is clogged with good stuff.

If the Good Stuff has not been dumped in a few years... leave this for someone else and the trailer looks better in their possession. Not yours.

Nice used trailers are sold by the OWNER. Not always, but you will know once you step into the trailer and smell what seems to be something from a nature movie in a Bat Cave. Although, bat caves do not smell that bad... humans can and this is a clue someone has been living in this trailer full time. I have seen them on the lot... you take your chance and ask what happened to both Propane Tanks, as they are also missing.

Our Trailers were spotless on the outside and down the Poop Hole. A person who lets this fecal matter pile up by the pound... also is hiding that his fresh water tank is coated with MILDEW, as well.

Flushing the Water Lines... is also a special subject of mine. Mildew? Deduct for the time it will take to cure the problem. If every. Clorox? If you wash your laundry in the sink or shower, but this is your DRINKING water system.

The older the trailer... the 'better the view of previous buffets' if you get the message.

Yes. I am the proverbial P. I. and A, for sure. But rarely suckered or schmoozed into getting what I think I am buying. You are not the FIRST to look, nor the last. Otherwise the trailer would not be sitting on blocks, as someone removed them one night in 2004 and sitting ever since.

Sitting under a tree with APHIDS. Oh Boy... Missouri is wonderful for them.

Cockroaches? Ants. Rats and mice and OH MY? Run... or cut the price 50%. Surprises come in big packages. Toss in a Raccoon, as well.

Enjoy the hunt. Be smart. Find a GREAT Dealer. The not so great Dealers will treat you like you are homeless and do not deserve... THEIR beauty that has been on the lot since, well for two years and still not sold.
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Old 05-26-2020, 04:49 PM   #8
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Ocean and Road Salt: Where to look for AFC

This has been discussed AFTER the fact of buying and believing this white crust could be washed or wiped off... Sorry.

A definition says it is a 'surface cosmetic corrosion'. Go look at an aluminum wrecked trailer in a junk yard... over time you can look through the holes.

Aluminum Filiform Corrosion. Look it up on a Google Search. It is entertaining and... well eating your potential Airstream, slowly.

Salt chemically digests Iron and Aluminum, slowly in most areas. Much faster in Humid and Salt environments. Salt from Sea Salt Mist and also Salted Snow covered roads. Even modern substitutes MAY, you can research it, also eat/corrode your exposed dings on your Aluminum and Metal not visible.

I looked at a 2014 25 foot Safari in 2014. It had Solar and would have been perfect for Nancy and I using a 23 foot for 8 years... time to get into a six inch wider and maybe two feet longer, more or less, Airstream.

I opened the cover for the Hot Water Tank. This was covered with rust and corrosion. Obviously towed to the Dealer's lot in the Winter months and the production date was confirmation. I do not recall the Month of production... lets say November 2014.

Where there was exposed iron, rust. Filiform was beginning on the aluminum surface. The Dealer obviously did not wash the trailer off. It arrived and it sat.

Rust and Corrosion of any form is not good. Stored outdoors in humid and close to the coast... be cautious. Before you buy. Not afterwards.

We lived in Colorado where salted roads were the norm for traffic on the roads and highways. After encountering these roads coming from Quartzite, AZ and Tucson, AZ after the Gem and Mineral Shows, we would do a total WASH and WIPE to remove that light film of salt or similar products used by the Highway Departments.

If you find Filiform Corrosion it is not a Death Sentence, but often the owner(s) did not take the time to Rinse and Wipe these chemicals. Then you start looking around closer at the interior and components that need to be taken care of after a trip... or hundred trips.

This was a big discussion some time ago on the Forum. If you have ever seen a wrecked aluminum trailer at a Junk Yard... the white crust is easily seen.

There may be a fix. Someone might want to make a post for those of you who are biting at the bit to find that... perfect trailer, of any brand. All have copper and iron parts. Copper turns GREEN. Iron, brown, black or red.

It can be a minor issue and easily taken care of. Anyone who has 'restored' an automobile that has rusted out fenders... learned after this first mistake purchase. My neighbor is 'restoring' and pre 1968 Bronco. His fenders, fender wells, door, top are great examples of what salted roads can do over decades of sitting outside.

Even the Desert Country creates issues that an experienced trailer buyer looks for.

I do not know if the Airstream Warranty covers this on a NEW trailer. I never needed to find out. My instincts says... no.

At West Wendover, Nevada and Wendover, Utah many take their Car or Pickup and drive onto the Salt Flats. They park at the Casino with the Salt Crystals covering their vehicle. It is soooo.... Cool. It sparkles at night in the parking lot.

An example of those who did not take High School Chemistry. Do a bit of research if you find AFC on a vehicle or trailer. Then decide.
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Old 05-27-2020, 11:25 AM   #9
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For the new A/S buyer. Be aware, after 35 years of A/Sing with friends, clubs, International rallies, etc. Those who bought new ALWAYS filled an 8 1/2" X 11 1/2 sheet of pater and more with a To Do list. Those comments about getting help if you are a Newbie is Great advise. You will never find a new A/S free of poor workmansship. Just saying through experience and owning 13 A/S. Good Luck to All !!
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Old 05-27-2020, 11:52 AM   #10
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I am a new owner of a 33 Classic. We purchased it in Tampa Florida and the day we took delivery, we begun our relocation to the West Coast of the United States. We have had some of the same issues that have been discussed in this forum with cables not being properly connected affecting the CZONE System, the door being out of alignment, Damaged skylight covers dsmged striker plates and door jams, loose or failing moulding trim, loose locks, electrical shorts, blown fuses, noisy refrigerator fan etc. So far during this shake down trip across the country, every dealership we have visited have been awesome except the Dealership in Salt Lake City. The best dealership so far has been Airstream of Las Vegas!!! Those guys addressed all of my issues and also took the time to show me what they had to repair and the parts they used. The dealer in Tampa has been extremely helpful with over the phone support. Coachnet has been absolutely USELESS when I contacted them after hours. I have owned several SOB's and in my experience our Airstream has been just as solid as my previous RV's. I think everyone who purchases an RV whether you are new to Rv'ing or not should expect little mechanical issues from time to time.

Over time the little annoyances will all disappear and you will truly enjoy your RV if you keep it long enough. I think everyone needs to understand the dealers dont build Airstreams they sell the finished product made by Airstream Corporation. Each component in the individual Airstream has its own warranties and in most cases if the manufacturers are contacted they will provide you with assistance if you need it.

After towing my 33' Classic across I-10 Fwy and my cabinets were still intact, Airstream did a good job with the build of my trailer in my opinion. Use your Airstream and see what fails and address it and continue enjoying yourself. Life's to short not to have a good time. But then again there are people who are always going to complain and have unreasonable expectations and attitudes when things mess up. But I sincerely believe patience and a good mental attitude can solve almost any issues that may arise during our Airstream ownership. Keep on airstream Trippin Baby!
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Old 05-28-2020, 09:20 AM   #11
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Bad Dealers = Bad Service = Bad Experience

Quote:
Originally Posted by Louie Dee View Post
For the new A/S buyer. Be aware, after 35 years of A/Sing with friends, clubs, International rallies, etc. Those who bought new ALWAYS filled an 8 1/2" X 11 1/2 sheet of pater and more with a To Do list. Those comments about getting help if you are a Newbie is Great advise. You will never find a new A/S free of poor workmansship. Just saying through experience and owning 13 A/S. Good Luck to All !!
*****
Louie Dee knows. Expect the first Airstream to have issues... YOU missed, as you did not know WHERE or WHAT to look at.

Our first Airstream purchased off the lot new in 2006 was one of these long lists of issues and some needed to be resolved at Jackson Center. All was taken care of and we spent eight years with ONLY routine tightening cabinet screws and improving drawer locking mechanisms for rougher roads in the back country.

Each Airstream is hand made and no two are exactly alike. Like the finished cut of the wheel wells. This is where a lot of dust can enter the trailer, also through the refrigerator door on the exterior. Our current 27 foot International... was 100% at purchase and after a number of Off the Grid Boondocking adventures... still 100%.

Nancy found a pop rivet out on the curve, after this last trip, within the storage area curved area, above the cook top and sink area. I did my Lath Screw replacement that is stronger and will take care of that. Your CURVED AREAS are where popped rivets can be expected. Any popped rivets in our past Airstreams are usually found in one area and in the CURVED areas. Just a place for you to look... when you have time.

Like Louie... the longer you own an Airstream... the better yours will become. Do not be afraid of making... changes. For your style of travel and camping. Changes that are improvements are not like adding more color to an expensive painting you purchased and added some... final touches.

Las Vegas Airstream, as Gigler reports, are 100% Airstream trailers. Not five high end Airstream models in front of the building with 300 RV's and SOB trailers in a huge lot or several locations.l Then a lot full of Sold Trailers... needing work and not enough service people to keep up. (Just my observations over 14 years.)

Deal with a 100% Airstream Dealer. Reputations keep a dealer in business. Do a 100% inspection and a 100% before you purchase walk through, have anything replaced or repaired that can be on the spot THEN. The Airstream Warranty may cover pre sale and after sale warranty/repairs, I do not know.

Your first walk through will be over whelming. Not everyone was a curbside or alley auto mechanic in their youth... so I understand. Bring someone who tinkers on everything around their home and vehicles to help. It will be the best thing you did BEFORE purchase.

It was nice to hear again about Las Vegas Airstream.
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Old 05-28-2020, 09:34 AM   #12
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Popped RIVETS are usually on the Curves

Perfection requires that you use a pop rivet to repair a popped rivet... as I have been told by Airstream perfectionists. This is to keep the Airstream pop rivet perfect.

I use two lengths of Lath Screws that look nice and when screwed into the popped rivet... take a firm hold into the trailer's aluminum frame. They come in 1/2" and 3/4" lengths. If the aluminum interior is not tight against the aluminum frame... the longer length gets a bit more grip. I use my battery hand drill with phillips head screw and... torque it in... but not to damage the interior skin.

Look at Teks Lath Screws #8 x 1/2 and 3/4 inch. Carton has 260. Plenty for you and 20 friends who like the look. Says for 20 to 22 gauge metal to wood or metal. Works for me... maybe you if you are not an Airstream Perfectionist and want permanent secure curved surfaces. They advise a #2 phillips... these threads are aggressive and will hang on for years.

Your choice. My advice.

My theory is if the pop rivet did not hold... why repeat. There is a shear stress at this spot, otherwise the original rivet would have held without failing.

The CURVED area between the wall and ceiling are the most often areas to have a popped rivet. It you find a rivet head on the floor... start looking around. When your trailer rocks back and forth from a Service Station curb exit... this can pop a rivet inside.

I have never had an exterior rivet popped. A whole different process and have the dealer replace.

The sliding plastic panels on the International uses STAPLES to hold the channel the panel slide through. Those can become LOOSE. The Airstream Dealer has the stapler that fits into this groove to staple. ASK for MORE, not just replace the one that fell out, causing the sliding door to fall out. (Just saying. Yours may be fine today, but some day... you will understand.)
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Old 05-30-2020, 02:45 PM   #13
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Avoiding a FULL TIME USED AIRSTREAM

Not that a trailer lived in Full Time for a year or two is a reason to walk away. Five or more years can have issues.

Many nice used lived in Airstreams can usually be found near Military Bases. I have seen nice ones, but the appliances have a lot of use, so take that into the price paid.

Some easy to see ways to know:

1- The front curved Rock Guards have NO dings.
2- Original Goodyear tires with NO Wear, but grey weathering.
3- The propane tanks usually missing hardware to hold them firmly.
4- Pooping in the pot is excessive in some, and hardened.
5- Lots of... lets say... modifications to the interior.
6- Wear on the flooring, cushions and if a smoker... interior film.
7- No license plate? No tow vehicle? Stairwell to enter?
8- At a RV Full Timing Lot for sale.
9- Owner is... unavailable for questions.
10- Person showing trailer knows nothing about AERSTRYM trailers.
11- Price is way too high for a late model as it may be financed 10 years.
12- Not stored in a RV Garage nor at a home but in a field.
13- The smell can be unusual to say the least.
14- BUT... some can be good buys, clean and the owner is present.
15- A pet door, anywhere is NOT a good sign.
16- Dead or missing batteries with original factory date range?

I have seen full time lived in trailers as DUMPS and others clean and very well maintained. Late models can be great if you check out everything and haggle.

If they DO NOT have the Title and living in it. RUN AWAY and do not leave your phone number. They could have a long high interest loan and owe more than it is worth.

I have seen a vintage Airstream, from the 1970's, used as a kitchen and storage in Idaho. How about this Southern Pacific Airstream that needs some... work in Wyoming? Twenty grand may fix the exterior and another $30,000 to reassemble the interior.
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