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 06-03-2009, 09:43 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
purman's Avatar
 
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge , Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
Save money By Buying an older AS

I don't think so. For all of you out there thinking of saving money by buying old and fixing it up, You better have plenty of time and money. I wish I would have found the forums before I bought. I would have known of issues that are costly like axels and rear end sag.

Do I regret getting our trailer, NO.

We new we wanted to remodel it. I just didn't know I would be replacing four sections of rotten floor, new black tank, putting in a grey tank, new fresh tank, replacing the bathroom.

Now I'm not complaining, it's something I like to do.

But the trailer looked a lot better than it was. It's hard to see whats hiding under the carpet, or under the belly pan.

You can see here what I am going though... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...dor-44644.html
So, When buying old, if it looks good, be warned there is always something hidden.
__________________
Jason

May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..

2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
purman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 09:48 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Silverhobby's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Greeeneville , Tennessee
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,301
Send a message via Yahoo to Silverhobby
Jason, These words from you are words from the wise (now wiser). By owning an Airstream trailer you have learned a lot in a short amount of time. The bad thing about purchasing ANY used trailer or tow vehicle may be the things the PO was trying to conceal.
__________________
Kevin with Baity the Lab/Pointer
//------AIR # 7303------\\
WBCCI 17109
visit my restoration blog at:
Silverhobby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 10:00 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
hampstead38's Avatar
 
1967 26' Overlander
Owings Mills , MD
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,125
Blog Entries: 22
Short-term, it's a financial mess. Long term... I'd like to think our renovated Overlander will be on the road for years after other travel trailers have bit the dust. Cheap, never. A good long-term investment, I'd like to think so.
hampstead38 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 10:06 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
utee94's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,640
All Quite True, But...

The only travel trailer I would ever own is an Airstream. I have no interest in the white boxes. Lots of folks like them, and one of my best friends and my RVing mentor has one that works great for him and his family. But personally, I would not have an RV if it were not an Airstream.

So given that, my choices were to buy a new or newISH Airstream, or to buy a used rig and repair it. I can guarantee you I will spend far less on my renovation than I would have on a new Airstream, and for personal, aesthetic reasons, I prefer the vintage rigs from the 50s and early 60s over the Airstreams that are more than 5 or 6 years old but newer than the 50s/60s.

Sure, my renovation will end up costing me as much as a brand-new low-end white box would, but I'll have a brand-new 1963 Airstream when I'm done, and that's a trailer that I can be delighted with owning.

It's all a matter of personal perspective of course, and I don't fault anyone who makes choices that do not match mine. In fact, I celebrate the diversity!

-Marcus
utee94 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 10:27 AM   #5
Aluminut
 
Silvertwinkie's Avatar
 
2004 25' Safari
. , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
It's the old, pay now or pay later...either way you go, yer gonna pay. If you pay later (buy a vintage to fix up), you get the honor of building it the way you'd like.
Silvertwinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 11:04 AM   #6
4 Rivet Member
 
kennethowens's Avatar
 
1975 Argosy 24
Malakoff , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 490
We looked at new ones....they are so nice....my household
does not have the income to justify the payments for a new one.
Therefore, it was necessary for me to go in search of the
"rebuildable dream machine". Isn't that what so many of us have done
and why? There is a simple set of questions / guidelines about restorating
anything. It is often the triple-double that gets folks....twice as long, twice
as difficult, and twice the expense. The fact is that some units(trailers)
are NOT worth rebuilding because the starting point is below reason.
Each person must decide based upon the money available. Your conclusion
may be true....but not always true. It may be that you need to take a break
from it for a while.
kennethowens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 01:15 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
truckasaurus's Avatar
 
1960 33' Custom
Athens , Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,373
Images: 25
My 2 Cents.

I'm not interested in white box RV's and I'm not too keen on newer Airstreams either. I really wanted the iconic look of the 60's models but with modern functionality. I knew going in that I'd be replacing nearly everything. (I'm keeping the frame with coupler, bows , ribs, stringers and coupler, the window frames, door and the end caps interior and exterior). So I know it isn't going to be cheap but I do think that for about $27K I should end up with something that will last and looks just right too.

I checked out the new SOB's for $27K at an RV dealer sale just to see what they're like and came away with some design ideas but no desire to buy something so disposable.
__________________
1960 Sovereign 33' Pacific Railroad Custom
truckasaurus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 01:41 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
InsideOut's Avatar

 
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen , Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
Images: 108
This whole discussion reminds me that it's all a matter of definition of terms, here's mine:
0-3 years = Brand New
3-5 years = New
5-10 = Broken In
10-20 = Old
20-25 = Funky Old
25-40 = Vintage
40+ = Really Vintage
Yes, to buy a trailer that is in the "new" to "broken in" categories you will be saving money and probably not have to invest much over the purchase price for awhile. When you get into the "old" to "funky old" categories alot of things can start to go out - like appliances, axles, etc. but these can be expected and kinda dealt with as they happen. But once you hit the "vintage" and "really vintage" categories, there are most likely going to be major issues that need to be dealt with before the trailer can be used - unless of course, your trailer has had a conscientious previous owner that has either restored or well maintained the trailer before you.

I think if the decision to buy a pre-owned Airstream is based primarily on $$$, the most bang for your buck will come in the "broken in" or "old" categories. The depreciation has taken place and the repairs are not yet unmanageable. And if the trailer is well-maintain by you, some major issues may never have to be done - like floors. Once you get into older trailers - the purchase price goes down but the repair/restoration costs go up. It's kinda a like an upside-down bell curve. Most of the time, for DIY'rs the cost to restore a 25+year old trailer will not reach the cost of "brand new"...but they can pass 10 year olds and come close to 3-5 year olds...no problem!

There's lots of options...something for everyone!

Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002

RMVAC | ACI - CO Unit (Formerly WBCCI) | BIRDY - our 1956 Safari | 1964 Serro Scotty
InsideOut is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 01:44 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
crispyboy's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
alexandria , Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,314
Images: 3
Yep hindsight is 20/20.
I spent a bundle of $$ and time bringing our trailer up to spec. But I have had one heck of a good time doing it. The only thing I haven't enjoyed is that it took more time than anticipated (I wanted to use the trailer) but I would do it again in a minute. For my next project sometime in the future the trailer must have:
-the basic layout to fit our family
- Overlander or larger trailer
-overall quality of the coach must good - good skin - minimal dents
-rotten floors, drapes, old cushions and appliances don't scare me - most old trailers seem to have some degree of this problem
crispyboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 02:10 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
mandolindave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,190
Images: 4
I have to agree

I paid $4 K for my Argosy. I thought that I might get away with an inexpensive cool trailer. Think again. I ended up putting $16 plus K into it. I still need to paint it and buy curtains. I could have had a brand new Airstream. But NO WAY would a new trailer be as cool as mine. I remodeled the interior in a 60s diner style. If I knew then what I knew now, it would be a tough call.
mandolindave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 02:59 PM   #11
The handy accountant
 
pageclot's Avatar
 
1976 27' Overlander
Scarborough , Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 167
Images: 21
For the price of a reasonably good new popup trailer, I have 24' of enclosed space and comfort in a hunk of aluminum that's 33 years old. All the major systems are in working order right now, and over time, as things wear out and need replacement, I will develop whatever skills I need to fix it myself (or bite the bullet and pay someone to do it, if it's beyond me). Bottom line is we can camp in it now, and enjoy it now, polish it up, and save up for the day when I get under it and open up the bellypan and find out the floor is supported by thin air.

And it looks really cool sitting in our driveway. I get hours of enjoyment thinking about ways to shave weight from the interior, or pondering building techniques. Since we bought it, I think we've spent about $200 total, on flooring, primer, paint and rivets. The fun per dollar ratio is still very high.

And it looks very cool sitting in the driveway.
__________________
_____
Kevin and Leah
Accountants who tow sans regret
"I nostri cuori e le menti appartengono al flusso d'aria"
pageclot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 04:10 PM   #12
Just an old timer...
 
85MH325's Avatar

 
2004 22' Interstate
Tipton , Iowa
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,760
Images: 37
There are three basic rules in buying a fixer-upper Airstream. If you follow them, you'll be fine.

1. You have to know what you're really looking at (you have to educate yourself to be able to do this).
2. You have to be realistic about what you can and can't do.
3. You have to buy one that is within your ability and financial wherewithal to repair.

If you don't follow these simple rules, you'll never know what hit you!

Roger
__________________
havin' to fix my broken Airstreams since 1987...
AIR 2053 Current: 2004 Airstream Interstate "B-Van" T1N DODGE Sprinter
Former Airstreams: 1953 Flying Cloud, 1957 Overlander, 1961 Bambi, 1970 Safari Special, 1978 Argosy Minuet, 1985 325 Moho, 1994 Limited 34' Two-door, 1994 B190 "B-Van"
85MH325 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 04:56 PM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
gail's Avatar
 
2017 16' Sport
Malibu , California
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 298
Images: 9
We bought an old airstream fixed her up and she is perrrrrrrrrfect and hubby went and bought a bigger old one. We are now selling our Caravel and she is cute and no issues what so ever. YOU can save lots of money on a good old gal and the new ones also have issues after the warranty runs out. I think you had bad luck. A good idea is to call for a reference on the buyer and to check out who may have done any work on the unit. A wise investment is an older unit just an informed buyer is the smart buyer.
gail is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 05:02 PM   #14
Moderator Emeritus
 
Pick's Avatar
 
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs , Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
Images: 36
Send a message via AIM to Pick
I live near an A/S dealer and stop there on occasion, so I know what the new units cost. My vintage 1972 was in really great shape when I bought it. Of course I put thousands into it, but I have nowhere near the cost of a new unit. And, yes I still need to put more into it, this time I need new bedding, and it's getting time for new tires.
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
Pick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 05:07 PM   #15
4 Rivet Member
 
gail's Avatar
 
2017 16' Sport
Malibu , California
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 298
Images: 9
New units need tires, brakes and we saw someone with a brand new unit the skin looked dreadful, and he had a leak in the new bathroom? Ours has no leaks and anything needs maintainance. IN this economy ck out the unit you are buying and then go for it. A wise seller will give you references of service and upkeep.
gail is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 05:08 PM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
gail's Avatar
 
2017 16' Sport
Malibu , California
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 298
Images: 9
Pick she looks great to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
gail is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 05:37 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
SilverAvion's Avatar
 
Freeport , Maine
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 65
Images: 1
My dad always used to say that for a boat owner, the only thing better than the day you buy it, is the day you sell it....
SilverAvion is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 08:47 PM   #18
Moderator Emeritus
 
overlander64's Avatar
 
1964 26' Overlander
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Anna , Illinois
Join Date: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,710
Images: 194
Send a message via Yahoo to overlander64
Save money By Buying an older AS

My '64 Overlander came to live with me in 1995 after I had considered everything from a brand new Airstream to a 1978 Caravanner. Today, counting all of the refurbishing and repairs, I have spent a total comparable to what a new coach of similar size would have cost in 1995. My costs would have been lower had I not contracted for most of the refurbishing labor. I have no regrets, however, and can't really think of another coach that I would rather have -- every travel trailer that I have owned has had a large rear bathroom and I have never found a side-bath floorplan that I could live with on a daily basis -- the Overlander has been my temporary full-time residence two different times when I have relocated and I am still sold on the coach.

A vintage or even a coach that is a decade old isn't for everyone. Sometimes it is necessary to look to the vintage ranks to find a coach with the floorplan or some particular features that you want. At least with Airstreams there is a rather high probability of finding one that can still be made roadworthy -- I doubt that my 1980 Nomad 1720 trailer is still on the road today -- it was beginning to self-destruct when I sold it in 1983.

Kevin
__________________
Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC #7864
AIR #827
1964 Overlander International
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
overlander64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2009, 09:29 PM   #19
4 Rivet Member
 
63Silver's Avatar
 
1963 28' Ambassador
Smiths Grove , Kentucky
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 406
Images: 43
Thankfully there are lots of Airstreams out there to meet the needs of just about everyone, some old, some new. We chose vintage (mostly trashed) because we could afford it and we had the know how to fix it fairly cheaply. We decided early on we were not going original, too expensive and we wanted our own style. So far we have been well please and who knows in the future we may purchase a newer camper with a "real" grey tank.

63Silver
63Silver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-17-2009, 06:53 PM   #20
Iwannagocamping
 
Dakota's Dad's Avatar
 
1979 31' Sovereign
Rineyville , Kentucky
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 262
Buying our first right now, '79 Sovereign, 31 foot, International (whatever that means.. vs land yacht) and expect we will put SEVERAL thousand into it getting it right again, or right to us, as it where.. but know for sure we won't have anywheres near the admission price of a new 31 footer in it, and we will have a cool custom older trailer. and we like doing such things so it's win win for us.
Dakota's Dad 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
Buying an older Airstream? ggm General Repair Forum 6 03-08-2009 07:15 PM
Thinking of buying an older Airstream Old Cracker Member Introductions 7 11-20-2006 10:25 PM
What else do you spend your money on? Ultradog Off Topic Forum 42 04-16-2006 08:20 AM
Money well spent! Sneakinup LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 1 02-28-2004 04:25 PM


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 06:39 AM.


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