My first Airstream!

[hharrelson]

Hi there!

I am looking to purchase my first AS. I think I may have found one, but need to inspect it in person! Is there a list of what to look for/test?! I am COMPLETELY new. Renovating an AS has always been a dream of mine and I'm ready to go for it!

What I know about the trailer: 1978 Trade Wind LY International - twin bed model.

The owner says it has been sitting for a year and he has recently discovered a leak in the water heater and toilet. The stove, refrigerator, and a/c all wok. All lights work inside the trailer, except for the front light assembly.

What questions should I ask. What should I look for? What should I check/test?

I've posted pics for reference too.

[hharrelson]

See attached

[Wayne&Sam]

It looks like it has had significant renos to the interior. Find out what they did to the rest of the trailer. Were there floor repairs? New axles? You'll want to be sure those "newly discovered" leaks weren't really around a long time and caused hidden damage.

Others here know much more about this than I do. I'm sure they'll chime in.

[Rich W]

Hi HHarrelson, greetings from Kentucky and welcome to the forum. There are volunteers who can assist you with inspecting an Airstream.

I found this information in our forums:

Go to members search, advanced search and put the location of the trailer and check the trailer inspector box. Members here have volunteered to be inspectors if they feel qualified.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/members/list/

When you get to that page, the "Search Members" dropdown is on the 3rd blue bar to the right of "Airstream Forums: Members List."

When you click on the dropdown "Advanced Search" is just below the fill-in box.

[Belegedhel]

Go to the Portal tab under the big Air Forums logo near the top of the page. Scroll down keeping yours eyes to the right and you will see a link to the Trailer Inspector's Checklist and a utility to help find volunteer inspectors. Download the checklist, and you will have a very thorough list of things to look at.

Now, if you were looking at a trailer that is in "original condition," then you would be keeping a keen eye out for things that disintegrate over 50 years. Since this trailer appears to have been extensively renovated, you have to look for both things that are disintegrating over the last 50 years, and the quality of the repairs. It is easy to make things look nice, and to cover up issues. Quite another thing to do repairs the "right" way.

How do you know what "good" looks like? I would suggest having a look at the "Full Monty" threads, which describe the complete rebuilds. There is a single thread where the full monties are all compiled. The search function is your friend.

good luck!

[Bubba L]

Another thought. Paul and Anne at A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, Tx is not that far from you. If the Airforum’s inspectors don’t pan out, Maybe Paul knows some people near you that will inspect. Good luck and glad you’re interested in the Airstream hobby.

[hharrelson]

Thanks, Bubba! It is funny you mentioned them. They are completing my friend's renovations. I will give them a call to see if they know someone or can take a look at the photos before we travel! Funny this community is so big, yet so small!