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53flyingcloud · 03-22-2003, 04:01 AM

alt

You're very lucky as, you've noted ..to have found this forum.
Not only are you among some of the nicest people but, the education value alone contained within will get you thru just about any project you might under take. THIS PLACE IS TEEMING WITH WILD IDEAS~!
It was over 6 yrs ago when I first rekindled the A/S flames from my childhood. (I used to see waves of Gyspies passing by driving those huge 50's Cat and their A/S in tow.)
I searched all over the internet before buying my first one..Only to sell it 45 min later..lol(made a nice profit on it) Then, purchased the one I currently own from the PO in TX.
My unit is 84 Sovereign, 29ft with center bath and twin rear.
For comparison. Paid 10k. Since then, I've put very close to that in it just fixing "things"..All of which could've been 'delayed' or not done at all.
Always ask questions, for the only 'dumb question is the one you didn't ask. And, don't be afraid to post some in return as well~!!
Again, welcome~!
ciao

DataMover · 03-22-2003, 07:18 AM

Alt,

I bought my 1972 31' Excella 500 in 1995 and I was about 29. I did two years of fulltiming when I bought it and tweaked it as I went. My friends thought I had falled off the deep end, however I really loved the trailer and the experience. I still have it and continue to work on it and add upgrades to it. I would DEFINATELY go for it. I wish I had found this forum when I was learning how to polish and upgrade.

Good Luck and have fun!

Bob

BobbyW · 03-22-2003, 09:08 AM

I say buy it and get going on the restoration. You have already found a good purpose for it.

-BobbyW

Silvertwinkie · 03-22-2003, 09:42 AM

We had a spirited discussion on the topic of buying somewhat new or new vs. old and restoring.

In the end your taste and wallet will dictate what is your best bet.

To me that trailer needing as much as it does need, seems a bit high in $$ to me. I could be off here. But given all that you mentioned, minus what you haven't found yet, I'd say the trailer might be worth less money. How much less, I can't comment. But I would try to get it for less if you love it as you do, but don't charge into it with you heart only or your wallet, if it is not limitless could see some hurt.

Just my .02

Eric

Silvertwinkie · 03-22-2003, 09:51 AM

Alt,

Check out this link. It might be helpful.

Eric

http://www.airforums.com/forum...8591#post28591

alt · 03-22-2003, 12:56 PM

I think I am starting to understand...it not only takes courage, but a great sense of humor too! I keep cracking up while reading these postings...I hope the laughter comes as easy when I'm curled fetal- overwhelmed by the adventure!

High point in the decision- I have found a place to park the A/S - a beautiful RV Campground right on a lake...and only 2 miles from my work (right downtown). The owners are great- he's a builder/contracter, she is an artist/welder. Only 65 sites (16 year-round). Everything included for $200 US. Gravel/No cover. But I get to have a fire pit...that makes me most happy. Closest thing to owning my own 'back 40' that I can find.

So, as it stands now- I'm buying an A/S. I am on my way out to find more to look at. If I do end up with the forementioned...I will score a better price.

Hey- thanks for the welcome! It's nice to know I'm not the only one...A

Silvertwinkie · 03-22-2003, 03:26 PM

Alt,

If possibe, get a picture posted of the site you got! It sounds awesome!

Eric

ipso_facto · 03-22-2003, 06:05 PM

alt
Everything included for $200 US

This sounds like a great deal. Even electric? Great, because you can then use electric heaters in the winter and save on LP.

alt · 03-23-2003, 05:14 PM

Yes. Electric is included. So is phone and cable. And of course water/sewer. I'm not sure how long they are going to be able to keep it at this price. I am banking on them liking having me around...!

I've looked at two more A/S's on the Island- the only other's that I've found so far. Walked through and knew right away they weren't mine. Funny, I'm more comfortable buying the one that I know needs the TLC - than the 'pretty' ones that may be hiding something.

The owner of the one I like will be back in town today - I'm hoping to arrange a second visit for Tuesday. I'll post pictures once I nail it down. A

Pick · 03-23-2003, 05:38 PM

Alt, I have a 1972 31 footer and I love it! Just finished replacing the front vent/fan with a Fantastic Fan. Quite a project.

I got mine for around the same price your looking at. Here are some of the things we've done to her so far:

1. Replace water heater
2. New battery
3. Fix multiple leaks in water system due to previous owner negligence
4. Replace water filter, same as above.
5. Replace both axles, front brakes
6. Replace all 4 tires
7. Re-laminate counter top
8. Re-upholster front gaucho
9. Install automotive type stereo/CD system
10. Replace front vent/fan, with Fantasic Fan
12. Replace trailer to truck umbilical cord
13. Replace valves on propane tanks with OPD units

Next item is replace sink faucets in bathroom.
Current project is to replace all curtains in front of the coach.
Will do sleeping area curtains this winter or fall.
Thinking about replacing carpeting from kitchen to living area.

I hope this gives you some idea what to expect. Some items were elective, and did not need to be done.

ipso_facto · 03-23-2003, 11:34 PM

alt

This is a remarkably good deal on that lot. Are you sure they include phone though? Do you mean that they make it available maybe?

Anyway, good luck with the purchase. It is OK to carefully consider all options. Sounds like you found what you wanted. As I said, I considered a dozen, maybe 15 units before I liked the one I actually got (less than 2 weeks ago). I asked as many questions as possible.

All the variables such as age, length, condition, floor plans surely make it complex. But I can tell you one thing, I couldn't have done it without the support of the A/S community.

Pick
3. Fix multiple leaks in water system due to previous owner negligence

What do you mean by that? Are there any things I should examine in the water system? I have the polybutylene plumbing and I plan to replace it eventually.

Pick · 03-24-2003, 09:56 AM

They did not winterize the unit, and the pipes burst in 3 locations. 3 hard to get at locations. The stainless steel water filter was full and when it froze, it deformed to the point that it was unusable.

cmgirdwood · 03-24-2003, 12:13 PM

Dear Alt,
Since everyone is weighting in on what they like, just remember you have to love it first. As for the 80's person excuse me we don't happen to even think its an Airstream unless it has tambered doors. The bathroom sag is an 80's problem. So there is the 70's perferance. We have had our Overlander for 7 years now and of course because it is vintage things have to be replaced and updated. This weekend we went in to our storage lot and put in the last new day/nite shade in the bathroom. It is amazing how the little things really change how it looks. Of course we did do one big, meaning expensive project a year. But man is it worth it. My husband and I both looked at each other after the shade was in and said I love this trailer. There is no way we will ever get rid of it.
Even if we sell the 34.5 motorhome the trailer is sacred. It was the begininng of the dream and we will always have it.
We don't think of all the work it has been but what a pleasure it has been to have. When you change anything you make it more yours , it becomes a part of your personality.
I know this sound lame but once you start you are hooked forever.
mareinmn

alt · 03-24-2003, 12:30 PM

Ah! Yes. The phone must be 'available' - I wasn't thinking that far (billing) because I just need my cell anyway. I am just working through all the particulars now...financing etc. I did go and visit the trailer again yesterday. I know it is mine. Just wrapping up the details and trying to be patient.

I like that this one has the twin rear and mid-bath. I love the windows too- the funky sky lights. And since I have no urge to ever own a house...this seems the way to have my own home. I look forward to making those changes- solar is my goal. Just gotta pace the budget and I should be fine. A

Silvertwinkie · 03-24-2003, 04:44 PM

Alt,

Any pics?

Eric

alt · 03-24-2003, 07:14 PM

I'll see what I can do- perhaps I can get out to it after work tomorrow. Light may be an issue. Feedback would be good. I will know by the end of the week how it all plays out. My goal is to have it moved to my site by May 1st. Oh the fun...the calm before the storm! A

ipso_facto · 03-24-2003, 09:35 PM

alt

It sounds like one by one you have all the pieces falling into place. Good. The A/S, the place to put it, and you know what you want.

As one data point, I've seen a campground where they quoted me a rate of $90/week, which is almost $400/month. So you are doing pretty good with that. I am looking for something in the same price range, too. $200/month with electric included is _not_ bad. See if you can get a bi-annual rate.

Ask about a towing vehicle and you will get just as many opinions here as there are members.

N.J 74 sovereign · 03-25-2003, 05:53 AM

Alt
GO for it!!! I bought my trailer a year and a half ago the seller wanted 5k he got 3k
I got him down on the price because I found wet spots and a hole on the floor, half the lights were not working , and the a/c compresior would not come on(since it was 0nly 40 degrese out side) all the tambour doors were broken or missing
when i got the trailer home all the light came back to life, and the a/c was fine it was only two years old

here is alist of what i have done
1 new tires ......$400
2 new sony radio/cd player with remote and speakers $160
3 stop the leakes that roted the floor $5 tube of caulk
4 replace 2.5X6 foot section of the floor this was pruobly the harist thing I had to do, took me about 4 days
5 rebild the 5 vista view windows AkA funky skylights $10 for caulk and gasket
about 3 hours a peice
6 coat the entire floor with penatating epoxy $100
7 replace the peice of crap univolt with IP&CW $150
8 replace toilet wich leaked it was fixable just old and dirty $120
9 replace double bed foam mattress $80
10 insatll Mannington enginered wood flooring ok here I got lucky( I got it at an odd lot flooring place for 80% off) I prefer this stuff to pergo it is thinner, lighter, and made out of wood looks great... with the trim and other stuff about $180
took about 4 days
11 insatall new opd valvs on lpg tanks also got them recertified and filled $130
This was a pain since no one wanted to do it, one guy took pity one me becase he
liked Airstreams
12 new license plate light and frame $36
13 new spot light, here i got smart also took the old one too napa, thay had a
match$14
14 replace the tambour doors (this is a little bit intimadating but once you figaur it out it turn out to be vary easy) $126
15 new home made alumanim cover for the fiber optic indecater lights
16 misalanious stuff from home chepo $100
Total 4,611 ...........would I do it again? hummmm ....... HELL yeah I love my Trailer!!!!!
Please please take my advice on this check the floor around the out side walls , pull the carpet back, look in the cabinets jump up and down whatever ,fixing that floor (the right way) is a real nightmare............... Good Luck Thomas

alt · 03-25-2003, 10:55 AM

THANK YOU! For all you still posting- totally appreciated. I am planning a trailer visit for after work...I will make sure to jump up and down...and roll back the carpets. I'm a little scared...A