Our big adventure - All input welcome
Fly to the US, buy a classic Airstream, travel the country, send the memory laden trailer home to Australia
Hello Airstreamers,
This is my first post, and that is our plan. There are some catches, complications, considerations and big holes in our knowledge that, with your help, I would like to start plugging.
Some background and parameters:
When? Summer 2010
How long? About 5 weeks
Why? Probably don't need to explain it to you, but, we love Airstreams (and fabulous design in general), love road trips, have never been to the US (apart from a trip from Tucson to LA in a VW combi 21 yrs ago), think it would be a fabulous thing to do with our 6 yr old daughter, and would love to own a classic Airstream in Australia.
What? A pre-70s, shorter than 25' model in good road-going condition. Seems to me the older, the more attractive - particularly the interiors....though of course not so well equipped with creature comforts. But open to suggestions!
Route Would love you Airstream hauling, experienced and country proud travellers to give me your IDEAL US ROAD TRIP IN 5 WEEKS. I hope I have just started the longest string in Airstream Forum history!
Budget About $15,000 max. Is this realistic? It needn't have a mirror finish, but we do want straight, reliable and are a bit particular about the interior. In my experience the long loved child of a genuine enthusiast is a good buy - are you out there?
Where the trailer is purchased is obviously going to have an impact on the itinerary. Not sure how to pin that down at this stage - do we buy on eBay? From Forum classifieds? From a dealer? Clearly it needs to be in good road-going order - we won't have time for repairs, and problems could ruin our trip. Is there a region in the US noted for good Airstreams?
Anybody know anything about international shipping? What about temporary registration and insurance during our trip? Recommendations for a (hired) tow vehicle?
Oh, and we currently live in a lovely 3 bed apartment overlooking the Dubai Marina (Dubai, UAE), with a view to The Palm island - so if anybody is interested in staying here for 5 wks next summer, let me know!
Look forward to your posts and maybe making some new friends.
Tim
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