Re: [A/S] Happy Anniversary Hunter

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Doug, if you are considering a 30', then my suggestion is that while you are in the looking mode, at
least look inside a 34' Airstream. I'm not suggesting you buy one, just look in a few of them. Make
sure none of the features are something you really "need" (as differentiated from "want"). 

Likewise, if you see features you "need", then probably one or two of those features are included as
standard equipment in a smaller Airstream. For example, we like the vertical pantry in certain 34'
models. We found it in a 25' Airstream after we'd purchased our '86 32' model. That would have been
a consideration for us if we'd known about it. My perspective as a cabinet maker would have been
cued to noticing how I might adapt an existing space to a slide-in vertical pantry. Instead, I
inadvertently locked myself out of that option unless I wanted to do major remodeling (I don't).  

Another point, the older 80s models were built with thicker aluminum than the new models (same said
for each prior 10 year period), plus many of the complaints by owners of 70s models (myself
included) were resolved during the 1980s production run. In my opinion, buying a product built
during a period of prosperity when the company was particularly responsive to customers and was not
cutting corners or introducing new mechanical features (i.e. slide outs) has some benefit for those
of us who keep the product for long term use. Personally, I have a stronger interest in established
models that are improved and refined, than first run models being built from new blueprints.

Now - before you utter your first "but" - remember, having one Airstream means you are just getting
started. <grin> You could buy a smaller vintage model for short trips and a larger vintage or newer
model for long term hikes. And, although this is an Airstream list, more than one of our members has
restored an Avion and a Streamline. With your Suburban, your options could include both a smaller
and a larger vintage Airstream or high line non-Airstream at no extra cost in truck. See - I'm
saving you money already. 

Bottom line, what I'm suggesting is that you don't prematurely shut down your options while you are
in the search mode. I think it would be to your advantage to keep the wide perspective until the day
when your hand starts reaching for your wallet. There are a vast number of Airstreams for sale in
cities, towns and villages all over this land. Take plenty of time, get all your ducks lined up
(i.e. needs, wants, money, where you can park it, etc., etc., and all those other mundane details)
while the Winter season is approaching. The best price might be for a rig you find during the last
days of Indian Summer, but you wait until after the first snowfall to put in an offer. The down side
is you may not know if it was winterized properly.   

As a personal aside, the best part for me, of taking my time, was as I continued checking out each
used Airstream, my confidence (based on logic) increased dramatically. The benefit was that my last
four decisions were based on both logic and emotion, instead of mostly on emotion. As an Amateur
Restorer, I found it was important to be level headed about the entire process, BEFORE I allowed my
emotions and unbridled enthusiasm to run rampant and get me into something that was cosmetically
appealing but a mechanical nightmare (been there, done that and glad to be rid of it).

Terry
'77 31' Excella 500  -  97% restored
'86 32' Excella      -  95% restored 
'67 22' Safari       -  96% restored
'63 22' Flying Cloud -  50% restored