[A/S] Re: wannabe newbie

["Manuel Ferro" <bonnuit@xxxxxxx>]

Gary :

We bought our first Airstream in July 1983 31 ft Excella with 
relatively new zip dee awnings (3) refrigerator and a/c  U$9,500

Check out http://www.vintageairstream.com/   for information on 
restoration.  

I also found 
http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_topics_pricevscondition.html  very 
useful for price versus condition information.

I made a decision to pay a little more for a good condition unit.  
Plenty of $5000 units out there needing lots of work.  In keeping 
with my decision, I walked away from any unit that did not have a 
complete unopened underbody.  That was kind of harsh but an opened 
underbody may indicate work done that of unknown quality.  a

I also made sure the refrigerator, which is a $1400 replacement was 
no older than 3 years.  That is the most expensive appliance.  The 
awnings last a very long time.  The prior owner replaced the Zip Dee 
material (not the awning itself) after 15 years.  So if it is in good 
condition it will last a long time.

I also rejected any unit I saw with floor rot.  The only way I 
checked it out , is to go around the entire unit and bang hard on the 
floor around the sides of the trailer. Dont be afraid to ask for the 
carpets to be lifted.  Airstreams leak around rear window and front 
door.  Evidence in floor.

Body repairs can be expensive.  I unfortunately had an accident a 
week after I got the unit.  Hit a tree in front of my house.  
Scratched left side, deep dents along rear left.  Neede new left 
awning.  Allstate paid $8,000 for the repair.  All parts were new, 
acquired from Airstream.  Work done by Walt's RV in Ocala  Fla. 
Excellent work.

I do not know of any method to just bang out dented aluminum.  Maybe 
because it gets stretched.  If you find out I would be interested.  
Have on more dent on top of the trailer (came with it).

On weight, there is a saying that Airstreams are light; only what you 
put into them is heavy.  Example: my 83 has a dry weight of 4,950 
lbs. Doubled checked with factory. Factory personnel very helpful.  
Gross maximum weight 7,300.  My interior is light weight aluminum and 
tambour doors.  I recently saw a 1989 Excella with heavy (and very 
attractive ) oak cabinets.  Its gross weight was 8,300 lbs.  All 
accounted for with the heavy interior.

So they were engineered for a maximum weight which is usually in the 
factory label on left front side of trailer.  You should not exceed 
that weight.

I found a 29' ft with rear bath and tail droop.  The quote to fix the 
droop was $1,400 .  It involves creating some kind of cradle elephant 
ear to support the frame.  I chose not to make an offer on it.    No 
telling what other collateral  damage the droop may have caused.  
This only affects rear bathroom units.  It is well known problem, so 
it affects their resale value.

We have really enjoyed our Airstream  It is in much better condition 
as a 20 yeaar old trailer than many 5 year old SOB's .  Plan to keep 
it for many years.  Particularly since its lighter weight makes for a 
real easy tow.  We are campers. So we dont load up on clothes and 
personal effects either.

Keep us informed of your progress.

Manuel Ferro
83 31ft Excella 
00 Mountaineer v8 Hensley hitch