Re: [A/S] Digest Number 2083

["bmcclellan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <bmcclellan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'll second Chris on just about everything said on their '79.  We have
an '81 International 27' with the same problems of wimpy hinges on
closet doors, vinyl wood grain, etc.

When we bought our trailer 3 years ago, everything was original and in
working order.  At the time, it seemed like the way to go even though I
knew we'd be replacing the burnt orange carpets and upholstery.  Little
did I know that we'd spend as much as we have to put in a cork floor,
instant-on hot water heater, replace all of the faucets and shower,
kitchen sink, add a wine rack under the front table, add wineglass
storage under the other table, new ZipDee awning, replace a heater
control board, rebuilt the brakes, etc. etc.  We're finally getting
close to having things just like we want.

Now, if I could do it all over again, I'd have gone for vintage and
gotten that beautiful wood because we've fixed or replaced everything
else anyway.  And I would have gone for a few more feet of trailer
because our first tow vehicle was woefully undersized and ended up
buying a 3/4 ton Suburban and Hensley soon afterwards anyway.  But,
those queen beds in the new 30 footers look pretty appealing too.

But, the upside is, we have alot of satisfaction knowing what we've
accomplished in the trailer and it is pretty much just the way we would
want that trailer outfitted.  Even though we don't have the cool wood
of the vintage trailers or the nice bells and whistles of the new
stuff, we're still as happy as we can be when we get to go somewhere
with what we have.  And, last month when camping with friends in their
SOBs, we had some other friends stop in and compare our unit to our
friends' SOBs with TVs, etc.  Their comment?  They'd rather be in ours
anyday.

My point, jump in, buy what you can.  Fix it up.  Feel good.  And if
you're still unhappy, trade or buy another one.  Me, I'm thinking
another small vintage would be fun to add to the fleet.  And, a new
larger one when we retire.  Who says you can only have 1?

Betty McClellan
Scandia, MN