Anyone know anything about Airstreams?

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:03 am

Note that there are different model levels even in the 70s.
Worth knowing what you get with them.
Often as cheap to get one with all the options, used.

Here's some local comparisons.
A reminder that asking price is only rarely selling price.
Sale price is all that matters for comparison.
In my experience, those overpricing end up having to come down more.
But some people don't shop.

Trailers are measured from end ot end, though many don't count the hitch, so have a short length posted.

Priced too high and didn't sell on ebay.
Note the $5000 drop already.
http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2334883772.html
http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2288140071.html

http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2319185163.html

Here's one with the good aluminum.
Really makes a difference for corrosion.
Much stronger.
http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2283508568.html

http://memphis.craigslist.org/for/2264585321.html

Argosy, fibreglas
http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2318034912.html

airstream motor home
http://memphis.craigslist.org/rvs/2311375441.html

can't sit still · Post by **can't sit still** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:07 am

Tamarakay, some of the Airstreams had hydraulic brakes that were vacuum-boosted. You have to hook up a vacuum line from the intake manifold of the truck to the line on the trailer. You connect the two when you hitch up. They weren't common but, they did make them that way. Is the F-350 gas or diesel? The F-350 will do fine. I took RV caravans to Mexico and Alaska for 10 years. Even a 250 does OK. Much depends on the driver. I just got a free pair of axles from an Airstream that a friend scrapped out.
You need to add a huge trans cooler to the Ford. The fridge has a "cal rod" in the chimney of the heat exchanger. Something like this;
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HEATING- ... ccessories
It's best to just slide the fridge out to work on it. A new project to keep you busy.

Post by **Sham** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:08 am

I guess there will be a party at Tamarakay's new Airstream. I think we should all surprise kenman and just show up there.
Let us know how you make out with this purchase.
Sham...

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 8:41 am

Shambala wrote:I guess there will be a party at Tamarakay's new Airstream. I think we should all surprise kenman and just show up there.
Let us know how you make out with this purchase.
Sham...

note to Tamara: new corner stabilizing jacks with good blocking....

that and one of figjams fine coolers and it's party time.

I'm going to get started building one for our RV..

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:14 am

tamarakay wrote:Found a 76 Airstream Land Yacht for $5,000
All systems work, new tires, floor solid, original carpet (yellow shag aacckk), frig works on propane but not battery/electric (they think it should be small repair), possibly the top vent needs replaceing. It has a canopy on the front, back and side. Back and side ones work beautifully, front one needs a new spring. It has the double bed in front, twin beds in middle (we would use that for storage). They have a family emergency, need the cash. Googling, this seems like a more than fair price to me. Kenman wanted me to check in on here and see if anyone has experience with these. It looks smoking.

I want to be at the bank first thing monday morning, kenman is nervous.

I am not sure I should get involved but as an RV Park owner I have some experience in this area which I will share with you.

At this point, a 1976 anything is not worth $5,000, flat out unless it has been stored inside for the last 40 years. That price is affected by the fact that a lot of folks cannot afford to go camping this year with the high cost of fuel. All the equipment is 45 years old, how old are you? For $5,000 you can find a much newer vehicle I believe. That said,

Now, thats just my opinion and here are the things you want to check. Look for any kind of stain on the wood paneling where water has entered the vehicle. If you see anything like that, not good. Use the water at the both sinks both with the electric water pump and with the system under pressure from a hose connected. Try the propane at the stove, make sure the water heater heats the water.

While the system is under pressure from a hose connected, look for leaks both under the vehicles, at any of the drains that Airstream builds in to drain the system, check the lines that go to the bathroom and in the bathroom the water conector to the toilet is famous for leaking. You have a roof air conditioner, make sure it works, but remember the vintage age of that equipment probably means it uses excessive juice and puts out less cooling then a newer air conditioner. Make sure the propane heater works well, that when it turns on the fan doesnt make a lot of noise, as they do when they get old. Look down in the toilet with a flashlight, you want to see a really clean compartment.

Check both 12 volt electric system and the 110 system, check the outside electric connection, they fail.

Refer probably can't be fixed and will need to be replaced. A refer with all 3 (12 volt, 110 and propane probably costs over $1,000.00. Awning spring? really don't know what you mean, but probably you will need to replace the awning. eitherway, do not plan on putting out an awning at Burning Man, not a good idea.

We have a group of Airstreams that comes here every year and it is so cool to see them all driving down the road.. here is a pic from my park

If you would like to ask "MIke" the guy who organizes the above group, let me know and I will give him a shout for you.

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 9:38 am

Has anyone mentioned the Wally Byam Airstream Club? They might have some information. (Club is named after the founder of Airstream.)

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:00 am

tamarakay wrote: We have an old Excel trailer in our yard (we have 60 acres)

Texas scale, I love it.

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 3:13 pm

Woot! A party! Any and all are welcome. We do have that Texas sized yard after all (with a nice creek from which some nice bass have been liberated). But, yep, don't tell kenman. He gets all nervous and stuff.

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 3:18 pm

At this point, unless someone shows up with more than the asking price, we will own it by Wednesday. The couple who own it are having to move to Missiouri in a hurry. A domestic violence incident involving his daughter and an ex. Daughter in hospital after being shot in the chest. They have to move up there to take custody of the kids.

Kenman did a more thorough inspection and yes it will need some TLC, but in way better shape than others we have found around here. So, cross your fingers.

Dustdevil · Post by **Dustdevil** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 4:03 pm

I would still make an offer of 25% under the asking price. Maybe it is bad to take advantage of such a situation, but I know you will find things that need repairing. I have done this many times and I inspect vehicles as part of my job. I still miss expensive stuff once in a while.

Donna Matrix · Post by **Donna Matrix** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 4:26 pm

Yes... I know a few things..

They are silver and they don't leak.

they are expensive. but they are worth it.

Yeah... that's about all.

Post by **Elderberry** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:29 pm

Dustdevil wrote:I would still make an offer of 25% under the asking price. Maybe it is bad to take advantage of such a situation, but I know you will find things that need repairing. I have done this many times and I inspect vehicles as part of my job. I still miss expensive stuff once in a while.

Definitely a good idea to offer less for many reasons. First, if you agree right off to the price, the seller will be less happy with the deal and will wonder if he made a mistake asking so little for it. Second, you the buyer, will never know how much more you paid for the trailer than you maybe should have. So, if you offer less, he has the option of saying no or offering a lower price he will accept. Every transaction is always more satisfying for both parties when an attempt to barter has been made, as you both can leave the transaction feeling you got the best price possible.

Oh, and one caveat, make sure your offer isn't so low as to be insulting. Some feel it is wise not to offer less than 20% below what is being asked, but the better (more amiable) negotiator you are the more leeway you have.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:41 pm

Interesting, JK.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 5:51 pm

When I buy a vehicle, I use thier price, then inspect for problems.

I have some idea what it will cost to fix, then deduct that from thier price.

Fair offer all the way around.

My latest truck was $6000. Got it for $4000!

delle · Post by **delle** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:20 am

I really hope you people know how lucky you are with your prices on such things.

Suspecting $5000 wouldn't get you much in my neck of the woods, I did a search on the local sales engines (our versions of Craigslist, which never did take off around here)I found only 1 under $5,000.

....a tiny little '78 landyacht in deplorable condition (missing window and all) for $2000. "For someone with time and money" said the ad.

With only two exceptions, everything else (although mostly all over 40 years old) were above the $10,000 range.

Crazy.

(What a sad circumstance surrounding the sale. Ouch.)

Lassen Forge · Post by **Lassen Forge** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:54 am

Something no one mentioned... the axles usually need to be rebuilt or replaced, and if they haven't been, plan on this somewhere down the road...

They were this pretty cool rubber insert torsion bar gig (wich saved weight and the wasted spae of the shock mounts) - which is why they tow so well - but when they go, you may have a (^$&^$ of a time getting a wheel off if you have a flat.

Look at the airstream sites about this, they tell you how to check for this (it's been too long, I just don;t remember, sorry)...

Other than that - if I had my choice, there's no better trailer... even if you end up restoring her (they're like an old car that way), you'll have a real jewel. Good luck.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:42 am

You can't go by asking prices, and never by a short search.

The lowest close to me is $4000.
I found two for $2500 close enough though.
I've seen them for $1000.

Remember they are portable.
Easy enough to find a deal and tow it home.

Airstreams tend to be a spot market, on and off from time to time.
Most people hang on to them.
If you wait, they show up.
Mine was never advertised at all, only a sign on the trailer.

Be aware many dealers post on cl, skewing prices.

I found a prevost 40' bus with a rebuilt engine in nashvile, asking $15, and a spare bus available for parts.
They bought it in california.
Diesel pusher probably.
A new interior may be available for it too.
$200,000 bus, maybe?
That's today's market.

Airstreams are only as high as they are, due to reputation.
There are equivalent trailers, sometimes cheap.

Post by **Sham** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:18 pm

Well Tamara, did you get it? Huh didja, hah didja?

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Mon Apr 25, 2011 6:59 pm

lala! Moved money around but for some reason one of the accounts won't commit and promises one to three days for deposit (it is in the fine print damn it), so hopefully the last of the funds will get here tomorrow. I'm scared some yahoo is going to show up and offer more. But, hopefully it will be in my yard tomorrow.
I did go visit it today and i'm smitten. Will be heartbreaking to not get it, but the couple needs the money and they need to get gone to missouri, so I would not blame them.

tamarakay · Post by **tamarakay** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:18 pm

OK, we are now the proud owners of an Airstream Sovereign International Land Yacht. WOOT!

We offered 20% lower than asking price, went back and forth, he replaced lightbulbs, did a little wiring repair on a rear light, and took the asking price lol.

We had to get it inspected for the out of state title transfer and the guy there offered to buy it for more than what we paid (we said no).

They are moving the rest of the stuff out of it as we speak and ken is putting some other kind of hitch thing on the truck. We pick it up tomorrow, or tonight depending on the hitch work.

Thank you to everyone for your input.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:20 pm

CONGRATULATIONS!

Post by **Elderberry** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:22 pm

Yeah!!!!

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:22 pm

Congrats! Post pictures if you can.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:22 pm

Congratulations!

Let me know if you want any help upgrading the lighting.
The stock stuff on mine is incredibly power hungry, and dim.

Wohoo for you guys.

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:23 pm

Woo hoo Tamara & Ken!

Please keep us posted itt so we can share your fun as you fix it up just the way you like it!

You guys rock, utterly.

TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:41 pm

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TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:48 pm

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TomServo · Post by **TomServo** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:52 pm

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Post by **Sham** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:56 pm

Wow Tamara, that's great news. Congrats to you and Ken-doll!
Party at your Airstream at Burning Man!

You made my day!

MisaBlue · Post by **MisaBlue** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:58 pm

Congrats Tamara!!!

Anyone know anything about Airstreams?

Re: Anyone know anything about Airstreams?