Lppk at this Airstream

[hammersley]

I know the $$ will go up - what about the so called damage... ... what are the disadvantages - other than size - of this trailer???? I know - no tip out.....



eBay Motors: Classic 1989 34ft AIRSTREAM EXCELLA 1000 Travel Trailer (item 180212231648 end time Feb-07-08 18:45:56 PST)

 

[Grizzly]

I don't think I could ever own a TT after having a 5th wheel and it's far too big to go to my favorite camping and fishing spots.

 

[HGreen]

I own an 77 Airstream and would not be concerned about the repairs if done by a Airstream Dealer as corner panels get messed up easily. The front ones seem to catch the corners of your bumper and the rear ones catch someone elses bumper. They are easily damaged and the only repair is replacement. What looks odd is the vertical seam under the front window on the road side, just to the left of the battery box. IT looks like the panels don't meet or didn't meet when put together or there is a funny reflection.

 

[Gene Arnold]

What appears to be minor damage on one of those panels often requires the replacement of that section as the aluminum cannot be worked very much. It distorts very easily. Since the trailer is not painted, fillers can't be used as with auto body repair. Since, according to the owner, there is no evidence, inside or underneath, of serious damage, I suspect someone rear-ended it and that required the replacement of the outside panels and bumper. Based on what I read in an Airstream forum, I suspect the trailer will bring somewhere around $15,000. 00. It probably listed for around $63,000. 00 when it was new.



My trailer is very similar (the Limited is the top of the line). Most of the people who own the 34', triple axle, trailers really like them. Mine pulls like a dream! However, to be honest, if I had my druthers I'd go for a 31' tandem axle. No particular reason as finding parking for my extra three feet is not that much more difficult.



Not everyone likes Airstreams. They have less headroom (although I'm 6'3" and it doesn't bother me), less storage space, and they are very expensive. Balance that off with the aerodynamics, low profile, ease of towing, fuel savings, and longevity. I've had two since 1983; one a 1969 31' tandem, and my present 34' triple (owned since 1999).

 

[hammersley]

I can't give up the Pickup Bed for a 5th wheel

I don't think I could ever own a TT after having a 5th wheel and it's far too big to go to my favorite camping and fishing spots.

My two yellow labs live between the cab and my shell... ... I must have a TT.....

 

[Grizzly]

My two yellow labs live between the cab and my shell... ... I must have a TT.....

Then you must have never towed a 5th wheel.

 

[Loren]

hammersley,



I also own an Airstream. I agree with Gene Arnold's comments, even down to the idea that I would prefer a shorter trailer. My ideal size would be about 31-32 feet. One advantage to the triple axle that is often overlooked, however, is the fact that you have 50% more braking on three axles than on two.



I bought a 34' Airstream because we got a great deal on it. At least, we thought we did. Ours cost us about $5000 in repairs within the first year or two of ownership.



Don't be awed by the Airstream name. They are not God's gift to travel trailers. I have yet to find an RV trailer that I think is truly well made, but I suspect there are a few companies out there doing it. The advantage to an Airstream is the "snob appeal", the better resale value, and the fact that people really can't tell how old your trailer is. There are some parks that will not accept an older trailer, and if you own an Airstream, you can still get in with an older one.



In spite of the fact that I'm not in love with Airstreams, this one in the auction seems to be in excellent shape and would be a good buy (I think) in the $12,000 - $15,000 range. There are some things to be aware of, however.



The famous Airstream body is not attached directly to the frame. The frame has a plywood (or other sheet material) floor attached to it. The body is then attached to the edge of the floor with screws or something similar. This means that the condition of the floor is critical to having a sound trailer. Be sure this one is in good shape before bidding. Water leaks and similar problems have caused floors to rot, and you don't want to have to pay to replace some or all of your floor.



The trailer is in Helena, OH. That's only about 100 miles from the Airstream factory service center in Jackson Center, OH. I would suggest that you arrange for an inspection there before finalizing a deal to buy this (or any other) Airstream.



If it is in good shape, you may get yourself quite a deal here. Good luck.



Loren

 

[hammersley]

No matter HOW GREAT the 5th wheel tows -

Then you must have never towed a 5th wheel.

Where do I put two soaking wet Yellow labs ( and if they don't go - I don't ) - after all - forgive me - it's their vacation as well:-laf - and trust me - I've had wet labs all over me in the cab in the summer... ... love em - but there are times when they need their own space for a little bit - loosing the bed for a freaking trailer - "well just ain't in the cards!"

 

[Grizzly]

Where do I put two soaking wet Yellow labs ( and if they don't go - I don't ) - after all - forgive me - it's their vacation as well:-laf - and trust me - I've had wet labs all over me in the cab in the summer... ... love em - but there are times when they need their own space for a little bit - loosing the bed for a freaking trailer - "well just ain't in the cards!"

That is a valid point. I can understand that.

 

[HBarlow]

That is a nice Airstream. The photos were taken on the property of P & S Trailer Service on old US 6 just west of the small town of Helena, OH. P & S has a website. Do a google search under P&S Trailer. I'll look it up and post it after I send this post. Steve Ruth and his son Kevin have been replacing body panels, restoring Airstreams, and doing recoating or polishing of Airstreams for many years. They are recommended by the Airstream factory at Jackson Center, OH. That is the way I met them. I pulled my 34' A/S all the way from Lubbock to Helena, OH to have them work on it.



It is not clear but the trailer probably belongs to Steve Ruth. He buys, repairs, and resells a few. Steve does high quality work and stands behind his work. I know him personally. He recoated a '93 Airstream Excella 34' for me in 1995 or '96 and recently polished my daughter's vintage '66 Airstream Safari 22' (gift from her dad).



My guess is the former owner was probably elderly, as many Airstream owners are, and probably was not a skilled trailer puller. It sounds like he dinged each of the four corner panels which is fairly common. It is also easy because of the long rear overhang to hook and damage the rear bumper. Steve Ruth probably replaced the four corner panels and the rear bumper.



If you are serious about the trailer call and talk to Steve Ruth about it. He is honest.



Harvey

 

[HBarlow]

Here's the link to P & S.



P & S Travel Trailer Service, Helena, Ohio



Harvey

 

[hammersley]

Harvey..........

That is a nice Airstream. The photos were taken on the property of P & S Trailer Service on old US 6 just west of the small town of Helena, OH. P & S has a website. Do a google search under P&S Trailer. I'll look it up and post it after I send this post. Steve Ruth and his son Kevin have been replacing body panels, restoring Airstreams, and doing recoating or polishing of Airstreams for many years. They are recommended by the Airstream factory at Jackson Center, OH. That is the way I met them. I pulled my 34' A/S all the way from Lubbock to Helena, OH to have them work on it.



It is not clear but the trailer probably belongs to Steve Ruth. He buys, repairs, and resells a few. Steve does high quality work and stands behind his work. I know him personally. He recoated a '93 Airstream Excella 34' for me in 1995 or '96 and recently polished my daughter's vintage '66 Airstream Safari 22' (gift from her dad).



My guess is the former owner was probably elderly, as many Airstream owners are, and probably was not a skilled trailer puller. It sounds like he dinged each of the four corner panels which is fairly common. It is also easy because of the long rear overhang to hook and damage the rear bumper. Steve Ruth probably replaced the four corner panels and the rear bumper.



If you are serious about the trailer call and talk to Steve Ruth about it. He is honest.



Harvey

Thanks a million - That was a fantastic response... ... ...

 

[hammersley]

How much would this trailer WEIGH??????

Any ideas as to it's weight???????

 

[Gene Arnold]

I weighed my 34' Limited at a Flying J while I was on a trip. Actual loaded weight, full tank of water included, was just under 8500#.



Gene

 

[HBarlow]

Generally speaking, to determine the weight of any 5th wheel or travel trailer, assume the traveling weight is the GVWR. You'll never be far wrong unless you plan to pull it with tanks dry and very little food, clothing, and personal items.



In the absence of a GVWR if you can determine how many axles the trailer has and the size of tires and number of lug bolts you can accurately estimate it.



If I remember correctly, the GVWR of the triple axle Airsteam that I owned had a GVWR of 8,500#, could have been 9,000 lbs.



Harvey

 

[Loren]

Any ideas as to it's weight???????

I weighed my 34-foot Airstream (front kitchen model, but similar to the one posted on E-bay) all packed, loaded, full water and LP tanks, empty holding tanks. Here's what I got:



hitch (tongue) weight: 1040 lbs.

all three axles: 8880 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT: 9920 pounds



That put me 40 pounds over my truck's rated hitch tongue weight.



The GVWR for the trailer, off the placard on the side is 9800 pounds. I was 120 pounds over that.



I can live with those numbers. With the right hitch the trailer pulls like a dream. It took me a while to find the right hitch. For me, it's a 12,000 pound Equal-i-zer.



Loren