used airstreams
A Look At The World Of Vintage Campers
Campers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s are considered vintage. They are classics and evoke feelings of a time gone by. Many people choose to purchase a vintage model for the look and quality. Vintage campers typically have wood or aluminum frames and, depending on their condition and the brand of the camper, can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars (although these will typically need extensive restoration work). On the other hand, a completely restored vintage camper will easily cost several thousand dollars.
Vintage campers can be found online. Do an Internet search for “vintage campers” and you’ll get lots of hits (a recent search for “vintage campers” on Google returned 912,000 results). There are multiple sites that specialize in selling and restoring these campers. There are also clubs dedicated to the restoration and use of these campers; along with numerous forums dedicated to discussions about vintage campers. People who use these types of trailers do so for a variety of reasons. Some people like the classic look, while some want an economical way to camp in comfort. Others have no desire to use them for practical purposes and simply enjoy the restoration process.
The most popular vintage trailer is the Airstream (and often the most expensive). They started producing these in 1932 out of wood and then changed to the aluminum models that are widely recognizable today. Airstream trailers have always been high quality campers. Airstream campers have been manufactured for 75 years and over half of the Airstreams manufactured are still in use today.
Some other popular vintage camper brands are: Spartan, Alma, Silver Streak, Avion, and Prairie Schooner. Vintage campers can often be towed by smaller vehicles. This is not because they are lighter weight, but because the aerodynamic design and even weight distribution allows it to be pulled with greater ease.
Buying a vintage camper can be a lot fun but you should do plenty of research before deciding on one. Unless you are an experienced buyer, it is best to buy a camper in as good a condition as possible. Run down campers can take a lot of work to restore and can often times be more frustrating than you want. Working with a reputable vintage camper dealer can save you a lot of headaches. They are experts in their field and can give you vital information about the camper you are considering purchasing, such as if original components have been stripped from the camper and how much restoration work you can realistically expect to have to do on the camper.
Before buying a vintage camper, think about why you want it and what it will be used for. This will determine the model and size of the camper you may need. Inspect the interior and exterior to determine the condition. Some wear and tear is expected and dents may be found on the exterior. But, it should still be in relatively good shape. Ask the seller to demonstrate the plumbing and refrigeration to ensure there are no leaks. Check the floors to determine if they are solid or if there may be rotting. Tires should be in adequate condition to at least tow it to where it will be stored during minor repairs. It’s especially important to check the hitch and underbody areas of the camper to ensure they are in good condition.
After purchasing a vintage trailer, be sure to get it fully insured. Owning a classic piece of Americana can be a highly rewarding experience. It can also be a practical way to enjoy retro camping. If you like classic vehicles, this is a great option for spending time on restoration as well as having a great conversation piece to use for vacationing. Just imagine all the attention your restored vintage camper will get at the campground and how much fun you’ll have showing it off.
Advantages of Owning Travel Trailers
Travel trailers, also called caravans, are trailers that are towed behind a vehicle, which also provide a place to sleep. Most come with pop-out sleeping quarters. They can be hard-sided or soft-sided, or a combination of both. They come in all sort of shapes and sizes from long (36 feet) to short (14 feet) to even a tear drop shape. You may have seen the “silver bullet” Airstreams, which are also a travel trailer. They are one of the most popular types of camper trailer in the U.S. for many reasons.
First, travel trailers are affordable. A new trailer can cost you around $15,000. If you are on a budget, there is an ample aftermarket of travel trailers. Be sure to look up the blue book value on NADA Guides in order to be sure you are getting a fair deal. On the other hand, you can purchase larger and more luxurious models that come fully loaded. Be prepared to spend upwards of $50,000 or more on those.
There are also a large array of sizes and styles to choose from. If you have a small family, you can choose a 14 footer. If you think that bigger is better, why not go for a 30 foot trailer?
Third, travel trailers are relatively lightweight to tow. There are some that are specifically designed to be lightweight and even some models are ultra lightweight, which are able to be towed by SUVs and some minivans. This is unlike 5th Wheels that need a truck for towing due to their hitch requirements.
The sleeping capacity is another reason why many Americans choose to purchase travel trailers. Most can sleep two to eight people rather comfortably. Tables can miraculously be turned into beds in some trailers, while others have bunk-style sleeping arrangements. Slide-outs allow for even more sleeping quarters. Keep in mind that slide-outs add weight. Further, some campgrounds prohibit slide outs.
Lastly, you can get travel trailers fully loaded with an abundance of extra features or simply chose extra options on an option-by-option basis. For example, some come with showers and microwaves whereas others have a refrigerator with ice maker. Skylights are another optional feature and you can get swivel rockers and leather furniture if you like too. Some come with a washer and dryer as well as Internet hookup. A solar charging system is available on more modern models.
Used Airstream RV Cheap (from a Source You Wouldn’t Expect)
When it comes down to an RV, many people will not be satisfied with anything other than an Airstream. These will always be loved by RV’ers everywhere and with good reason. However, the price tag on a new one can be very, very expensive. There is a way to find a used Airstream RV at a greatly reduced price. It simply takes knowing where to look!
The Regular Sources for Used RV’s
There are many places where people start their search for a used RV. The local classifieds, Craigslist, and even EBay are all popular. However, the problem that you run into is finding out which of the sellers is selling a piece of junk! Unfortunately, not all sellers are reputable and most are far from honest. There is usually a reason that the RV is being sold in their place. However, it’s up to you to find out because the seller will seldom tell you.
The Better Source for Used RV’s
When you start looking for a used Airstream RV, you really need to check with your local bank or finance institution. In today’s economy, many people are losing their RV’s to repossession. After a specified period of time, these RV’s must be sold in order for the bank to recoup some of their costs. Storage fees can add up quickly as well, so it’s really important that the banks get the RV’s sold and gone as soon as possible.
When you call up these banks, you can find out if and when there will be a repo auction and exactly what will be sold. It’s a great way to get your hands on some fine RVs, including those that may only be a couple of months old.
The Best Place to Find Used RV’s
The best place for you to find a great deal on an RV is at a government auction. This is because of the selection, location, and price. These auctions happen all over the country. Local, state, and federal agencies must sell off their surplus, seizures, even repos in order to make room for the next wave of units to be sold. Some starting bids are as low as $100. There are several websites available that list each auction, the items for sale, and the particulars on placing a bid. If you’re ready to get a used Airstream RV, this is simply the best way to go.