Bought a 2000 Airstream Land Yacht

Congrats! Sounds like a nice MH. Now let's see some pics!

dodge guy wrote:
Congrats! Sounds like a nice MH. Now let's see some pics!

Haven't taken possession yet. We should get it home this week.

We had a 30' 98 land yacht for a couple of years. Bought it new. It was small enough that we did not tow intially. Drove well in the wind because of slanted front. We got 10-11 mpg at highway speed. We did have trouble with water getting into bays and we had some mice issues. I do not remember having to make any repairs on the unit. We traded for larger unit because we were going to be spending about 4 months out of the year in it. We are still doing it. Good luck with the coach.

hughesjm21 wrote:
We had a 30' 98 land yacht for a couple of years. Bought it new. It was small enough that we did not tow intially. Drove well in the wind because of slanted front. We got 10-11 mpg at highway speed. We did have trouble with water getting into bays and we had some mice issues. I do not remember having to make any repairs on the unit. We traded for larger unit because we were going to be spending about 4 months out of the year in it. We are still doing it. Good luck with the coach.

We don't tow. We boondock and mountain bike in California and the Southwest. I'm looking forward to driving it on the highway and feeling the difference it's aerodynamic shape makes in the handling.

How exciting for you to find such a nice rig within your budget. Best of luck

Now you are in the club.

Years ago, perhaps in 02-03, we bought a ‘94 33’ LY and really like the quality of the interior build and layout. Unfortunately for us it was NOT well maintained and the dealer was not too interested in bringing the faults to our attention. Just poor or inadequate maintenance not the fault of Airstream.

Unless you have already done so, I’d get an independent mechanic check out that 20 yo chassis. Check for signs of leaks, and make sure the rooftop AC unit(s) are properly sealed and bolts tight. Check age of tires.

wildtoad wrote:
Years ago, perhaps in 02-03, we bought a ‘94 33’ LY and really like the quality of the interior build and layout. Unfortunately for us it was NOT well maintained and the dealer was not too interested in bringing the faults to our attention. Just poor or inadequate maintenance not the fault of Airstream.

Unless you have already done so, I’d get an independent mechanic check out that 20 yo chassis. Check for signs of leaks, and make sure the rooftop AC unit(s) are properly sealed and bolts tight. Check age of tires.

We bought it from a private seller, an older gentleman who we immediately liked and trusted. He is old school...a good mechanic who has restored cars from the ground up...and walked us through the coach in detail. Absolutely no leaks or water damage. Tires are two years old with 3500 miles. Engine started right up and was smooth and quiet. Low hours on the generator which also started right up. Very clean in and out. He is having health issues and decided to give up RVing but we could see he was meticulous in his care of the coach. We're confident as can be in the reliability of this 20 year old unit while understanding that things can go wrong. This is our third motorhome. We've always bought from private sellers, and from the same type of person. So far we've done well.

Teleman,

As some that has maintained a older coach for many years, I some important news to relay and none of it should be expensive.

First, suspect all the rubber parts that have not been replaced. You know about how tires age out, but that also happens to belts, hoses and anything else that is rubber. So, look over all those parts and get ready to replace them. Fuel lines are often in trouble even that new because what is sold as motorfuel these days has changed a lot. Older hose parts may have been thought to be capable, but much was not.

Both the coolant and brake systems could probably use flushing. The coolant does not stop being anti-freeze, but it does deplete its corrosion inhibitors. Brake fluid absorbs water from the air (it can also come in through the wheel cylinder seals) and that can lower the boiling point and cause corrosion.

And grease, If you don't have a good grease gun, go get one and try really hard to over grease it. Grease is always cheaper than parts.

Travel in health

Matt

Matt_Colie wrote:
Teleman,

As some that has maintained a older coach for many years, I some important news to relay and none of it should be expensive.

First, suspect all the rubber parts that have not been replaced. You know about how tires age out, but that also happens to belts, hoses and anything else that is rubber. So, look over all those parts and get ready to replace them. Fuel lines are often in trouble even that new because what is sold as motorfuel these days has changed a lot. Older hose parts may have been thought to be capable, but much was not.

Both the coolant and brake systems could probably use flushing. The coolant does not stop being anti-freeze, but it does deplete its corrosion inhibitors. Brake fluid absorbs water from the air (it can also come in through the wheel cylinder seals) and that can lower the boiling point and cause corrosion.

And grease, If you don't have a good grease gun, go get one and try really hard to over grease it. Grease is always cheaper than parts.

Travel in health

Matt

Thanks! All good points and taken u Der advisement.