gmw photos wrote:
Slowmover wrote:
.....snip....
You're inspection skills need upgrading. A probe equipped moisture meter for starters.
It's seldom that I will agree with much of what Mr Slowmover says, but here is one time I will agree :)
Actually I do have a moisture meter, and I agree one is a very useful tool in maintaining a trailer. The one I have I bought at Lowe's for about $30.
As to the rest of his post, let's just say the world of travel trailers I observe in my travels around the country is maintenance....we have to keep the water out, and that's true no matter the construction. Even our sticks and bricks....we have to keep the water out.
Anybody that thinks old Airstreams are immune to rot from the inside out simply need go over to the airforum and read a few of the "full monte restore" threads. About all that is left of an old A/S that's usable is the outer and inner shell. The rest of it ( main frame, interior, axles, appliances ) typically needs refurb or replacement. These things become labors of love, and some of those guys do a fabulous job on them. Often they spend $20K to $40K and 3 to 5 years to complete them.
Forgot something. Total rebuild is usually past the forty year mark. Rot is usually confined to the floor. There are threads there with owners restoring rare trailers. Like a barn find Packard. You'll take whT you can get. That's a different scenario.
And that it can be rebuilt is what matters. Not all trailers that age need it. I just sold a forty year old Silver Streak with zero leaks. Hardly unique. But mor likely with the better built aluminum trailers than an Airstream.
Those owners are more motivated about long term maintenance. They aren't around here. It's a new trailer every so often. Very different approach.
Besides, taking one apart and putting it back together can be DIY, or it could go to a professional highly experienced with the type. I hired a crew to help rebuilding a rear bath on another SS. The furnishings come apart with screws. It all came thru the 26" wide doorway originally. Sister in some plywood in the floor due to a PO allowing a toilet sprayer to leak wasn't any big deal.
It's not even structural, unlike what would be the case with any wood framed trailer where structural damage means a salvage title at best. Good luck with coverag
Lighter weight, far better suspension, better road manners and indefinite lifespan. Or buy the cheaply made trailer and spend more in the long run.
The value on mine is increasing. May not cover every dollar spent in resto, but it will get a lot of it
That restored trailer referred to in above post will be one where the owner is constantly getting offers to sell. And insurance value won't be difficult due to some insurers experience. A good appraisal and one actually has an asset versus a depreciating burden.
Think it through.
