richard5933 Report post Posted March 28, 2021 Had a chance to pick up a 1994 Airstream Excella 25 in really great condition, and we thought it might be good for times we don't need the coach. Also thought that it would be great to use in the colder weather when we want to pop south for a trip, as it's much easier to winterize/dewinterize than our coach is. Going in a few weeks to pick it up from North Carolina. Of course, this travel trailer required a tow vehicle, as the Subaru just wasn't up to the task. As it happens, I found a great 1999 Suburban 2500 with only 48,000 miles only an hour from where the trailer is. The plan is to pick up the truck and then go get the trailer. After new tires and bearing re-pack drive both back to Wisconsin. Now I've got a rig that will fit into the barn where I can work on it during the winter months. The Airstream doesn't need much outside, but the decor and the electrical systems could be use a refresh. That's where I'll focus for now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 28, 2021 Hope it works out for you! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted March 29, 2021 Got to love an Airstream! I had a 98 Surburban 2500 LT with the 454, 4x4, Great SUV, I loved it! Wasn’t bad on gas like most would think. 19 highway from Florida to PA with the cruise set at 85, that truck was a beast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted March 29, 2021 1 hour ago, jleamont said: Got to love an Airstream! I had a 98 Surburban 2500 LT with the 454, 4x4, Great SUV, I loved it! Wasn’t bad on gas like most would think. 19 highway from Florida to PA with the cruise set at 85, that truck was a beast. Sounds like the same truck I found. This one was a Red Cross vehicle up till recently, and it looks to have been used as some type of executive transport and well cared for down south. Same 454, so I'm excited to have found it. The only other good option I found was a Ford Excursion, but I was never thrilled with the way Ford's handled on the highway - too much wondering about for me. Plus, they are much heavier and longer and wouldn't be an easy fit for my garage. All in all, I'm excited and am looking forward to bringing it all back from NC in three weeks. Going to be an adventure, for sure. Unknown truck, unknown trailer, and a long road-trip alone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted March 29, 2021 You will have a much better understanding of them when you get home. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rayin Report post Posted March 29, 2021 Of all the travel trailers made, Airstream holds its value best. A buddy bought one new in 1979, he took it to the factory sometime in the 90's and had the exterior polished and other updates. He was offered more than it cost new about 10 years ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted March 29, 2021 Airstreams are in demand, especially the retro with modern day conveniences! I had the 1978 Suburban 4x4, with 454. Great driving machine! Had a Buzzard come thru the front windshield and died in back seat....Insurance totaled it. Stench was unreal. I've had 3 Ford Expeditions, wife has a 2014 (she loves it), they do not hold the road well, including hers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted March 30, 2021 2 hours ago, manholt said: Airstreams are in demand, especially the retro with modern day conveniences! I had the 1978 Suburban 4x4, with 454. Great driving machine! Had a Buzzard come thru the front windshield and died in back seat....Insurance totaled it. Stench was unreal. I've had 3 Ford Expeditions, wife has a 2014 (she loves it), they do not hold the road well, including hers! I drove an Excursion before deciding on the Suburban. Loved everything about it except the way it handled. I was exhausted after a 20 minute test drive. The Suburban is a tad lighter and shorter and should do quite well being a 3/4-ton chassis. We plan to keep the Airstream looking the same outside, but will update the upholstery and flooring to something more modern. The biggest change I'll make is installing a hybrid inverter, lithium batteries, and solar on the roof. Aiming to have maximum self-sufficiency for dry camping. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted April 19, 2021 Update... Finally got to North Carolina to pick up the Airstream and Suburban after buying both sight unseen. Good news - they're both largely as described and functional. I know, there are ways to better check things out, but I did enough to feel comfortable with the deals. I will spend a day or two getting the mechanical systems on the trailer checked out, new tires, bearings packed, etc. Suburban seems pretty good, but I will get the tires balanced and the brakes inspected. The plan is to do some interior updating and then enjoy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted April 19, 2021 Looks like you did well. Have fun. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted April 20, 2021 The fact you made it home is a big +. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted April 20, 2021 7 hours ago, wildebill308 said: The fact you made it home is a big +. Bill Haven't made it further than the hotel in town yet...I'll be in NC for a couple of days getting things squared away before heading home. Then it's going to be a few days of casual driving to get home. Once the new tires are in place I have a TMPS system to install on both the truck and trailer - on smaller tires like these are they usually installed before or after balancing the tires? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossboyer Report post Posted April 20, 2021 Usually, Installed after. They are so small they don’t effect the balance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted April 20, 2021 Richard, looks like you did well. When you have the time, post some pic's of trailer interior! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted April 20, 2021 Couple of quick 'before' photos... Lots of interior work to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted April 20, 2021 Looks well cared for especially being 27 years old. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted April 20, 2021 50 minutes ago, hermanmullins said: Looks well cared for especially being 27 years old. Herman I think so too. Some new upholstery, new flooring, and some more modern wallpaper and it will look like a whole new rig. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted April 20, 2021 Very nice! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbenoit Report post Posted April 21, 2021 I have a question. The contractor working on our cape house just purchased an older MH that was well cared for and they are going to do the entire interior. They had mentioned putting in some ceramic tile floors. I don't recall ever seeing a MH with that type of flooring. Thoughts? David Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
richard5933 Report post Posted April 21, 2021 46 minutes ago, dbenoit said: I have a question. The contractor working on our cape house just purchased an older MH that was well cared for and they are going to do the entire interior. They had mentioned putting in some ceramic tile floors. I don't recall ever seeing a MH with that type of flooring. Thoughts? David Lots of class A motor homes have tile nowadays. I'm probably going with a glue down cork flooring, since on a trailer keeping weight down is important. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted April 21, 2021 1 hour ago, dbenoit said: They had mentioned putting in some ceramic tile floors. We have Ceramic tile throughout most of our interior. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted April 21, 2021 Same here! Also heated. Its 34 outside and we are barefoot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dbenoit Report post Posted April 21, 2021 Thanks for the replies. Imma going to mention to them they may as well heat also. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayne77590 Report post Posted April 21, 2021 (edited) Don't have the heated ones but do have ceramic tiles. Don't need the heated ones as we ware house shoes when inside. p.s., basement is heated so we get a little relief from that heat. Edited April 21, 2021 by wayne77590 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted April 21, 2021 11 hours ago, richard5933 said: I'm probably going with a glue down cork flooring, since on a trailer keeping weight down is important. I would look at some of the wood/vinal flooring that Earnie puts down. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
