is it worth restoring an airstream

Few if any trailers can be renovated to the point where you can gut the inside all the way to the frame and restore it inside and out. The Airstream

is unique because it falls into this category. When it’s done right, a restored vintage Airstream trailer can actually bring in more money than you paid for it.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to restore an Airstream?

The next factor is the cost of buying new vs. Restoring. New Airstreams can range anywhere from $47,900 for a Sport, all the way up to $164,400 for a top of the line Classic. The cost of a used Airstream shell in good condition can be upwards of $10K. Depending on your budget the cost of restoring can be anywhere $25,000 to $100,000.

Do vintage airstreams go up in value?

The time and energy that you put into restoring your vintage Airstream will pay off though. Most vintage Airstreamers report that their trailers go up in value, despite the age. You cannot say the same thing about new Airstreams which deprecate in value.

Are airstreams good for maintenance?

Except for durability and cost-effectiveness of the maintenance of these trailers, which is a clear advantage, Airstreams are well-known for their efforts to provide pleasure to their owners every step of the way.

How expensive is it to restore an Airstream?

$25,000 to $100,000Depending on your budget the cost of restoring can be anywhere $25,000 to $100,000. Not only do you need to worry about making sure the restored vintage Airstream looks nice, but you also need to think about the quality and age of the parts holding the trailer together.

Are old Airstreams worth anything?

Price: More affordable than new ones, for example an 8-10 years old 19' Airstream costs around $35k, or for a 23' you may pay around $45k. For a 2-4 years old 19' the price is around $50k and for a 23' you look at $56k in average. Prices may vary dependent on the condition and model.

Is it hard to renovate an Airstream?

A complete Airstream renovation can be very time-consuming and challenging. Contracting a professional trailer restoration company allowed us to finish the project in 6 months (about 500 hours). I'm sure if we had decided to do the renovation ourselves, we would have probably not made much progress by now.

What is the most sought after Airstream?

the Flying CloudFor almost a century, the Flying Cloud has been Airstream's most popular travel trailer. It's versatile and family-friendly thanks to 14 available floor plans, making it easy to choose a layout that fits your particular mode of travel. For 2022, the model is receiving a complete interior overhaul.

How long does an Airstream last?

40 yearsLongevity. Airstreams can easily last 40 years and more, compared to the conventional trailers typical life of 15 years. When you amortize the purchase price over its length of service, an Airstream actually costs less to own than other trailers. Over 70 percent of all Airstreams ever made are still on the road today!

What is a 1975 Airstream worth?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$8,760$13,850Total Price$8,760$13,8502 more rows

Can you paint the interior of an Airstream?

Airstream interiors are covered in vinyl, though it might look like bare aluminum. You can't paint directly on vinyl, even if you use primer first, so you'll have to find a way to “roughen” the vinyl up. I used liquid sandpaper, which is a chemical solution that de-glosses surfaces like vinyl.

How do you clean an outside Airstream?

0:101:19How to Clean the Interior and Exterior of an Airstream - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe Impala's swayed you can use baby wipes that. Works out really good to get spots. And stuff outMoreThe Impala's swayed you can use baby wipes that. Works out really good to get spots. And stuff out of it please both saturate the areas and you want to let air dry.

How do I make my Airstream shiny?

0:2014:40How to polish an airstream - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they sanded it down with a 800 1200 1500. And 3000 using grease you don't want to use too muchMoreAnd they sanded it down with a 800 1200 1500. And 3000 using grease you don't want to use too much pressure you don't want to use too much heat I want to send this absolutely highest.

Which Airstream is best for full time living?

Airstream ClassicThe Airstream Classic The Classic works well for long trips, full-time living, and shorter camping adventures with a luxurious bathroom, a modern kitchen including a convection microwave, and a 60-inch projection screen inside the lounge area.

What is the best size Airstream?

As a general guideline, trailers under 25 feet are best for an individual or a couple taking occasional short duration trips. Many with families opt for a trailer in the 24 - 28 foot range and couples camping for longer periods of time also often prefer this length range.

How much is a 1979 Airstream worth?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$45,675$9,600Total Price$45,675$9,6002 more rows

What is the value of a 1974 Airstream?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$9,740$13,850Total Price$9,740$13,8502 more rows

How much is a 1978 Airstream worth?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$21,375$13,850Total Price$21,375$13,8502 more rows

What is a 1977 Airstream worth?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$12,915$13,850Total Price$12,915$13,8502 more rows

What is a 1973 Airstream worth?

ValuesSuggested List PriceAverage RetailBase Price$9,135$13,850Total Price$9,135$13,8502 more rows

Who is Tim from Vintage Airstream?

Tim is the creator of the Vintage Airstream Podcast, aka The VAP, the Internet’s biggest and best resource for information about oldie Airstreams. His book is an in-depth narrative that chronicles how he restored two vintage Airstreams of his own.

Why don't you need a house in an RV?

It’s not the destination, but the journey. It’s exploring the world. You don’t need a house because when you travel, you’re home. That’s RV LIFE.

Is Restoring a Dream about Tim's Airstream?

But Restoring a Dream isn’t just about Tim’s vintage Airstreams. The book explains the many features that make all vintage Airstreams different from other trailers, and readers also learn the ins and outs of what it takes to find that perfect vintage Airstream trailer project that’s waiting in a field somewhere.

Can an airstream trailer make more money?

When it’s done right, a restored vintage Airstream trailer can actually bring in more money than you paid for it . Once again, modern RVs just can’t live up to that.

Can you restore an Airstream trailer?

Restoring a vintage Airstream trailer is a slippery slope. One repair leads to another – again and again – and when it’s done you realize that a brand new Airstream could be bought for the same price as the parts and labor you put into the project. Yet why is restoring a vintage Airstream trailer still so appealing to many RVers?

Is RV life complex?

The problem is, planning epic RV journey is somewhat complex. At RV LIFE, we believe it should be simple. As RVers ourselves, we understand the process and have helped millions of RVers journey with confidence and make their travel dreams come true.

Is Restoring a Vintage Airstream Trailer Smart?

Let’s face it, today’s RV trailers aren’t made like they were in the old days. Most modern trailers are fabricated with lightweight materials held together with staples and glue. Few if any trailers can be renovated to the point where you can gut the inside all the way to the frame and restore it inside and out. The Airstream is unique because it falls into this category.

How long does it take to restore an Airstream?

If you have a full time job restoring an Airstream might take a long time. Typically it can take anywhere from 6-12 months working on it everyday. If you decide to buy a new Airstream you can be out on the road in a few days traveling and exploring.

What is the warranty on an airstream?

A warranty can be the deciding factor for some people. New Airstreams come with 2 year limited warranty on all trailers. This covers any repairs or replacement of defective materials or workmanship. If you are building your own trailer you will be in charge of fixing it yourself or covering the cost to have repaired. You might need to purchase additional warranties on the parts that you put into your restored Airstream. Some of the time these warranties will be free, but you might want to budget for some hidden expenses in warranties.

Do vintage airstreams pay off?

If you decide to buy a new Airstream you can be out on the road in a few days traveling and exploring. The time and energy that you put into restoring your vintage Airstream will pay off though. Most vintage Airstreamers report that their trailers go up in value, despite the age.

Is an airstream part vintage?

Vintage Airstream Parts. Vintage Airstream parts can be hard to come by, and can often be expensive. There are a few dedicated parts dealers out there. If your nearby Airstream dealer cannot supply you the parts, it might be a good idea to try those dedicated dealers.

Can you put a vintage trailer back together?

You’ll also need to budget for additional expenses that pop up along the way. Working on a vintage trailer can cause some of the parts to jostle around. Depending on how long the trailer has been sitting, it can cause some of the parts to pull apart which will cause you to put it back together.

Can you say the same about new airstreams?

You cannot say the same thing about new Airstreams which deprecate in value. It’s much like a car, the moment you drive off the lot, the value drops, but if you take care of it and put in the work to maintain your Airstream — then your trailer could hold its value better.

Can you restore an Airstream?

If you are looking for a design that is unique and fits your personally a custom built Airstream could be for you. A vintage Airstream restoration project could make you feel more proud of yourself than you thought possible, but that feeling of elation comes with a high price. It will require a lot of time and effort but if you have the skills and determination it can be done. If you prefer to spend less time working and more time out on the road traveling buying new is for you.

How Do You Restore a Vintage Airstream?

Restoring vintage airstreams works in much the same way as restoring a home. You have to first have a vision. Then you must assess what needs to be changed, rip everything out and slowly piece together what you have in your mind.

1. Set Realistic Expectations for Your Vintage Airstream Renovation

Renovating a vintage airstream can take a great deal of time as well as a considerable amount of money. While there are steps you can take to reduce the cost and even potentially the amount of time the restoration takes you, it’s still important that you enter with realistic expectations.

2. Find the Right Used Airstream

Before you can renovate an airstream, you have to find a used one. While in theory, you could renovate just about any airstream, you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches by knowing what to avoid and what to look for in a seller.

3. Assess the Problems

Whether you’ve already got your airstream, or there’s one for sale you’re still thinking of buying, you’ll need to assess its problems to decide if a restoration project is worth it for you.

4. Ensure You Have a Place to Store Your Project

You’re going to need a decent amount of space to store your airstream itself, the parts you take off of it, and the new parts you order.

5. Breakdown the Restoration Process Into Steps

It’s easy to overwhelm yourself when you think about all the things you’ll have to do to restore the vintage travel trailer. You’ll need to understand (or be able to hire people who understand) everything from electrical work and plumbing to interior decorating and design.

7. Pause Before Throwing Anything Out

As you take apart your vintage airstream, you’ll be tempted to throw out parts that you think you don’t need. Don’t do this. Particularly with parts that are unique to the individual airstream you’re working on such as cabinetry or sinks.

Is it worth renovating an airstream?

Renovating a vintage Airstream generally isn’t as simple as slapping on a coat of paint and changing out the old, dry-rotted tires. If it is that simple, you’re probably missing some key elements that affect your safety, sanity, and health. Having a pretty interior is fine and good, but it’s not worth it if you’re constantly fixing leaks, or your frame has serious issues, or you have rodents in your walls.

Can you renovate an airstream?

Renovating a vintage Airstream generally isn’t as simple as slapping on a coat of paint and changing out the old , dry-rotted tires. If it is that simple, you’re probably missing some key elements that affect your safety, sanity, and health.

Is Airstream the same as a house?

Overall, Airstream renovation isn’t the same as a house renovation. Houses don’t have a rusted chassis to repair, and very rarely have curved walls and ceilings. The interior build has to be able to shift with the movement of the road, and weight restrictions have to be considered. For example, tiling your shower or backsplash can be fun, but it has to be done correctly in order to shift and move without cracking or breaking, and without adding too much weight.

What to expect on a 1950's trailer?

On a 1950’s trailer, expect to have to do a full frame-up restoration. The floor will be rotted in many places, structurally weakening the trailer to the point of being unsafe, the frame and skin will be corroded in areas, most of the mechanicals and gaskets will be worn out, and the appliances will all need to be gone through and overhauled to be usable again. The wiring insulation and splices have all deteriorated and will need to be replaced. The axle most likely will need to be replaced, as will much of the LPG system. Some of the cabinets may have water damage, and there is the inevitable 60 years of prior owner modifications that will have to be overcome. This is no different than what you find on an automobile from the 1950’s.

Is a 1970's airstream still usable?

Just as you may still find some 1970’s cars still usable and drivable, so can you find 1970’s Airstreams that are usable with just a good going through, and parts are still around. This is the vintage of trailer that the average handyperson can acquire and get into Airstreaming.

How much does it cost to get an Airstream?

It will cost you between $39,000 to $161,900 to get a new Airstream depending on the quality, size, and seller. This cost is relatively higher for an average RV enthusiast to afford. Since there are more affordable, trendy, and feature-packed RVs on the market, it wouldn’t be wise to settle for an Airstream trailer.

Why are airstream trailers so undesirable?

The cult-like appeal of these events and rallies makes Airstream trailers undesirable. Most members tend to have a purist mentality and are very judgmental to people who don’t own the trailer. This factor may make it unappealing for anyone who wants to buy the RV.

How long can you park an airstream trailer?

Most homeowners’ associations won’t allow you to park fifth-wheelers or travel trailers by your home. Some only permit you to park the trailer only for 36 hours.

What is an airstream trailer?

Airstream trailers come with an aluminum shell that is highly prone to denting. They feature rounded edges that can easily get dents when they ran into static objects such as trees. The exteriors boast shiny sleekness, which is less appealing when the RV has dents.

How many people can an Airstream sleep?

Airstream’s have limited sleeping capacity. Most of their models sleep upto only 6 people. 6 people isn’t very low but at a price that you pay for this RV, this is less. You can get higher sleeping capacity trailers at much lower price.

Does an Airstream trailer make tall people move?

Furthermore, the trailer inhibits tall people from moving in and out of it conveniently. Airstream responding to this concern by adding more space on the newer models.

Is an airstream worth buying?

They do boast aerodynamic properties, solidity, and longer-lasting value. Here’s why Airstream trailers are not worth buying.

Why Are Airstream Trailers so Expensive?

We keep mentioning the high price of Airstream trailers, so now is a good time to discuss why they are so expensive.

How much savings can you make on an Airstream trailer?

The savings you’ll make with an Airstream trailer are between 10% and 20% compared to the competitive trailers. If you’re still skeptical about the price, go ahead and deduct the cost that you would normally pay for the accommodation on your trips. You will never have to pay for accommodation again.

What Are Airstreams Made Of?

Airstreams are well-known for their steel frame riveted by unique aluminum, seamless, hard shell. This is the material that is used for making aircraft, which means it is strong but light.

Does Airstream Make a Motorhome?

Tested in all kinds of weather conditions, they offer a well-organized kitchen and a living area that can easily be converted into a bedroom. Airstream meets all the conditions for becoming your motorhome. For those who cherish the RV style of life, Airstream is a perfect choice.

Are Airstream Trailers Worth the Money?

After everything we wrote, is it necessary to answer this question? As a matter of fact, it is. You should be certain about your purchasing decision. Even though it isn’t easy to resist the charms of a trailer that is like a yacht of road traffic, you should give your decision a second thought. Make sure that it’s based on your objective needs vs. your infatuation with the Airstream trailers.

What are the attributes of an Airstream trailer?

Airstream trailers are no exception to this. The usual attributes attached to this brand are: pricey and modern, expensive and elegant, costly and comfortable. Or in many cases, just pricey. From whichever angle we look at these descriptions, we can conclude that they have one thing in common.

How much does an Airstream trailer cost?

The cost of an Airstream trailer is between $30,000 and $150,000. The price varies depending on the trailer’s capacity, surface, and equipment. As the wide price range indicates, Airstream offers many different choices that can meet a wide range of needs, including yours.

What is the interior layout of Airstream?

The interior layout is original, or is typical of the period and Airstream design (no computer desk instead of sofas, no wet bars, moon roofs or kitty doors).

Is 1970's restored value as good as 1960's?

1970’s Restored values are not as much as ’50’s & ’60’s models. This is because there are very few Restored examples, as they have not deteriorated enough to need restoring – most are still in an arrested state of decline at worst. This may change with time.

Is restored trailer price higher than average?

Restored prices are substantially higher than Average condition prices. **Restored or renovated trailers are rare, and are just a small percentage of the population. It takes a lot of time and money to make a 25-55 year old trailer like new. Most every day usable Airstreams will fall somewhere in the high Average value range.

Is a restored trailer rare?

Too many people are automatically assuming their trailer is in Average or Restored condition. Restored trailers are very rare, and unless a trailer has been well maintained and used, it will not be Average condition.

Do restored airstreams come up for sale?

Truly restored Airstreams rarely come up for sale – as noted earlier, most trailers advertised are usually “as found”, or are “undergoing renovation”.