First linked resto/mod thread is by a formerly full-time sailor and his wife. Beautiful work, and a thread with literary quality. This is the size, age and "cool" factor beloved by those at vintage rallies (Franky, it is about impossible to top the cool & useful factor of this particular Airstream both in model year spec and owner modifications).
First she had to take a ride on a boat -- 1957 Caravanner
Second is a family of seven who have converted their second TT to a "bunkhouse" and with real skill, I might add. The addition of a dishwasher is worth noting. Uses less water, ha! Sold me on adding one to mine (as the "utimate" setup on mine is for two couples). This family used to use a 7.3L FORD diesel van.
Our 1986 32' Excella Rehab -- from rear bedroom to bunkhouse with two bedrooms
The quality of work, as well as material/appliance choices, is VERY high in these two threads. Cheaper is generally not better . . . and these trailers are good for another few decades without any real work.
(Joining AIR is free, and one can set page preference to 100-posts/page for easier reading).
As a comparison, the 2015 25' Airstream highly optioned is around $130,000. And a BOWLUS at $110,000 (one buys these not as a car but as a second house under terms of mortgage: low monthly payments over 20-years or more). A post-1996 Airstream is the best buy for least amount of work, and a 1980's model and later avoids some of the failings of earlier years. The 1950-1963 years are highly coveted and expensive to buy, repair and operate despite "ideal" size and shape.
There are a number of well-known shops specializing in Airstream resto, but it is $$$$ work. An excellent condition candidate (let them locate and buy it for you) is priority one in keeping costs down. Otherwise expect that, with the decision to buy or build your own -- starting today -- one is around five years out from using it to travel full time.
DIY has huge setbacks not usually well-examined. But the Internet has made possible reasonable comparisons. Two years for a good one bought today needing limited work (can be used in the interim, but full resto over a longer period) is a good approach.
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