In recent years, Airstream trailers have gained significant visibility in the media and popular culture. It appears that automotive companies are eager to feature Airstreams in their advertisements and commercials. Additionally, vintage Airstreams are increasingly utilized for product photography, wedding shoots, paired with classic cars, and rented at premium prices as luxurious getaway spots at high-end resorts and hotels. Given this level of exposure, it’s no surprise that people from various backgrounds are dreaming about nostalgic vacations in beautifully restored Airstreams from the past.
I don’t mean to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm for camping, but there are several important factors to consider before embarking on the journey of restoration, which can sometimes lead to disappointment. Having been restoring and repairing these iconic beauty’s for over three decades —I’ve gained valuable insights into both the pleasures and challenges of disassembling and reassembling a trailer. Below is a list of key points to ponder when thinking about acquiring a vintage Airstream.
1. Cost of a restoration:
This is undoubtedly the most significant factor to consider, and it can be quite complex. Similar to classic cars, the initial condition of a trailer is crucial, and starting with a fully functional trailer is advantageous. However, there are hidden issues within a trailer that may only become apparent once you begin disassembling it, which can be surprising. Varr (Vintage Airstream Restorations and Repair) has 30+ years of the technical knowhow, the expertise in the trades skills that it will require in various areas including welding, mechanical repairs, electrical work involving both 12-volt systems and standard 120-volt household wiring, as well as carpentry and metalworking skills. The finishing touches—such as fabrics, countertops, upholstery, painting, and preparation—are just the final steps (and let’s not forget that polishing a vintage trailer can take over 200 hours). Some individuals may attempt a restoration project on there own. They will find out quickly they will likely need to hire professionals for several parts of the restoration process. Obtaining precise estimates for necessary work can be challenging; many companies might not fully understand what’s involved unless they specialize in Airstream restorations. If you choose to take your barn find Airstream for a thorough restoration, be prepared for significant expenses. It’s not uncommon for complete restorations to cost around $100,000 or more.
2. The things you don’t see:
The components of a restoration that remain hidden from view are often the most costly to repair, yet they play a crucial role. An Airstream features both an inner and outer layer made of aluminum, with curved aluminum ribs providing structural support in between. Extensive wiring runs through these walls, passing through the ribs via rubber grommets. If you delve into a trailer that’s 50 or 60 years old, there’s a significant likelihood that some of those grommets have deteriorated and disintegrated, which can lead to wires fraying against sharp aluminum edges within the wall. After dedicating three years to restoring your ideal trailer, the last thing you’d want is for something to short circuit and ignite. Every restoration, we remove the inner skins to thoroughly inspect the wiring, replace any damaged sections, and potentially add more circuits to accommodate modern electrical needs.
The axles on an Airstream are a remarkable design, encased in rubber and requiring no maintenance. However, as they age, the rubber hardens, leading to a bumpy ride that can start to damage your trailer. We’ve experienced this in a lot of cases! Replacing axles is quite costly these days, with just a pair costing thousands for the parts alone. Another hidden issue is the frame. Depending on the trailer’s history, rust could be forming on the inner part of the frame, compromising its structural integrity. There have been instances where owners have had their front A frame break off; one of our clients faced a similar fate when his Airstream’s frame fractured in the middle while he was on vacation. Unfortunately, you often can’t identify these problems without fully disassembling the trailer. Additionally, floor rot is quite common and doesn’t require an old trailer to occur. Any unnoticed leak can severely damage plywood or particleboard flooring. Since leaks typically occur between wall layers and may seep under tile or vinyl flooring, by the time they are discovered, extensive repairs may be necessary. It’s important to know where to check in order to determine if the Airstream you are thinking about has any issues with its flooring.
3. Beware the “Pinterest Restoration”:
These Airstreams photograph beautifully and tend to sell quite well. The trailer has undergone a refresh, with the upper cabinets and useful storage removed to create a sense of spaciousness, while the entire interior has been coated in a bright white paint. Trendy new fabrics, window treatments, and pillows enhance its appeal, along with a new laminate floor installed over the original, unrefurbished flooring. Updated black cabinet hardware and at least one live edge table or countertop are also featured. The results are visually striking, often captured using a wide-angle lens, and achieved in just a few weekends. However, the crucial systematic or structural aspects have been overlooked. One might refer to it as a polished… lemon (though I had another metaphor in mind).
4. Know What You Want:
When searching for a vintage Airstream, you’ll encounter a wide variety of floor plans, sizes, and features to think about. If we don’t have one on the lot your interested in, we can find one for you. There are many thing you may not think of… are you leaning towards a single or double axle trailer? Are you comfortable with a wet-bath, which combines the shower and toilet in a compact space? The choice between a small bar fridge and a full-sized refrigerator can significantly impact your trip duration. The decision between twin beds or a queen mattress will vary based on the model year. While some elements can be updated, relocating toilets and sinks involves extensive restoration work. Additionally, it’s worth noting that most Airstreams made before 1974 lack grey water tanks—how will you handle that? Overhauling the sanitation system is quite an undertaking; alternatively, you could use a portable tank placed on the ground beneath your trailer, though this comes with its own set of limitations. Without a grey tank, even simple tasks like washing your hands could lead to water pooling on the ground. This might be acceptable at campgrounds but would likely raise eyebrows at gas stations like Petro-Can!
5. Beware The already Gutted Airstream:
In most instances, someone buys an Airstream already stripped down for restoration, gets it home and ends up overwhelmed by the project, leading them to sell it off in hopes of recovering some of their costs. The major issue is that during the dismantling process, they often threw away all the interior components and appliances. Consequently, there are no templates left to follow, leaving you clueless about how everything was originally assembled or how to reassemble it. All is not lost, We can redesign everything using the CADD templates we designed over the the past three decals.
I adore Vintage Airstreams; in fact, my heart races at the sight of a gleaming Airstream. However, they may not suit everyone’s needs. Restoring one professionally can take several years and might even cost more than purchasing a brand-new Airstream. If that vintage look is what you desire, then it’s worth considering. On the other hand, a used Airstream from the last 20 or 30 years might not have that classic charm but will likely be fully functional with only minor repairs needed—perhaps even cosmetic updates. At Vintage Airstreams Restorations and Repairs, we often receive pre-owned Airstreams as trade-ins, so there could be an ideal option available for you at any time. It’s essential to do your homework and understand what you’re looking for and what your budget is. We offer this knowledge to you, so you can take your time with the decision, but be prepared to act when you come across the right model as they sell fast! Owning the perfect Airstream will bring you joy for many years and also hold its resale value well.
Gene Magre
VARR, Inc.
Vintage Airstream Restorations & Repairs
843 South Main Street
Heber City, Utah 84032
tel: 1-435-654-5465
