Airstream for sale, this doesnt look right

[upflying]

This Airstream is for sale near my home. But a closer look shows a suspicious layer of sheet aluminum covering the front of the trailer. And the upward bend of the tongue only means one thing, this trailer was in a collision.
My guess is the TV was pulling it when it was involved in a frontal impact. The energy and inertia was transferred into the Airstream which lifted the poor trailer into the rear of the tow vehicle. This upward lift bent the tongue and caused the propane tanks to be pushed into the front of the trailer. But why cover the damage with sheetmetal? Would a prospective buyer not notice the "coverup"? This trailer is a total loss, but here it is, waiting for a buyer who will never show up.

[BriaBeck]

I don't know if it's a total loss... anything can be rebuilt.


Remember that almost the entire trailer started out as a big pile of dirt... LOL


It's definitely a "project trailer".

[upflying]

That bend in the siding just behind the rear of the front side window could mean more frame damage. I guess it is a good parts trailer for someone restoring another one..assuming the interior is still nice.

[5picker]

There may be a huge hole in the front and the aluminum sheet is merely keeping the big stuff out/in.

Certainly there are still some salvageable items in it and items of value so just because it is for sale, doesn't mean the seller is trying to take advantage of anyone.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by upflying

This Airstream is for sale near my home. But a closer look shows a suspicious layer of sheet aluminum covering the front of the trailer. And the upward bend of the tongue only means one thing, this trailer was in a collision.
My guess is the TV was pulling it when it was involved in a frontal impact. The energy and inertia was transferred into the Airstream which lifted the poor trailer into the rear of the tow vehicle. This upward lift bent the tongue and caused the propane tanks to be pushed into the front of the trailer. But why cover the damage with sheetmetal? Would a prospective buyer not notice the "coverup"? This trailer is a total loss, but here it is, waiting for a buyer who will never show up.

Is this all conjecture on your part? Did you talk to the seller? They may be completely up front about the shape of the unit. Just implying they are trying to dump it on some unsuspecting buyer is just speculation on your part if you have not talked to them. Give them a call. Your concerns may be confirmed but until you do, you will never know.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by upflying

But why cover the damage with sheetmetal?

My 'guess' would be that they covered up the damage with sheetmetal in order to tow it down the road without causing further damage or having everything in the trailer blow out onto the road. That's a shame. Those are expensive trailers.

[The Evil Twin]

The likely scenario is this:
Its an old TT and probably not insured well. Folks got in a crash and banged it up. Insurance company totalled it but the payout is a joke. Folks decided to keep it and take a reduced payout in hopes that they could sell it for a little more than what the insurance company was going to give them. Being an Airstream I would bet it will sell. Huge following and decent demand for legit parts.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by dalford

Is this all conjecture on your part? Did you talk to the seller? They may be completely up front about the shape of the unit. Just implying they are trying to dump it on some unsuspecting buyer is just speculation on your part if you have not talked to them. Give them a call. Your concerns may be confirmed but until you do, you will never know.

Yep, all assumption, conjecture and humor on my part. But if you are up front and honest about the condition of the trailer, why put a Band-Aid over the damage?
Not visible in the photo is the assumed tow vehicle that was backed right up to the tongue. It was a '80's, 10 series, Chevy Van in poor condition. Probably just a local tug to bring it to this visible spot.
The trailer did not have tags. These are usually removed when an insurance company assumes ownership and issues a salvage title after a claim.
The Airstream is gone now, hopefully it was sold to someone who will give it the care it needs.

[Thomas ho]

great to park in a permanent spot. offer a ridiculous cheap price like 300.00 dollars .

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by upflying

That bend in the siding just behind the rear of the front side window could mean more frame damage. I guess it is a good parts trailer for someone restoring another one..assuming the interior is still nice.

Frame damage isn't the death knell many think it is. FWIW, trailer frames are straight as a rule and a lot easier to repair than auto/truck frames that have complex curves and angles.

How much one wants to invest will depend on what the repaired product will be of value to them.

[upflying]

Originally Posted by Thomas ho

great to park in a permanent spot. offer a ridiculous cheap price like 300.00 dollars .

Agree, many dilapidated RV's are seen parked around Reno, presumably they are being used as convenient homeless shelters.