Our family has gone through the common camping progression of pop-up then travel trailer then motorhome (Class C). When our youngest outgrew his enthusiasm for camping we couldn't stand to watch the motorhome go unused so we sold it. It wasn't long before we realized that we missed camping and decided that we parents would eventually get back into it on our own. There was no hurry though, so we took some time to think it through.
We wanted something without a motor since it could easily go months unused and we don't want to worry about the maintenance (and depreciation). We also wanted to avoid the need for a giant tow vehicle. Ultimately we decided that we'd like a moderate sized Airstream due to the quality construction, the look & feel as well as the history they represent. The price of buying new was a bit prohibitive so we decided to start looking for something used that we could work on and create exactly what we'd like.
After more than a year of monitoring Craigslist, eBay and numerous other sources we found that landing the right size, condition and price was quite difficult. Luckily a few weeks ago a listing appeared on Cragslist for a 20 foot, 1966 Airstream Globetrotter. After a few phone calls, a quick inspection and some negotiation I was able to secure it for a great price.
Although it was near, getting it home was no small effort. It had been sitting for over a decade and the tires were both flat. The axle was tired but appeared serviceable enough to make the short trip home so I went about securing new rims and tires to pop onto it for the trek to it's new home.
The trailer was owned by a family who's father had recently passed on. This together with the fact that it hadn't been registered since the 1980's made getting a Massachusetts registration a bit of an ordeal. After numerous discussions with the insurance company and the RMV - not to mention an understanding seller - I was finally able to secure the right documentation to enable getting a plate.
Unfortunately this all happened while Massachusetts was being hit by one of it's worst winters in history. With nearly three feet of snow on the ground and the threat of two more on the way I decided I'd enlist my 14 year old son to help me dig it out and bring it home. THAT took a while (my back is still sore). Jacking up a trailer high enough to replace two flat tires while on frozen ground and in a mountain of snow is no fun!
Ultimately we did get it home. Thus begins this blog where I will attempt to document the process of bringing this hopefully hidden gem into the new millennium and starting it's second life.
