Well a things now seem to be 'real', so I thought I should start a thread describing what we hope will be a thread covering the re-build of our Argosy 20".
We wanted a 20' as we are having this built for our retirement, which will start with us spending 6-12months (or maybe longer) touring the US before we (and the Argosy) relocate back to the UK and spend the next few years touring Europe.
We decided up front we wanted twin beds in a mid-bath/wrap around rear window layout and that the beds should double up as a dinette (we have had that configuration in previous 'caravans' when living in the UK and it works for us).
We also knew this was going to be a full rebuild, and we also decided to have the work done by specialists - I think my time is spent doing something I am good at, to earn the funds to pay someone else to do something they are good at. But I have to say we struck lucky.
We found a 20' in the configuration we wanted that the previously owner had already down all the basic work.
He had remove the body from the chassis, and gone through the mechanical systems
He had then had a new floor made, fitted a new .63 aluminium under belly, insulation and a hardwood, plywood floor.
The body was remounted and after a couple of test runs we found there was an issue if the fuel tank...it was corroded and blocking fuel filters. So a new aluminium fuel cell was built and strapped in place
At that point we had 'her' loaded on a low-loader and shipped up to New England, firstly so we could have an RMV inspection to try and sort out a RMV/Title issue, but also drop off at the shop we (or rather fate) had chosen to do the work.
I say fate played a big part in us choosing Airstream of New England, we were going to have the work done at HofArc in Santa Barbara, but the cost of transport was going to be crazy. Then we had made arrangements with The Trailer Company, in Melbourne do the rebuild, before the MA RMV insisted the VIN wasn't valid and made us trailer the Argosy up to a State facility for inspection, the nearest of which is approx 10miles from Airstream of New England. But the fact that they can order all the cabinetry and fittings from Airstream it genuinely feels like we are having a new Airstream Argosy 20' built - hope the feeling continues!
We wanted a 20' as we are having this built for our retirement, which will start with us spending 6-12months (or maybe longer) touring the US before we (and the Argosy) relocate back to the UK and spend the next few years touring Europe.
We decided up front we wanted twin beds in a mid-bath/wrap around rear window layout and that the beds should double up as a dinette (we have had that configuration in previous 'caravans' when living in the UK and it works for us).
We also knew this was going to be a full rebuild, and we also decided to have the work done by specialists - I think my time is spent doing something I am good at, to earn the funds to pay someone else to do something they are good at. But I have to say we struck lucky.
We found a 20' in the configuration we wanted that the previously owner had already down all the basic work.
He had remove the body from the chassis, and gone through the mechanical systems
He had then had a new floor made, fitted a new .63 aluminium under belly, insulation and a hardwood, plywood floor.
The body was remounted and after a couple of test runs we found there was an issue if the fuel tank...it was corroded and blocking fuel filters. So a new aluminium fuel cell was built and strapped in place
At that point we had 'her' loaded on a low-loader and shipped up to New England, firstly so we could have an RMV inspection to try and sort out a RMV/Title issue, but also drop off at the shop we (or rather fate) had chosen to do the work.
I say fate played a big part in us choosing Airstream of New England, we were going to have the work done at HofArc in Santa Barbara, but the cost of transport was going to be crazy. Then we had made arrangements with The Trailer Company, in Melbourne do the rebuild, before the MA RMV insisted the VIN wasn't valid and made us trailer the Argosy up to a State facility for inspection, the nearest of which is approx 10miles from Airstream of New England. But the fact that they can order all the cabinetry and fittings from Airstream it genuinely feels like we are having a new Airstream Argosy 20' built - hope the feeling continues!
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