airstream versus argosy
Bob Partridge
Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
argosy except the outside covering of aluminum versus fiberglass?
HHamp5246
<<Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
argosy except the outside covering of aluminum versus fiberglass?>>
Um...I have an Argosy Motorhome..... it was made by Airstream... it is the same
exact aluminum that the silver Airstreams are.... only it's painted. If I
stripped the paint off it would look just like a Silver Airstream.
Hunter
Chris Bryant
In trailers, the differences (other than the obvious paint) are the
two top end caps are steel on an Argosy, and aluminum on the
Airstream. The axles and brakes are sometimes 10" instead of 12", and
the interior appoinments are less expensive. (This all asumes you mean
the "classic" models, not the "Squarestream" models of the '80's.
On Sun, 31 May 1998 10:30:21 GMT, mir...@datasync.com (Bob Partridge)
wrote:
>Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
>argosy except the outside covering of aluminum versus fiberglass?
--
Chris Bryant
Bryant R.V.
wi...@epix.net
On Sun, 31 May 1998, Bob Partridge wrote:
> Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
> argosy except the outside covering of aluminum versus fiberglass.
Having owned both, I assure you all classic (rounded) coaches are both
aluminum. Early Argosies were painted.
Will KD3XR
g_bu...@my-dejanews.com
In article <35716be6...@news.totcon.com>,
brya...@totcon.com (Chris Bryant) wrote:
>
> In trailers, the differences (other than the obvious paint) are the
> two top end caps are steel on an Argosy, and aluminum on the
> Airstream. The axles and brakes are sometimes 10" instead of 12", and
> the interior appoinments are less expensive. (This all asumes you mean
> the "classic" models, not the "Squarestream" models of the '80's.
>
> On Sun, 31 May 1998 10:30:21 GMT, mir...@datasync.com (Bob Partridge)
>
> >Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
>
> --
> Chris Bryant
> Bryant R.V.
>
The end caps are steel, but also galvanized. The outside skin is
attached shiny-side-in. The hatches
are made with shiny side out. (observed when I removed all the paint
to bare metal for restoration). I have a friend with a '77
silver Airstream, and we can't tell much difference other than the
cosmetics. The insulation in the floor of my Argosy was not
installed well, and there were several places where aluminum and
steel together had corroded (galvanic cell). The end caps however,
after 19 years, showed no corrosion. We find that the painted
model stays cooler inside, and requires less maintenance than
the clear-coat silver model. Take your pick.
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wi...@epix.net
On Thu, 4 Jun 1998 g_bu...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
> I have owned a "classic" '78 31ft Airstream Argosy for several years.
> The end caps are steel, but also galvanized. The outside skin is
> attached shiny-side-in.
>
It is amazing what one learns reading the NG! The customary use of the
term "end cap" is to describle the entire front or rear panels of a coach.
If that is this writer's meaning, this would PROBABLY be the only
Airstream ever made with "galvanized steel" end caps. All the rest are
hand-rolled aluminum. Airstream did use galvanized steel components in
some places, but never to my knowledge on the coach body.
Will KD3XR
Hugh Darling
I think he means the Argosy models. They did have the steel end caps as he
says.
Hugh
wi...@epix.net wrote in message ...
wi...@epix.net
On Thu, 4 Jun 1998, Hugh Darling wrote:
> I think he means the Argosy models. They did have the steel end caps as he
> says.
Mine didn't, Hugh!
Anyone who has one can verify aluminum vs steel with a magnet.
Will KD3XR
HHamp5246
<<Anyone who has one can verify aluminum vs steel with a magnet.>>
Mine is in the driveway..packed and ready to leave in the morning...wait..I'll
go check..........
Okay...My 1974 Argosy motorhome has STEEL end caps.....
The magnet stuck.
Hunter
Mike
wi...@epix.net wrote:
>
> On Thu, 4 Jun 1998, Hugh Darling wrote:
>
> > I think he means the Argosy models. They did have the steel end caps as he
> > says.
>
> Mine didn't, Hugh!
>
>
77 Argosy 28 ft... front and rear steel end caps... no question about
it..
Mike
wi...@epix.net
On Fri, 5 Jun 1998, Mike wrote:
> 77 Argosy 28 ft... front and rear steel end caps... no question about
Well, it appears I'm wrong again! Thanks to those who took the trouble to
verify. Since mine WERE aluminum I have to assume the Airstream people
used BOTH steel and aluminum end caps on the Argosy models.
I knew Argosy was Airstream's "guinea pig" brand for a time - I did NOT
realize they ever used steel... thanks for straightening me out!
Will KD3XR
Chris Bryant
On Fri, 5 Jun 1998 08:09:44 -0400, <wi...@epix.net> wrote:
>
>On Fri, 5 Jun 1998, Mike wrote:
>
>> 77 Argosy 28 ft... front and rear steel end caps... no question about
>
>
>Well, it appears I'm wrong again!
<<snip>>
>Will KD3XR
>
Whadaya mean again (sorry couldn't resist)
The end caps were actually just the *top* end caps (abave the
windows), the *bottom* end caps were aluminum.
I never understood the rational behind that though.. it always seemed
to me that the steel caps were a BIG stamping that would have been
more expensive to manufacture than the multi-segment aluminum caps on
the airstream. (BTW, it seems that Argosy trailers do not hold value
as well as Airstreams- which suggests they might be a far better
value, since there is not much difference)
wi...@epix.net
On Fri, 5 Jun 1998, Chris Bryant wrote concerning steel end caps
on Argosy coaches::
> The end caps were actually just the *top* end caps (abave the
> windows), the *bottom* end caps were aluminum.
> I never understood the rational behind that though.. it always seemed
> to me that the steel caps were a BIG stamping that would have been
> more expensive to manufacture than the multi-segment aluminum caps on
> the airstream.
I simply don't know -- but I thot the Airstream (AL) corners were not
stamped but hand-formed by skilled craftsmen using a roller. A VERY
skill-intensive job. The dies for a steel stamping would be very
expensive, but the per-piece cost would be peanuts.
Anybody have any inside dope?
Will KD3XR
g_bu...@my-dejanews.com
In article <Pine.SOL.3.96.980604...@parsley.epix.net>,
<wi...@epix.net> wrote:
>
>
> On Thu, 4 Jun 1998 g_bu...@my-dejanews.com wrote:
>
> > I have owned a "classic" '78 31ft Airstream Argosy for several years.
> > The end caps are steel, but also galvanized. The outside skin is
> > attached shiny-side-in.
> >
>
> It is amazing what one learns reading the NG! The customary use of the
> term "end cap" is to describle the entire front or rear panels of a coach.
> If that is this writer's meaning, this would PROBABLY be the only
> Airstream ever made with "galvanized steel" end caps. All the rest are
> hand-rolled aluminum. Airstream did use galvanized steel components in
> some places, but never to my knowledge on the coach body.
>
> Will KD3XR
>
>
Putting semantics aside, and staying with the technical,
there is some steel on my Argosy coach
body (in addition to the "caps" on the upper "ends" of the trailer).
The back center panel, below the back window has a steel
angle (fabricated from nongalvanized sheet in the case of
my trailer) which fastens the lower edge of this aluminum
body panel to the floor and frame.
I have posted a schematic sketch at my webpage.
I replaced it because it was badly corroded
after 20 yrs. There are other locations where the
manufacturer has sandwiched ordinary steel against
unprotected aluminum (a no-no).
One example is banana skin-to-outriggers.
During my refurbishment of the Argosy, I used LPS3 to
help reduce galvanic corrosion between these pieces, and
the bellypan-to-frame. (LPS3 is a hardware store item...
and good stuff).
Hope these comments can be USEFUL to others.
http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Dunes/9810/argosy.jpg
Hugh Darling
Will, believe your right about "rolling" the panels. Here is something I
picked up on the net site of
http://www.airstreamcentral.com/airhist.htm
This is an excerpt from the article.
Argosy line of trailers and motorhomes
"Argosy began possibly around '71 thru late '70s early 80's. The Argosy
motorhome started in 1975 and production stopped in 1979. They were built in
a separate facility in Versailles, OH. In 1979 there were three models of
motorhomes built. The Argosy, a painted Airstream (truly an Argosy with
Airstream logos and different paint scheme) and the first silver bullet
Airstream motorhome," said Charlie Burke
The Argosy trailers were also built at the Versailles, Ohio plant. Charlie
continued, "You could not actually strip and Argosy and find an Airstream.
The Argosy motorhome (and the '79 painted Airstream) were built differently.
The upper rear segment was a one piece steel segment. True Airstream
motorhomes used 5 aluminum segments instead. The motorhome and trailer
underwent a significant structural design change in mid 1982. It is not
readily apparent except in the trailer lower segments."
The Argosy trailers have the one-piece steel segment in the front instead of
the 5 aluminum segments. The Argosy trailers also had slightly different
interior appointments, supposedly not as "nice." Personally, I liked them
both, Argosy and Airstream.
End of excerpt
wi...@epix.net wrote in message ...
>
Betty or Charlie Burke
wi...@epix.net wrote:
> On Fri, 5 Jun 1998, Chris Bryant wrote concerning steel end caps
> on Argosy coaches::
>
> > The end caps were actually just the *top* end caps (abave the
> > windows), the *bottom* end caps were aluminum.
> > I never understood the rational behind that though.. it always seemed
> > to me that the steel caps were a BIG stamping that would have been
> > more expensive to manufacture than the multi-segment aluminum caps on
> > the airstream.
>
> I simply don't know -- but I thot the Airstream (AL) corners were not
> stamped but hand-formed by skilled craftsmen using a roller. A VERY
> skill-intensive job. The dies for a steel stamping would be very
> expensive, but the per-piece cost would be peanuts.
>
> Anybody have any inside dope?
>
> Will KD3XR
When I went through the factory tour several years ago they described the
panels as stress formed, aka stamped.
cvaz...@gmail.com
> Does anyone know what the differences are between the airstream and
> argosy except the outside covering of aluminum versus fiberglass?
JerryOsage
year old post?
Jerry O.
Hunter Hampton
also aluminum but with steel end caps.
There were fiberglass Argosys, but not the classic body style. There was
a flatsided one, and a fifth wheel..... both rarely seen.
Hunter
brad.wil...@gmail.com
Technobarbarian
> Does anyone know the value of a one owner Argosy 24' all original in decent shape twin beds??
>
and RV Trader probably list prices, but I suspect they don't have many
sales to base current prices on. Both NADA and Blue Book would be dealer
prices. In these older classic rigs condition is everything. The value
will depend a lot on how much work it needs. In excellent condition you
can probably get a premium price for an old classic Airstream. This site
lists some prices for current sales:
<http://www.motorhomefinds.com/airstream-motorhomes-for-sale>
TB
Hunter Hampton
> It would help to know what year it was made. NADA, Kelly Blue Book
> and RV Trader probably list prices, but I suspect they don't have many
> sales to base current prices on. Both NADA and Blue Book would be dealer
> prices. In these older classic rigs condition is everything. The value
> will depend a lot on how much work it needs. In excellent condition you
> can probably get a premium price for an old classic Airstream. This site
> lists some prices for current sales:
>
> <http://www.motorhomefinds.com/airstream-motorhomes-for-sale>
Brad,
This should help.... you can see what other are asking.
http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/ad-tag/argosy/
You can also check sold listing on ebay.
Hunter
Technobarbarian
> On 11/19/2017 10:25 PM, Technobarbarian wrote:
>> It would help to know what year it was made. NADA, Kelly Blue
>> Book and RV Trader probably list prices, but I suspect they don't have
>> many sales to base current prices on. Both NADA and Blue Book would be
>> dealer prices. In these older classic rigs condition is everything.
>> The value will depend a lot on how much work it needs. In excellent
>> condition you can probably get a premium price for an old classic
>> Airstream. This site lists some prices for current sales:
>>
>> <http://www.motorhomefinds.com/airstream-motorhomes-for-sale>
>
>
> TB, why do you think it's a motorhome?
this had been Airstream's motorhome brand at one time. My apologies for
any confusion I may have caused.
TB
Hunter Hampton
> The only Argosies I remembered seeing were motorhomes. I thought
> this had been Airstream's motorhome brand at one time. My apologies for
> any confusion I may have caused.
ideas, such as wrap around windows. The trailers are pretty cool, more
modern advances than the same year silver Airstreams.
Hunter
Technobarbarian
looking at prices of Airstream trailers of a similar size, vintage and
condition.
TB