[VAC] Re: Airstream VS Argosy

[Kevin D Allen <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings "MagicBrad"!

Welcome to Vintage Airstreaming!  Yes, you are in the correct place.
There are a number of Argosy owner's on this list including myself.
Argosy is an Airstream product that has been out of production for a
number of years, and during its day it was often considered a test bed
for design modifications that one day might be applied to the regular
Airstream line.  The Argosy also was an attempt to provide a less
expensive alternative for first-time owners as well as an economy choice
for existing Airstream owners.

Initially, the Argosy wasn't welcomed into the WBCCI but my
understanding is that it has been welcomed into the club for about a
decade now.  As a general rule, the appliances and all equipment in an
Argosy were of similar manufacture to that found in similar Airstreams -
- one difference was that features found standard on Airstreams were
often optional if available at all on the Argosy.  At least in 1978-79,
there was a significant emphasis on weight - - the sales literature for
those years listed the weights of each option and how this weight would
impact the weight on the axle, the Gross Vehicle Weight, and the hitch
weight.

In reality, it seems one of the largest and most obvious differences
between the Argosy and the Airstream is the Argosy's painted exterior.
While most of the exterior structure is aluminum, the front and rear
domes (on most if not all Argosy trailers) are made out of galvanized
steel.  Beyond the front and rear domes, the basic chassis and structure
utilized in the Argosy mirrored what would be found in an Airstream.
One of the differences between the two lines, at least with the 1979
Minuets (according to the factory literature) was the use of an Acrylic
product rather than glass for the side windows - - the front and rear
windows were safety-tempered glass.

Comparing my Argosy to similar year Airstreams indicated the following
differences.  The foam in the cushions appeared to be a bit thinner and
the upholstery a bit a less plush.  The draperies appeared to be near
identical to those used in similar vintage Airstreams - - I purchased my
Minuet from its original owner earlier this month and it is nearly
factory stock inside and out.  The carpeting was of good quality but not
quite the quality that would be found in an Airstream.  The furnace, hot
water heater, univolt, water supply system, refrigerator, range/oven and
bathroom fixtures were are all very similar if not identical to those
found in Airstreams.  In my opinion, the Argosys also tended to have
somewhat brighter, less subdued colors used in their interiors - - my
countertops are on the very red end of the burnt orange color value.

Congratulations on your acquisition, and welcome to the group.

Kevin Allen

Kevin D. Allen
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet
1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training)
WBCCI/VAC #6359