[VAL] FW: Exporting to europe

["Anthony Slocock" <anthony@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joe and others

The ads at airstream.net and airstream.com currently listing trailers for
export to Europe are I believe a collaboration between a guy called Perry in
France (see www.airstreameurope.com) and an associate of his working in the
US, doing the sourcing.  Sarah-Jane Magee of www.airstream-caravans.com
offers a similar service.  Sure, its helpful for anyone in Europe thinking
of buying to have a company like this handle the shipping etc.

Any buyer considering these ads needs to be aware that these trailers being
exported invariably are old, need alot of restoration and the price you see
advertised can only be the tip of the iceberg, in terms of what you could
end up spending....  Generally these unrestored vintage trailers suit very
practical people able to undertake much of the initial and ongoing work
themselves..., or those who have relatively deep pockets..  As with any
project, its best not to 'press the button' on purchase of something
unrestored until all the works required have been fully designed and costed.
Otherwise you have no idea what you are getting into.  Alot of parts for
rare trailers have to be made custom and it can be an expensive and time
consuming process.

My advice to anyone in Europe thinking of buying a vintage unit from either
of the companies above - both of whom are genuine and seeking to offer a
good service as far as I am aware - is delay your commitment to buy - if you
can - until the trailer is here in Europe and you have been able to go and
inspect it and discuss in details what works need to be carried out before
you can use it, by whom, at what cost.  If a vintage trailer is to be used
for serious travelling the lightweight, invariably rusted frame really
should be replaced (at the very least VERY closely inspected by removing the
bellypan) prior to doing anything else - or expect bent/ broken chassis
problems later.

I would mention that plans are afoot to bring the Airstream brand and
products to Europe, thus in time, there is likely to be more choice, in
terms of both EU compliant new models and 'ready to go' restored vintage
units.

Anyone with specific questions feel free to contact me, or go direct to the
websites above.  Airstream are likely soon to be launching their own
European site - watch this space...

Regards

Anthony Slocock