Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: 69 Avion on 08/24/13 02:20pm

67avion wrote:

What is it about Avion TCs and Alaska? The one on Atlanta Craiglist was bought specifically for an Alaska trip. Mine went to Alaska. Garry is IN Alaska. Is it just me or is Alaska calling all the Avion TCs? Heh. By the way the price on that Avion is $3750. I have noticed a distinct bump in the prices over the past several years. Taking into consideration the sluggish economy and high gas prices which affect the resale value of campers, that is a very encouraging sign. It means that we are not just throwing money away on the restorations, but that there is solid value in the Avion. Its just a part of the reason why we like these campers, but it is an important one.

If correct, that Avion in Atlanta was stored inside. It would be a great deal to get one in like new condition for that price. When you consider a new refigerator is close to $1,000. I have probably $1,000 in two stainless steel tanks, a stainless steel medicine cabinet and adapters, etc. The restoration costs can climb real quick. I was very frugal with my restoration, but I didn't scrimp on quality items. I have over $10,000 in the restoration and about 3 months of work. For me, the value was in the fact that the old Avion will do what many new campers can't. The Avion will survive in the Alaska environment when other campers can't for long periods of time. I remember when my dad and grandfather bought my 1969 Avion camper when it was new. There were buyers that were looking at them specifically for trips to Alaska and Canada.

Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper

Posted By: garryk6 on 08/24/13 03:20pm

Avions have distinct advantages for use in Alaska. The aerodynamic shape helps in fuel and especially in the insane winds we can experience. The rounded shape helps shed snow, and the insulation is another bonus. As for cost/value we purchase ours for $2000. I estimate that we have 3 to 4 k in the build, but with the fridge/freezer costing $920 and the toilet at $570 and the wave3 at $275, it adds up quick. But to have the quality components in a newer TC, I would be out much more than $6K for a camper. Plus in our case I needed a clean slate to build one that would work on my PU and for our family, so it is what we will have for a long time!

Some day I'd like to find a C10 to start over with, and build with a full aluminum tub with basement, tanks etc. and I would build similar to my current C10, but I would build specifically for my shortbed truck. But that is for some day in the future. For now we will enjoy our home built Avion. We are in the line at the ferry and ready to get this vacation started!
Garry

Garry K
Wife + 4 kids
Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move....
2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK
1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 08/24/13 04:41pm

Four coats of urethane.

http://i1316.photobucket.com/albums/t617/rfuerst911sc/003Small2_zpsf4c9337a.jpg

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 08/24/13 04:43pm

Posted By: JoeChiOhki on 08/26/13 11:31am

You guys are all doing such beautiful work, it's just sad that the later Avion name was stained by being owned by Fleetwood.

My Blog - The Journey of the Redneck Express
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'1992 Dodge W-250 "Dually" Power Wagon - Club Cab Long Bed 4x4 V8 5.9L gashog w/4.10 Geared axles
'1974 KIT Kamper 1106 - 11' Slide-in
'2006 Heartland BigHorn 3400RL

Posted By: NJAvion on 08/26/13 11:41am

Garry - I think sealing up those front windows is a pretty popular solution to all the leaks that can happen with rain + highway speeds. My PO did it and I was going to open them, but am thinking he was onto something.

Posted By: 67avion on 08/26/13 11:51am

JoeChiOhki wrote:

You guys are all doing such beautiful work, it's just sad that the later Avion name was stained by being owned by Fleetwood.

I did not know that Avion was bought by Fleetwood. Do you have any details? It would be interesting to know.

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 08/26/13 11:55am

67avion wrote:

JoeChiOhki wrote:

You guys are all doing such beautiful work, it's just sad that the later Avion name was stained by being owned by Fleetwood.

I did not know that Avion was bought by Fleetwood. Do you have any details? It would be interesting to know.

Fleetwood bought the naming rights to " Avion " and proceeded to make cookie cutter crappy trailers with the name. Just my opinion.

Posted By: 67avion on 08/26/13 12:06pm

I just did a quick internet search and sure enough there are "Fleetwood Avions". I have been completely fixated on the truck campers having never had a TT or any other type of RV. So, I really know very little about the Avion trailers. It appears that Fleetwood acquired the Avion name in the early 1980s. They never made a slide in TC I don't think.

Posted By: garryk6 on 08/26/13 12:12pm

NJAvion wrote:

So far no rain (yeah [emoticon]

)!!!! So it's untested, but that aluminum heavy duty duct tape is pretty good stuff. I'll start a TR post of our adventures so far, but we made it to Anchorage and will be staying a few days with great friends, and doing the State Fair as well as waiting for our oldest to catch up with us by flying over from Kodiak, since he was not back yet from working a remote set-net fishing site all summer. So he has to check in to the airport, arrange tickets, go to school and arrange homework for a week and a half, and then catch a flight by Friday all as a 17yo senior in HS. But since he has already been to Florida, Kentucky, D.C., Beijing and Ullan Battar, Mongolia, I think he'll do fine [emoticon]

As for the Avion, in got a good hardcore bump and rattle check driving through all the road construction and broken roads on the Kenai Penninsula. So far the only casualty has been one door latch in the Camper.
Garry

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