One of the most frustrating things about being an Airstream owner—and there aren't many—is that it sometimes seems tough, if not near impossible, to find and buy spare parts for your trailer.
But, don't despair. There are options:
1. Ebay
Probably your best friend when you need an Airstream part is Ebay. Do a site search for "Airstream", "Airstream parts" or "Airstream used parts" and you're bound to find some interesting, perhaps unexpected, results. It's especially useful when you stumble upon a quality used part that won't empty your wallet faster than you can say Paypal. Deals abound, if you look close and long enough.
The biggest problem with Ebay is that its "inventory" fluctuates. There are a wide array of Airstream parts available on auction, but they're not all available all the time. So you need to do some hunting, and that takes time.
It's good, then, that Airstream owners are a patient bunch.
2. Catalogs & Magazines
Another good source for tracking down parts. Unlike Ebay, this one's a one-off deal, and what you read is what you can get. But there's lots of reading to do. So, if you do your homework and work through the sellers, you'll eventually find what you're looking for. Even many older Airstream parts are still available, if you know where to look.
The bad side of parts dealers: they'll most likely charge you and arm and a leg for anything more expensive than a cup holder!
As to where you can get a parts catalog: your Airstream dealer is sure to have them, and some are also available to order online (PPL RV Parts Superstore will send you one for free, for example, if you call them: 1-800-755-4775). Since the RV business is not rotting away in the stone age, I'm sure you could find a few online catalogs, too.
3. RV Graveyards
Sound spooky? They kind of are...
But, also quite useful. Basically, they're like junkyards for cars—except, obviously, for RVs. You can find individual RV junkyards online, then compile a list of locations, plot them on a map, and stop by if your travels bring you within earshot. I assume if you have an RV, let alone an Airstream, you have intense wanderlust, so it shouldn't be too much trouble.
Junkyards do rely somewhat on your own knowledge of parts, however. You have to know what you're looking for, and, especially, what kinds of non-Airstream parts will do the job you need. Because many parts are compatible. If you're looking for older parts, for example, look for RVs made in the same period as your own.
As for the quality of the part you'll find: it's a crapshoot.
Overall, finding Airstream parts is not as insurmountable a problem as you may think. But you need to be proactive. In our consumer age, we're used to products coming to us. In this case, you still have to go to the product.
Good luck!
"Where do I buy Airstream parts?"And, to make things even worse, the downside of quality is longevity, and the downside of longevity is that by the time you need to replace something in your Airstream, you find you'd need a time machine to get it!
But, don't despair. There are options:
1. Ebay
Probably your best friend when you need an Airstream part is Ebay. Do a site search for "Airstream", "Airstream parts" or "Airstream used parts" and you're bound to find some interesting, perhaps unexpected, results. It's especially useful when you stumble upon a quality used part that won't empty your wallet faster than you can say Paypal. Deals abound, if you look close and long enough.
The biggest problem with Ebay is that its "inventory" fluctuates. There are a wide array of Airstream parts available on auction, but they're not all available all the time. So you need to do some hunting, and that takes time.
It's good, then, that Airstream owners are a patient bunch.
2. Catalogs & Magazines
Another good source for tracking down parts. Unlike Ebay, this one's a one-off deal, and what you read is what you can get. But there's lots of reading to do. So, if you do your homework and work through the sellers, you'll eventually find what you're looking for. Even many older Airstream parts are still available, if you know where to look.
The bad side of parts dealers: they'll most likely charge you and arm and a leg for anything more expensive than a cup holder!
As to where you can get a parts catalog: your Airstream dealer is sure to have them, and some are also available to order online (PPL RV Parts Superstore will send you one for free, for example, if you call them: 1-800-755-4775). Since the RV business is not rotting away in the stone age, I'm sure you could find a few online catalogs, too.
3. RV Graveyards
Sound spooky? They kind of are...
But, also quite useful. Basically, they're like junkyards for cars—except, obviously, for RVs. You can find individual RV junkyards online, then compile a list of locations, plot them on a map, and stop by if your travels bring you within earshot. I assume if you have an RV, let alone an Airstream, you have intense wanderlust, so it shouldn't be too much trouble.
Junkyards do rely somewhat on your own knowledge of parts, however. You have to know what you're looking for, and, especially, what kinds of non-Airstream parts will do the job you need. Because many parts are compatible. If you're looking for older parts, for example, look for RVs made in the same period as your own.
As for the quality of the part you'll find: it's a crapshoot.
Overall, finding Airstream parts is not as insurmountable a problem as you may think. But you need to be proactive. In our consumer age, we're used to products coming to us. In this case, you still have to go to the product.
Good luck!