1983 Avion Travel Trailer

This is our 1983, 30-foot Avion travel trailer. We spotted it at the Fall Escapade in Lewisville, West Virginia in 2001, introduced ourselves to the owners, and got a tour. It was BEAUTIFUL, and so roomy compared to our 1973 Avion . Although the layout is the same, with a rear bath and center twins, it has approximately 2 more feet of space in the bath and 3 more in the living area. Postivily palatial! Plus, it's shiny and in wonderful shape. The owners told us that "when Dave retires next year, we're going to sell it and get us a big fifth wheel with a slideout, and go 'full time'". I immediately asked that they contact us when they were ready to sell, as we were definitely interested in buying. How thrilled we were when they sent an email in February of 2002, telling us that the trailer was on the market. To make a long story short, we bought and brought it home.

We immediately set to work, "making it our own". We installed new tires, packed the wheel bearings, inspected the brakes, got the aluminum propane tanks updated with OPD valves, installed a new Inteli-Power converter with Charge Wizard, and more. It went on several short trips, totalling about 1500 miles, and we started to have misgivings: it was Too Big! Much of our camping is in State parks and at antique engine/tractor shows, where space is sometimes limited. Also, we seldom stay in one place for more than a few days, so "travelling" is often a bigger part of our camping than "living".

Yes, we could probably get around this, but the old trailer seems Just Right for us, and this one doesn't. Although we discussed keeping both trailers, using each where appropiate, that doesn't make a lot of sense to us; others will differ, of course. (we know folks with 3 or 4 trailers that they use regularly)

Besides the above-listed updates and modifications, we installed a Shurflo accumulator and new umbilical cable with connector. Some stuff was "on the list", but will now be left to the new owner, things like replacing the TV antenna, installing an eMeter to monitor battery usage, replacing the batteries with a pair of Golf Cart units, etc. The trailer is literally ready to roll, and the Eaz-Lift hitch with 1000# bars is included. The trailer weighs about 6500#, with 850# on the tongue; like any trailer of this size, it is best towed with a 3/4-ton rated puller. Note that the hitch head is NON-adjustable, and is fabricated for my Dodge. If you plan to use anything else, you'll need to replace the hitch head at a minimum. If I was to keep the trailer, I'd probably get an Equal-I-Zer hitch, as I've heard Good Things about that outfit. Plus, it's not expensive, at only $550.00

If you're unfamiliar with the older Avion trailers, be prepared for a sweet surprise. These things are BUILT. The floor  consists of 2 layers of 1/2" plywood, with an inch of Styrofoam-type insulation between. The frame is box members, running the full length of the body. This unit has 4 Bal stabilizer jacks and a Hoppy level on the front. A rear compartment holds the spare tire and the fresh-water hoses. (I installed a hose reel to hold them) The water and electrical connections are inside a lockable compartment on the streeside rear. Capacities are: 65 gallon fresh, and 30 EACH gray and black tanks, according to the manual. (yes, it is included) All systems work as designed, with the water heater and furnace having electronic ignition. The fridge is old-style with manual piezo-electric ignition.

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