Once you've located a trailer, be prepared to do the first overall inspection.
Tools to bring- FLASHLIGHT, ICE PICK or Similar sharp pointed tool.
Magnet.
These are some very basic tools that will make your checkout easier to complete.
Flashlight- handheld and bright. You will be looking under cabinets, in compartments, underneath the trailer body and will need to be able to see clearly.
Ice Pick- Floors are a crucial area of the structure. You want to poke around the edges especially if carpeted to check for soft spots where leaks may have been occurring. A pocket knife may have a blade that is narrow enough for this. You don't want to harm the carpet unless it is already in rough shape..
Magnet- Airstreams are aluminum skins not stainless steel. Except for the chassis frame, you should not find any steel sheeting in the trailer inside or out. The magnet will not adhere or attract to aluminum.
I would suggest you look over the trailer outside first.
Note any dents, other than the small road dents that especially happen to the "banana wrap". This is the area between the body side skins and the underneath belly pan. Prone to road dents especially in front. It is soft and can be repaired with some instruction...later.
Note the windows and rubber moldings. Broken or cracked windows can be replaced, which is more difficult in 60s trailers that have the curved glass.
Note the tires. Are they cracked? Does the rubber look dry. Check the date code, which will let you know how old they are. Tire 5 or more years old are suspect even if they look fine. They are prone to blow outs which can damage the aluminum skin expensively!
Here is a quick blurb on tire dating:
Example;. A tire with a DOT code of 1109 was made in the 11th week of 2009.
Tires with a three-digit code were made prior to 2000 and are more difficult to decode. The first two digits tell you the week, but the third digit tells you the year in the decade that it was created.
If the tires are more than 5 years old, plan on $800-$1000 expense for replacement.
By now you should be making a list of repairs noted to be done, and the approximate costs. You can research the cost afterwards before you make any offer on the trailer. But leaving a deposit could save the deal for you.
