Another B190 Shopper!!

Looking to buy a B190 or related item? Post here!
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funtwodrv
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Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 12:00 am
Location: Raleigh, NC

Another B190 Shopper!!

Post by funtwodrv »

We're interested in buying a B190. I've been following the usual "for sale" sites but, have yet to uncover one. We've found a couple, but we're still looking. We're interested in a well maintained unit in great condition. So, maintenance records and evidence of routine service are important.
We're in the South but, are every willing to travel for the right opportunity.

Any leads are appreciated,
Gary :D
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skater
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Posts: 2569
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
B190 Year: 1991
WBCCI: 13270
Location: Annapolis, MD

Post by skater »

Have you seen this one on Airstream Classifieds?
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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funtwodrv
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Posts: 49
Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 12:00 am
Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

I didn't! Thanks for the lead. Looks like a candidate... I'm trying to connect with him.

Thanks again,
Gary
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Alaskan
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Posts: 814
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:00 am
B190 Year: 1999
WBCCI: 0
Location: Alaska and Washington

Post by Alaskan »

Check the ceiling over carefully on those Florida rigs.....the heat and humidity down there raises heck with the glues used on the headliners.
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funtwodrv
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Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 12:00 am
Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

Good point... I didn't think of that.

Thanks,
Gary
Keystone
Seasoned Traveler
Posts: 199
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:00 am
B190 Year: 1994
Location: Boulder, Colorado

Post by Keystone »

Here's a 1998 in South Carolina. No connection, etc.
Shows a bit of that shower we've been talking about in the pics:
http://www.rvt.com/rvdetail4590473.htm

I haven't had much luck posting URLs. If the b-van doesn't appear at this link, go to RVT.com and search on "1998 Airstream 190"
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Alaskan
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Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2007 12:00 am
B190 Year: 1999
WBCCI: 0
Location: Alaska and Washington

Post by Alaskan »

In case that ad expires...

1998 with 49,000 miles
asking $18,000
Gen with 54 hours
Juanita Carson @ 404-840-6670.....Johnston, South Carolina


That 1992 in the other ad looks like a good one also, with 82k miles asking $9900...says Ford 350 which we know isn't right. Gotta check the Vin Number on that one to see what engine it actually has...

Phone...850-748-1433, Pensacola, FL

1992 SOLD...talked to this lady Sunday 10/10
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funtwodrv
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Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 12:00 am
Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

It would appear the '92 was a good buy... the one in South Carolina is apealing. I had seen the ad earlier but there was just the one photo. It was the shot from the front. Although the milage was low, the broken, or bent, right aux light sort of put me off. I see easy fixes like this that go un-addressed usually indecate there are bigger problems lurking somewhere else due to lack of PM. Anyways, the additional photos indicate the unit is clean and certainly deserves a hard look. I will try to connect with them this evening.

On another topic, does it matter which gear ratio it has when it comes to pulling a 6500# trailer?

Thanks again,
Gary
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Alaskan
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B190 Year: 1999
WBCCI: 0
Location: Alaska and Washington

Post by Alaskan »

Thats alot of trailer...maybe you need to be looking at some other type tow rig
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funtwodrv
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Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

Yeah... I may have to ditch the enclosed one and get an open trailer to tow our car. The car weighs about 3200# by itself and an open trailer will probably run around 1300# or so.
I got interested in the B190 because it was well equiped for road trips and short stays as well as capable of pulling the trailer. We really didn't want to go with a class C or A due to their overall size. I noticed elsewhere on the site it had a GCVR of 15K. Even though the 6500# would put it slightly over that, I guess I always presumed the B190 could handle the trailer. So up to now, I really never thought much about that aspect of it's capabilities.
I'll do some homework on the Ford 350 series van to determine if I'm expecting more than I should.
We joined this site to help educate ourselves on these units and it is quickly proving to be a great resource.
Thanks again for your input,
Gary
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funtwodrv
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Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

According to specs I found on the web, it looks like the limit is closer to 13K than 15K!! With about 9K for the van, it appears we may be looking at flat towing something as opposed to carrying the old car!...

Thanks again for the heads-up on this one.
Gary
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skater
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B190 Year: 1991
WBCCI: 13270
Location: Annapolis, MD

Post by skater »

I used a tow dolly to tow a 2800-lb car (usually), and the dolly was 580 lbs. I did okay with it...slow on the hills of course; a transmission temperature gauge is a good thing. Towing with a full trailer is the way to go, but as you've noticed, watch the weight. Get a good brake controller (I used a Tekonsha Prodigy).
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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lv2roam
Weekend Camper
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:00 am
B190 Year: 1998
WBCCI: 0
Location: Dana Point, CA

1998 E350 with V10 GCWR 15,000

Post by lv2roam »

My van at a scale 9220# fully loaded - full water, gas tank, and traveling stuff. I tow a light 3200+ Casita trailer and keep having to remind myself it is back there!! Actually helps hold the van to the road.

Watch the weight on the rear wheels - I upgraded the tires to give myself more margin - but I think the van has the guts to tow to the limit.

Good luck.
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funtwodrv
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Location: Raleigh, NC

Post by funtwodrv »

We're still sorting things out... I've come to the conclusion that flat towing might be the path we take. The cars we have now are too low to put on a dolly and a trailer just seems like a lot of trouble. Besides, it gives me a reason to look for another old car or maybe another street rod! :lol:
Right now, I'm still chasing vans for sale. I need to stay focused on this goal before moving taking the next step.

Thanks for the weight info... it will quickly become a critical element in our towing decision.

Thanks,
Gary
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lv2roam
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Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 12:00 am
B190 Year: 1998
WBCCI: 0
Location: Dana Point, CA

Post by lv2roam »

Looking back at my post I hope the subj line wasn't overlooked. I have a 1998 E350 with a V10. The GCWR is 15,000#. My GVWR is 9400# and on a scale fully (and I mean fully) loaded I was at 9220# (full water tanks, fuel tanks, and supplies, max'd out).

And I have no problem towing my Casita.

Love my van. Good luck in your search.
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