1988 Airstream 290 Classic Motorhome (E)

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1988 Airstream 290 Classic Motorhome Exhibit "E"
"Tater"

1988 Airstream 290 Classic Motorhome

Year: 1988
Make: Airstream
Sleeping Capacity: 4
Model: 290
Fuel Type: Gas
Type: Motorized class A
Length (feet): 29
Air Conditioners: Two
Mileage: 67,000

"Tater" has lead a sheltered life and has enjoyed regular preventive maintenance from wealthy owners. Tater was garage kept ever since he was 9 months old and his finish is the best I've seen (even the interior is free from sun fading and and still looks fresh).

When I bought him, I had been shopping for a long time. I found several cheaper "fixer-uppers" but when I found out how much it would cost to try and duplicate this one, I knew I was getting a bargain! With the specialized coating on Airstreams, it would cost you over $20,000 just to refinish the outside!, so getting one in this condition is very important. Interiors can be swapped out, carpet can be easily replaced but removing dents or refinishing an Airstream is not for the light of wallet.

Now with that being said...Tater isn't perfect, but is in exceptional condition! He's also not $90,000 either. However, HE IS road ready and NEEDS NOTHING! Last month, I just spent $2,000 on scheduled maintenance (with receipts) so that the new owners would have a safe and reliable rig for their family vacations. He has a new radiator, new belts and hoses, new water pump and a new thermostat.

Last year I installed new fuel pumps, new Michelin tires (with less than 1000 miles on them), new front brake calipers with braided steel brake lines. I just changed the oil and filter and he has fresh antifreeze too. Last fall I serviced the ONAN generator with fresh oil and filter, new points and condenser, fresh electric fuel pump, rebuilt carb and valve adjustment.

When I bought him, I immediately upgraded the air conditioners and replaced both of the factory roof airs with bigger units. The rear air is now 13,500 BTUs and the front unit is 15,500 BTU's. They both have had minimal use and work perfectly. They will freeze you out in short order even on the hottest of days! The Dometic refrigerator was upgraded just before we bought it and works great. In fact, every item in this motorhome works as designed.

The interior is virtually perfect and 100% original. All of the furniture is American Made Flex-steel, including the leather, full power captains chairs. All of the cabinets are solid oak, not laminates like lessor brands. It has a small flat screen TV/DVD combo that we added.

Look at the pictures and you'll see what a great rig he is. With the enduring quality and international cult following, Tater is sure to retain his value just like his lustrous shine. They only made a few of the 290s and I've never seen another. I believe that only 18 were made in 1988. (That could be total production of the 290). Tater rides smooth and quiet on rear air bag suspension and handles like a 29' sports car. The aerodynamic shell makes Tater very easy to drive in highway traffic. Just like an airplane, the rounded shape cuts through the wind and is stable in cross winds. Passing semi's have little effect. The steering is nice and tight.

I have all of the original books, manuals and brochures from new and a maintenance log which documents every service.

60 gallons of fresh water
6 gallons of hot water
grey tank holds 28 gallons
black tank holds 25 gallons
fuel tank holds 60 gallons
LP tank holds 100 lbs.

Tater is 29' 10" long, 11'2" high, 6'6" inside height, 7'11" inside width. Engine is 454 Chevy, Chassis is P-30, Transmission is Turbo 400 and fully serviced with Lucas full synthetic fluid and huge external oil cooler. Engine runs cool 200 degrees with new radiator and water pump.

Location: Indianapolis, IN
Archived 11/16/2013

** PHOTO GALLERY EXHIBIT ** This unit is a photo gallery exhibit only and is not currently for sale. The units for sale are listed on the home page of this site and also tagged with blue for-sale banners.