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Navigation Bar: Home > Motorhomes > Argosy > 1977 > Argosy 20

1977 Argosy 20' Motorhome Exhibit "M"
"Spud"

1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Argosy 20' Motorhome

1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Vintage Motorhome with 454 Chevrolet V8 only 93K miles

Mileage: 93,000

Classic and solidly built 1977 Airstream Argosy 20 footer. "Spud" as it has been dubbed gets a lot of looks everywhere it goes. These are rare, especially the 20 footer and very much in demand.

It has been stored under cover since 2009.

History: Included are the original manual and a large folder of receipts - I'm including a partial list of major work performed in the last 30K miles below. The only major issue was it was leaking transmission fluid out of the seals. We had an RV mechanic replace all the seals for $959.50. I also replaced both batteries for $139.99. After checking through the other elements and filling up the water, my wife and I just took it on a camping trip this weekend and it was quite comfortable for the two of us.

Driving: I was surprised at how well Spud tracked down the road for something that essentially resembles a large potato. The prior owner invested in super steer after-market components that help keep it pointing straight. The new Michelin tires on the front help too. It is very easy to turn, it fits into a regular parking space and corners quite well too. All in all it feels tight, doesn't wander and rides well. The tilt steering is nice too. I was also amazed at how quiet the ride was. There were no major air leaks, wind noise or consistently annoying rattles that I've experienced in other RVs.

Engine/Drivetrain: It starts right up after a few cranks on the starter and runs very smooth and quiet. Once it's warmed up it will restart one the first turn of the key. The mechanic said there was a small oil leak but nothing to be concerned about. The transmission shifts very smoothly, no clunks, odd sounds, lurching or shift lag. The new seals job has cured all the tranny fluid leaks.

Tires/Wheels: The front tires are brand new Michelins, The rear dually's have 30k on them and show very little wear. It has Alcoa aluminum rims all the way around. These are not factory and a very nice upgrade. They show a bit of surface rust but would clean up very nice.

Body/Chassis/glass: These are built like an Airstream. Solid with aluminum and Galvanized steel throughout. This is a West coast vehicle. From the records I show it was in California then ended up in Bend, Oregon before my dad bought it and brought it to Portland. We don't have the harsh winters here and they don't salt the roads. So rust isn't an issue. Spud did survive a very rare hail storm which has caused some scars on the body, some plastic parts and glass. The noticeable damage on the body is on the passenger side. Approx 10-20 small ball peen hammer dings on the body. You have to look to see them but they are there. There is also some broken plastic on the bumper shroud and taillight assembly. These could be repaired using simple fiberglass repair techniques. There is also some broken plastic on the A/C unit housing and TV antenna on the roof. If I kept this unit I would probably upgrade those items so they're not worth repairing unless you wanted too. There is crack on the drivers window and the glass on the door is spider cracked throughout but neither issue has changed in over 7 years. The windows have been professionally tinted but have worn off in some sections. The tinting does provide a nice amount of privacy. There is also some peeling paint in a few places but overall the paint is shiny and has held up quite well.

Interior: The interior is not completely original but has some nice upgrades and is very clean. The carpet has been replaced by a beige berber, the front seats and sofa have been upgraded to Flexsteel units. The sofa/sleeper converts very easily and is comfortable for tow. The twin captain's chairs swivel and have movable armrests. They are in very nice condition with no rips, tears or burns. The front wraparound curtains and valances were replaced at some point with OEM Airstream material. Very nice after-market vinyl roller blinds have been added to the side and rear window. There are also nice touches like incorporating the seat fabric into the trim around the sofa and the sofa fabric into the trim in the bathroom. All the original Airstream roll-up cabinets are in good working order. There's lots of storage. We've had Spud out of it's covered storage and it is dry with no leaks inside. The dash panel is cracked around the top portion from weather wear as shown in the images.

Kitchen: This Argosy features a nice propane 4 burner stove with oven complete with glass door and oven light that works like new. A three way fridge / freezer - I tested this. It works great on propane and 12 volt. I couldn't get the knob to go to 110v position. Double sink with hot/cold water and prep cover. Hood vent fan. Task lighting, 12 volt outlet and 110v outlet when plugged into shore power.

Bathroom: Automatic flush/fill toilet. Single sink with hot/cold tap. Wash down sprayer. Sit down shower with hot/cold adjustable shower head. Shower curtain. Fold up utility shelf in shower, large mirrored medicine cabinet with 110v outlet, 3 way light and standing storage closet.

Heating/Cooling: The factory dash heating has a large register that heats up the cabin nicely while on the road. It has an after-market propane catalytic heater that pumps out the heat and is very quiet and efficient. There is also dash installed AC that is not blowing cold but it does blow air and circulate through the vents. There is a roof mounted AC/heating unit. It doesn't put out a lot of heat and we couldn't tell if the AC portion was working. I do remember it worked before and I think it just doesn't come on below a certain temperature. It hasn't been above 50 here for a while. It's also equipped with a factory propane heater. This does kick on but it doesn't put out heat. The blower just runs for about 15 seconds then it turns off. It's also equipped with a propane hot water heater which I also could not get going. Again I do remember these things working when my dad used this a few years ago so I'm guessing they just need some technical know-how above my expertise.

Options: Roof ventilation fan, heavy duty tow package.

Auxiliary Power: Spud comes equipped with an Onan 120V power generator. This is another component that was working when my dad parked it but it won't fire up. It turns over but just no start. And it has a power inverter which was working and charging the batteries when I first tested it out but now it's not on. Though I noticed the outlet that it plugs into isn't working now, I'm guessing probably a fuse.

It's got tons of appeal. I get looks everywhere I go.

Location: Portland, Oregon

Archived 3/19/2014


** 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.

1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)
1977 Airstream Argosy 20' Motorhome (M)

** 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.

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