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bevman · 12-19-2007, 10:23 AM

My 58 FC has 12v lighting and 120v systems. Things I have read tell me that is the "international package" but there is no badges, stickers, or anything on the rig that says so. Did they mark the trailers back then with any kind of notation?

Lumatic · 12-19-2007, 01:37 PM

I have a 1960 list of options which show "standard" and "land yacht" lines. Another list I have shows the first mention of "international" in 1969.

I have never seen a "standard" model. The standard did not have: double propane tanks, water system, fridge, water heater, 12v lights, or a "sanitator" (crapper?)

Think I'll just throw this one in: In 1973 there was an option called Thermosan. It took the coach sewage through a hose to the exhaust manifold on the TV and incinerated it as you were cruising.

overlander63 · 12-19-2007, 05:27 PM

The International option was comprised of a slightly thicker frame, different lighting, plumbing, and furnishings. I KNOW they had International badging as early as 1963, as a 1963 Overlander I got some parts from had the badges.

BIGED52 · 12-19-2007, 05:55 PM

My '67 trailer has the international package and there are "badges" in script that say International on the rear between the taillights and on both sides near the red,white, and blue flag emblems. In addition to that the exterior trim package is also a international feature that includes the aluminum taillight mounts, and extra rubrails. The interior had more than just a different color scheme. It also had expanded 12 volt outlets that you could use in the bathroom for razors and above the refer in the cabinet face to plug in a tv, radio, or other 12v device. There was also upgraded material on the zippered covers for the twin mattresses/cushions and the gaucho full matress/cushions in my trailer. There may have been more differences between International and standard packages but I know these were some of the items that made mine an "international". Hope this helps you. Happy Trails, Ed

CanoeStream · 12-19-2007, 06:36 PM

Hi bevman -- You should really listen to Fred Coldwell (VAC historian & 47WeeWind on the boards here) talk about the 50's Airstreams in episode 37 at Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast. Fred says that Internationals did have an International globe emblem on the outside -- maybe somebody would have a better idea about this location and appearance. The more road-ready International package picked up 12 volt electrical systems and pressurized water in the late 50's. I think you'd appreciate listening to this particular broadcast -- it works to listen from your computer -- might need to load the free iTunes. Of course all their episodes are great for vintage owners to listen to while traveling!

CanoeStream · 12-20-2007, 12:34 PM

Aha! This member has an International emblem in their avatar: http://www.airforums.com/forums/493236-post38.html

Ken J · 12-20-2007, 12:45 PM

I have a 58 International - it has the globe next to the door and on the rear of the trailer - usually they were the fully loaded models - I've never heard of one having a thicker frame though....

Back then you could order pretty much what you wanted so I supposed someone ordered the 12v system, but not the "package" with all the other goodies.

Ken J

Inland RV Center, In · 12-20-2007, 12:49 PM

International models have more gadgets, gizzmos, better grade materials and the like.

The definition depends on the year trailer.

Of course, International models cost a little bit more money.

Andy

Ken J · 12-20-2007, 01:25 PM

Andy

Did they have thicker frames?

Ken J.

robandzoe · 12-20-2007, 01:28 PM

I got two off a 1960 International model that is unforunately, no longer with us on earth. I'm looking for one more if anyone out there has one.

bevman · 12-20-2007, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Hi bevman -- You should really listen to Fred Coldwell (VAC historian & 47WeeWind on the boards here) talk about the 50's Airstreams in episode 37 at Welcome to the Frontpage - The Vintage Airstream Podcast. Fred says that Internationals did have an International globe emblem on the outside -- maybe somebody would have a better idea about this location and appearance. The more road-ready International package picked up 12 volt electrical systems and pressurized water in the late 50's. I think you'd appreciate listening to this particular broadcast -- it works to listen from your computer -- might need to load the free iTunes. Of course all their episodes are great for vintage owners to listen to while traveling!

Actually, that podcast was the one that started me on this thread. Fred described the items that made a 50's rig "international" and that had me saying, "I think I have one ... but there isn't any branding to be found/seen."

The PO, I found out, took this on Wally caravans to Great Britain, Europe and Alaska in the 60s & 70s. I'm trying to find out a way of getting an historical photo of this trailer in one of those exotic places.