Weight ratings of a '58 Overlander?

[SpikeC]

In reading the specs of our '58 Overlander it says the overall weight is 3850 lbs. Is this unladen? What is the gross versus net weight?

[wkerfoot]

I don't think those numbers are available for early trailers.

Bill

Originally Posted by SpikeC

In reading the specs of our '58 Overlander it says the overall weight is 3850 lbs. Is this unladen? What is the gross versus net weight?

[mhutchinson]

Our 1963 globetrotter is "rated" - that is titled - for 2990 lbs (same as the 1963 brochure). I've weighed our and it weighs a little more than that empty. I think that shows that the classic Airstream brochure weights are curb, not gross.

[casa3805]

airstreamguy.com - ** Airstream Lengths, Weights and Tongue Weight

Good site for some of that info...

[FreshAir]

Our '66 Trade Wind is stated to be 4100# with a tongue weight of 410#. I find that that is close as when I weighed the tongue and it came in close to 500# partially loaded. I have to be carefull as a PO increase the fresh water capacity to 40 gals. I try to tow with half or less water and fill up at the sites. We do dry camp when not attending rallies but it's difficult for me to tranfer 5 gals at a time. Upon returning from our recent camping in a forest service campground I noticed that even with loading the heavier camp supplies over and behind the axles the rear of the car 'felt' heavier so before unloading I weighed the tongue. The scale maxed out at 750#s!!! Then it occurred to me that we didn't take our planned showers the last morning. 40 gals of water in tanks at the very front of the coach!!

Neil

[SpikeC]

Thanks casa3805, aka Chuck, that list doesn't give any insight on the '58 Overlander capacities. I guess the stated weight is just the curb weight. It would be nice if the GWR was available, but I guess it isn't!
I'm towing with a '08 Expedition with the towing package that is rated pre SAE at 9K lbs, I probably don't need to worry about it, but it would be nice to know!

[Big C]

From what I have read here and elsewhere the specs:
Airstream, Inc :: Specifications
from the factory at time of manufacture were as an "as sold" per dry weight with no options beyond the specs. listed.
But, apparently the specs for anything beyond around 1988 are suspect to interpretation from the afore mentioned link. Best bet is to weigh your coach at dry weight at a site that has a recent state inspection sticker on the scales. Then you can determine the loaded weight for the gross tow for your coach (from your spec loaded sheet in your owners manual) and tv. Then your axle age and tires can be factored in as to what you can safely haul inside your coach and what you what you haul in your tv to achieve the desired hitch height of your coach and tv. Anything that over weighs you coach gross weight you can haul in your tv as long as your tv can handle the load as per hitch height and gross weight.
Seems technical and discombobulated, but the specs are the specs for safe travel.

[SpikeC]

Thanks for the input! Unfortunately there are no owners manuals for 1958 airstreams. The problem is coming up with specs!

[FreshAir]

The max specs for the axles should give you a clue.

Neil

[SpikeC]

The axles were replaced by Mello Mike not too long ago, so no help there.