1965 Land Yacht Tradewind/Overlander

jackie · 12-30-2002, 07:42 PM

I want to purchase an airstream. I have been looking at the classifieds and want to understand the differences in quality etc. between years and models.
What is the best way to do this?

68 Overlander · 12-30-2002, 07:59 PM

Hi Jackie and welcome.
You are doing the right thing by visiting sites like this one and asking questions. It is impossible to steer you to the right year/length/style versus quality (They are all good quality) that will suit your needs and budget but a good start would be to browse the threads for topics that interest you or seem informative on a new purchase. After you get the feel for the model/year you might be interested in (such as the 65 in your subject), then ask away on specific questions and the forum will flood you with suggestions and advice. Good luck.
Randy

jackie · 12-30-2002, 08:19 PM

Can you correlate the age of the trailers and quality of construction

thenewkid64 · 12-30-2002, 08:28 PM

Jackie,

Something you will want to attempt to do is get inside a few to see how the layouts suit you. This may require a trip to a dealer that handles used ones, or just doing some tire kicking on your own. The name designation usally can tell you alot if you understand the way they work. My hobby is the 69-82 range and I am to the point that I can usally tell the year from across the parking lot. The advice here is great and though some of us may be long winded (myself included) you will get tons of info.

No matter what you are looking for pre 77HERE is a link to a site that has many of the models pictured inside and out as well as some in showroom condition and some in deplorable shape. These are not for sale but can be used as a tool for learning or getting a better idea what a 64 Tradewind looks like in and out.

Another resource that you may be closer than you think is a local Vintage Airstream rally. Your Avatar does not have a location in it, but HERE is a link to the VAC site. If there is a vintage rally near you, you may be able to drop in on the open house that is usally done and see many units first hand with no sales pressure. BTW this may lead you to find a great unit for sale as the grapevine is alive with deals sometimes.

Good luck on your search, I hope you can join the rest of us iin our addiction, to aluminum of course!

jackie · 12-30-2002, 09:00 PM

Thank-you. You offer some wonderful ideas. I am looking at internet sites and viewing the difference between the overlander and the tradewind.
Again, thanks.

eracism · 02-18-2003, 02:46 AM

JACKIE; I am renovating a 1963 Tradewind. It is in wonderful shape and I am only upgrading and modernizing some systems. Regarding size, I am finding this length to be a bit small. IMHO it just meets a minimum usability standard for size. If your intention is a weekend here and there it is OK, but just OK. This is my first Airstream and I choose the pre '64 because I like the ability to make it shine shine shine. And the door is two parts. It was Walley's own unique style of "Dutch door". Opening the smaller inner door and the roof vents IMHO eliminates the need for A/C. But I live in Colorado and it cools off into the 70's at night after the hottest summer days. I will buy another trailer and will look at the late 60's. Overlander became 27' and the Ambassador 29'. The body was also widened. Accordingly they are heavier and require a beefier tow vehicle. This was also before Beatrice Foods bought the company.
If you read the excellent threads you find here you will get a wonderful and free education. I learned so much about the possible problems with floors in the early Airstreams, that I realize how lucky I am not to have any problems in that area. Good luck in your search, I do know that it is vary difficult to be disappointed with any of these early model year Airstreams. another great page is http://www.airforums.com/forums/?referrerid=6

Tamara · 04-08-2003, 08:54 PM

Jackie,
I have a '66 Overlander and I can say I absolutely LOVE it :-)

Of course I really don't think you can wrong with any airstream, as they are all great in their own ways. I would think same vintage trailers, though different models, would have about the same quality of construction. (Someone correct me if this is a mis-guided assumption please!)

Definitely look all over the net for all the great pics of various models and you will be able to narrow down your choice of what will appeal to you. I found the Tradewind and the Overlander to be fairly similar from what I could tell from pics. Don't forget to visit the Airstream Forum's own photo gallery for even more pictures.

We use our Overlander (26') for four adults and find it is just fine space wise, though most people would think that was a little cramped. I knew I didn't want anything longer than that, and I found the configuration I wanted luckily. It helps in your search to really take time and not buy the first thing you find - you will find lots! Once you key on the features that you want you will have an easier time narrowing your search and will stand more chance of finding your dream trailer! Best of luck!