61 Tradewind

lee_jachter · 10-07-2002, 01:26 PM

I have a 61 Tradewind, which we love. We bought it about 3 years ago, and it has been invaluable since. Last year I lived in it for three months during a cross country move to a new job in Colorado. It performed great.

This summer, only had it camping in the Rockies twice, due to replacement of the 88 350 Suburban tow vehicle for a 96 454 Suburban. Great improvement.

The trailer is...Painted, White. Sorry, I didn't do it.
I purchased it from a retired RV Mechanic (really), in great shape.
Now,

I have plumbing leaks, tire problems, the oven doesn't work, it needs carpeting, The heat has never worked, the refrig door seal is shot, the wheelwells are beat up from repeated tire blowouts, and it needs a new mattress. I guess not bad for 41 years old. I'm 42 and not much better.

I just winterized it, because I won't get these things fixed before the season is out. I need an inside place to work on it, as the driveway is too small.

I am not ready to sell it, but a new Airstream could sway that, although we are in no financial position for that.. We have the new truck set up and it pulls it great, so I guess I need to get to work. After three months in it, I really love it as my home. We just spent 4 days in Moab Utah in it and really had a blast. On that trip we lost the refrig seal, a tire, and did the adjoining wheelwell damage.

I will post serial numbers and pictures later when I get home

lee_jachter · 10-17-2002, 10:05 PM

Here is a bigger version of the picture.
We are now planning on a slow restoration and travel in the mix.
Thanks for all the help

53flyingcloud · 10-17-2002, 10:18 PM

Lee~ Great looking tow vehicle~!! I bet it handle just peachie~ (is that a k2500?)
ciao

**john hd** · 10-18-2002, 05:20 AM

looks good, rides nice and level. suburbans are the king of tow vehicles.

john

lee_jachter · 10-18-2002, 09:10 AM

Yes, it is a 7.4L vortec k2500
Bought it on ebay.

Also, I got the serial number of the "Vitamin". It is I-241658-D

Does anyone know what that may signify, I get the 24', and D, I think for double bed, but what else #1658 for serial...?

eikel1we · 10-26-2002, 09:12 PM

I'm new to the AS site and trying to find my way around. This place I can find again I know! I'm hoping to see more dialog at this site in the future. And we hope to have an AS in the future to talk about. Aproached an owner about selling his '67-'68(?) TW and will have to wait 'til after he hunts and things at their apple farm slow for discussion. Hope to hear from others at this site - I've got questions ! ! suz : )

overlander64 · 10-27-2002, 11:20 AM

Greetings Lee!

I believe that you are correct about the 24 indicating the length of 24 feet, the D representing Double bed layout, and I suspect the leading I probably refers to the International option package. The 1658 represents the sequential production number for the plant where it was manufactured.

I agree with you on tow rigs. My current tow rig is a '99 K2500 Suburban with the 7400 Vortec with 4.10 gearing and the 10,000 pound trailer towing package. I special ordered it new from my nearby GMC dealer and it has been a faithful companion for the past 95,000 miles - - and counting. My goal is at least 250,000 miles before replacement is even considered.

Good luck with your Tradewind project!

Kevin

**flyfshr** · 07-05-2003, 08:42 AM

Hi Lee - how progress on your '61 Trade Wind coming along? Are you planning on making it silver again? Give us a progress report.

Brad

lee_jachter · 07-06-2003, 10:22 PM

New Goodyear marathon tires seem to have fixed the blowout problem. Don't accept anything else for a single axle.

Aluminum on one side is fixed. The other to come. Refrig is fixed.
Plumbing fixed
Everything coming along nicely.

No, it will never get unpainted. The white is mostly trouble free.

Sorry for the delay in answering, we were in the Tetons and Yellowstone. Great trip from here in Grand Junction. We did it in one day back!
Lee