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G-willy · 10-31-2011, 11:55 AM

So, I posted this in the wrong forum the first time. Trying to get around on the iPhone app and didn't navigate correctly. Anyways, here's my question:

I have an opportunity to do some trading for a 1953 Airstream. I'm not familiar with the way these were measured. I haven't seen the rig yet, but the fellow that has it said he stepped off the length and the body was about 18' long. Any idea which model that might be? I wasn't sure if the lengths posted were body length or complete frame length. Thank in advance for the info.

idroba · 10-31-2011, 11:59 AM

Most all trailer lengths are from the bumper to the coupler on the tongue. In general, the bumper plus the tongue add 3', so the actual body length is 3' shorter than the listed length. So, a listed 21' trailer has an actual body length or 18' and so on.

Condoluminum · 10-31-2011, 12:06 PM

Some of the lengths are adjusted for marketing purposes.. For example, some of the 25' models are really 25 feet, 11 inches in length.. Still called a 25, not a 26.. Some of the 21's are almost 22' long, and some of the 23's are just barely over 22' long.. And so it goes..

A 1953 trailer is not going to have its value impacted by length.. The value is going to be 100% based on condition, and how much work is required to get it into useful or fabulouis condition.. A dented leaky shell on rusted frame with missing interior pieces is worth essentially only what some dreamer willing to pay.. Shorter ones actually highly desirable due to cuteness and ease of towing, but anything under 26' likely to be lighter and easier to tow than current models by a lot...

InsideOut · 10-31-2011, 12:38 PM

Here are a couple of links that will give you an idea of what you may be looking at:

It's most likely a '53 Flying Cloud by your description - but a VIN number (usually on a little plaque by the door - like in my avitar) or pictures would confirm it.

As you will see from this Price vs. Condition website, the "value" ($1000-$20,000+) is all over the board totally dependent on condition - some totally re-built 100% restored trailers can fetch the same as a new Airstream trailer - just depends.

Good luck if you decide to get it - post pictures when you can!

Shari

SteveH · 10-31-2011, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Condoluminum

Shorter ones actually highly desirable due to cuteness and ease of towing, but anything under 26' likely to be lighter and easier to tow than current models by a lot...

Yes, and so some sellers like to state the length of just the body in an effort to make the trailer sound like a smaller unit so they can ask more money. Another case of "buyer beware".

G-willy · 10-31-2011, 01:43 PM

Thanks, all for the quick response and good information. I'm starting to get really excited about this and can't wait to actually see it myself. I'll definitely post pics if I get it. I figure from the way it was described to me it falls into the $1,000 dollar range right now. But I've done some work on a mobile home in the past so I'm not scared. :-} I took a $500 mh and fixed it up and sold it for $12,000.

G-willy · 11-03-2011, 05:31 PM

Well, I promised pictures, so here they are. I've figured out that it's a 1959 Tradewind 24 footer. As you can see it's seen better days. I'm not real sure if I'm ready to tackle this one right now. It would take some serious metal skills to repair the tree landing pad in the rear. Let me know what you think. I would be trading off an old pickup that doesn't even run for this.

GinMame · 11-03-2011, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-willy

Well, I promised pictures, so here they are. I've figured out that it's a 1959 Tradewind 24 footer. As you can see it's seen better days. I'm not real sure if I'm ready to tackle this one right now. It would take some serious metal skills to repair the tree landing pad in the rear. Let me know what you think. I would be trading off an old pickup that doesn't even run for this.

First of all, welcome to the forums, the oracle for anything Airstream. Someone here has been there, done that, and more importantly will to share their experience and recommendation.

I'll be the first to admit that I am not qualified to give you any kind of opinion on the trailer in question. However, I've followed (lurking actually) darkspeed's trailer restoration and have been very impressed with what he has done. So my recommendation is to do a search on darkspeed and send him a private message if you have any questions. In addition to darkspeed however, there are a great many folks on the forums who can give you an opinion and tell you what to look for. Some of them may even be close enough to go look at the trailer with you.

Good luck with your new project and please post pictures if you decide to move ahead.

Happy Airstreaming,
Rion

crazeevw · 11-03-2011, 07:29 PM

Honestly, if you don't have any particular attachment to truck, and 'think' you'll at some point have time to refurbish this Airstream, I'd say, GO FOR IT! It sure is a sweet looking AS. Keep us posted on your decision.
Thanks, Derek

idroba · 11-03-2011, 07:42 PM

The metal, other than the rear sections, looks very nice. I am sure there are lots of useable parts, even if you found the floor and other things makes it too hard to restore. I see the vertical Bargman stile lock, alone worth $$$ on the used market, if not broken.

If I had a not very interesting non running truck, and could trade (and had the space for it) I would go for it. There are fewer and fewer of them around every year.

Keyair · 11-03-2011, 07:50 PM

Should this be in the Trailer section?

**Kevin245** · 11-04-2011, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-willy

So, I posted this in the wrong forum the first time. Trying to get around on the iPhone app and didn't navigate correctly. Anyways, here's my question:

I have an opportunity to do some trading for a 1953 Airstream. I'm not familiar with the way these were measured. I haven't seen the rig yet, but the fellow that has it said he stepped off the length and the body was about 18' long. Any idea which model that might be? I wasn't sure if the lengths posted were body length or complete frame length. Thank in advance for the info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyair

Should this be in the Trailer section?

Thanks for catching this. No harm caused, but for housekeeping purposes it is moved to the Tradewind forum.

Kevin