1973' LandYacht....exchange or change?

rbud87 · 11-26-2003, 06:39 AM

Should we upgrade interior or trade for bunkhouse? Our 26' trailer is in great original shape however, we have 2 double beds and we would like bunks for our 2 children? We would need to hire someone to redo the interior so that it is done properly... although the interior is original and beautiful now it is not pracical for our family. We like the Airstream quality but not the floorplan. Suggestions?

AV8 · 11-26-2003, 07:47 AM

We are about to do a conversion. The plan is to add a bunk bed in the back. I just bought a 74 Overlander and it has a pullout in the front, and one in the back. The grand plan is to add a fold up bunk in the back to sleep the 2 kids. This does not look hard. In my 74 manual, they talk about a bunk that I have not read about anywhere. It evidently has a bracket that attaches to the wall, and some how you lift up the back of the couch and attach it to a hanger from the ceiling. I had heard of pipe berths, but this seems much more civilized. I will try to draw something up. If there is anyone out there with the actual thing I would love to see some pictures. I wanted to ask about where it would be safe to attach the hanging bracket. I don’t want to pull my ceiling / roof down. There does not seem to be pictures of the bracket in the manual.

Then in addition I am quite tall, so we will also convert the forward gaucho to a dinette / wraparound couch. This will make for a bigger bed, and more room to “gather around”. This will be more work, and I don’t know if it would be required for you. The 74 has nothing in the way of this, I looked at a 69 and the water tank was under the forward gaucho…

So if any one has a picture of this “official” bunk bed arraignment I would love to see it. The picture I have shows it in the back, on the side.

**wahoonc** · 11-26-2003, 07:53 AM

I would be willing to bet that the bunk brackets attach to the ribs, I will check my service manual tonite and see if there is any description of the bunk bracket in there or not. I also know where there was a salvage unit that had bunks in it, but don't know if the unit is still there or not. I will check into that for you also.

Aaron

rbud87 · 11-26-2003, 09:13 AM

We are considering the bunkbed idea, I did find a plan for it and some pics on an Airstream forum....might even have been this one.
I also love the idea of the wraparound with dinette... could you send some pics or ideas for where you're going to find materials to do that.
I think the beds are uncomfortable and so we are looking for alternatives.

Thanks

thenewkid64 · 11-26-2003, 09:57 AM

The bunk bed used a strap that attached to a clip that was mounted to the horizontial rib that runs the lenght of the celing. It is the Aluminum strip that the center panel lock into.

I have seen then, but there were a couple of versions.

AV8 · 11-26-2003, 11:15 AM

>>I also love the idea of the wraparound with dinette... could you send some pics or ideas for where you're going to find materials to do that.

Only in the concept stage now (you know, the point were everything works ;-)

But will be happy to provide updates and plans for collective sanity checks along the way. What I am hoping to achieve is a “normal” dinette in the forward part of the trailer, 2 facing 2 on each side. An option of stowing the table and having a complete U sofa for conversation etc, and finally convert to a bed that will be much wider and taller than is currently available from the gaucho. I hope to get some drawing done this weekend, but the actual build date will be more like spring…

AV8 · 11-26-2003, 11:20 AM

>>The bunk bed used a strap that attached to a clip that was mounted to the horizontial rib that runs the lenght of the celing. It is the Aluminum strip that the center panel lock into

Is it under (over) the fore / aft strip on either side of the center panel, or a true center rib that you don’t see normaly?

till · 11-26-2003, 03:02 PM

The fold out bunk bed if for rear bath trailers from what I have been able to figure woking on my neighbors 31 footer. He has rear twin beds and wanted to ad the bunks. When I measured out the lay out for the mounting brackes and hangers, they would not line up with the ribs or ceiling beams at the curved section. When I checked in and around the center bath, it looked like a better fit and lined up with the ribs and center beams.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. All of this is based off the drawing in his Airstream manual and measuring a 1979 Soverian.

I'm looking to do the same to the trailer I eventually get.

**wahoonc** · 11-26-2003, 07:11 PM

Here is the jpeg scan of the bunk from my 1975 service manual. It will be next week at the earliest before I can check and see if that salvage unit is still around. PM me if you want me to email you a better copy of the scan (read larger)

Aaron

**Action** · 11-30-2003, 10:05 PM

What's your location? A swap may be in order if others knew your general location.

And I might be interested in your old bed in the rear. I have twins right now and would rather have a double.

>>>>>>>>Action

remcolent · 12-01-2003, 04:57 AM

I also am thinking of rebuilding the front living area
like this

rbud87 · 12-01-2003, 08:46 AM

Remcolent... love the sketch.... Are you going to incorporate a table into the front.... how about a bed conversion?
Thanks for all the great ideas. We do have the rear bath and would like to add a bunk. over the double gaucho... we'd hate to lose the spacious wardrobe and drawers that are located where the twin would be.
As far as location where are in Pa.

**Action** · 12-01-2003, 11:13 AM

PA is a little farther than I want to travel. However anyone else have the itch to change?

And yes you would lose some storage. However in the current set up I have not needed more storage room. (2 adults and 1 child)

>>>>>>>Action

remcolent · 12-01-2003, 12:29 PM

there will be a table with two positoins so it can be high for eating
and in a lower position it can be used as a normal lounch table
so I don't have to reach up to get my beer when I am laying om the coutch
there will be a possibility to make a bed out of it there will be a number of 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch glued on two strips on canvas about 2 1/5 inch separation this will roll up and be stored in the
storage compartment under the seat that is in front of the trailor
pics will folow when project finishd
Remco