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Boondocker · 11-05-2005, 06:41 PM

I know everyone here is reluctant to venture opinions

but I thought I might ask anyway. I bought a 1969 trade wind this fall, and I love it. Problem is at some point a storage box was added to the rear: the “ugly box” as it has become known. It was my initial plan to cut it off and return the frame to normal. It turns out however that underneath that extension is a grey water tank. So now removal would become a tad more involved and I would loose the tank, which honestly is sorta nice to have. I worry about what the extra weight might do to the trailer, but then I wonder how much damage it will do if I always travel with the tank dry. Comments?

pics here: http://www.pbase.com/professor_chaos/airstream

05ModPod · 11-05-2005, 08:18 PM

Appropriate name "Ugly Box" - but I bet it has a great convenience for storing stuff. Our 69 has tight space in the "trunk" and bumber storage.

The grey tank if properly reinforced I would think would be okay but only someone who knows frame work could tell you.

I think you may have another little surprise - checked out your photos and I think you just might have yourself a 68 and not a 69 - the windows and Antenna give it away. Post your serial number and I am sure we can help you out.

A grey tank is a great convenience but with the older ones you can learn to camp without it - our 69 GT does not have one - so we use the 15 Gallon low profile Blue Buggy.

Good luck with your rear dilema.

RichardT · 11-05-2005, 08:23 PM

I second that, it is not a 69

Boondocker · 11-05-2005, 08:37 PM

My bad, I had a short between the ears when I typed that, it is in fact a 68

.

overlander63 · 11-05-2005, 10:39 PM

Can you take the box off, and leave the tank? Maybe put a sheet of aluminum over it so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb?
Is the tank all the way to the back bumper? Can you shorten the extension at all?

markdoane · 11-06-2005, 06:53 AM

Rodney,

A couple of comments:

1. Yes, it is ugly
2. The taillights may not be legal. If you run by a cranky highway patrolperson they may give you a ticket for improper lighting.
3. The graywater tank is exposed to freezing. I don't know if this is a concern to you or not. Most graywater tanks are inside the trailer perimeter and fitted with heat ducts.
4. Are you sure the ugly box wasn't used as a generator enclosure?

Good luck!

SilverRanger · 11-06-2005, 04:49 PM

Rodney,

Great looking Tradewind. Except for the box, it's just like mine... right down to the shag carpet. It must have been a sixties thing with the previous owners. Not a problem, when I removed the carpet it exposed a very well preserved tile floor underneath. I plan to retire in less than two years. Restoration is on top of my list of things to do. It should be easy because it's all original, the PO took really good care of it, and he kept meticulous maintenance records. Best of luck with yours.

SafeHarbor · 11-06-2005, 06:22 PM

Hmm, I'm as much against weight behind or on the bumper as the next guy, but I don't think the box is all that ugly. They made an effort to make it look Airstreamish, and there's FAR uglier stuff rolling around out there...

Lamar