Years to Avoid?

[Lumatic]

I may be in the market to replace my 73 Sovereign that has frame damage. What years should I avoid to make running into the same problems of frame bending or tail drop less likely? I have heard Airstreams when the company was owned by Beatrice in particular should be avoided. What are those years?

[Jim & Susan]

Somebody will correct me if I missed the dates, but I think the "weak frame" issues were from about 1971 to 1977. I think The Vap guys identified 1978 as the "year Airstream cleared up all the frame issues". Not meant to be a direct quote, just going by poor memory.

Jim

[dwightdi]

Biggest problems were with the rear bath 31 footers. You want the units that had the 5 inch frame and the mid bath, if you want maximum durablity.

[2airishuman]

others asking the same question...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f141...ears-8242.html

how 'bout mohos?

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f156...void-2273.html

and it always helps to read about units WITH issues from that era..

especially with inland andy supplying the history.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ion-23099.html

how about 'finish issues' ?

this thread seems timely now...

exterior finish durability vs. model year


cheers
2air'

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by Marshall

I may be in the market to replace my 73 Sovereign that has frame damage. What years should I avoid to make running into the same problems of frame bending or tail drop less likely? I have heard Airstreams when the company was owned by Beatrice in particular should be avoided. What are those years?

Marshall, since I had a rear bath '77 31' with a slight frame issue and axles with still some life in them, I went to an '86 Sovereign mid/side bath and rear corner bed. I saw an '80 mid twin rear bath 25' Excella II that had the larger frame and wish I could have purchased it but didn't have the money at the time. I've been happy with my '86.