Newbee - '67 Safari with some problems

[johnhh]

Well, I jumped off the edge and bought a 1967 Safari. From tent camping to the high life! I imagine this thread will be one of many.

The trailer is in pretty good shape, but it's 40 years old and all original so I figure to change out the heater, water heater, fridge, axle, eventually the range, plus some floor and window repairs. Should I start threads on these items in the sub-forums or run this thread on and on and on...

Thanks for all the help I know you guys will give. This airforum is rather amazing.

John Hejmanowski

And, as I understand it, pictures are required :

[uwe]

Welcome, John!
Nice trailer, perfect size for quick getaways once the weather warms up in your neck of the woods.
You might try and use the search function, most of the topics that have to do with a 67 Safari have been covered from A-Z already, and make for perfect reading on those cold snowy nights....

[johnhh]

I have done more thread reading in the last few weeks than I can believe. It's amazing how much info these threads have. Pretty soon I am going to have to stop reading and start doing!

Here's a question I haven't found in the threads (and yes, the search feature is your friend) -

I want to replace the Henschen axles with disc brake Dexters. What axle rating to order? I know you shouldn't increase the existing axle rating more than 10% or 15% but what is the existing axle rating? I have looked on the axle for the stamped rating but it's all rusted over. The trailer dry weight is 3,420 lbs., I will eventually add an awning and an A/C unit.

Should I post this over on the axle subforum?

Thanks,

John H

[uwe]

Originally Posted by johnhh

I have done more thread reading in the last few weeks than I can believe. It's amazing how much info these threads have. Pretty soon I am going to have to stop reading and start doing!

Here's a question I haven't found in the threads (and yes, the search feature is your friend) -

I want to replace the Henschen axles with disc brake Dexters. What axle rating to order? I know you shouldn't increase the existing axle rating more than 10% or 15% but what is the existing axle rating? I have looked on the axle for the stamped rating but it's all rusted over. The trailer dry weight is 3,420 lbs., I will eventually add an awning and an A/C unit.

Should I post this over on the axle subforum?

Thanks,

John H

Well, to answer your question to the best of my knowledge, go with a 4500lb axle. That should give you plenty of carrying capability, but still give you a soft and plush ride. Larger axle rating will cause a rough ride, which is not good for the way an Airstream is constructed.
Disc brakes are fantastic, btw. What do you use for a tow vehicle?

[johnhh]

Uwe, is there any way to get the original axle rating? I hesitate to call Andy since I am not intending to buy from him but I may have to try that route.

I had read to figure 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for liquids and personal items. Some of that 1,500 would be the awning and a/c unit. Even using 1,000 with the 3,420 is right at 4,500. Am I thinking right?

To answer your question, I currently have a 98 4Runner with tow capacity of 5,000. I plan to get an 03 4Runner with tow capacity of 7,000.

John H

[uwe]

Originally Posted by johnhh

Uwe, is there any way to get the original axle rating? I hesitate to call Andy since I am not intending to buy from him but I may have to try that route.

I had read to figure 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for liquids and personal items. Some of that 1,500 would be the awning and a/c unit. Even using 1,000 with the 3,420 is right at 4,500. Am I thinking right?

To answer your question, I currently have a 98 4Runner with tow capacity of 5,000. I plan to get an 03 4Runner with tow capacity of 7,000.

John H

John, remember that you have to add the tongue weight ( probably 500lbs or more) to the axle rating to get at the gross weight rating.
so, 4500lbs, plus about 500lbs ( or more) on the tongue, gets you right quick over 5000lbs total. I doubt that you will go over that.
For comparison, my 1963 Overlander with modifications, A/C and Awning, weighed in at 5280lbs total, that is with half water ( 28gal), full propane, and all our things inside but fresh food and drink. I think tha original rating was either 3500lbs, or 4000lbs.
If you want to be sure, and do it right, load up the trailer with everything you think you will bring, add extra weight for the A/C etc. and then head for the scales. That is the cheapest way to find out for sure where you're at.
I don't think the original axle rating matters much in your case. Go with the facts, if you can.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by johnhh

Well, I jumped off the edge and bought a 1967 Safari. From tent camping to the high life! I imagine this thread will be one of many.

The trailer is in pretty good shape, but it's 40 years old and all original so I figure to change out the heater, water heater, fridge, axle, eventually the range,

John, before ou throw out everything, try them out. My 67 Safari has everything original and all still works just fine. Sometimes the old stuff is better then the new.

[fotochop]

Originally Posted by Shacksman

John, before ou throw out everything, try them out. My 67 Safari has everything original and all still works just fine. Sometimes the old stuff is better then the new.

I would second that opinion (just got a '69 Safari) although if you have the dreaded "recall" Suburban furnace (do a search) you'll probably want to replace it. The 'refers' are mucho dinero, I wouldn't get a new one unless absolutely necessary. Nice call on the axle, hope I can afford one soon.

Nice layout! You got the bunks, a very nice feature! rock on, let us know how it turns out.

fotochop
r.olivier
new orleans

[johnhh]

Thanks Uwe. I had forgotten the tongue weight. Considering that, 4,500 sounds right.

You have disc brakes, right? How much fun was it hooking up the disc brake pump and lines? Where did you locate the pump?


Doug - you're right. I'll check them out first.

[BIGED52]

John, Welcome to the forums! Nice find! You have a standard trim package Safari with an optional Bunk bed over your goucho... Sweet! My Safari has the upgraded International trim package. Just really means more outside trim and different interior color package. Where your interior is yellow mine is Aqua. I have the original A/C unit on the roof and the main awning. I like that bunkbed. It looks like you've got a nice trailer there. Good to see another vintage '67 Safari will be back on the road soon. Look for the Midwest Forums Rally in early summer at Morraine View near Bloomington and the Fall get together at Pecatonica near Rockford. No special fees associated with these two get togethers just pay site rent and meet the group who attend. I hope to get my trailer on the road by spring '08. See ya down the road! Happy Trails, Ed

[Mel]

Another '67 Safari owner chiming in with a welcome. Yours looks to be in nice shape. Good luck getting it to your liking, and if you have questions, ask away!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by johnhh

Uwe, is there any way to get the original axle rating? I hesitate to call Andy since I am not intending to buy from him but I may have to try that route.

I had read to figure 1,000 to 1,500 pounds for liquids and personal items. Some of that 1,500 would be the awning and a/c unit. Even using 1,000 with the 3,420 is right at 4,500. Am I thinking right?

To answer your question, I currently have a 98 4Runner with tow capacity of 5,000. I plan to get an 03 4Runner with tow capacity of 7,000.

John H

Your original axle rating was 5000 pounds.

The 22 foot model axles were changed to 5000 pounds in 1965.

It's your choice of which brand axle you wish to purchase. With a Dexter, you will have to make some changes in order to mount it correctly. With a Henschen, you would need to drill three 1/2 holes on each side, and your done.

Also, the Dexter disc brakes have many problems, to this day. A better system is with the Kodiak disc brakes and the Actibrake actuator.

Many wheels will not work with the Dexter disc brakes, because of the size of the calipers. Ask Airstream.

Also, to date, we have replaced over 40 Dexter axles with Henschens on 2006 and 2007 trailers. Granted those axles were in warranty, but the owners of the trailers have had enough of the Dexter problems.

There is a major Airstream dealer, who is also replacing the Dexters with Henschens in the late model trailers, even though they are in warranty.

The trailer owners want the trailer to be higher off the ground, but certainly not less than it was when brand new. For any torsion axle rubber rods to fail within the first year or two on trailers than have been frequently used, is not very good.

Rumor has it that Airstream will go back to the Henschen axles after the first of the year for the classic models to start.

According to Airstream insiders, there has been way to many problems with the Dexters, even at Airstreams plant during production.

Andy

[airdrmr]

Hi John -

Had to chime in to say hello and welcome to a fellow '67 Safari owner. What a great trailer, and I love, love, love that bunkbed!

Hi Ho Silver,

[johnhh]

Andy, thanks for the information. I appreciate the help.

Mel, and Meredith, and Ed, and Doug, and all,,,, Thanks for the welcome.

John H

[Grad67]

Just another newbee chiming in tonight. I brought it home Saturday. My retirement project for sure. any sujestions where to start? I thought removing the worn floor would expose alot.

[Silverhobby]

The factory installed bunk bed is really cool. Bet you're glad that is still with the trailer.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by lovesatvs

Just another newbee chiming in tonight. I brought it home Saturday. My retirement project for sure. any sujestions where to start? I thought removing the worn floor would expose alot.

Welcome! Do you have any pictures to share?

If you have the original flooring still in the trailer, be careful when removing the tiles, as they do contain asbestos. Wear a mask and try to keep the tiles in one piece as you pull them up (ours just popped right up). Looking at the floor will give you some pretty good clues as to what to tackle next. Our Safari had slight water damage to the floor near the door, under a window, and around the toilet.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!