3D model of '77 Sovereign frame...

[Iansk]

Hey gang,

I made this accurate 3D model of my 1977 frame in Sketch Up.
I haven't put in the axle plates or rear skid/tank protectors yet but figured anyone with a mid-late 70's 31' trailer might find this useful for planning purposes. If you want the file, a different view or minor modifications (within reason) just let me know...

Ian

[wcronin4]

Ian

Nice work. I've saved these views to show to my welder. These not much left of mine for him to go by

Bill

[Iansk]

Thank Bill,

If you need a specific part isolated or the measurements of something it’s easy to do.

Glad you can find these useful.

Ian

[dbj216]

Very nice work. Not all that easy in Sketch or any 3D software package.

I see your trailer has a much different rear end crossmember than mine does. Mine was only a c shaped channel, maybe 1 1/2". Maybe Airstream was making some design changes back there by 1977. The key is keeping rain water totally away from the subfloor.

David

[Iansk]

Thanks David.

The program, Sketch UP, isn't that hard to use really. I use it for work quite a bit.

There are quite a few questionable design decisions on my trailer that I intend to improve while hopefully not making anything worse.

Ian

[glrtex]

Where are the outriggers that set the framing for the steps?

I attached a dimensioned drawing I made for my '76.

[wcronin4]

Girtex

Thanks for sharing the dimensioned drawing. You and Ian are so far ahead of me with technology. I am assuming that the drawing of your 76 frame would be the same as Ian's 77 and my 78 31'.

Again thanks

[guskmg]

Is there an archive where the original frame drawings are kept for use such as restoration?
guskmg

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by glrtex

Where are the outriggers that set the framing for the steps?

I attached a dimensioned drawing I made for my '76.

There were actually several outriggers missing on the original post. Was using the model for tank placement as I try different size tanks. I've updated the frame and added some key elements.

I noticed on your drawing that the rear most crossmember is the same as all the others, yes? Where do your tank outlets come out?

Thanks,
Ian

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by guskmg

Is there an archive where the original frame drawings are kept for use such as restoration?
guskmg

I don't think so. I looked pretty hard for a frame schematic, finally just made my own.

Maybe we should start one?

Ian

[AirstreamCSH]

Trying to learn how to do such a schematic and Visio isn’t cutting it. If your willing to post the file, would love to test out sketch up with a useful working base. Looking to document a solar install and the full roof with the curves.

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by AirstreamCSH

Trying to learn how to do such a schematic and Visio isn’t cutting it. If your willing to post the file, would love to test out sketch up with a useful working base. Looking to document a solar install and the full roof with the curves.

I'm happy to share the file, though the forum does not support it. I'm happy to email it.

Ian

[glrtex]

Ian,
I am guessing you have a rear bathroom. That's why you tank valves are in the back. I don't plan on putting a Black water tank in. I will use composting or incinerating toilet. I am still working out tank valve placement. My original had them behind street side wheel well.
I used 2x6 rectangular tubing for rails and cross members. I will post a photo of my progress so far.
I am trying to confirm accurate placement of outriggers that form wheel wells. I think my original had them to close together judging by the bend in the wheel well moulding.


Greg

[glrtex]

Originally Posted by wcronin4

Girtex

Thanks for sharing the dimensioned drawing. You and Ian are so far ahead of me with technology. I am assuming that the drawing of your 76 frame would be the same as Ian's 77 and my 78 31'.

Again thanks

wcronin4,
I cannot say if the same frame can be used on '76 thru '78. Airstream says they do not archive frame dimensioned drawings. I think that is an evasion.
Just keep in mind bathroom placement with affect some of the cross member placement.

Greg

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by glrtex

Ian,
I am guessing you have a rear bathroom. That's why you tank valves are in the back. I don't plan on putting a Black water tank in. I will use composting or incinerating toilet. I am still working out tank valve placement. My original had them behind street side wheel well.
I used 2x6 rectangular tubing for rails and cross members. I will post a photo of my progress so far.
I am trying to confirm accurate placement of outriggers that form wheel wells. I think my original had them to close together judging by the bend in the wheel well moulding.


Greg

Hey Greg,

Yes, rear bath. Yes, that is why the valves are back there. I am moving the valves but the bathroom will stay basically the same.

I can measure out placement of out riggers on mine if you need. The model I made is accurate to my frame, but the wheel wells should be in about the same spot.

Ian

[glrtex]

Ian,

If you could, please measure the distance between the outriggers that form the wheel wells. In addition, if you could measure from the center of the wheel wells to the front plate (the sheet with dozens of rivet holes and one large hole for electrical connector ) welded to the front bow.

Thanks,

Greg

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by glrtex

Ian,

If you could, please measure the distance between the outriggers that form the wheel wells. In addition, if you could measure from the center of the wheel wells to the front plate (the sheet with dozens of rivet holes and one large hole for electrical connector ) welded to the front bow.

Thanks,

Greg

Hey Greg,

The distance between the wheel well outriggers (inside face - inside face) on mine is 66 1/2" and the distance from the front hold down plate to the middle of the wheel wells is 15' 10 3/4"...

The outriggers at the wheel wells are solid and reversed and are doubled on the front side. I plan to double them fore and aft and add a crossmember where the rear WW outriggers are like in the front.

Hopefully all that is clear, I can annotate my model if need be.

Ian

[glrtex]

Ian,

Thanks. I will check numbers this afternoon.


Greg

[glrtex]

Ian,

Something is definitely different on mine. My measurement to the center of the wheel well is 15' 3 3/4". I could understand a half inch here or there, but 7"??

Let's try something different. I have put together a drawing of the axle mount plate. My center line almost perfectly lines up with the 2nd shock mount hole. Using your dimension, the center line aligns almost with the second front axle bolt hole. (See attached drawing)

Can you get a measurement of the center of the wheel well with reference to the axle mounting plate?

I started to PM this, but I figured this is good knowledge base material.

Thanks,


Greg

P.S. The distance between wheel well outriggers is spot on at 66 1/2".

[Iansk]

Hey Greg,
Your measurement to the front of the front axle cutout is 13’ 4”. Mine is 13’ 10 1/2”.
So just about 7” difference. It doesn’t surprise me that two trailers built in the same factory a year apart are so different. My outriggers on either side are at least 1/4” off. It looks like each one is unique.

I had an Avion here (a friends) that was the same basic model as my Avion and was in the factory just one month prior and and there were major differences.

I think they just freestyled these things. As long as we don’t swap shells we should be good. Right?

Since I’m just up the road from you we could spend an afternoon with a tape trying to figure out the thought process of a late 70’s Airstream factory employee (my guess is alcohol would be involved). I’m down.

All in all, I’m a bit pleased these trailers are so unique. My axles seem to be 7” farther back, one could ask, “where are they supposed to be?” While another could answer, “they are where they are meant to be”...

Ian