Remodeling My 73 Argosy 24’

[Junk Gypsy]

Hi People I have recently purchased a 1973 Airstream Argosy 24’ trailer and considering my options for remodeling it. I have one burning question, at the moment, and that is it has a rear bathroom and I would like to move it to the side and put the bedroom back there. Do I have to remove floorboards and everything or can someone map out how I would go about doing this and give me an idea of how expensive it would be. Or should I just leave it alone. I have attached a revised floor plan of how I want it to be, including building bench seating upfront with a telescopic table.

[kidjedi]

Are you sure you can put your toilet there? Take a look at your wheels. ;-)


You can move the bathroom, you just can't put a toilet over the wheel wells.

[Junk Gypsy]

Yes, thanks for mentioning that, the wheel well will be considered in the final design. This was just a preliminary sketch of what I would like. It isn’t written in stone of course, just trying to get some idea of the possibilities. I appreciate your input, thanks again! ��

[kidjedi]

I moved mine to that spot (on the other side), but had to turn the (custom composting) toilet sideways, then a cabinet and sink go over the wheel well.

[Junk Gypsy]

Yes thanks, that would work, as well, on the side I have it on. How much did that cost you to do that, if you don’t mind me asking?

[kidjedi]

Originally Posted by Junk Gypsy

Yes thanks, that would work, as well, on the side I have it on. How much did that cost you to do that, if you don’t mind me asking?

I did it myself (I restore/remodel Airstreams), but there are about a million different factors that will determine the price of doing this, so there's not really a "this is how much it costs" answer.

[Junk Gypsy]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

I did it myself (I restore/remodel Airstreams), but there are about a million different factors that will determine the price of doing this, so there's not really a "this is how much it costs" answer.

Well, I’m not lucky enough to have someone handy like you to manage the do-it-yourself part of that so I am resolving myself to keeping the floor plan the same & just rebuilding the cabinets & gaucho & putting a little love into the decor. Maybe one day I will flip it & upgrade to a newer vintage with a back bedroom. Thank you for your input & time. 😊

[kidjedi]

Sorry I can't be of more help. 1,100 miles makes it difficult. [wink] If you've got a dinette in the front, you could treat your Argosy like a Front Bedroom and move the (dinette) table to where the beds are. That's a much easier swap. Then you've got wrap around windows for your bed, which is a pretty cool way to wake up in the morning.

[Junk Gypsy]

Yes you are a long ways away Kidjedi & good help is so hard to find these days!😉 I have attached a couple of pics of the current situation. I plan on building the bench seating in the front with a collapsible table that will turn into a good size bed or place to lounge & watch tv in the evenings. I think I will keep the double size fold down bed on the side although I do like the idea of the dinette back there that would have the same option to have a collapsible table to turn it into optional sleeping space but I’m just not sure how to accomplish that. Have you seen a dining/sleeping area like that?

[rushhome6]

Yes! Lots of people do that. If you search “dinette” or get on Instagram there are tons of examples. We are planning on making a U-shaped dinette/bed in the front of ours! Just wondering, are you the same junk gypsy I see at round top, tx?

[Junk Gypsy]

Hi, well I’m glad I’m heading in the right direction with this idea! I will look dinette up for sure. No, I’m not one of those famous ladies from Texas but I am a fan!��

[alberta paso]

Junk Gypsy I am way closer lol if you ever get to Calgary come visit or maybe I will visit you

[Junk Gypsy]

Wow! That’s awesome that you are so close & you have an Argosy & you drive a Dodge Ram 1500, me too! I would love to know more about you & your Argosy! I get to Calgary pretty often, I will be planning a trip there in late August, I hope. If you are heading out my way before then, email me at junkgypsy61@gmail.com.
Thanks for reaching out to a fellow Canadian, I was raised in Calgary, moved to BC in 1975.

[Eric 26 Argo]

You concept is doable but you layout may not be realistic. I would suggest looking at floor plans of newer Airstreams especially the front bed room layouts to get some ideas. Keep in mind the newer units are wider than your Argosy. Often the toilet and sink are on one side and the shower on the other. You may be able to pick up a used side shower from someone who is gutting one so keep a eye on the classifieds.

The other issue is you black water tank would need to be relocated with new mounts fabricated. You would also want to install a Grey water tank while you are down there. It could all be accomplished by removing the belly pan to put every thing in and plumb it. Limiting factors would be your cross bracing but you would also move the weight of the tanks and any waste water carried over the axles which would be a good thing.

[asmith82]

I recently acquired a 1976 Argosy 24 too and want to make the back the master bedroom. I like your layout but want to have the shower separate from the toilet and sink. Across from each other is what I envisioned. We are going to have to gut the entire thing as the floorboard is rotted in areas and since we are going to recreate the floorplan. This is going to be a long fun and sweaty project that I cannot wait to complete. Do you think it is worth it try and salvage the original storage compartments or start from scratch? My boyfriend is really looking forward to removing all of the pop rivets.

[Junk Gypsy]

Thank you so much for your input & ideas, every little bit helps! Definitely many things to consider so I think I’m going to abort Plan A & keep it simple. I will leave the bathroom where it is, put a dinette up front that converts to a bed. I am interested in putting in a grey tank, not sure where that would go but I’m researching it.

[Junk Gypsy]

Originally Posted by asmith82

I recently acquired a 1976 Argosy 24 too and want to make the back the master bedroom. I like your layout but want to have the shower separate from the toilet and sink. Across from each other is what I envisioned. We are going to have to gut the entire thing as the floorboard is rotted in areas and since we are going to recreate the floorplan. This is going to be a long fun and sweaty project that I cannot wait to complete. Do you think it is worth it try and salvage the original storage compartments or start from scratch? My boyfriend is really looking forward to removing all of the pop rivets.

Wow, congrats on your Argosy! Sounds like you have your work cut out for you but I think it’s the best way to get want you want as far as floor plans go. My Argo is in good enough condition that I don’t have to tear her down to the bones & thank god, I couldn’t do it alone! As far as the storage compartments go, I am going to remove some of mine in the front kitchen area to open it up more because there is a ton of storage in the back in mine. I’m also going to build storage in under the seats of the dinette I'm putting in. So it comes down to what you need & because you are starting from scratch you can decide where you want to put it.