New member looking for help/reassurance???

[txdxrider]

Hello, and thanks to all in advance.... We are looking into fulltime RV'ing for a year or so and both have always loved the vintage RV's and AS expecially. Really enjoying the site - been crawling around it for a few days - so now registered hoping to make some contribution to it later down the road....

We are a family of 6 - myself, wife, three boys, and a dog.... wanting to give our kids more of a life and experience then what they are currently receiving - and a nice break for me from the labors of work and some quality family time...

Current TV is going to be a 2009 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z1 4x4 - 5.3l - 6-speed trans, 3.42 (yes I know not as desireable, but the 6-speed helps "counter" this a bit) - going to add in adjustable rear shocks, HD trans cooler, TT brake controller, Steel braided lines (basically the equivalent to the Z82 K5L HD tow package from factory) - I mention this since the GCWR on the burb is 11.5K but with the Z82 the GCWR is 14K... and upgrading to EQ/load hitch.
While upgrading to another TW has been discussed - since the burb is almost paid for it makes more sense to keep this one - and we are not looking forward to three growing boys in the back of a pick-up on the trip (you know the whole he's touching me thing)

We are looking to go with a mid 60 to (possibly) early 80's AS - due to the lighter TW of the older models...and I have looked at several on-line and even interested in a few listed for sale through this site...

In comparing the older TW listings - these should be circa 5000 or less for the 25-31 footers... not wanting to break the bank - but looking for one that is solid and sound - no major repairs needed - and most 90%-98% ish upgrded - no major issues or repairs needed - mostly needing to add our "personal" touches to it...

We have considered looking around the 25/26 foot mark - and adding in the 5th bunk, or working out sleeping arrangements - but have seen a few 76-81 AS Sovereign 31's - which would fit the bill nicely - however I am worried with this length in some of the older campsites - also I am worried about being too heavy for the suburban at this length (however I do see pics of burbs towing these all the times - just never sure of the legnth) - more for the stopping then the pulling...

Again, thank you in advance for any assistance....

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by txdxrider

We are looking to go with a mid 60 to (possibly) early 80's AS - due to the lighter TW of the older models...and I have looked at several on-line and even interested in a few listed for sale through this site...

In comparing the older TW listings - these should be circa 5000 or less for the 25-31 footers... not wanting to break the bank - but looking for one that is solid and sound - no major repairs needed - and most 90%-98% ish upgrded - no major issues or repairs needed - mostly needing to add our "personal" touches to it...

We have considered looking around the 25/26 foot mark - and adding in the 5th bunk, or working out sleeping arrangements - but have seen a few 76-81 AS Sovereign 31's - which would fit the bill nicely - however I am worried with this length in some of the older campsites - also I am worried about being too heavy for the suburban at this length (however I do see pics of burbs towing these all the times - just never sure of the legnth) - more for the stopping then the pulling...

Again, thank you in advance for any assistance....

I hate to be a pessimist, but I think you may be expecting too much for 5K. The older the A/S, the more it has been exposed to the elements, that is, water--so the more likely you are to have floor rot issues. Owners who have already dealt with these issues will want more for the unit.

The '70s units are light and since are newer than '50s/'60s would probably have correspondingly less water damage. The 31' ft Sovereign rear baths are infamous for frame separation, however, so beware of these models.

Have you considered a smaller unit--26', 28'?--and allowing the boys to sleep in a tent outside? In good weather, of course. Or as you mention, rigging bunks. Several threads detail how this has been done.

We have a '77 23' Safari with two gauchos which each make out into a narrow double bed. This might work out well for you (except for the "touching" thing! Kids!).

70s prices are not too bad either: less than 50s/60s, and the larger units (26-28') have less "cute factor" and so less market value, in general.

Those are my opinions but I am no expert--prices and availability vary from region to region. Are you aware that many Forum members will look at and evaluate a trailer for a distant prospective buyer?

Best of luck--your goals are certainly worth working toward.

Vivian

[txdxrider]

Vivian, thanks of the heads up on the rear bath issues. And the 5K was trailer weight- to keep the burb as the TW- most if the 31's we have looked at are in the 15-20k range and have had most everything redone on them.... 76-81 year models

Yes I noticed the member "look over" and will more likely be utilizing this as the purchase gets closer.

I mentioned a few 26/28's the other day- just the issues of space comes into play- yes I know only 3-4 feet difference but sanity as well...

[Landshark]

Duh! Sorry for the mixup on weight vs price! Yes, the prices you mention are certainly adequate and in line with what you want. Just keep looking and the right unit will show up.

The way to check for that rear-end sag is to have someone jump up and down on the bumper while you stand a little distance off and watch for a flexing in the body rather than a straight, solid line. Flexing is bad. We had a '72 31' that had "elephant ears" in back, indicating that the separation had been repaired, but you still have to check the flexing because it can happen again over time, depending how and who did the repairs.

Also keep in mind that until 1974 (?), gray tanks were not standard, although some were added in custom units. Our 31' did not have a gray tank.

We loved the Sovereign, it was very comfortable for us (only two + 3 Dobermans) and had mid-twin beds. We never had trouble with the length, or with our 34' either, in terms of size in a park, but I think Calif may have such limitations in their state parks.

Well, that is about the sum total of my knowledge! Keep looking.

Vivian

[RM66caravel]

Okay I am thinking you have a plan and a 31 footer with double bunks and the front pull out you should do well! I agree pay the tv off and keep it and remember the space issue really comes to a point in the teens and the family adventure will bring the best memories you will have! We took the girls to japan twice while in the Marine Corps and it has a special place in our hearts even though Japan was not the best place and I ended up deployed a few times. But you plan sounds well thought out so I say get the 31 footer and go for it!
Cliff

[txdxrider]

Ok..... So weight full of fuel with passengers - 6625
Front axle - 3375....sticker is 3600
Rear axle - 3250.....sticker is 4200
GVWR of 7400 so good up to circa 700 hitch weight

Stock I am GCWR of 11,500
So 4875 left over....

Once I do the mods for the hd towing - GCWR of 14,000
So good around 6500 pounds TW

Probably going to keep with a 27-29 footer just to be safe.....

[Aviator]

FWIW, my father-in-law towed what is now our 1997 34' (9800# MGW) Airstream with a 1500 series Suburban. I am quite sure his TV setup wasn't as good as yours. With the exception of a couple of State Parks in the North GA mountains we haven't had any length issues. That said, a newer 25-28 (maybe even 30) would serve you well. Look for one that all ready has a twin bed setup, then add a bunk above each and you should be good to go. One feature we have found to be really nice for the four of us (children are 15 & 14 at this point and the boy is taller than I am) is a dinette. It is great to have a dedicated place to eat and when the weather outside is bad, we play board games.

[andreasduess]

Length does not always equal weight (there's a bad joke somewhere in there).

Our 34' 1984 International weighs in at 7500lbs camp ready and tows like its on rails. We too got three boys, we added a bunk to the back bedroom running across the trailer making three beds. Comfortable and no "he's touching me" scenario.

I probably wouldn't use the Odyssey for full-timing, but for our weekends and holiday trips it's a perfectly adequate tow vehicle.

[rodsterinfl]

Our 34' 1984 International weighs in at 7500lbs camp ready and tows like its on rails.

Are you sure!? I am not trying to be disputatious but the weight seems so low. I looked it up and that particular year seems unclear on the weights of the AS site. It does say that the base weight of the 34' is 6250-6950 lbs. What is strange is that the '85 Sovereign 34' is 7100 base weight with 1800 lb load capacity for a total GVW of 8900 lbs. How does an International compare to a Sovereign? The 34' should be similar with one year between build dates.

The point is well taken. The older ones are definitely lighter.

Txdxrider, I too would strongly recommend a twin model. You will need floor space. You will find your Airstream.

[txdxrider]

Thanks on the comments...

We will find the right one eventually...

Looking in the mid 60's to possibly early 80's to keep the TW down around 4.5 so loaded in the 5.5 to 6 range.... 27-29 footers maybe a 31- but it all comes down to floor plan and timing...

[BoldAdventure]

Getting rolling with those 3.42's with the 6L80e is going to be fun. You can pick up z71 springs for pretty cheap on eBay. They're variable vs the linear rate on the base. So they won't sag as much with your hitch weight, blisten HDs should do nicely out back. I'd personally step up to 4.10's or 4.56 with that 5.3L unless you want to put undo stress in your transmission, it will be down shifting a lot and probably won't stay in lockup. I have some experience with that same engine although mine is mated to a 4L80e. Good luck in your search.

[txdxrider]

Mikekey- thanks... I have the Z71 package now....

Looking to add the HD trans cooler, K9000 adj shocks and change the OEM hitch...

I thought about changing the gears- but from everything I've read the 6-speed works well with towing and 3.42- unlike the older trans the trans gearing is different. But at the moment there are a lot of possibilities.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

Are you sure!? I am not trying to be disputatious but the weight seems so low. I looked it up and that particular year seems unclear on the weights of the AS site. It does say that the base weight of the 34' is 6250-6950 lbs. What is strange is that the '85 Sovereign 34' is 7100 base weight with 1800 lb load capacity for a total GVW of 8900 lbs. How does an International compare to a Sovereign? The 34' should be similar with one year between build dates.

The point is well taken. The older ones are definitely lighter.

Txdxrider, I too would strongly recommend a twin model. You will need floor space. You will find your Airstream.

Yes, I am sure. I don't have the slip here, but that weight is as measured on the scales, this spring at the beginning of the season. The interior of that trailer is full of weight saving measures, for example all the furniture is aluminum framed, with the wood panels hung from it. The panels are also thinner than in other models.

If you google Airstream weights you should find a pdf on the Airstream site that lists most trailer weights from the 1950's onwards. Mine lists as 6250lbs. I do believe that this particular model is the lightest 34' they have ever made.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by txdxrider

Mikekey- thanks... I have the Z71 package now....

Looking to add the HD trans cooler, K9000 adj shocks and change the OEM hitch...

I thought about changing the gears- but from everything I've read the 6-speed works well with towing and 3.42- unlike the older trans the trans gearing is different. But at the moment there are a lot of possibilities.

Trans Cooler is going to be the best $80 investment. And very easy to install.


I just wish my current Rig was capable of towing the Airstream we plan on buying. Sadly, the payload and wheelbase just aren't up to the task.

Originally Posted by andreasduess

Yes, I am sure. I don't have the slip here, but that weight is as measured on the scales, this spring at the beginning of the season. The interior of that trailer is full of weight saving measures, for example all the furniture is aluminum framed, with the wood panels hung from it. The panels are also thinner than in other models.

If you google Airstream weights you should find a pdf on the Airstream site that lists most trailer weights from the 1950's onwards. Mine lists as 6250lbs. I do believe that this particular model is the lightest 34' they have ever made.

Not to thread jack, but: THANK YOU, THANK YOU:

For everyone else who cannot google: http://www.airstream.com/wp-content/...me-Weights.pdf

[Inland RV Center, In]

Trans coolers serve a very useful purpose.

It's job is to remove heat from the radiator.

But when it's installed in front of the radiator, the heat goes right back into the radiator. The gain therefore is almost ZERO.

Trans coolers, to be most effective, should be installed so that the heat totally bypasses the radiator.

Mounting the trans coolers, BELOW the radiator, provides the most effective use of them.

Then heat from the cooler no longer goes back into the radiator, which helps to the maximum.

Granted the installation becomes a greater task, but the end results are far superior.

Andy

Originally Posted by mikekey

Trans Cooler is going to be the best $80 investment. And very easy to install.


I just wish my current Rig was capable of towing the Airstream we plan on buying. Sadly, the payload and wheelbase just aren't up to the task.





Not to thread jack, but: THANK YOU, THANK YOU:

For everyone else who cannot google: http://www.airstream.com/wp-content/...me-Weights.pdf

[andreasduess]

Thanks - I was posting from my phone, so didn't have the link to the pdf handy.

My particular trailer comes in at 6250lbs, (empty and factory) with a tongue weight of 630lbs.

As I've said, in the real world that translates to 7500lbs, with a tongue weight of just under 800lbs - with WD the car end up carrying just under 600lbs, out of an available payload of just below 1300lbs.

The tongue weight of this trailer is also the lowest of all the triple axles.

[txdxrider]

Thanks for the insight on lowering the transcooler from the radiator- died make sense.... I'll have to look at the room to see where the best mounting spot is....

Now it is just working out the best AS for our needs....

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Trans coolers serve a very useful purpose.

It's job is to remove heat from the radiator.

But when it's installed in front of the radiator, the heat goes right back into the radiator. The gain therefore is almost ZERO.

Trans coolers, to be most effective, should be installed so that the heat totally bypasses the radiator.

Mounting the trans coolers, BELOW the radiator, provides the most effective use of them.

Then heat from the cooler no longer goes back into the radiator, which helps to the maximum.

Granted the installation becomes a greater task, but the end results are far superior.

Andy

I'd agree with that, but in my case, most of my radiator is below because of a body lift. No where else to mount it. And my trans cooler is secondary, after the factory trans cooler. My aftermarket temp gauges also say it's working.

[J. Morgan]

The last 31' Airstream I bought was a 75 model, i got it for a good enough price that I was able to buy it and get it fixed up to a functional and pleasant stock form for very close to or even a little less than $5000.

It still needs axles, but we deferred these as it is going to be lived in and not moved for the next year or two.

It can be done if you are willing to shop around BUY WELL and restore frugally.



We did nothing to make it more presentable from the outside, but it isn't too hard on the eyes.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[txdxrider]

Thinking about a 31 "ish" with the CB to mount a bed above the rears..,. Possibly a 29,,... Want to find one already done so we can do a few upgrades along the trip but nothing major.