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Aluminumb · 09-11-2007, 10:41 PM

I'm looking at a 1962 tradewind 24' and it has an extended bumper with two silver (aluminum?) boxes attached to it and the braket lights are attached to those. Does anyone think this is from the factory? I tried to upload a photo of it...hope it made it.

Thanks,
Ben

TinShack · 09-11-2007, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benheschen

I'm looking at a 1962 tradewind 24' and it has an extended bumper with two silver (aluminum?) boxes attached to it and the braket lights are attached to those. Does anyone think this is from the factory? I tried to upload a photo of it...hope it made it.

Thanks,
Ben

Hi Ben and welcome. I've never seen anything like that before. Doubt it's factory. It's generally not advised to add weight to the rear of the AS. I would check this one out thoroughly. You came to the right spot for answers.

InsideOut · 09-11-2007, 11:11 PM

One clue is the square lights - they would have been round in '62.

As Steve mentioned...it is not a good idea to add extra weight to the rear of the trailer - too much stress on the frame, especially a single axle.

What in heavens name would they be carrying in there??? Water jugs - in which case that would be a BIG no-no! Real heavy. Everything bounces around back there - it just accentuates the weight. Kinda like riding in the back of a school bus...

Looks like there is a spare tire carrier between the boxes too...

Shari

10brink · 09-12-2007, 05:57 AM

Ben, Please make sure those boxes are not hiding any hint of rear end separation or frame sag. The PO of my '67 Safari had a 75 lb piece(I'm not kidding) of angle iron and a trailer hitch bolted to the back bumper. I'm sure they pulled a vehicle to the moon and back by the way the left rear looked. Nice amount of work to fix that! Could make a good bargaining tool though. Good Luck! Randy

Lumatic · 09-12-2007, 06:43 AM

Don't know if they are factory (I doubt it) but I know ugly when I see it. How about take em off and use the space for a continental spare tire with a chrome cover and a couple of pink flamingos. Or a bicycle rack.

**moosetags** · 09-12-2007, 06:59 AM

I would check the frame/body connection at rear of body. The boxes appear to have been there for a long time. I would also look at how the bumper was extended. They may have welded steel braces to the frame that would be difficult to remove.

Aluminumb · 09-12-2007, 08:36 AM

I'll think I'll steer clear of this one. I got a few more pictures last night from the owner and its in rougher condition than it looks. That combined with the potential for damage from the boxes and their weight makes it a bigger job than I'm ready for. As always, everyone on this forum is very helpful. Thanks very much. I'm still looking for the trailer with my name on it !

Ben

InsideOut · 09-12-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benheschen

I'll think I'll steer clear of this one.

Good choice!

Happy hunting ~

Shari

Rog0525 · 09-12-2007, 03:50 PM

I would definitely pass on this one. It looks like the owner already discovered how extra weight on the rear can cause frame damage. Why else would a cable or heavy cord be strapped around body and frame?
In addition to stressing the frame, extra weight on rear = less weight on tongue = likely sway problems.