1977 rear bath sag?

[Goin camping]

Are all 1977 rear bath models in danger of sagging?

[klevan]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Are all 1977 rear bath models in danger of sagging?

There are two separate issues often called sagging.

"Tail Droop" occurs in the 31' rear bath Airstreams built in the 70s

"Frame Separation." While most common in the longer, rear bath trailers,
all '77s are susceptible. I have found frame separation in 25' and 27' Airstreams.

There is a huge amount of information on these forums on both conditions, how to recognize them, causality, and cure.

In fact my response to your question will probably generate a deafening hue and cry. Be brave.

[Goin camping]

If your reponse brings out the knowledge and opinions of others I will be gratefull.

How do you spot frame seperation?

Remember all I am a total newbie so please don't assume I know anything. Cause I don't.

[tphan]

hi- try standing on your rear bumper- it should NOT flex downward independent of the shell. Also use the "search" function here- there is tons of experience and info among members. -tim

[klevan]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

If your reponse brings out the knowledge and opinions of others I will be gratefull.

How do you spot frame seperation?

Remember all I am a total newbie so please don't assume I know anything. Cause I don't.

To spot frame separation, do what Tphan has suggested. Stand on one end of the rear bumper and bounce gently. If the seam between the belly band and the bumper opens and closes as you bounce, you have frame separation. Go to the other side of the trailer and bounce on the other end of the bumper.

Tail droop is caused when the frame members behind the axles bend downward on one or both sides. This causes the "tail" of the Airstream, both frame and body, to droop causing a characteristic buckle in the aluminum panels behind the wheel wells. There are pictures in various places on these forums. Search "tail droop."

[wacnstac]

How does one remedy tail drop if it occurs?

[JimGolden]

Wacnstac,

The best way to fix this is with a new frame. Use a 6" deep section, with 1/4" thick flanges and a 3/16" thick (minimum) web and your problems are gone forever.

However, most people don't want to go to that extreme. There are doublers available from the factory (I believe) that can be welded or bolted to the frame to reinforce it.

[wacnstac]

I'll just put some extra jacks near the back of my frame when I'm using the tanks