74 Sovereign has probie owner(Save me!)

[rolwil]

Hi, I'm probie, I've inherited a 74 Airstream Sovereign and miraculously got it home 450 miles by renting a U-Haul, my PU does not have a trailer hitch and this trailer needs some work so its not going anywhere soon (now). No water stains inside, but broken lock, panels need replacing, electrical, gauge box etc. Looking for leads on resources in Central Valley, Ca, and dependable part sources on line, Thank you for any assistance.

[Janet H]

There is no salvation!

ENjoy your new project. Many parts are standard stuff available at hardware stores and auto posts stores. But for more specialized things you might try www.vintagetrailersupply.com and www.inlandrv.com You local Airstream dealer may also be able to order some parts for you but there are some items that can only be had at Inland.

[rolwil]

Thank you very much Janet, After some reading here my trailer is not in such bad shape after all. But, what's an inspection? Is there an inspector in Central Valley? How do I arrange one? How much does it cost? I'm thinking, after following behind in for a few hundred miles, its frame is straight...but... since my inexperience is at a high level... Its incredible to see into the emotional attachments of Airstream ownership, I thought I was a solo nut! Thank you for being here.

[Janet H]

The simplest thing to do is meet up with some forum user in your area. You can search the membership data base by location. You can also post pictures here.
Standard issues in trailers this age include bearings, axles, univolt replacement, old plumbing issues and soft spots in floors because of leaks. In longer trailers of this vintage there is also a known issue with "tail sag or droop," a frame seperation near the back end. Many trailers had this fixed but there are threads about how to ID and fix (hopefully you don't have this trouble). Frames would be bent only if the trailer was in a wreck - but usually if that happened, there is so much damage to the skin that you would never have to wonder whether or not it had been in a wreck. You would be able to tell easily.

[rolwil]

Thanks again...No obvious signs of accident damage..I need to get some kind of card for my camcorder/camera to get pics downloaded, I also just recently got this computer...so I'm not very pc literate, just a button pusher/data entry at work. But I will go into town tomorrow and try to get that card access for downloading pics, I know pics are always worth a thousand words and less time consuming.
1. I found where the auto/battery is stored/attached, but doesn't the 1974 AS sovereign have a place for electrical plug in? So it doesnt have to run on battery?
2. How do you get the awning down? The instruction label have only 1 of every three words legible on it. LOL It does not appear to be brittle, 1st layer has no tears.
3.From what some recent threads have stated as challenges in mold and rot do not seem to be present. Which is amazing d/t storage up at Yreka in the elements for the last 5 years not used. But NO DUST inside, thats gotta be air tight. Rats got in but they left only poop, they didn't eat the mattresses or couch and actually looks like they didn't get on them at all. but still ick.
oh and wasps in outside compartment access, and some are still there.

There are some things that are a priority on it and some not. But my priorities may not be what's best for my new home. So I am open for suggestions and comments whats most important, but I sure would like light on my situation in so many ways.

Thank you to anyone out there!

[wahoonc]

Rolwil,
Welcome to the forums!

Originally Posted by rolwil

1. I found where the auto/battery is stored/attached, but doesn't the 1974 AS sovereign have a place for electrical plug in? So it doesnt have to run on battery?

It shold be in the rear bumper compartment. It normally requires a special 30 amp plug in. However you can get an adapter at your local home repair center that will allow you to plug it in to a "normal" house plug. However it WILL NOT provide enough power to run you Air Conditoner.

2. How do you get the awning down? The instruction label have only 1 of every three words legible on it. LOL It does not appear to be brittle, 1st layer has no tears.

Pictures please It will depend on which one you have.

3.From what some recent threads have stated as challenges in mold and rot do not seem to be present. Which is amazing d/t storage up at Yreka in the elements for the last 5 years not used. But NO DUST inside, thats gotta be air tight. Rats got in but they left only poop, they didn't eat the mattresses or couch and actually looks like they didn't get on them at all. but still ick.
oh and wasps in outside compartment access, and some are still there.

Wow...I wish, I have mine partially gutted, I live in the humid south and the green stuff grows faster than I can scrub it off at times

There are some things that are a priority on it and some not. But my priorities may not be what's best for my new home. So I am open for suggestions and comments whats most important, but I sure would like light on my situation in so many ways.

If you plan to tow it much at all pay special attention to the running gear, the 1974 axles were prone to wearing out due to an issue with the rubber torsion rods. You will most likley need to reseal plumbing vents, roof vents and window frames. The caulking(s) of choice are Vulkem, Parabond, or Sikalastic and Acryl-R. These are available from various sources including Airstream Dealers as well as the Airstream Store.

Good luck and take lots of pictures. Many of the issues you face will have been already covered use the search feature and you will read for days.

Aaron