Hello-Questions on 1971 Tradewind

[rogerdodger]

I am looking at a 1971 Tradewind. My questions are:
1. The air conditioning cowling is missing-blew off while towing?? Where do I find model/vintage info. Is there a tag somewhere??
2. Is there a way to see under the trailer to look at the frame without taking all of the lower skin off?? Or do you just buy it and then "discover" all the problems, and deal with them.
3. Is there a way to see if the rear separation problem exists without tearing out all of the rear flooring??

I have not purchased this trailer yet, have read alot on this website and thank all of you already for all the info.

By the way, I am 69 years old(Young haha) retired, bored, just got rid of my 34' motorhome, and looking for something to tinker with. Am very handy with tools, not afraid to tackle anything, not interested in sitting in a rv park with other seniors twidling my fingers(please, not trying to hurt any feelings).
My wife is not interested in long rv trips, so I am thinking an Airstream might be the ticket for short(7-10 day) trips. We are located in Central California(Fresno) area.
I'm sure I will have more questions, will continue to search website.
Thanks for listening,
Roger

[bobkelly]

Roger----Welcome as a member of the forums. You already know the knowledge data base that resides here from your reading. I don't have any input for you, so this is a bump back to the top of the page until the right folks come along. Good luck with the projects.

[azfiredog300]

Rodger, I am an owner of the 71 tradewind. I can tell you that if you look inside at the AC unit just inside the vents you can see the model and numbers you need. I believe that VTS and Andy carry the cowling for it. The only way to look at the frame is to remove the belly skin. I am not aware of any rear seperation issues with the 71 tradewind. Make sure you go through it with the ice pick and check all the floor that you can reach and be aware that if you have the original furnace that it is most likely the recalled model.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

I am looking at a 1971 Tradewind. My questions are:
1. The air conditioning cowling is missing-blew off while towing?? Where do I find model/vintage info. Is there a tag somewhere??
2. Is there a way to see under the trailer to look at the frame without taking all of the lower skin off?? Or do you just buy it and then "discover" all the problems, and deal with them.
3. Is there a way to see if the rear separation problem exists without tearing out all of the rear flooring??

I have not purchased this trailer yet, have read alot on this website and thank all of you already for all the info.

By the way, I am 69 years old(Young haha) retired, bored, just got rid of my 34' motorhome, and looking for something to tinker with. Am very handy with tools, not afraid to tackle anything, not interested in sitting in a rv park with other seniors twidling my fingers(please, not trying to hurt any feelings).
My wife is not interested in long rv trips, so I am thinking an Airstream might be the ticket for short(7-10 day) trips. We are located in Central California(Fresno) area.
I'm sure I will have more questions, will continue to search website.
Thanks for listening,
Roger

We have all the AC covers from 1964 to 1979.

They are made with fiberglass.

Yours should be part # 69812.

Andy

[rogerdodger]

Thanks azfiredog, I have been reading on the forum, about frame rustout problems. Have you had any of those problems with yours?? Maybe the smaller ie <25 foot trailers less prone to rear separation??
Will look at trailer and report back.
Thanks,
Roger

[rogerdodger]

Ok andy, I will check it out, maybe get pics, will write down info and call you.
How much (ballpark) do they cost?

[azfiredog300]

I was actually very lucky, I have found no indication of floor rot to this point (knock on wood).

[rogerdodger]

ok. This trailer has the rear bath and the pan is cracked, and under floor is soft around tiolet area. Also the air conditioner is Coleman, and no cover on the roof. The skin is good, all windows good, and work, bad news is axles are sagging, so will need replacing. Gave owners an offer, waiting for them to contact daughter who owns it. Interior all intact, but cannot try anything as no power to trailer.
Roger

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by azfiredog300

I was actually very lucky, I have found no indication of floor rot to this point (knock on wood).

Jerry.

Check the sewer vent pipe cover gaskets.

You will have to remove one cover to check them.

They only last 5 to 6 years.

Andy

[azfiredog300]

Copy that Andy thanks. Roger, just a heads up on price, I got mine for $2000.00 in pretty good shape.

[rogerdodger]

Ok, thanks for the heads up on price. I offered them $1500, they countered $2000, I walked. the trailer needs rear bath pan, axles, tires, wheels, brakes, and probably new heater, ac, hot water tank, refrig, and electric power unit. I looked under and frame looks ok so far. I noticed that this unit was licensed in death valley, so maybe dry weather saved frame probs.
thanks,
Roger

[Silverhobby]

Roger, If you do buy this unit and the A/C is working, a new Maxx Air Tuff Maxx cover is the one to get for the Coleman A/C. They are almost bulletproof.

[rogerdodger]

Thanks Kevin for the info on the A/C cover. You are "the man".