I want to be sure I understand what you are saying.
Axles can acquire a "set" might mean if they sit long in one location they become deformed somehow?
I was assuming the first upgrade I would make would be axles, hubs, brakes, wheels, tires, suspension; then, any frame/undercarriage repairs and reinforcement. Interior is way down the list after systems of gas, water, electricity. I figure any campground I would try to stay in will have the basic necessities, and I can ride my scooter to shop, dine, etc., when parked at a campground, kind of like when tent camping, only a harder tent.
Making the basic safety decisions first, as you said, ground up, not short-changing the safety.
I'll be picking up the Tradewind tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo!
P.S. on the previous post. I figure a full upgrade will be a labor of love, not economy, right? Like construction, multiply the estimate by at least triple, and then maybe double that?
Oh, yeah, forgot to tell. Dave went by and looked at the damage. He reported exactly what you all had said, that repair could range from the full sheet replacement (ideal and possibly long-term solution, but professional repair would be more than the trailer is worth) to piece-work temporary DIY. I have pilot friends here who can help me if I go that route. He saw the sheared lugs and the axle, brake drum, hub, the wheel and tire and agreed that the owner had the right solution to making those repairs, and those are under way now. Dave said in 40 years or so, he has seen plenty of this kind of damage.
I also have a call in to Airstream just up the road in Jackson Center about taking the Tradewind in for an assessment. Pretty neat to be near the hq. Thanks for the reminder, Steve.
Cheers to Woodland Travel Center. I will put in a plug for them. Grand Rapids dealer, good people. And, they will at the big show coming up at 5/3 Field this weekend.
Anne
Whoa - please consider taking new tires along, or paying retail price before trip home... sidewall cracking from UV and ozone and tread seperation is your next serious concern!
I ordered mine online through tirerack.com and had them in 48 hours. You need to review contingency plans for tire age and condition & I'm quite sure you will need another wheel (2600lb min rating) to replace the errant one...
Axle facts.
The axles are not forever units. For whatever reason the torsion arms sag offering no/low protection to shocks that oscillate interior and exterior aluminum construction, slowly at first then blossoming into missing and sheared rivets and interior cabniets creeping and tumbling about....
Aistream Forums have a huge amount of information on axles - many opinions, but it boils down to Inland RV will take the serial number of the trailer and provide OEM equipment w/o any hassle, the OEM installation is bolt them up w/ a few wrenches, floor jack and pry-bar. Not rocket science.
I went with the 27' 1973 because AS increased models gross weight every few years and this the largest 'newer' Airstream (4500lbs) my pickup can tow w/o spending $$$$ on a new tow vehicle.
It looks like a 1968 tradewind has a ball height of 19 inches, a toungue weight of 445 pounds and total dry weight of 3895. After towing your 16' trailer you should be set (brake controller, known tow capacities, etc) - I believe your tradewind requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball but you need to confirm that...
Whatever else happens, here's wishing you good luck Anne!
Anne,
I am sorry I made light about your friend driving
this old trailor at 80mph. But he was was alittle bit dumb driving a old
trailor that has not been rehab at 80mph. Ok were over that now. The
tire blew out. Now I am interested and everybody is also. We do not want
to see you get a bad deal. I am no expert by no means, even though I
have rehab a 54 airstream-----I think I did a very good job by the way.
I have looked at the few photos of this trailor. I do not know what the
interior looks like. I hope it is original. The exterior has been ripped by the
wheel well.--bad... This is my opinon do not buy the trailor unless you
can repair it yourself or you have lots of money, or your ready to live in
a somewhat trashed out trailor.-------Look for another one.
Anne,
I am sorry I made light about your friend driving
this old trailor at 80mph. But he was was alittle bit dumb driving a old
trailor that has not been rehab at 80mph. Ok were over that now. The
tire blew out. Now I am interested and everybody is also. We do not want
to see you get a bad deal. I am no expert by no means, even though I
have rehab a 54 airstream-----I think I did a very good job by the way.
I have looked at the few photos of this trailor. I do not know what the
interior looks like. I hope it is original. The exterior has been ripped by the
wheel well.--bad... This is my opinon do not buy the trailor unless you
can repair it yourself or you have lots of money, or your ready to live in
a somewhat trashed out trailor.-------Look for another one.
55inyo/roger
Anne, now that Roger has plainly said what many of us have been thinking, I say "Ditto". It's not the end of the world, you know. I started from "zero" several times. It's true that there is always another AS candidate just around the corner....that is, if you keep looking. Bill
Anne,
I will get off this site real quick and check out
e-bay and look at the interior. I will tell you what I think. My late
model romaney has just been posted on the photo section on this site
under the 50,s section, of the photos section. Wait and I will tell you
what I think of it.-----P.S. Im not e-bay savy so I will do my best.
Anne,
Im sorry it took so long but my computer cut me off
right in the middle of my message--dial up what can I say. Ok I very
carefully looked at your trailor. -----Its a keeper. You must remember
I know mainly about 50,s airstreams. I saw no modifications on the
outside, very good. The inside looks original, very good. It does need a
air conditioner. It looks like its move in ready. Now he is asking
$ 3.860.00 dollars---not a bad price. Ok Tell him this since he thrashed
the side of it . You have talked to many friends and people who know
what there talking about that it will cost several thousands of dollars to
fix the damage----that he did. You will pay no more $1.500.00 dollars
for the trailor because it is now considered totaled. If he does not go
for that, make your price no higher than $2.000.00 and if he does
not go for that tell him he can keep his trailor .
That is what I would do.
Hi Anne,
Congratulations on your Airstream! Here is a link I ran across tonight on a similar repair; with photo's. http://www.vintageairstream.com/Myrtle/axle.html
Good luck with your project!
Calvin Cole
Anne,
I am just making a suggestion. But like I said im no expert.
You have to do what you think is best. When it all comes down to it
your the one that has to do what you feel is right for you. By the
way I love cats also, I have three. Did you see my trailor on the
50,s airstream photo section?
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