|
|
02-14-2011, 02:33 AM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
2012 27' FB Classic
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
|
NEW: 5th Wheel Airstream
Airstreams are awesome! They might possibly be the only only
"museum" RV becuase they are represented in the MoMar.
I want one! But I am having a problem with the amount of space they allow in their new models. As my main interest is boondocking, I am having some difficulty not only finding minimal storage space but also for extra space for the 6 to 8 batteries I need to support multiple solar panels. ( I am considering a 2010 27' Classic ) I need more space!
( Or, I need to downsize my desire for maximum energy storage )
I prefer a "trailer" so that I can run a short-bed TV however I would opt for a long-bed TV if Airstream made a "5th wheel". Why does Airstream not make a 5th wheel? I know Airstream is conservative toward the original design which is cool, however a 5th wheel Airstream would win any race on the road. ( structure,storage-room,comfort, design ) Surely the company is in business for profit. ( count the number of 5th wheels presently on the road ) Can you imagine the incredible design Airstream could create? Keeping expense in mind , just like many others, I would weigh the results in favor of an Airstream if they were to produce a 5th wheel!
Of course, I am new to this game so these are only initial observations.
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 04:02 AM
|
#2
|
1 Rivet Member
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Gatineau
, Quebec
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
|
5th Wheel Airstream
Airstream did make one 5th Wheel Airstream that I seen this fall. Attached is a picture of it.
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 04:16 AM
|
#3
|
3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
OO
, OO
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 174
|
The tins under the bug seem to me new. Was he altered afterwards as 5th wheel?
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 04:51 AM
|
#4
|
Moderator
2006 19' International CCD
Olathe
, Kansas
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,224
|
They used to make one under the Argosy name.
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 05:11 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
2016 30' Classic
Southeast
, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,986
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Airtrekker
Airstreams are awesome! They might possibly be the only only "museum" RV becuase they are represented in the MoMar.
I want one! But I am having a problem with the amount of space they allow in their new models. As my main interest is boondocking, I am having some difficulty not only finding minimal storage space but also for extra space for the 6 to 8 batteries I need to support multiple solar panels. ( I am considering a 2010 27' Classic ) I need more space!
( Or, I need to downsize my desire for maximum energy storage )
I prefer a "trailer" so that I can run a short-bed TV however I would opt for a long-bed TV if Airstream made a "5th wheel". Why does Airstream not make a 5th wheel? I know Airstream is conservative toward the original design which is cool, however a 5th wheel Airstream would win any race on the road. ( structure,storage-room,comfort, design ) Surely the company is in business for profit. ( count the number of 5th wheels presently on the road ) Can you imagine the incredible design Airstream could create? Keeping expense in mind , just like many others, I would weigh the results in favor of an Airstream if they were to produce a 5th wheel!
Of course, I am new to this game so these are only initial observations.
|
Airstream made 5th wheels Under the Aistream name for a short time starting in 1989. These may have extending in 1990 or 1991 and then stopped. I have heard that a total of 125 were made, but I cannot confirm that number. Airstream also sold 5th wheels under the name Argosy in 1989 and may have done so earlier in 1988. Collectively, these 5th wheels were part of the line that is sometimes called "squarestreams" because they do not have the iconic rounded shape. Some time in the 1990's (I think about 1996 or so), Airstream built or rebadged an Integrity 5th wheel as an Airstream, but I don't know the details. Alll of the above are eligable for WBCCI club membership.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pkenny
Airstream did make one 5th Wheel Airstream that I seen this fall. Attached is a picture of it.
|
This is not an Airstream produced 5th wheel, it is a home built conversion of a standard Airstream trailer. It is perhaps one of about 3 conversions I've seen photos of over the years.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cruiser54
The tins under the bug seem to me new. Was he altered afterwards as 5th wheel?
|
You are correct!
__________________
Joe
Wally Byam Caravan Club International Historian
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
WBCCI/VAC #702 & #6768
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 05:18 AM
|
#6
|
Moderator
2006 19' International CCD
Olathe
, Kansas
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,224
|
Here's another. IV seen them for sale on eBay. You could Bo your battery set up in the truck but why so many? You could add a lot of panels on the AS.
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 05:26 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
2016 30' Classic
Southeast
, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,986
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by blmitch5
They used to make one under the Argosy name.
|
Actually that is an Airstream 5th wheel in the back of that photo since it is gray in color. It would be an "off white" cream color if it was an Argosy.
The trailer in the front is a standard Airstream "squarestream" trailer. That called that line of Airstream trailers "Land Yachts" when that were produced from 1989 to 1991. The standard "squarestream" Argosy trailers were made from 1986 to 1989 if my memory is correct.
The 5th wheels in both lines may have only been made in 1989, or perhaps slightly longer as I noted in my last post. I do not have the information to confirm either way.
__________________
Joe
Wally Byam Caravan Club International Historian
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
WBCCI/VAC #702 & #6768
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 08:21 AM
|
#8
|
4 Rivet Member
Central Florida
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 455
|
Airtrekker:
There is a poster on these forums (fr8tshaker) who has a 2006 Airstream 34. She had Airstream put on heavier axles and recertify her gvwr to 12,500 so she could have 6 to 8 batteries to boondock. She also put on 16" wheeles and tires. She is an avid boodocker.
__________________
Dave
2008 Classic 34
Dodge Ram 2500 Crew Cab CTD
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 08:41 AM
|
#9
|
4 Rivet Member
1972 21' Globetrotter
nc
, North Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 253
|
they use to call them by a nick name, the whale.
|
|
|
02-14-2011, 09:40 PM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
Southwestern
, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 66Overlander
Airstream built or rebadged an Integrity 5th wheel as an Airstream, but I don't know the details.
|
Here's a picture of one of those at the 2004 Homecoming Rally.
.
|
|
|
02-27-2011, 05:00 PM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
2012 27' FB Classic
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
|
Thanks for the history and pictures. I picture something completely different to
the models that AS made in 89. If they were willing to find a designer who understood the original AS design without compromise then the outcome could be sleek with greater aerodynamics and room than anything on the road. The designs they made in 89 look nothing like an AS. Perhaps they could find inspiration from a few of the high-end auto makers who have faced new design challenges without forsaking their roots. Not wishing to wait for such hypothetical observations my research will focus on the specific realities of how and where to add the batteries I need. I looked up fr8tshaker who has some very helpful threads on other subjects however I have not yet found any threads on my deliemma.
|
|
|
02-28-2011, 12:22 PM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
1989 29' Land Yacht
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,804
|
5th Wheel
Here is one that I thing was made into a 5th wheel by and for Dee Howard
of Dee Howard Aircraft Maintenance San Antonio TX
You can also see more 5th wheel under squarestream
__________________
Live every day as if it is your last one and one day your going to be right.
|
|
|
02-28-2011, 12:44 PM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmini
Here is one that I thing was made into a 5th wheel by and for Dee Howard
of Dee Howard Aircraft Maintenance San Antonio TX
|
Dee Howard repaired and modified large aircraft for many years, at least back then. They did custom interiors limited only by your budget.
I visited his facility every so often, and indeed watched the creation of the above pictured Airstream.
Andy
|
|
|
02-28-2011, 01:04 PM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
|
Anyone know what happened to the Dee Howard 5th wheel?
__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars
AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
|
|
|
02-28-2011, 02:02 PM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
Southwestern
, Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,671
|
Wow! Anybody know how long it is?
Looks like they did a very nice job, not surprising in view of the modification facility. Heck, it probably has a supplemental type certificate. . .
.
|
|
|
02-28-2011, 02:28 PM
|
#16
|
65th Anniversary CLIPPER
1996 36' Clipper Bus
Tub City
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 3,309
|
Integrity 5th Wheel
|
|
|
03-07-2011, 11:08 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
1973 27' Overlander
Tucson
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,480
|
thought of this thread when I saw this Airstream on Craigslist:
1996 36ft Airstream Integrity Fifthwheel
1996 36ft Airstream Integrity Fifthwheel - $6800 (Seffner)
Date: 2011-02-23, 1:35PM EST
Reply to: see below
Must see, two electic slideout rooms, two central air conditioners, two central heaters, large private bathroom with garden tub and washer/dryer hook ups, queen size island bed, large deep closets, tons of storage with outside basement, fully self contained with gas/electric fridge that works great as well as every thing else in trailer. First one with $6,800 or closest to it steals it. Call my cell
- Location: Seffner
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
|
|
|
03-07-2011, 11:42 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1989 29' Land Yacht
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,804
|
Dee's 5th wheel
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aviator
Anyone know what happened to the Dee Howard 5th wheel?
|
As I recall the photo where taken in Texas a few years ago,but I do not know where.I did not take them,I think I found them here on the forum
Here is a site that list a trailer coupling he had a patent on.
Trailer coupling means - Patent 3994510
__________________
Live every day as if it is your last one and one day your going to be right.
|
|
|
03-07-2011, 12:51 PM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
1989 29' Land Yacht
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,804
|
HOME MADE 5th WHEEL
Another home made 5th wheel by Airstream.
__________________
Live every day as if it is your last one and one day your going to be right.
|
|
|
03-07-2011, 01:09 PM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
1989 29' Land Yacht
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,804
|
Dee Howard
What Dee Howard was realy known for in the 1950s and the start of the 1960s.
The Howard 500 Airplane.
__________________
Live every day as if it is your last one and one day your going to be right.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 members and 2 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|