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Old 02-14-2011, 02:33 AM   #1
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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.
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Old 02-14-2011, 04:02 AM   #2
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5th Wheel Airstream

Airstream did make one 5th Wheel Airstream that I seen this fall. Attached is a picture of it.
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Old 02-14-2011, 04:16 AM   #3
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The tins under the bug seem to me new. Was he altered afterwards as 5th wheel?
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Old 02-14-2011, 04:51 AM   #4
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They used to make one under the Argosy name.
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Old 02-14-2011, 05:11 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Airtrekker View Post
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 View Post
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 View Post
The tins under the bug seem to me new. Was he altered afterwards as 5th wheel?
You are correct!
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Old 02-14-2011, 05:18 AM   #6
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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.
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Old 02-14-2011, 05:26 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blmitch5 View Post
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.
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Old 02-14-2011, 08:21 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 02-14-2011, 08:41 AM   #9
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they use to call them by a nick name, the whale.
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Old 02-14-2011, 09:40 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by 66Overlander View Post
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.
.
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Old 02-27-2011, 05:00 PM   #11
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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.
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Old 02-28-2011, 12:22 PM   #12
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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
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Old 02-28-2011, 12:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
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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
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Old 02-28-2011, 01:04 PM   #14
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Anyone know what happened to the Dee Howard 5th wheel?
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Old 02-28-2011, 02:02 PM   #15
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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. . .
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Old 02-28-2011, 02:28 PM   #16
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Integrity 5th Wheel

Here is one ready to go!
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Old 03-07-2011, 11:08 AM   #17
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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
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Old 03-07-2011, 11:42 AM   #18
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Dee's 5th wheel

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aviator View Post
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
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Old 03-07-2011, 12:51 PM   #19
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HOME MADE 5th WHEEL

Another home made 5th wheel by Airstream.
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Old 03-07-2011, 01:09 PM   #20
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Dee Howard

What Dee Howard was realy known for in the 1950s and the start of the 1960s.
The Howard 500 Airplane.
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