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TennisMan · 10-16-2007, 08:17 PM

I'd like to have an exterior storage "trunk" of some sort that can hold a few folding chairs, water hose, electric cord, garbage bags, etc. Does anyone know of something that can mount over the rear bumper that looks good (aluminum or stainless)? I don't mind if the bumper storage gets covered up. Weight on the back bumper area is not an issue 'cause it won't be carrying very much stuff.

Thanx, Lance

Foiled Again · 10-16-2007, 08:50 PM

The frame on an Airstream is lightweight and flexes a bit. The rear end particularly can be quite springy. Add even 50/100 lbs. on the end of it will make the frame act like a catapult, spring loading and firing each time you hit a bump in the road. Putting extra weight on the tongue is a better idea.

BillTex · 10-17-2007, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TennisMan

I'd like to have an exterior storage "trunk" of some sort that can hold a few folding chairs, water hose, electric cord, garbage bags, etc. Does anyone know of something that can mount over the rear bumper that looks good (aluminum or stainless)? I don't mind if the bumper storage gets covered up. Weight on the back bumper area is not an issue 'cause it won't be carrying very much stuff.

Thanx, Lance

Isn't that what the truck is for?

I agree, weight on the bumper is not a good idea...

Bill

Minnie's Mate · 10-17-2007, 08:10 AM

Spare tires, bi-cycles, and storage boxes on the back bumper have caused rear end sag on even the newer models. Best to keep in or on top of the tow vehicle. If you tow with a full sized SUV, a roof-top luggage carrier is a good option. If you tow with a truck, a tool box or afore mentioned luggage carrier in the bed of the truck works, or a retractable tonaue (sp?) cover works really well.

doorgunner · 10-17-2007, 08:26 AM

Recently, on this forum, a picture of wally with his trailer, somewhere in the alps ,on one of his excursions. YUP you guessed it, there on the rear bumper of his trailer was a bike!
Didn't anyone else see this?

mistral blue · 10-17-2007, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Recently, on this forum, a picture of wally with his trailer, somewhere in the alps ,on one of his excursions. YUP you guessed it, there on the rear bumper of his trailer was a bike!
Didn't anyone else see this?

Sorry I can't help you on the trunk idea TennisMan. But I think this Ardean Miller photo is what DG is referring to. 47WeeWind posted it not too long ago. (I love it!

)

doorgunner · 10-18-2007, 08:33 AM

yup thats the one!

CanoeStream · 10-18-2007, 08:45 AM

I don't think Wally was traveling at 60mph over bouncy interstate concrete seams. Moment arms amplify forces the further back you get.

No matter how you argue the physics or beam strength of Airstream frames, experience continues to show that all years are subject to breakdown of the seal at the aft shell and bumper. Why spit into the wind?

doorgunner · 10-18-2007, 08:50 AM

So driving on cobblestone is better at reduced speeds? Wally musta been quite a spitter!! LMAO.
I just wanted to see the pic again- thought it was quite nice!

CanoeStream · 10-18-2007, 08:59 AM

Seeing his TV there -- I was a military dependent in central France from 1957-1960. There were craning necks and stares at our monstrosity '56 Chev station wagon everywhere we went.

safari57 · 10-18-2007, 09:26 AM

Of course the other thing to remember is Wally just happened to have a group of people all extremely willing to repair any problems he may have had on the road as soon as he got home. The rest of us have to pay for this - or do it ourselves.

What is the thought on extending the front tongue area to accommodate a trunk as an alternative? I realize it increases tongue weight, but if a trunk is needed to make the trailering experience a quality one is that an option?

Just throwing out ideas to see if we can help someone with a need.......

Barry

PS: I love Wally's TV set up. I think El Jeffe on the Forum uses a '57 Caddy to tow his Flying Cloud - I'm SO jealous - they are gorgeous cars, ride great, and did I mention they are gorgeous.

CanoeStream · 10-18-2007, 09:45 AM

Extending the tongue might be a problem. The Euro Airstreams have different hitch-to-axle positions, lighter tongue weights, and deviate from the normal 11-13% of trailer weight that must be on the tongue. I know lightening the tongue on American proportioned trailers gets unstable real quick! Proposing extending the A-frame would take some good engineering/testing. Rather than saying "you'll die!" I think I must say we'd be bankrupted by the liability issues.

safari57 · 10-18-2007, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Extending the tongue might be a problem. The Euro Airstreams have different hitch-to-axle positions, lighter tongue weights, and deviate from the normal 11-13% of trailer weight that must be on the tongue. I know lightening the tongue on American proportioned trailers gets unstable real quick! Proposing extending the A-frame would take some good engineering/testing. Rather than saying "you'll die!" I think I must say we'd be bankrupted by the liability issues.

Thanks Bob. I wondered why no one has suggested this in the past. Now I know, and now that you mention it I remember (barely) from my trailer building days how important the basics are to safe towing. Oh, how quickly we forget.

Barry

mistral blue · 10-18-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

What is the thought on extending the front tongue area to accommodate a trunk as an alternative? I realize it increases tongue weight, but if a trunk is needed to make the trailering experience a quality one is that an option?

Just throwing out ideas to see if we can help someone with a need.......

... I thought these threads might be of interest. I'm sure there are many more....
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f448...ion-30513.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...ting-4889.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f198...mbi-13142.html