Airstream tow test - Motor Life, 1955

Cruiser · 03-23-2004, 05:15 PM

We've got a reprint of this article. Have other folks seen it?

Cruiser · 03-23-2004, 05:16 PM

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Cruiser · 03-23-2004, 05:18 PM

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Cruiser · 03-23-2004, 05:19 PM

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**jcanavera** · 03-23-2004, 05:41 PM

From what I can read they did a "pedal to the metal test" towing the Airstream and got the combo up to 91 mph! They also did a panic stop from 60 mph. Can you imagine Trailer Life doing a test like this today?????

I continue to read this article. The trailer brakes were manually operated by a control lever. Oh my lord its the "Long Long Trailer". Trailer Brakes! Trailer Brakes!!!

Jack

**flyfshr** · 03-23-2004, 05:46 PM

We need to start an archive section, maybe there already is one. I don't recall seeing one though. All of this info should be available to those owners that are interested. I get a big kick out of all of this stuff.

FF

Cruiser · 03-23-2004, 05:54 PM

flyfshr,
Great idea to archive all this stuff on the forum. I'll contribute copies of our documents! It'd be nice to be able to upload larger files, too. The ones I posted are so hard to read .
Doug

61Overlander · 03-23-2004, 08:53 PM

thanks Doug, I'll get out my bi focals and read that article, Old cars and airstreams, my two favorite passions. Well two of em anyway, drinking beer is right up there too. I remember reading all the Mechanix Illustrated drive reports by Uncle Tom McCahill and his photographer, Brooks Bender. In 1964, the took a new Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special sedan and picked up a 30 ft Airstream, had it hitched up, installed brake controller, got towing instructions and took off cross country. Would love to find that article again. Why, oh why, did my mom throw out my magazines and baseball cards? Mike

61Overlander · 03-23-2004, 09:04 PM

Wow! that ole 55 Merc topped out at 91.6, towing, did 0-60 in 20.1 sec towing, and got an overall 10mpg during the testing! I bet a six cylinder Plymouth with auto was slower than that without towing a 2 ton trailer. Pretty impressive for the time.
'I'm gonna buy me a Mercury' Mike

Cruiser · 03-26-2004, 04:52 PM

61Overlander

Ken's the car buff in the family - and still has a small collection of old car mags. I'll look to see if there's a Mechanix Illus. It'd be great to see that AS article on the x-country trip.
Doug
'Wouldn't you really rather drive a Buick?'
(Our modern version of the old tow cars: '94 Buick Roadmaster)

59toaster · 03-26-2004, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jcanavera
From what I can read they did a "pedal to the metal test" towing the Airstream and got the combo up to 91 mph! They also did a panic stop from 60 mph. Can you imagine Trailer Life doing a test like this today?????

I continue to read this article. The trailer brakes were manually operated by a control lever. Oh my lord its the "Long Long Trailer". Trailer Brakes! Trailer Brakes!!!

Jack

I'm sure they ment the lever on a Kelsey-Hayes Controler. I have original KH manual dated 1957. I also have some Reese DC paper work dated 1963.

I'll get one of our two scanners hooked up on one of our two computers LOL. It's sad. Our New computer doesn't like our old Scanner (software). We didn't move it with the old computer. I have a new scanner that will work with the new computer but it's still sitting in the box in a closet.

What sort of paperwork would you like for the archives?
I have:
KH
Reese DC
original instructions for the coach on the water system, electrical connections for the tow vehicle, heater, charging plug, Septic tank and I'm sure a couple other things.

norbert · 03-26-2004, 08:52 PM

my dad loved tom mc cahill....must have been something about his literary style...i remember he always had a big guffaw when reading his column......tom was a classic which no one can mimic...
norby

Tarheel · 03-28-2004, 08:55 AM

It would really be fun to capture some of the old Airstream articles that have been printed over the years and put them in an archive post. Thanks Jack for sharing this one with us.

Rick