Buying OLD trailer, wondering about axle, frame, and brakes
I'm trying to find an old 23' - 25' vintage airstream, but am then gutting it, so looking for a cheap'o, probably one that has been sitting on someones property for a while. I am totally new to airstreams and don't know much about cars either. I'll be getting the trailer off craigslist, so i'll be dealing with private party and feel like i should know what i'm doing (as much as possible anyways) so i don't buy a trailer that needs $$$ worth of work done on it.
What are some good things to look at that are indicators about whether the axle, frame, and brakes are in good or bad shape?
Any info is much appreciated.
First thing go jump on back bumper real hard! If you separates then run! The frame is bad!!! Axles seem to be a big topic also. First thing go straight to tire shop also.
First thing go jump on back bumper real hard! If you separates then run!
good to know...i'll be sure to bring my running shoes!
"Old Nuke" -
thanks for the insight, i hope i don't make the same...mistake. i'll be gutting it anyways, but i need the 'bones' to be strong and reliable.
And i never thought of bringing my own tires, but that could be very smart.
Nomad, you REALLY need to do a few days' reading of the gazillion threads here on the forum. This is complicated information and, believe me, it's ALL been covered before. It's always nice to get new people into our Airstream world -- and welcome! --but you won't glean enough info from the random responses you might get here on this thread, since you are at the very beginning of yer search.
I recommend taking a look at the "full monty" threads on gutting, dismantling & rebuilding an Airstream before you go any further.
__________________ Of course I'm an elitist. Look around you.
Hello Simon, And welcome to the AS Forum,
Your posting reminds me of our situation. My wife and I bought a '58 Flying Cloud last January on a whim. We knew absolutely nothing about Airstreams or RV'ing in general, but were bored and thought it might be fun to fix up "one of those old trailers that looks like a toaster". Sure enough we found one on Craig's list a couple hours drive away. Seller said it was road ready & safe to tow. It was not, but we got it home on a "wing & a prayer." He also said it needed about 10 hours of work. We've been working on this project nearly every day since then and spent over $5K and I think I'm about half-way done with what they call here a " full Monty".
I think the biggest issue with older trailers is leaks and the resulting rot, especially in the floor. If the floor is rotten - and it often is in several places - you pretty much have to gut it. As I soon found out. Some people even take off the entire outer shell.
At any rate, your time wil be well spent reading the threads on this forum. You'll find a wealth of information on every aspect of "Airstreamin'"
As for the running gear, now that I know better, I would say error on the side of caution. Some people show up to retrieve their vintage trailers with replacement wheels and tires. You might be OK with no brakes on a smaller, lighter trailer and a short trip. Plan on replacing all the running gear eventually including the axel and/or having the leaf springs rebuilt.
Good luck with your search and learn all you can and perhaps unlike the wife and I, you'll know what you're getting into.
OBTW We're "hooked"; she's not for sale.
__________________ John Whyte Odessa, WA (the geographic center of nowhere)
In re-reading your initial post, you are tilting at windmills. There is NO WAY that you will find a "cheapo" Airstream that doesn't need "$$$ work done to it."
Honestly...
__________________ Of course I'm an elitist. Look around you.
This reply is not meant to dash your hopes or plans in any way, it's just information...
Any old airstream with "good bones" ain't going to be "cheapo"
Here is why: If it's in great original shape, it isn't cheap, and probably shouldn't actually be gutted for some other project.
If it's been sitting in some field, it isn't going to have good bones. In fact it may have no bones.
If it was sitting in some field, and someone already repaired it's bones, they have spent either a lot of time or money, and are done with the hard part, so they are not going to give it up, at least not for cheap. It's all down hill for them at that point.
Do you intend to use this in the Berkley area? or the Bay area? Those are both areas with A) a lot of rules about such things, and B) a lot of areas where a mobile kitchen won't fit well, because of narrow winding streets.
I think you are looking to have someone else do the work on the trailer for you? Just so you know, it will not be cheap to have done. Most on here, rehabbing AS's are the types who can/will/have done this before or are willing to learn as they go.. It's in no way cost effective to pay someone to work on your old trailer or car.
Good Luck.
__________________
See our blog here on how two RV/AS rookies tackle a 1979 Sovereign resto!!
Link to just the photos.. (sometimes you don't need the blog, just a picture worth a thousand words..)
1979 Sovereign International
2004 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
2 Golden Retrievers
Airstreams are designed as travel trailers. If your intent is to build out an empty shell for another application, then you need to be aware of the design and structural limitiations of an Airstream, and the geometries of towing.
Significant changes in weight and the distribution of weight can create significant issues if not thought out and planned for. I'm all for something new and different, just suggesting you continue seeking advice if you feel that you are in uncharted waters so to speak.
Some trailers have lead abused, or neglected lives, and are better off salvaged for other purposes. I applaud you for looking at a derelict units rather than attempting to take a usable, or restorable unit out of service.
Regards and Welcome,
Kevin
__________________ Experience can be a difficult teacher...You usually get the lesson first...And the instruction afterwards...
I found my '68 on Craig's List. I got lucky. Mine was sitting in front of the house for over 18 years, full of storage junk in cardboard boxes. Owner of the investment house that was rented needed to clean out the area - zoning issues for him. Trees and bushes had grown up all around. The AS had sat so long that "my baby" was up to dirt to the frame. She had no title and a couple of plastic windows and I paid $1,200. I made a deal with the seller - paid 1/2 now and remainder when I got the title from the state. A lot of work later I sent in $275 to Broadway Title in Alabama and title showed up in less than 10 days. So about 7 months later the seller got the rest of his money. You don't hear a story like that - honest nice man. Over the months we have become friends. Seller delivered As to me and my dirty, long hours began. I had helpers to do the heavy work (removal of old appliances, etc., floor repairs, cleaning of all the dodo from former tenants (birds, rats, racoons etc.) and then bug bombs every week for a long time. I have not added up the receipts to date - I know it's over $13,000. The reason for this long conversation - go for it. Just be aware that it's a lot of work and will be a big cost - especially for you. You may want to pay more money up front for a AS that has had the undercarriage already done and then you need only to redo the interior. What every you decide, go for it! Keep us informed.
The frame is heavier, stronger and there is more of it on the competition: Avion, Silver Streak and Streamline. Less likelihood of leaks as well. Only A/S used the floor as a structural element (semi-monococque design), on the others the walls and roof are connected to, but not supported by the flooring. (This is a simplification). The suspension on non-A/S trailers is either simpler & stronger (leaf), or more rugged (Avion, depending on year). These can sit for years in place and not ruin the axles as which happens with A/S. Etc.
Approximately pre-1966 is non-anodized aluminum, afterwards is bulletproof anodized.
A/S is cool, to a point. If H-D is the practical reason for buying an aluminum trailer, then the competition is the better choice. Not to mention they are cheaper to buy, fix and maintain. Streamline had the distinction all-aluminum cabinetry. (And option some years was a built-in hydraulic leveling system at all four corners. You cannot jack up an A/S the same way).
See the Vintage Kin sub-forum, and do some comparison shopping.
"Commercial kitchens" have been made from all brands as I recall. Maybe an owner can be found and quizzed. The electrical and plumbing will be $$ to meet code requirements, I would imagine. 1972 or later for dual holding tanks.
I second the idea of a van to be the hauler. Short rear body overhang (past rear axle) for best handling/maneuverability.
No matter the brand, this site will furnish the most info for all "travel trailer" compatible issues you may have.
Good luck.
__________________
2004.0 DODGE 2500 Cummins 305/555; 6-manual, 7,400-lbs; 19 mpg city; 22-25 hwy; 13-15 towing. All miles at 1,700-1,900 rpm.
Sold: 1983 Silver Streak3411 Supreme; 6,860# (8,000 GVWR)
Classified section, vintage kin http://www.airstreamclassifieds.com/...p?product=6935
Wow!
well that was a lot of info.
Just to clarify, this thread was to ask, when i am in front of a potential AS, what are good things to look at that are indicators about the structural soundness of the frame, shell, and possibly axle.
The bigger picture - My plans are to take an airstream, gut it, refurbish it as a commercial kitchen. I have done blueprints of the interior (23'-25' is perfect), i know all the weights of my appliances, and cost of everything in an extremely accurate budget. (a tow vehicle with a 10k capacity is what i want, my total weight will only be in the range of 7k-8k.) In terms of the axle, i know that i'll be needing a double 5k. In '69 23' had double axle option with 2.6k each. So i was thinking i can put the single axle 5k in place of double axle, creating 10k. I may be totally wrong, that it's not possible.
In terms of cost, i'm hoping for a trailer that is under $5k. My concern is if i buy a $3k A/S and then still have to do all the work i would've for a $1k i would be...bummed.
And one more thought - i won't be doing any of the real work myself, so far i'm thinking Inland RV. They seem really knowledgeable and helpful. I'd have them do the axle work, cut out a service window, repair any structural issues, and cut the hole for the hood. Possibly do electric and plumbing.
Yes this is a big job...a "Full Monty". I'm in it for the long haul (so to speak). Thanks for all the advice and concern.
And one more thought - i won't be doing any of the real work myself, so far i'm thinking Inland RV. They seem really knowledgeable and helpful.
If you already know about Inland RV I would suggest you get up with Andy R. at Inland if you have not already done so. He's a very knowledgable and willing contributor to the forums.
Regards,
__________________ Experience can be a difficult teacher...You usually get the lesson first...And the instruction afterwards...
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