53 Flying Cloud with no bath

[ptbeth]

Hello-- We don't have an Airstream yet, but are looking at a few to buy. We saw a very nice looking 23' (stated) 1953 Flying Cloud that is all original but has no bathroom. How difficult is it to add a bath? Really, we just want the toilet. Looks like the closet is over the wheel well. Thanks!

[Alloy Idler]

1953 Flying Cloud - best trailer ever, but then I am biased.

Fiftythree Flying Cloud

She should be 21ft long and have a toilet over the streetside wheel well but no bath. They vary slightly but most have a double across the rear (lovely) and dinette across the front.

Personally I love the 21ft Flying Clouds because they are the last of the symmetrical ended Flying Clouds - from 54 they added an extra foot and the rear end is swept out. 53 also has the much stronger ladder frame chassis, whereas the 50 & 51s have a pipe frame (often a nightmare to restore).

Beware of floor rot. You may need to do more than patch it as 58 yr old plywood + water = problems. I opted for a comprehensive body off restoration, but if you're lucky you may get away with repairs.

Good luck

Chris

[pinktrailer]

I have a '53 Clipper, which was one of the few models built without a bathroom. I, too, have the huge closet over the wheel well on the curb side. I have a portapotty which I keep in the closet, take out at night, and put away during the day time. Since my trailer is all original I don't want to alter it in any way. I had thought of installing a toilet over the wheel well in that closet, or using the porta potty in the closet, but, without building up the floor, it is just too high of a step up (really, "sit up")

[ptbeth]

Thanks, and thanks for a link to your blog! I think we'll check it out in person this weekend and see how real life matches the photos.

[ptbeth]

This one we are looking at is all original, too. Not sure how we will feel about modifying it. We'll check it out this weekend. Thanks for the input!

[Alloy Idler]

If you do want to install a toilet you would either have to add a black tank or go down the portapotti / cassette toilet route. We plan the latter and will add a cassette toilet encased in aluminium (to fit the 50s look) but with a side door access, so the cassette can be removed from outside.

Also if you want a source of interior inspiration, do get a copy of David Winick's book custom vintage airstream travel trailers

Good luck

Chris

[Melody Ranch]

That 53 is too nice to carve up. and, it sounds like, unless you have a pro do the job, it's a task beyond you. Why not get a Globetrotter or safari...thats done...in that same 10 grand range? I know you will enjoy them more. Now, if your into Airstreaming without the joys of a bath/toilet and hot water.....go for it,