I am new to the Airstream community and have recently begun to contemplate ownership. I am building a garage and want to make sure that I have the clearance for storage some day. What is the typical clearance for a 18-22' Airstream?
Typically, with an AC Unit, about 10.5 feet, maybe just hair under. Without, 9 feet. Searching for this is hard, I tried one time. Search the forums here, especially for some service manual page that everyone refers to. Then check the Vintageairstream.com site, and finally, call Airstream, they usually can help.
Know this: make you door 12 feet tall and you'll have no problem.
The Airstream Corporate site lists the exterior height of current production models with air conditioners as being 9' 7-1/2" tall. Of course you would want to allow a few inches more for good measure so I wouldn't put up anything with less than 10' of clearance. I think you will find the exterior height hasn't varied all that much over time. The trailers have gotten a few inches taller over time as the general population has gotten taller. Each time the style has changed, the trailer height has grown. The older trailers aren't as tall as those produced in the 60's and the 60's aren't quite as tall as those produced now.
GStephens
Well this has gotten me to thinking... With a roof mount air on the '67 20 ft. Globetrotter, and, at times having to stand on a two foot step stool to make the sticky old awning close I bet it's around 9 feet. Sounds like a project for this evening. The only thing I know for sure is that when the old bias ply tires were replaced with radial, she dropped about 1 1/2 inches. If I get a good measurement tonight I'll post a reply tomorrow.
Based on the factory's ability to measure (they still quote ball height that is about 2 inches low), I would suggest getting an actual measurement of a current unit and give yourself some extra height. What about clearance for a motorhome? Might you want one someday?
All I know is that in order to get our '67 GT in through the 10' door, we had to let out a little air from the tires. It may be that we could have made it, but it was just to close to call.....
Mine, with a new A/C unit on top, was just under 10'4". This is with a new axle, new tires, and a new A/C unit that is taller than stock. I have a friend with an Argosy MH, and his is only a foot or so taller.
The best thing is to measure your trailer, and add a few inches to be conservative.
Terry
Went out last night and measured the old girl. 9'5" to the top of the a/c. Figure in 35 years of axle sag and probably about 600# of stuff we keep it loaded with during the camping season I can see why it might be a little lower than Barbera's.
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Sounds like a project for this evening. The only thing I know for sure is that when the old bias ply tires were replaced with radial, she dropped about 1 1/2 inches. If I get a good measurement tonight I'll post a reply tomorrow.
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