I've been cleaning house on our new to us 66 Trade Wind. I've noticed some nifty details as I clean up cob webs, stains, grime, dust accumulation, etc. It's fun to see "how it was made" so many years ago.
The single pane Corning window glass and regulators are neat and work good.
The bathroom design was quite good for its time. The padded seat for a toilet cover is clever.
There is a lot of storage in the bathroom.
The bifold door works well. Better than the sliding door on my 86.
The floor tiles are tough stuff. 47 years and still looking pretty good.
The vinyl clad interior sheets are very robust and clean up nicely. Better than my 86 zolotone paint.
The cabinetry is well built. My 86 is nicer except for the raised panel doors.
The metal locker door latches are robust. Mine are corroded some, but work well. Much better than my 86.
There is not much hanging wardrobe space.
The galley sink porcelain is still in excellent shape.
I love those little drain catch baskets that fit inside the drains in the galley.
The counter tops are still in excellent shape.
The plastic wheel wells are thicker and stronger than my 86.
The gaucho slide mechanism is very robust.
The bed frames and mattress supports are made much stronger than my 86.
The vinyl accordian door hanger is so robust I could do chin ups on it. My 86, no way.
The door knob latch and deadbolt are still working. My 86 was replaced years ago, and is starting to wear out again.
There is not much food and utensil storage room in the galley.
All the overhead
12v lights work, and the 4 position rotary switches still work. My 86 rocker switches fail from time to time.
I don't like pulling the shore power and water connections through the port on the rear bottom of the trailer. Unhandy and an open invitation for mice.
The black water tank drain is clumsy, but unlike my 86, you can get at the blade valve to service it if necessary. Mine looks original, my 86 has been replaced.
The roof vent covers are robust. Mine are not dented. My 86 had lexan skylights that broke up and leaked.
This 66 appears to have fewer leaks than my 86. I do have leaks at the vent pipe exits that I need to address.
My point is "they don't make them like they use to." This 66 seems better built than my son's 69 Globe Trotter. His cabinetry is flimsy and braking up. And his trailer layout is not very good in my opinion.
Maybe better built is why there is a strong following of 60s Trade Winds.
David