Atomic's 1968 Tradewind Twin Renovation

[docflyboy]

Brian- really great work. Just got my Caravel back from Texas. Love the nice work on everything, especially your electrical layout.

[KZGoodchild]

Hey I see you went with the Dickinson stove ! We considered this and almost bought a used one but it sold before we could finalize. How doe sit heat in the winter ?? or colder months, curious to find out. Cheers. PS love the dining room table ! What sort of wood ? Also curious why you did not go with flexible panels on roof looks like rigid ?

[Atomic_13]

While I haven’t slept in this trailer yet (nearing the end of its renovation), I’ve used the Dickinson P12000 LP heater over the past two winters during the renovation. Overall, I’m quite pleased with it. The manufacturer rates its capability at 1100 ft3 (my Tradewind is approximately 950 ft3). While it doesn’t heat as fast as a forced air furnace, I’ve been able to reach the upper 60s/low 70s inside the trailer when the outside temperatures were in the low 20s. It uses very little propane or power. I also installed a catalytic heater in the rear bathroom to supplement the Dickinson. Keep in mind this doesn’t heat water tanks either so I installed heating pads below the tanks.

The dinette table is made with walnut.

Regarding the solar panels, while I love the looks of low profile flexible panels, I chose function over form and opted for rigid panels since they last 4-5 times longer. This isn’t a restored show trailer. My planned use for the trailer is off grid/very remote locations independent of shore power so longevity and reliability won out over aesthetics. I’m optimistic the awning will make it looks a bit less like the ISS.

[Slats]

I had to smile at that disclaimer. At our little October gatherings down at the Roasterie, Atomic’s trailer is the one that draws the most oohhs and aahhs. For a trailer that is not a show trailer, it shows pretty well. Having learned much from following his tightly constructed, informative posts, I now look forward to the upcoming ones recounting his travels.

[dbj216]

We look forward to Atomic_13 renovation of his 68 Overlander 26'. A new thread, more learning from his advanced construction techniques, what he will do with the extra 2 feet. More room for solar panels I suspect.

I feel the 1968 model year is very popular with vintage Airstream enthusiasts as the last of the "twinkie" body style, one of the last of the 2024T3 Alclad aluminum exterior, and those dang Corning curved glass windows.

David

[Atomic_13]

Looking forward to working on the Overlander. Been a while since I’ve talked about it. We’ve already dropped the belly pan (believe the frame is good), replaced all the windows with original corning glass, replaced the windows seals and operators, replaced/sealed the vent stacks, and inspected the subfloor, which is in decent shape. Olie is so much better off than ‘ole Windy (my Tradewind). I’m considering chopping it down to a 22’ tandem axle for just Mrs Atomic and me. Hope to install a mini split AC leaving plenty of roof room for solar.



However, I’m a bit behind on house maintenance so this project will need to be delayed a bit longer. I would also very much prefer to have dedicated shop space near my home to renovate a second trailer but it’s pretty expensive to do so. We’ll have to see what the pandemic does to our long term financial plans.

Regarding the Tradewind, I ran across a CAT scale with and without my trailer. Used the CAT scale iPhone app so it was super easy (no need to go inside the truck stop). Dry trailer weight ended up at 5340 pounds (not bad for a 6” tall new frame). Tongue weight was 740. After adding LP to the two 30# tanks I'm at 5400 for the trailer with a 800# tongue weight.

Guessing I'll add 1000 of stuff inside the trailer (mainly over the trailer axles) bringing it to 6400. I'm also 1500 pounds under my steer and drive axle weight ratings (2019 F250 diesel). By the time I add 3 additional family members and camping gear in the truck bed I’ll have just enough payload for a filled water bladder to transfer 60 gallons into my freshwater tank once I reach the remote trout stream at the end of the dirt road.

The 800# tongue weight ends up at 12.5% of 6400, which is exactly where I’d hoped it would be for safe trailering. The trucks steer axle does lose 220# when the trailer is hitched. Probably should distribute some of that weight back forward using anti sway / weight distribution bars.

[docflyboy]

Originally Posted by Atomic_13

... By the time I add 3 additional family members and camping gear in the truck bed I’ll have just enough payload for a filled water bladder to transfer 60 gallons into my freshwater tank once I reach the remote trout stream at the end of the dirt road.

Brian- you made me laugh. My kids won't ride in the truck bed, no matter how tired I am of them...LOL

[Atomic_13]

Jerry - all the pandemic-induced family togetherness must have me subliminally seeking solitude.

[dbj216]

Thank you for the photo of Ollie the Overlander. You have already done a ton of work to it considering the window overhaul and belly drop. It sounds like Ollie survived the aging process much better than I have.

Windy is a robust trailer indeed. It is not going to be affected by those strong Kansas crosswinds on I-70 to Colorado. Geez, what a beautiful Airstream.
When will you make your first trip in the new Trade Wind?

David

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by Atomic_13

By the time I add 3 additional family members and camping gear in the truck bed I’ll have just enough payload for a filled water bladder to transfer 60 gallons into my freshwater tank once I reach the remote trout stream at the end of the dirt road.

Originally Posted by docflyboy

Brian- you made me laugh. My kids won't ride in the truck bed, no matter how tired I am of them...LOL

I got a laugh out of this too, but I was thinking there should be a thread to cover all the considerations when adding those "3 additional family members". Where do get them? How old should they be? Male or female? Are you going to adopt them? Marry? Would you take volunteers from the forums? There are so many factors to consider when adding family members.

[Atomic_13]

Too funny. If my wife and kids read this post I may be the one in the truck bed.

[docflyboy]

At least a 60 gallon water bladder should either hold them in place or cushion the ribs in the F-250 bed floor.

[Joyflea]

Nice !

[Atomic_13]

There is nothing like a deadline to motivate you to wrap up odds and ends during an airstream renovation. We’ve scheduled a few camping nights next week to test out the trailer. Later this summer, we’ll be moving my oldest to Ann Arbor, MI for graduate school. We plan to use the truck and trailer to help get his stuff up north and then spend some time in the U.P. As a result of all this last minute work, I’m behind on posting updates here. So here is a summary of what I’ve been up to:

Re-certified/refilled the two 30# aluminum propane tanks and fabricated a tank lock.



Wrapped various sections of the LP lines below the trailer with garden hose and zip ties to prevent damage from road debris.

Replaced various exterior lights with LED (brake/reverse/scare) so the trailer is 100% LED which helps reduce amp draw immensely.

Replaced the cam locks on the two exterior cargo doors.


Installed waste tank capacity sensors (I sure wished I would have done this prior to closing up the belly pan and flipping the trailer back on its feet).



Inspected and repacked the axle bearings (and as a bonus, repainted my wheels and polished the baby moon hubcaps).


Built a shoe box that slides under the dinette by the entry door.


Installed a bottle opener.


Installed two new window curtain cables for windows that did not have existing tracks.

Purchased fabric, and am currently in the process of sewing curtains (chose to add a layer of blackout fabric as well).


Purchased foam and cut it to size for the cushions (went with natural latex but still need to purchase the batting and upholstery fabric). My trusty 20” serrated cake knife worked well to cut the foam.

Installed a weight distribution/anti sway hitch (BlueOx Sway Pro) using the three pass method on a CAT scale.

Assembled and installed mud flaps (Rock Tamers).

Installed a tire pressure mounting system (TST 507).

Created a pack list and stocked the trailer with various items for cooking, eating, cleaning, bathing, sleeping, etc.

Organized various items needed to connect the trailer to shore power, city water and sewer.

Purchased items needed to level the trailer when at camp (Beach Lane curved levelers, Tri-Lynx orange blocks).

Purchased (or cleaned up existing) outdoor accessories such as lawn chairs, ground mat (CS sand free mat), end tables, items for outdoor cooking/eating (dutch oven, grill, etc).

Developed a departure/arrival check list for the interior and exterior so we don’t forget to do something essential.

Reviewed and modified my tool box so that I can complete repairs that will likely be needed on the road.

Updated my renovation spreadsheet which itemizes each purchase I’ve made for the trailer (don’t ask, it was a lot of money… haha). I’ve been keeping all the receipts as well which I hope will be helpful if I ever decide to sell the trailer.

Obtained an appraisal through Jim Polk (highly recommended, www.polkvaluations.com) and obtained agreed value insurance (expensive!) through Overland Insurance Services (highly recommended, www.rvins.com) who underwrites for Progressive.

With exception of wrapping up sewing the curtains and the upholstery, the trailer is ready to go. For now, we’ll simply cover the foam with bed sheets so that we can give it a test run next week. I don’t want to rush the final upholstery sewing so it will have to do for now. At some point soon, I’ll need to install an awning but I’ve been prioritizing my effort to date on items that were essential to use the trailer.

If anyone is interested in details about any of the above projects, feel free to let me know. Happy to provide them, when time permits.

[Dwwalker18]

I have no doubt your first trip will be a success! Your precision throughout the whole process has been inspirational!

[docflyboy]

I really like the padlock on the propane bottles. Probably not necessary if you have steel ones, but I think the aluminum ones might just be too much temptation for some. I'm planning on a shoe box similar to yours as well. Keep up the great work.

[dbj216]

Man, it would take me a month or longer to do all the items in your last post. Yep, nothing like a deadline to motivate folks. Your family members are going to enjoy this old Trade Wind very much. And it will be an "attractive nuisance" where ever you go, especially vintage rallies. Better get used to it.

I spotted a 67 Trade Wind here in Conifer yesterday. The person said he just purchased it and was towing it home. The body was in good shape, and all the windows were present and accounted for. It will need an Atomic-13 renovation. When can you start?

David

[Atomic_13]

Sign me up for the ‘67 but it will have to wait until my ‘68 Overlander is completed. [emoji4]

The first trip with the Tradewind went well. I have a dozen or so small things to work on to make it a more comfortable living space.

The Blue Ox Sway Pro weight distribution hitch was simply amazing. I tweaked its settings to and from the campground and completed a three pass run on a CAT scale since we were fully loaded for camping. It nearly restored the steer axle weight that was lost after hitching up. Both the trailer and truck rode level. The mild porpoising and sway we experienced towing on the ball only was simply gone. Pretty amazing piece of gear.





With four of us camping in the trailer I learned the importance of having several wall hooks to keep items like hats, keys, and clothing off the seats and countertops. While we likely brought too many items along it was a good test. Of note for coffee drinkers, the aeropress was hands down an excellent, easy cleanup coffee brewer. We enjoyed several meals out of our 12” Dutch oven and also enjoyed making meals on the cooktop.

We do not have an awning yet but were really glad we had a pop up shelter. Some form of easily deployable shade has moved up on the priority list.

Our top priority is to figure out why our DC (Danfoss) refrigerator didn’t perform as well as it did in my test runs at home (hovered between 40-45F verses 34-38 at home). Communal campfire discussions led me to believe that most everyone else was also disappointed in their RV’s refrigerator. It’s worth noting that it was in the upper ‘90s (F) this weekend in Kansas. My prior tests were in the 70s-80s. I’d suspect one could make some serious money by manufacturing a fridge that actually worked well across common ambient conditions.

On this trip we learned that our refrigerator door seal wasn’t tight in the lower 1/3rd of the door. I also found that out air flow and how you pack food in the refrigerator matters in the above conditions. I’m considering adding a small DC fan to move air around. I also want to see if increasing airflow behind the fridge helps. It’s currently installed to exceed the manufacturers airflow specs but it might need more help in really warm weather.

Lots to tinker with and learn about. I’m thankful for that.

[docflyboy]

I feel much better about the three extra family members you procured at least being protected by a camper shell. LOL. Nice rig. Thanks for posting the pics. I was a little concerned about how rigid solar panels might look on my Caravel, but I re-thinking my sequence about buttoning up the interior skins. Your photos from a distance allay a little apprehension on the aesthetics. I just need to know the footprint of my A/C which is still un-purchased, at this point, to know if I've got room up front or on both sides of my vent on the back side.

[Atomic_13]

Given Father’s Day is approaching I was feeling generous and let them ride in the cab.

Regarding solar panels, they definitely are noticeable. Lowering the outermost edges along the trailer would hide them some but at the expense of reducing their operating efficiency (flat install catches more rays). Seems it always comes down to trade offs on these old and small trailers.

I’d suggest looking at Zamp’s new obsidian line.

https://www.zampsolar.com/obsidian

They are 1/3 the height of standard panels. If the long skinny 90 watt panels were available at the time of my purchase I would have likely paid the much higher panel cost to minimize the panel height. For mine, the tractable awning will hide most of the curb side panels so I’ll be content with that.

I’m also planning to add panels (300w) to my truck cap, totaling to 780w. That or portable panels may be an option for you as well. I also use the truck solo as a make shift camper on backcountry fly fishing trips so I wanted a separate solar/lithium system on the truck anyway.