The Walkers' Arctic Renovation: 1967 Tradewind

[TouringDan]

Nice work on the range hood. I like the lights you added.

Dan

[Dwwalker18]

Thanks Dan!

I haven’t done a lot of physical work on Otis in a couple weeks, but I’ve been putting some effort into planning out the waste water and fresh water systems.

I am about 90% sure I want to go with a composting toilet to remove the requirement for a black tank, since the original design only accommodated one tank.

Currently, I am trying to estimate how much gray and fresh water capacity I will need. Having never camped like this before, I would really appreciate your feedback!

I understand usage really depends on the two of us, but right now my design requirements are for two adults, for 4 days. I don’t think we will often, or ever, go boondocking longer than that.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[badpaddler]

Amazon will ship the Nature Head composter to your door Prime. ;-) Had one shipped out by chena lakes a year ago. We are currently redoing a 18 footer and a 1967 safari. Wish I would have known you were here. I had some leftover parts. We had to go shell off for our safari as the floor and frame had very significant issues.

[badpaddler]

Let me know if you need any help with anything on it. I have tools and a tiny bit of know how. I do know electrical though. :-)

[Dwwalker18]

Badpaddler, would love to meet up at some point. I wasn’t sure there was anyone else crazy enough to take on an Airstream Reno this far north! Sounds like you are a bit further along than I am, and I’d love to see what you’ve done!

[badpaddler]

Originally Posted by Dwwalker18

Badpaddler, would love to meet up at some point. I wasn’t sure there was anyone else crazy enough to take on an Airstream Reno this far north! Sounds like you are a bit further along than I am, and I’d love to see what you’ve done!

Definitely. Our safari has stalled out right now. I have the aluminum walls in, but have been waiting for it to warm up to do the segmented end caps. Spent a tons of money at alaska steel for aluminum for sure. We are completely redoing everything from cabinets to plumbing, wiring, etc... the 58 18 footer is a more simple reno.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by Dwwalker18

I am about 90% sure I want to go with a composting toilet to remove the requirement for a black tank, since the original design only accommodated one tank.

Currently, I am trying to estimate how much gray and fresh water capacity I will need. Having never camped like this before, I would really appreciate your feedback!

I understand usage really depends on the two of us, but right now my design requirements are for two adults, for 4 days. I don’t think we will often, or ever, go boondocking longer than that.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Dan

If you are only talking about 4 days, you might consider a Curve porta potty. I have attached a photo, but there are more photos and discussion in the trailer renovation thread- Dan’s 66 Tradewind Improvements.

The advantages are: it is cheap, about $150; it is light, less than 10 lbs; it is smaller, so it fits within the console. If you install it and you don’t like it, you can then install the composting toilet. You haven’t lost anything except $150. We like it and no need for a black tank.

Dan

[TouringDan]

Dan

Sorry, here is the photo.

Dan

[Dwwalker18]

Dan,

Thanks for the great recommendation. I think spending $150 to help figure out what I actually need is worth the investment, rather than nearly $1000 and regretting it.

[Slats]

I bought one some time back to use while working on the Tradewind. I'm sold on it, based on the simplicity of the thing, but can't seem to convince the other half to accept anything other than the standard flush model. Oh well.

[AlaskaElaine]

Hello my fellow interior Alaska airstreamers! I’m located in Healy, and I just started working on my 1972 31’ land yacht sovereign international. I think I’m already in over my head. Lol.

Frankensteined a couple patches over two large holes in the front skin over the hitch. I did manage to straighten out the bent ribs for the most part and figured that watertight is better than pretty at the moment for patches. Don’t laugh (ok it’s okay to laugh) I used New stovepipe to cover holes and gutter sealer with some rivets. The whole piece needs replacing but I cannot do that at the moment.

Started removing interior skins. Now realizing I have to completely clear out all the stored items and interior fixtures to finish doing this. (There goes my dry storage lol). Pretty much on my own, my dear hubby thinks “Lenora “ should be disposed of (not in a million years). Need to replace some flooring too. I’m pretty handy but definitely could use advice.

Any chance of us interior Alaskan tin can enthusiasts getting together for a meet and greet? I’d love to see a renovation in progress so I could get some tips.

Happy trails!

[Dwwalker18]

Originally Posted by AlaskaElaine

Any chance of us interior Alaskan tin can enthusiasts getting together for a meet and greet? I’d love to see a renovation in progress so I could get some tips.



Happy trails!

I’m on board! Next time you’re planning a trip up to Fairbanks let me know!

Dan

[badpaddler]

Originally Posted by AlaskaElaine

Hello my fellow interior Alaska airstreamers! I’m located in Healy, and I just started working on my 1972 31’ land yacht sovereign international. I think I’m already in over my head. Lol.

Frankensteined a couple patches over two large holes in the front skin over the hitch. I did manage to straighten out the bent ribs for the most part and figured that watertight is better than pretty at the moment for patches. Don’t laugh (ok it’s okay to laugh) I used New stovepipe to cover holes and gutter sealer with some rivets. The whole piece needs replacing but I cannot do that at the moment.

Started removing interior skins. Now realizing I have to completely clear out all the stored items and interior fixtures to finish doing this. (There goes my dry storage lol). Pretty much on my own, my dear hubby thinks “Lenora “ should be disposed of (not in a million years). Need to replace some flooring too. I’m pretty handy but definitely could use advice.

Any chance of us interior Alaskan tin can enthusiasts getting together for a meet and greet? I’d love to see a renovation in progress so I could get some tips.

Happy trails!

Same here. I will be starting on the segmented end caps for the Safari this weekend. Probably gonna cut in the black tank as well.

As far as a composter goes, we have the Natureshead that we were going to put in the Safari,. but decided to put in a black tank on there, and then put the composter in the 18 footer (because of space constraints with fitting a black tank in there). That way we can juts have an above floor grey tank and not have to worry about peeling the skin off the bottom.

[AlaskaElaine]

Awesome! I get up that way on a regular basis. I will definitely get ahold of you.

[Dwwalker18]

Looking forward to it! I’m open to hosting our gathering when the time comes!

[Dwwalker18]

I think I’ve selected a holding tank, but wanted to get the thoughts of those more experienced in these matters before I commit and buy.



Of concern, the skid plates only extend 7.5 inches below the floor, and this is 9 inches at the deepest. Is that going to be an issue?

Dan

[badpaddler]

Originally Posted by Dwwalker18

I think I’ve selected a holding tank, but wanted to get the thoughts of those more experienced in these matters before I commit and buy.

Attachment 338603

Of concern, the skid plates only extend 7.5 inches below the floor, and this is 9 inches at the deepest. Is that going to be an issue?

Dan

I happen to have a band new unused tank if you are interested........ It is this one. It would be a very reduced price......

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Dwwalker18]

Badpaddler,

Once I get back underneath the trailer and take a few measurements I will let you know. My guess is I’m just going to try to stick with a single tank in the rear bay, however.

On another note, repainted the badges. A simple task, but at least gives me the illusion of progress.

[Slats]

Dan - In my view, performing this kind of little task is essential to maintaining one's sanity in pursuing these projects. I have lost count of the days when I have, at the end of the day, felt less than sanguine for the middling amount accomplished. But then I remind myself that I have at least taken another bite out of the elephant, no matter how small. Welcome to this weird support group, where folks wander around with aluminum in brown paper bags. We may all ultimately wind up under a bridge somewhere, but at least it will be in an Airstream.

[badpaddler]

Originally Posted by badpaddler

I happen to have a band new unused tank if you are interested........ It is this one. It would be a very reduced price......

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No worries. I also have to order another sheet of 3003 aluminum. I am ordering 2 because the second sheet is only $30 more. Do you have a need for any?