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pxlchk1 · 02-04-2012, 04:33 PM

Hi everyone!

I'm on my 3rd vintage camper and working our way toward our dream trailer, the Airstream. I'm selling my 1955 Yellowstone in order to purchase it and would be very thankful for any insight to this model I can gather.

We're in the process of buying a 1973 Airstream Tradewind. The only thing I know about this model is that it's a good size for our small family and that it's the model my grandparents had, which makes it extra special.

It needs a lot of work, but I enjoy that sort of thing.

Are there any typical Tradewind quirks that I should be looking for?

Thank you in advance!

-Alana

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moparjohn · 02-04-2012, 06:55 PM

I proudly own a 73 tradewind. Just the right size for me. Airstreams of this age are simular in certain areas. Look for worn axles, floor rot by the door and in the extreme rear under the bathroom cabinet. Over all my Airstream was well cared for but still needs replacement for worm items. I have been correcting and replacing items in need as time and oney purmits. Enjoy the journey, and the destination. MPJ

pxlchk1 · 02-04-2012, 08:02 PM

Thank you for the tips!

Do you happen to know what the true tongue weight is supposed to be according to Airstream? I'm finding 500 lbs, 600, even 800 which seems really high.

I haven't installed an equalizer hitch or sway bar on my current camper. It sounds like I'll want one for the Tradewind, but I'm not sure if this is the answer to what I think I need it to do. Does the equalizer actually ease some of the tongue weight?

-Alana

RichHog · 02-04-2012, 11:43 PM

I had a 72 Tradewind and did a lot of work storing it. Look under the Tradewind part of the forums to find a lot on restoration. At vintageairstream.com there are sample pics and info on them. Mine got stolen about a year ago bout after I was done putting 8k into her. There are easy to pull and you can just about take the interior apart with a Philips screwdriver and pliers.

RichHog · 02-04-2012, 11:53 PM

Here's the price vrs condition table with the Tradewind listed

http://www.vintageairstream.com/rr_t...on.html#TableB

Here are photos from their site

http://www.vintageairstream.com/arch...ind/index.html

dwightdi · 02-05-2012, 04:07 AM

Check the load carrying capacity specs. on your tow vehicle. W/D hitches increase the capacity of your vehicle by reducing the weight on the rear tires and increasing it on the front wheels. The stiffness of the W/D bars can effect the ride of your package, so go as light as you can. Also, make sure you have sufficient braking capacity and the total weight of the trailer is not so high as to throw the tow vehicle around during emergency maneuvers. Check the directory to see if there is a vintage club member in your area that could help you.

pxlchk1 · 02-05-2012, 02:50 PM

OH NO! That's terrible. Have you ever posted pics of it through national Craigslist sites? That is such a violation of spirit. I know how long and hard it is to work on a camper. I've fixed 2 up so far and look forward to every free weekend that I have to do it. I can't imagine someone just revoking it all. Oh that makes me angry!