'76 Tradewind 25' Renovation Vintage vs Custom

[txlogic]

I have a 76 tradewind 25' that I am in the process of renovating and I am at the stage where I have to decide on the design to go with. I am trying to wiegh the pros and cons of whether to restore the original desgn or to go with a custom look. With the original look I am concerned about the availabilty of parts. With a custom look, I will need to find someone who can do the work properly and the expense of having everything custom built. Those of you who have already gone through the process, I could really use some advice. I do plan on living in the trailer, but the big reason for the move is i want to travel with it.

Thanks

[kevin242]

If the interior is in good workable condition and you are on a budget, I would stick to original for the most part. There are lots of resources for new and used parts.

If you are hiring someone for a custom interior, it will be very, very expensive.

[txlogic]

Thanks Kevin,

The previous owner already gutted the trailer before I purchased it, so I have to remodel to make it useable. Right now the only two things I know that work are the air conditioner and the refrigerator, I just had the wiring redone and I will have the water system checked next. Then I have to decide which way to go with the design. You said there are lots of resources for new and used parts. Can you recommend some sources that I can research?

[moparjohn]

The trailer is gutted, where are the parts they removed? If you have them, with the Airstream manual, you could rebuild it. OR use the walls/ etc for templates for a renovation. The classified on Airforums is great, E bay, Inland, and several others are out there. Good luck, and if you can post a pic of what you are starting with. John

[kevin242]

airstreamguy.com - Home
Vintage Trailer Supply - parts and supplies for vintage travel trailers and campers!
Out-of-Doors Mart
Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations

You could also post ads yourself online. There's always someone out there who's gutting or parting out a trailer!

[87MH]

Originally Posted by txlogic

... I have to decide ... whether to restore the original desgn or to go with a custom look..... Those of you who have already gone through the process, I could really use some advice. I do plan on living in the trailer, but the big reason for the move is i want to travel with it.

My strong opinion, after spending several years of spare time working on the '78 Sovereign, is to do everything to the interior that suites your fancy and makes the trailer comfortable and "yours".

I have both lived in the trailer for short periods and have travelled with it.

If you feel like trying something different after the initial install, tear it out and install something new.

We have been through no less than four table installs, and are really happy with the current side hang table cut down from a 90's 34' trailer.

In the bedroom area, there have been five separate bed configurations installed. Each one good ideas, but for whatever reason we decided there may be a better arrangement. The current east/west shorty AS queen with rounded corners seems to be optimal.

The point is, YOU will be living in it - do it just the way you want it to be.

[txlogic]

Okay, the trailer is in the shop to have the interior redone. After talking with the shop, I decided to go to Ikea for the cabinets, pantry and closet. Still need a source for the bench/ pullout bed in the middle and the Goucho in front. Any suggestions on this or will they need to be custom built?

Thanks

[webspinner]

Ikea furniture will be heavier than the aluminum+1/4"laminate that made up the original interior. Keep an eye on the extra weight and where it's going. It may change the tongue weight.

[sharwest9782]

Originally Posted by webspinner

Ikea furniture will be heavier than the aluminum+1/4"laminate that made up the original interior. Keep an eye on the extra weight and where it's going. It may change the tongue weight.

Because weight is going to be an issue for me, and I was considering IKEA cabinets also, this is great info for me. i'm going to rethink my plan and see if I can't reconfigure the interior, instead of take it all out.

[txlogic]

I also had to reconsider going with Ikea. I am now looking for some one who can custom build the cabinets I want.

[ScoobyShack]

Hey txlogic, I too have a '76 Tradewind, and live in Dallas.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f125...ind-64781.html
I've been storing it and ignoring it, but have recently gotten enthused to work on it and start using it. How's yours coming along?

David