'76 Tradewind Land Yacht 25' Re-Do

[fastrob]

Bought the unit 6/99.
We use it but the frame is bad and the floor has holes.
My goal is to rebuild it into a light and comfortable unit.
It is time to get to it.
The rear bath is coming out and is available.

R

[cameront120]

I can't wait to see your progress. Please post before pics and take lots of photos of the process!

[Smokin Camel]

Originally Posted by fastrob

Bought the unit 6/99.
We use it but the frame is bad and the floor has holes.
My goal is to rebuild it into a light and comfortable unit.
It is time to get to it.
The rear bath is coming out and is available.

R

You can put on a new floor or almost any part. A bad frame could be a lot of problems; everything from road vibration to alignment. Do you plan on using it on the road or as an in place unit? I am not trying to rain on the parade but (depending on what the defect is and the severity) a bad frame could be a real hazard when towing. I passed up a Caravel because of a bad frame. Fortunately my Tradewind was sound --relatively speaking.

Out of curiosity what is the frame problem? I hope it is not severe but I just don't want to see anyone get a lot of work trashed in an accident-or worse!

You may want to hang on the the rear bath until you are sure you are doing something else. I will admit I had thought of doing a total gut & rehab job but when I studied the cabinet work, load balancing etc etc all of a sudden a renovation looked good not to mention faster and cheaper. Make some posts about your progress I will be curious to see what you come up with. best wishes for a fun project, mine sure has been....so far. I may speak differently after the new axels and plumbing job.

[fastrob]

Originally Posted by Smokin Camel

Out of curiosity what is the frame problem? I hope it is not severe but I just don't want to see anyone get a lot of work trashed in an accident-or worse!

I bought what looked like a little used trailer. The belly wrap was over the side walls (built that way) and with the trim funneled water to the belly. The pan held the water in the soaked insulation and rusted the marginal frame material. The empty trailer weighs 4100lbs, it was built light.
We now use it for storage and guests.
Now, I start the gutting and get rid of what will not be re-used.
Surprisingly, the rear toilet, sink and shower assembly is the only part not to be reused.
R

[Smokin Camel]

Originally Posted by fastrob

I bought what looked like a little used trailer. The belly wrap was over the side walls (built that way) and with the trim funneled water to the belly. The pan held the water in the soaked insulation and rusted the marginal frame material. The empty trailer weighs 4100lbs, it was built light.
We now use it for storage and guests.
Now, I start the gutting and get rid of what will not be re-used.
Surprisingly, the rear toilet, sink and shower assembly is the only part not to be reused.
R

It would be a bit of a project but it sounds like the frame alignment is probably not comprimised. In any case that can be checked by mesuring the frame to see it it is still parallel and "square". Brace plates can be welded in in areas you think are questionable and cross braces can be replaced. Once the belly pan is off it sounds quite doable. Look at some of the threads where members have replaced braces that hold up the blackwater tank and so forth. That type of work has been done. With some determination you may have a really good and very mobile set up. Some of the forum members absolutely amaze me with the level of what has been done as well as the creative (more often than not sound) methods that have been used.

Check out the axels. A new one would be 21.5 degree drop. One that is due for replacement is one that is getting close to being even with the frame member. An axel arm that is pointing up definatley is shot. Those could be the most expensive part. If that is the case, finish the rest of the trailer and do it last. If you change your mind on the axels or delay them you still have a great second crib/getaway/guest house.

I know I have been enjoying renovating my AS-TW. You are right the trailers of that period were built light which I think is a real boon in these times of high fuel prices. Unfortunately we still have the same air resistance when towing. I wish I had photographed more of what I did as I was doing it. After the fact is okay but during the steps makes for some good rehab stories.

Best wishes & post a few photos along the way.

[fastrob]

Originally Posted by Smokin Camel

It would be a bit of a project but it sounds like the frame alignment is probably not comprimised. .................................................. .................................................. ..... Unfortunately we still have the same air resistance when towing. I wish I had photographed more of what I did as I was doing it. After the fact is okay but during the steps makes for some good rehab stories.

Best wishes & post a few photos along the way.

Good thinking Smokin,

I took the belly pan down quite while ago, discovered the frame damage and was seriously discouraged. It is time to get back on it.
Bought a new camera to take pictures. Time to get on that too.
My handle is a bit of a misnomer, tend to move slow.
The GM 4.8 liter works fine.

R

[fastrob]

Just checked the bill of sale and we have owned this trailer 8 years now this month on the 10th, wow, how time flies, bought it in Vermont.
We have purchased 3 cameras to take pictures over the years, no pictures posted.
The trailer is currently full of hunting, fishing, camping equipment and "stuff."
With fuel prices and inflation taking hold the trailer seems too big to tow very far.
Maybe I should get a '60's 22' in good shape, dreamer.
I have thought about this trailer so much; it is one of my favorite toys, like therapy without the therapist. So many configurations have been considered. There is a pile of great ideas printed up just waiting to get done.
If you other Airstream owners out there have had anywhere near as much fun as we have in this one, you are very lucky people, yes indeedy.
The restoration will get under way sooner or later, maybe I will start later on today.

[utee94]

Originally Posted by fastrob

Just checked the bill of sale and we have owned this trailer 8 years now this month on the 10th, wow, how time flies, bought it in Vermont.
We have purchased 3 cameras to take pictures over the years, no pictures posted.
The trailer is currently full of hunting, fishing, camping equipment and "stuff."
With fuel prices and inflation taking hold the trailer seems too big to tow very far.
Maybe I should get a '60's 22' in good shape, dreamer.
I have thought about this trailer so much; it is one of my favorite toys, like therapy without the therapist. So many configurations have been considered. There is a pile of great ideas printed up just waiting to get done.
If you other Airstream owners out there have had anywhere near as much fun as we have in this one, you are very lucky people, yes indeedy.
The restoration will get under way sooner or later, maybe I will start later on today.

8 years huh? Be sure and don't rush into this restoration mind you...





-Marcus

[fastrob]

Hard to believe that we have had our Airstream 10 years come June, checked the receipt.
The floor still has holes, we mostly use it for storage, but I still really enjoy it.
This forum has been a tremendous source for my Airstream education and a lot of fun.
Retirement, a new job, a move to AZ are all likely/possible.
Still planning on a renovation/frame restoration but no rushing quality.

[fastrob]

Almost 19 years, wow!
Still have it, still use it, still planning on the new floor.
No rushing quality, for sure.

[dbj216]

I don't think your doggie likes the Trade Wind too much. David