Which forum for model information

[twosocs]

Hi,
I"m a newbie living in Australia.
I'd like to import an empty shell, and renovate to Australian specifications.
The trouble is I don't understand all the different models. For example, what's the difference between a Sovereign and an Excella?
Is there a forum which can help explain the differences?

What I after is a RB 28'-31' shell, but it must also have certain technical specs to be able to be registered in Australia. This is the help I'm after.

Thanks in advance.

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forums. Comparing different models is not an easy task as Aiirstream tends to recycle names over the years. There were several different Excella models over the years.

Airstream does have a document archive that you can search by model and year. It should have the information you are looking for.
https://www.airstream.com/owners/document-archive/

Good luck with your search!

[InsideOut]

'Sovereign' & 'Excella' are names that were given to 30-31' long trailers up until the mid-80's. These terms described the fit & finish and length of the trailers. You can look at this Photo Archive to help decipher the differences, lengths/finishes of these models.

An RB 28'-30' Airstream is denoting a 'Rear Bedroom' model of a more current era that's about 28'-30' long.

Shari

[twosocs]

Thanks Richard and Shari.

I've seen the floorplans, which is how I landed on the designation of RB.
My questions are of a more structural nature.

To get it registered in Australia I need to put a door in the left hand side. The original door will remain. So I need to find a RB model where I can put a door - hopefully the frames are a consistent width throughout the trailer and I can fit a standard door - in the bedroom close to the wall separating the bedroom and the wardrobe/bathroom. So there can't be a window there.

I know most 1970's models are 8' wide - for Australia registration the trailer can't be wider than 8'2" or longer than 12' from the mid-point of the axles to the outside edge of the rear bumper.

I've been trying to use photos of trailers for sale, but I'd like to confirm which models fit the bill.

David

[Mikebrady62]

Originally Posted by twosocs

Hi,
I"m a newbie living in Australia.
I'd like to import an empty shell, and renovate to Australian specifications.
The trouble is I don't understand all the different models. For example, what's the difference between a Sovereign and an Excella?
Is there a forum which can help explain the differences?

What I after is a RB 28'-31' shell, but it must also have certain technical specs to be able to be registered in Australia. This is the help I'm after.

Thanks in advance.

If it is just a shell you are looking for, possibly Bowlus can help you out. They are custom from start to finish. I'm sure they would put a door wherever you would like.
Certainly they are not cheap but custom they are.

Good Luck on what ever you get.

[OwnerAt19]

I was reading this thread and happened to follow the link (it referenced) to "http://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/"; and I noticed that it was lacking any photos of a 1971 Excella 500.

Even though I recently sold my Excella, I do have several photos of it.

I thought someone might be interested in pics of my Excella for Archives; but it seems that the "Contact Us" (and other links) don't seem to work.

If someone could either provide me with links that do work, or the Email address of someone to contact; then I'd be happy to contribute some photos of my 1971 Excella 500.

Please advise... Thank-you.

[skyguyscott]

I’m not exactly sure what your plans are, but if I understand correctly you need to put a door on the other side of where US airstreams typically have their door.

One very viable option that you could have is, when restoring the trailer, if you do a “shell off “restoration you could very easily simply rotate the shell 180° and Voila! This may also result in a very happy circumstance of having a door that opens against the wind when towing, unlike the insane suicide door as it exists in most vintage units.

You may have to adjust the wheel wells location slightly but this would be easier and probably look better then adding a second door.

[Mikebrady62]

Originally Posted by skyguyscott

I’m not exactly sure what your plans are, but if I understand correctly you need to put a door on the other side of where US airstreams typically have their door.

One very viable option that you could have is, when restoring the trailer, if you do a “shell off “restoration you could very easily simply rotate the shell 180° and Voila! This may also result in a very happy circumstance of having a door that opens against the wind when towing, unlike the insane suicide door as it exists in most vintage units.

You may have to adjust the wheel wells location slightly but this would be easier and probably look better then adding a second door.

That's thinking outside the tube.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by twosocs

...hopefully the frames are a consistent width throughout the trailer and I can fit a standard door

Nope, not really. The frames are not pre-engineered for a door to be added.

Originally Posted by twosocs

So there can't be a window there.

It wouldn't matter if a window was there or not. Here and here are some pictures of our trailer's 'skeleton' - a 70's is going to be slightly different, but the concept is similar you would just need to add the 'rib' frame members where you need them for the new door - you can easily eliminate a window. Once you re-skin that section, you'll never know a window is missing.

Originally Posted by twosocs

...for Australia registration the trailer can't be wider than 8'2" or longer than 12' from the mid-point of the axles to the outside edge of the rear bumper.

That shouldn't be a problem in 70's models...

Shari