1970 Tradewind vs Overlander Differences

[agentsteel]

Hi, I'm new to the airstream forum and have many questions on my mind before I buy my first AS.

I'm sort of set on 1967-1970 Vintage models for many reasons.

Looking specifically for a good Tradewind, but recently have seen some Overlanders that spark my interests. Other than the length differences between these two models, what other differences are there? Obviously, more storage space, but are the bathrooms the same size, or the kitchens, sleeping areas, and basic layouts any different? Is it just more front living space in the Overlanders?

Your opinions and expert advice would be appreciated.

Thanks All

[Lumatic]

In 1969 Airstream was acquired by Beatrice Foods. The significant structural change was going from a 5" to 4" frame. This and switching kind of laminate interior bulkheads were weight and probably cost factors. The 31" Sovereign during the Beatrice food years has a tendency for the rear end to sag. A 25 footer should not be a problem. In 69 wing windows up front were added and windows with aluminum frames and round corners were added instead of the Corning frameless windows with squared corners. The earlier Airstreams also had interior plywood bulkheads and furniture.

By the way I have a 67 TW that could be for sale. Send me a PM if you are interested.

OOPs. Just realized I misread your question. I think the space in a Tradewind is used very efficiently. I really don't notice much of a use or storage difference between the Tradewind and larger models. You can also get a 25 footer into a lot of places a 28 or 31 just won't go. There are also several different interior layouts A TW has been aptly described as the biggest little Airstream and the littlest big Airstream.

[agentsteel]

Thanks Lumatic...

I'm not so great at backing up long trailers, maybe even two feet could make a big difference. I'm having difficulty finding what I want locally so it looks like I may have to travel a bit to find my dream AS Tradewind. From your post it seems like the frames were stronger on the older models and the window glass had changed. Was the older corning glass any better or are there any peculiarities with either window types? I sort of like the windows on the 1970 models best, but I think there's room for two AS in my future.

Thanks for your input!

[Lumatic]

Coincidentally there have been a couple of posts about the Corning windows in the past few days. Older Corning glass is prone to inexplicably shattering. Replacement glass is available but not cheap. Some folks have made Corning replacements from Lexan. The 70 AS had very thin tempered glass About 72 0r 73 they went to thick double pane glass. Not one of AS more successful ideas.

[agentsteel]

So is the thin tempered glass the best? Doesn't sound like you like the thick double pane. I did read about it having problems clouding up.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by agentsteel

So is the thin tempered glass the best? Doesn't sound like you like the thick double pane. I did read about it having problems clouding up.

I had both wing windows with very thin glass on my 71 blow out for no apparent reason. No problems with the other windows, yet. If you have a double pane window that fogs, etc. They can be taken apart which is labor intensive or you can break out the inner pane. By the way except for the 69 wing window Different years are interchangeable.