1975 Sovereign Land Yacht Problems

[AirDD]

I am looking at a '75 31' Sovereign to buy. It has a center bath with rear twin beds. Are there any known major problems with this style AS? ie frame, axles, tanks, brakes, etc.

[Aage]

Welcome to airforums.com, AirDD. You came to the right place.

So, I gather you are purchasing a second trailer. The collection begins in earnest, huh?

As for the '75, there's nothing specific I can think of, but as with any 35-year-old vehicle, you probably won't know without careful inspection what the condition of the appliances, floors and windows are.

But you know that already, if you have owned the '81 for a while, right?

By purchasing the mid-bath model, I think you can safely assume that it is likely you have "dodged the bullet" regarding tail sag, but again, it's 35 years old: anything can happen.

Floor rot, dead furnace, refer, leaky water heater, and of course leaks in general are things to look for v-e-r-y carefully, IMHO.

Good luck, and please start posting some picures...?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by AirDD

I am looking at a '75 31' Sovereign to buy. It has a center bath with rear twin beds. Are there any known major problems with this style AS? ie frame, axles, tanks, brakes, etc.

Was it ever parked for an extended period of time?

If so, check out the axles.

Andy

[AirDD]

Andy, I don't know about being parked for a time. The current owner has only had it for about 5 years and is looking for a shorter model. How would I evaluate the axles other than looking at the bearings and journals.?

thanks, Dee

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by AirDD

Andy, I don't know about being parked for a time. The current owner has only had it for about 5 years and is looking for a shorter model. How would I evaluate the axles other than looking at the bearings and journals.?

thanks, Dee

Dee.

The following article, will teach you how to check out the axles.

Andy

The Dura-Torque Axle

[4hartungs]

I have a 1977 Overlander with a vacuum over disk hydraulic brakes with issues. what do you know about this system? and how does one go about testing it to make sure it works.
can you still get parts ? Is it worth repairing? Are there upgrades to the vacuum system

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 4hartungs

I have a 1977 Overlander with a vacuum over disk hydraulic brakes with issues. what do you know about this system? and how does one go about testing it to make sure it works.
can you still get parts ? Is it worth repairing? Are there upgrades to the vacuum system

Many years ago, we purchased all the remaining parts for the original Airstream disc brake system.

Parts are available for the brakes and sync valve repairs, but not for the booster (actuator). Typically, the sync valve needs to be overhauled after about 20 years.

Most owners chose to replace the actuator with a new style that does not require a vacuum supply.

The braking system is very good and far superior to electric brakes.

Andy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 4hartungs

I have a 1977 Overlander with a vacuum over disk hydraulic brakes with issues. what do you know about this system? and how does one go about testing it to make sure it works.
can you still get parts ? Is it worth repairing? Are there upgrades to the vacuum system

The state of the art has pretty much evolved beyond that system. There are a few parts available, but those parts are very expensive (I remem er brake pads being about $60 per pad), and there's no guarantee they will operate long-term.
The best thing is to get a new disc system, which is also expensive, but you can get parts for it.