Does this look like a Sovereign

[kscarter]

This airstream has been sitting around the corners for several years without moving and I have been thinking about asking the owner if he has considered selling it. Before I contact him I have been trying to research what year / model this might be. The best I have been able to come up with is 74 or 75 31' Sovereign center bath based on the curbside windows. Doesn't look to be 31' long but that seems to be the only length that had 2 front windows with a center bath.

I'm just starting to learn about different airstream models so if someone else could confirm my guess or help me determine what I'm actually looking at, it would be greatly appreciated

Regard,
Kevin

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums. That looks like a 1975-1976 Sovereign, center bath, with disc brakes.

[kscarter]

Thanks Terry - to help me gain a little more knowledge

1. what do you see that makes it 75/76 instead of a 74?
2. Did all 75/76 Sovereigns come with disk brakes and if not, how did you determine it has disk brakes.

I can see the the front wing windows are cloudy so I'm thinking it's going to need some work.

Kevin

[66Overlander]

It is most likely a 1977! This is because that was the first year the battery boxes moved to over the tongue as can be seen in the provided photo. 1977 also has standard electric over hydraulic brakes with the actuator in a box on the tongue behind the propane bottles that can also be seen. The trailer may have been converted to electric brakes since 1977, or maybe not, but the box is still there.

And yes, it looks like a 31' Sovereign center bath from the window locations.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by kscarter

This airstream has been sitting around the corners for several years without moving and I have been thinking about asking the owner if he has considered selling it. Before I contact him I have been trying to research what year / model this might be. The best I have been able to come up with is 74 or 75 31' Sovereign center bath based on the curbside windows. Doesn't look to be 31' long but that seems to be the only length that had 2 front windows with a center bath.

I'm just starting to learn about different airstream models so if someone else could confirm my guess or help me determine what I'm actually looking at, it would be greatly appreciated

Regard,
Kevin
Attachment 363392

You're smart to do as much research as possible before talking to the owner. Get an idea of the cost of everything it might need - windows, axles, floor replacement, panels if damaged, appliances, etc. That way if your discussion turns to a negotiation you will be prepared to back up whatever counter offer you choose to make. The seller may already have a reasonable idea of what it's worth, or they may throw out a high asking price because they don't understand what the trailer needs to make it useable. Or they may not be interested in selling, but then you'll at least have that info as start for the next one you find.

[kscarter]

Joe - thanks for the education.

DavidsonOverlander - This is an older gentleman who probably doesn't realize how long it has been sitting. Might even have plans in his head to take it out again without realizing how much work it might need before it's in camping condition. I'll most likely stick a note in his mailbox and tell him to give me a call if he is interested in selling. This will give him some time to think it over.

In the meanwhile I will continue researching some of the common issues and repairs so I know what I might be stepping into.

Kevin

[Lumatic]

Kevin,
From my personal experience let me throw this monkey wrench in. Don't look at this Sovereign as an investment, unless your only intention is to flip it. Take a guess at what you think it might need in time and money and at least double it.Now restoration as a labor of love is another story. There are some good deals out there on restorations that people have started and then for what ever reason stopped. Also, there are a lot of Vintage Sovereigns out there. They are harder to sell. As far as vintage, the smaller the trailer the more in demand. I can guarantee you you will need new axles. The other big problem Sovereigns tend to have is rear end sag or separation.

[kscarter]

Thanks for the advice Lumatic. I'm not looking to flip it but would hope to at least get my money back (minus labor) if I were to decide to sell later. I understand doubling the estimated cost as I just finished a bathroom remodel and don't even want to add up the final cost.

Kevin

[kscarter]

Finally got in touch with the owner and she was very interested in selling. Someone had previously attempted to remodel the interior. Only about 1/2 done and what was done was done poorly. Will start off by pulling most of the interior out and then determine how deep I will need to get into the flooring / plumbing / electrical. Got it for $1750 which I think was a pretty good deal. The owner previous to the one I purchased it from looks to have made it to several WBCCI rallies based on the back window stickers.

[azflycaster]

Mid bath 70s are not very common, I think you got a good deal on a fun project. Looking at the back window, your trailer has been on some adventures. There are several decals from International Rallies. It looks like the first Salem, OR Rally and the Madison, WI Rally plus others. There are also some caravan decals, one from the UP (Michigan) and Viking Caravan (Newfoundland).

Your job is to fix up the trailer and continue the travels.

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the photos. Good news that you were able to tow it. There is no obvious rear-end sag IMO, as can often be seen in the photos. TBD I guess. Good deal!

Peter

[featherbedder]

Another thing as to yr. of trailer. Reefer access door on 1976 has square corners. and dropped down hinged from top of rub rail, not higher up on side with louvers and smaller in size.

[CBWELL]

That is a good looking rig for the price you paid! It is fairly unusual as it looks like rear twin beds by the outside compartments on both sides rear. The models with the centre bath did not usually have the rear frame problems. As Lumatic said, you will be looking at replacing axles and shocks. My previous Airstream was a 1976 with centre bath and rear double. How I wished it was the twin bed model!! You have a very desirable model to start working on. There are lots of parts available to help with the restoration, and many of us on the forum have worked on these trailers. Good luck and have some fun!!

[dbj216]

My friend has a 76 Sovereign rear bath twin bed. Your trailer looks different with the higher fridge access door and the battery box in the front where it should be. My friend's battery is a under slung compartment just behind the front door, and the fridge access door is a regular cargo door, no louvers. The fridge fresh air vent is in the floor. Not the greatest.

David

[kscarter]

Think I will enjoy the rear bedroom over a rear bath but we may swap to a double instead of twins. Looks like I'm in for lots of reading and research on the forum.

First signs of trouble - the street side frame rail from where the A frame hitch attaches forward is going to need to be replaced. Think my next step is to remove all the belly pans to inspect the entire frame.

Kevin

[WhereStream]

That's a most fair price.

Gives you a lot of room to spend for materials and repairs.

A handsome trailer.