Sovereign Airstream Question

[Aksel S.]

I am wondering why the Airstream Sovereign 31' 1977 isn't listed on the Airstream past models web page.https://www.airstream.com/heritage/past-models/

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: It appears to me Airstream heritage is showing some of the more popular models for a particular decade. The Excella 500 is a Sovereign marketing twist on the 31' trailer. It is the first model with the side moldings going all the way to the front of the trailer.

Here is a link to the Airstream document archives. It is where Airstream has posted all their sales brochures and other documents they used through the years. I find it interesting to research models, specifications, and floor plans.

The Sovereign name was used by Airstream for some 40 years, usually on the longest trailer in the line up.

My friend and I are renovating his 76 Sovereign this last winter. We are getting close to getting it on the road again.

David

[Aksel S.]

Thank you for the great information!

[dbj216]

I lived in Minnesota for 27 years (Twin Cities area) and have been to Fargo many times. We stayed in the Mandan State Park several years ago and enjoyed it very much. A rich history lesson.

David

[LaCoonass]

Wife and I headed to Missouri tomorrow to look at and possibly pick up our 1975 Sovereign. Any tips?

[dbj216]

Carefully inspect all 4 tires for checking and bulges. Inflate to proper pressure printed on the tire. Tires over 5 years old are a bit risky. Check the tail, brake, turn and marker lights. Ensure the entry door and cargo compartment doors are all locked and secure. Make sure you have a good hitch to tow it with. Weight distribution and sway control. Test the trailer brakes once hitched up. The trailer battery has gotta have 12v power to operate the emergency brakes in the very rare case where the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle. Bring tools to change a tire or fix something along the way. Make sure there is nothing loose in the trailer to bang around while towing. Should have current license plate registration and make out a bill of sale so you can prove the transaction was completed. Seller and buyer both sign. Deal done.

Have a good trip. Post pictures when you get home and settled.

David

[dbj216]

Sorry. I should have talked about the inspection of the trailer. Okay here we go.

Do the bumper bounce test over both frame rails. Stand on the bumper and bounce like getting ready to dive off the diving board. Look for any separation between frame rail and body. Any movement means the rear frame rail bolts have rusted away.

Bring an ice pick. Poke around the subfloor especially in the rear compartment. Many of these trailers have floor rot in the rear. Also check under windows and just inside the entry door for floor rot.

If the axles haven't been replaced, they will need to be replaced. Figure $2600 for two axle assemblies delivered.

Examine the body for dents and scratches. Body damages are the most expensive repairs. Peeling clear coat is common, maybe 100% on these old Airstreams. It can be stripped off. Check the belly pan. Many times the rivets corrode loose.

Check all appliances for good working order. Fridge, AC, furnace, water heater, water pump, stove, etc.

Pressurized the plumbing with a hose and check the faucets and toilet operation. Squirt a little water in the fresh water tank and test the pump at all the faucets.

Check all the electrical items including lights, 12v converter, outlets and the like. Tongue jack should work. 2 5/16 ball should fit and stay in the coupler with the lock down.

Tambour doors on cabinets are problematic. Horizontal ones are worse. See how many sticky ones there are.

Expect to find mold, mildew and the like. It can be cleaned up.

And anything else you can think of...

David