Can you tow a Gutted Airstream??

[ty jones]

Hello - I have a 1969 21' Airstream Globetrotter that is in sort of mid-renovation. I've gotten as far as gutting the old cabinetry and bathroom.. The interior paneling is still in place, along with the insulation. The floor and underbelly, as well as the whole outer shell is in place too. I need to move the trailer about 350 miles to continue the project - is it still safe to tow?? I've read that as long as the interior shell is still in place it should be fine. Would I need to add weight to keep it from bouncing around? If anyone with experience towing something like this, I'd greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks! - Ty

[Hittenstiehl]

Ty,
Yes you can.

The interior components do not provide any strength or stability to the walls of the airstream. The shell is connected to the c channel which is connected to the frame.

We have been towing and camping in a empty shell for several years. It has some futons, some camping tables, some yard table and chairs in it but nothing of substance and nothing connected to anything.

We happen to tow with a weight distribution hitch and an anti-sway bar connected. But we've also towed it on the ball and chains only, not any problem.

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the Forums!

Shouldn't be a problem. I camped in my 21' trailer without even any interior skins--towed it several hundred miles.

My only observation was that the shell was a bit more "flexy" than it might have been fully built out, and as a result, ensuring that the entry door is latched, bolted, and even manually secured with a wedge or "doohickey" (search for it ont he forums) under the grab handle is necessary.

good luck!

[boondockdad]

Had my '65 Ambassador gutted to the ribs and shell, with a new sealed plywood floor over freshly POR-15 frame. The axles were original, with very little suspension travel left in them. So, towing down the road she sounded like a giant chrome snare drum banging over every little bump.
The noise was unsettling, but didn't bust any windows or cause any other damage (that I noticed).

[Bill M.]

You will need the battery connected for the breakaway brakes.