Loooong Summer Vacation

[McDonalds]

I have towed my Airstream for short distances (except the drive home from purchase), but never a long distance like 2000+ miles. We want to take it south and west as far as we feel like it. It's a 1971 with original everything except two things: I replaced old with: new axles with brakes and new tires. I have no idea about the condition of the frame or tongue. Anything else I figure is non-essential, cosmetic, or comfort. I need some experienced advice. THANKS!!!!

[JamieEllis]

I've been doing 5-6000 miles per year. I originally replaced the tires but not the wheels. After several flats I learned that the original steel wheels tend to rust & leak around the rivets. I have since replaced them with new steel wheels from Redneck Trailer; no more flats. Enjoy your travels!

[Ag'71]

I've only gone a few miles on mine, too, but it's good to know about the old wheels. What did you mean about rivets in the old, original wheels? I've got a '71 Overlander and have never noticed rivets in my steel wheels.

[DougZ]

Just to be on the safe side, why don't you drop the underside pan and take a look at the frame and floor wood. Some rust is inevidable and I wouldn't worry about it. Rotten floor wood is the same. A little ain't going to kill you. If you notice rot or rust to any extent, it will be much easier to fix at home than on the road. Have a great summer!!!

[JamieEllis]

Originally Posted by Ag'71

I've only gone a few miles on mine, too, but it's good to know about the old wheels. What did you mean about rivets in the old, original wheels? I've got a '71 Overlander and have never noticed rivets in my steel wheels.

On my old wheels the centers were riveted to the outer rims; you could see rust bubbles around the rivets when the tires were off. On my new wheels the centers are welded to the outer rims.

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by McDonalds

I have towed my Airstream for short distances (except the drive home from purchase), but never a long distance like 2000+ miles. We want to take it south and west as far as we feel like it. It's a 1971 with original everything except two things: I replaced old with: new axles with brakes and new tires. I have no idea about the condition of the frame or tongue. Anything else I figure is non-essential, cosmetic, or comfort. I need some experienced advice. THANKS!!!!

2000 miles sounds like a long way but these days it really isn't. If you have checked everything over. The hitch,lights and tires are the main thing, if those are good then I would just go and have a good time. I wish I was ready to take off with ours, someday.
Keep stream'n
Doug

[RichHog]

My first trip back was 1000 miles from Orlando to Houston pulling my 72 Tradewind. It didn't come with sway bars and it was a little scary on the Interstate when the big trucks would pass me. I was going 55 and thought I was pushing it. When i got the proper hitch setup could fly up to 75 without even knowing it. Those old trailers have a lot of life in them. Since you've checked out your wheels, brakes, shocks and axles and then just have a great trip.
If you open it up after a long pull and things are badly rearranged then look for loose rivets and things that indicate the frame is getting shaken up.