What is the exact definition of 'Dry Weight'?

[72Blazerod]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone can tall me Airstream's definition of "dry weight"? I have looked on the Vintage Airstream site which lists the weights of Airstreams by year, size and floor plan and these seem quite light. I am looking for a 1970s-1980s Airstream and, for example, a 1976 31ft Soverign with rear twin beds had a dry weight of about 4900 lbs and some change.

Are these weights taken in a bare trailer that has no options in it yet (eg. fridge, A/C, stove, batteries, etc.), or is it really the wieght of an commonly optioned trailer that has 'no fluids' as the term 'dry weight' implies?

Thanks for your technical advise.

Rod

[till]

From what I have learned,
Dry wieght is the weight of the trailer with empty tanks and nothing packed in it at all. Even the water heater is empty at this point. Also as you mentioned this weight is of a base coach. I know that there will be others of greater experance that will clear it up even more.

[Alumaholic]

According to my Owner's Manual for the 1976 Airstream Sovereign, Center Bath, Rear Twins, the "Factory Weight Without Options or Variable Weights" is 4975#.
"Optional Equipment Variable Weights Include:
AC 150#
Auxiliary Main Step 11#
B.A.L. Jacks 60#
Entertainment Group 17#
L.P.G Tanks & Liquid Propane (10 gal) 66#
Refer - Standard
Spare Tire and Bracket 69#
H2O 373#
H2O in Water Heater 83#
Waste Tank (Empty) 60#
Dual Pane Windows - 65#
Vista View Windows - 72#"

Modern day SOB travel trailers come with a "Dry Weight as Equipped" sticker, usually in a kitchen cabinet someplace. The old Airstreams were a bit more complicated to figure out. That is why most experienced owners will recommend putting them on a scale.

[72Blazerod]

Wow,

So Ken, when I do all the addtion, the weight with options jumps to about 5960 lbs. And that's without any camping equipment. Well, that would max out my poor truck quite quickly. Thanks for the info. Very Detailed!!!

Rod

[wahoonc]

Rod,
I also think that the Dry Weight that is on the table from Airstream appears to be axle weight. You would need to add the tongue weight to get the total dry weight. My 1975 weighs close to 6000# empty, by the time it is loaded up for a trip I can tip the scales near the 7000# range.

Aaron

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Rod,
I also think that the Dry Weight that is on the table from Airstream appears to be axle weight. You would need to add the tongue weight to get the total dry weight. My 1975 weighs close to 6000# empty, by the time it is loaded up for a trip I can tip the scales near the 7000# range.

Aaron

Rod,
the weights I gave you are the totals (Axle System + Tongue = Total Weight) The "Factory Axle Weight (Axle System)" on your rig is 4325# with 650# "Factory Tongue Weight Without Options or Variable Weights." Here's the breakdown on the other weights, Axle - Tongue):

AC 150# (132# - 18#)
Auxiliary Main Step 11# (4# - 7#)
B.A.L. Jacks 60# (60# - 0#)
Entertainment Group 17# (6# - 11#)
L.P.G Tanks & Liquid Propane (10 gal) 66# (7# - 59#)
Refer - Standard
Spare Tire and Bracket 69# (16# - 53#)
H2O 373# ( 282# -91#)
H2O in Water Heater 83# (102# - -19#)
Waste Tank (Empty) 60# (62# - -2#)
Dual Pane Windows - 65# (60# - 5#)
Vista View Windows - 72#" (64# - 8#)

[CanoeStream]

Y'know Rod? I wish somebody with the GVWR figure for a 31' Sovereign for 1976 (or any nearby year) would post that number up here. Airstream's trailer weights doesn't post the GVWR back that far -- nothing until 1989. My Argosy manual doesn't get specific on GVWR although it does offer some hints. Seat-of-the-pants I would guess the trailer payload (GVWR minus curb weight) would be 1200+ pounds for this era (may be as much as couple hundred pounds higher).

Many find that we leave home with a full water tank. It actually keeps the center of gravity low for trailering. If fitting trailers to tow vehicles I'd recommend considering the gross weight. Actually weighing the trailer will be the only definite figure you can hang your hat on -- seach on threads containing the words: CAT scale. Then your hitch weight would be on the order of 12-15% of that gross weight -- though there is a pretty nifty way to weigh the hitch using a bathroom scale.

Does your thinking revolve around the Tahoe listed in your profile?

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by Canoe stream

Y'know Rod? I wish somebody with the GVWR figure for a 31' Sovereign for 1976 (or any nearby year) would post that number up here.

Does your thinking revolve around the Tahoe listed in your profile?

The GVWR for any '76 Sovereign ( Center or Rear Bath) is 7100#

If you your thinking revolves around the Tahoe as Canoe Stream suggests, you better think again. Please see my input to the following thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ban-20834.html