hi corraleno and welcome to the forums...
i'm not into old trailers, so ignore this post if you'd like...
-first it's irrelevant if this unit is ladder frame or pipe frame....
neither can be strengthen by simply welding stuff to the bottom...
on these old units the frame and floor are largely supported by the SHELL.
so IF you really wanted an honestly stronger frame, a shell and floor off deconstruction is needed first.
then a beefier frame could be constructed...
this is a big, time consuming and costly process.
-second adding bunk beds to a 57 year old trailer is no simple task either.
have you ever been inside an early 50s unit?
these things are narrow and have a tight radius overhead.
they are light it's true but they also have NO holding tanks...
they are relatively fragile and don't do well with crude modifications.
yes they are light, but they also have very little payload/carry capacity.
also you are planning to pull it with a honda pilot?
i'll spare the towing analysis, because there are folks who have towed bigger units with a pilot...
but you will have very little capacity to carry people or gear or the basic supplies listed in post #5 here...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...lbs-38193.html
in terms of usable space this 50s unit is smaller than a modern 19...
and has NONE of the features most folks need while camping...
things like a real shower, holding tanks, adequate electrical capacity, storage, insulation, weather proofing, windows that seal, a/c, and on and on...
in almost every way except shape this 50s unit is much much less ideal than the 60s
caravel you mentioned here...
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...ons-38176.html
which would still be really tight for your family.
i'm unclear of your rv experience or ultimate camping goals...
but a family of 4 will be in for a BIG surprise trying to camp in a unit like either of these...
if it hasn't been extensively modified.
you will pay a significant premium for any of these 'hot' old models if they are camping ready..
and more likely anything you find at a good price will need MAJOR rehab b for camping...
again not knowing your budget a 70s argosy is far more likely to go camping this season and be priced affordably.
if you haven't been INSIDE many/any a/s you really need to see and touch some first hand before getting in the buy mode.
ideally folks find a unit that meets their camping needs and budget and then find an adequate tow vehicle...
the pilot really limits your options but old truck/sub-urbans can be had for very little and used for the occasional tow.
looking for a more recent trailer and buying an old tow vehicle would be less expensive than buying a 50s unit or early bambi...
sorry for butting into your old trailer romance but i'd hate to see you burn money or tear into an old unit without thinking....
best of luck and go touch some trailers!
2air'