Replacement frame

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Bullit

So I am leaning toward the following:

8 inch Structural C for the main rails, with 5 similar sized I beam cross members (poss a C in the front and rear?) Originally there were 6, but I would need to remove one to accommodate the new black and grey tanks on both sides of the axle. Fresh water tank will remain forward of that, same as original location.

More out riggers (every 6-12 inches???) 5 inches deep in order to maintain the original belly pan configuration (the deeper rails will be exposed 3 inches below the wraps).

Top perimeter plate 6 inches wide, 0125 thick (jimgolden, aerowood)

Similar original A frame with a spare tire mount under the front.

Extend the rear by 12 inches to accommodate a slightly larger trunk and a small separation between the back of the trailer and the trunk. This will help to address the problem of water accumulating or running down the back and leaking into the skin (I will also address the seam in that area by extending the rear panel to a belly wrap)

There has also been some thinking of adding a pneumatic or hydraulic leveling system. Pillars in each interior corner of the frame??? Who knows.

I am concerned about tongue weight, how heavy do the axle need to be (5000# dexters). Mostly tech stuff as I am no en-guh-neer or even Mechanically inclined.

All of this is speculative at best, though I will have to decide something soon.

Any thoughts.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.


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You will still be beyond reality with an 8 inch frame.

You must remember that the Airstream is semi-monocoque construction.

Why semi ? Because the underbelly is not really a part of the monocoque.

However, you MUST KEEP IN MIND, OR ELSE, that the frame must flex with the shell. If it does not, then since the shell will still flex, it will suffer extensive damages in a very short period of time.

Then you can start all over again.

5 inches is the maximum size frame, with the current designed shell, also using heavier gauge metal sheet metal than your older Airstream.

You will indeed waste a ton of money and time, if you insist on pursuing your mechanical and structural Airstream dreams.

Andy

[J. Morgan]

They can, if a lip to catch them is welded in the proper location on the frame.


Brevi tempore!

[Bullit]

Thanks for all the posts. I am pretty good on a plan for this thing. I am liking the plate, saves me from figuring out how to bend angle or C/U Chanel. Not sure abut the additional band on the plate. Seems I would have to insulate this from the shell (different metal thing) and then create an area where the rivets will expand between the shell and the band. All else Looks good.

I am making the frame taller solely for the purpose of additional space for tanks. I have no gray tank and want to put the black tank in the frame. Bigger tanks mean more weight but longer times out. The extra strength and rigidity are an added benefit.

Thanks again and again
Bull


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[Silverflames]

Bull please let us know how it works out.

[Bullit]

Well it's been a while since I posted but the frame building is underway

The photo is little misleading, looks way bigger than it is. I went with 8 inch Channel similar to the original only taller. Same gauge, same flange.

Will use the majority of the original A frame, extend the trunk a bit and leave a gap between the back of the trailer and the trunk so the water will pass by

Thanks for all of the advice here particularly from the engineers and airframe guys. Makes experimenting so much more fun. Will keep you updated. Thanks Again

[Bullit]

Just an updated frame pick.

[HiJoeSilver]

Looks good so far.

[JimGolden]

Looking very good Bull!

[Bullit]

Been slow posting but, the frame fab is done and has been home for most of the summer. I have been SLOWLY chipping away at all the details before closing up the bellypan and reuniting the body
POR is really good looking stuff.

[Bullit]

Not sure why the pictures posted twice? Here are a couple more
Hopefully this will be a bay over the axles will be for batteries. In the previous pics you can see the perimeter frame that the C channel will attach to (rubber gasket between the steel and aluminum).

[JimGolden]

Hey, you did my perimeter plate....Outstanding! This is exactly how I was going to do my 31' Excella. Looking awesome!

Man, you're inspiring me! I'd always liked the idea of getting two Excella's and taking the front 2/3 from one and the back 2/3 from another and making a 40 footer +. Maybe not quite as radical as the railroad trailers, but a SuperStream.

Please keep us posted. You're doing a tremendous job!

See ya on the road,
Jim

[Bullit]

Means a lot. Thanks

[Bullit]

Slow progress

[rugjenkins]

Looking great! Keep it up. Progress and time move slow sometimes. I did something very similar on my argosy frame employing the use of a perimeter band. I think I like your idea better. But mine does allow me to remove the floor independent of shell or frame. On the banana wraps I tried making new ones, I ended up extending the old ones. The came out great.

[Bullit]

I will be able to remove the floor indefinitely as well. Currently going to use a synthetic layer between the perimeter frame and the channel. I will
Leave a small gap for any condensation to drain and the floor will sit in the middle. May actually do some kind of layered floor to provide more insulation Similar to the Argosis where there was a subfloor a space with insulation and then the floor. Will loose an inch but my wife and I are vertically challenged so it should be fine. Lots of plans...