Brand new here. Hi everyone.

[cts125]

I am the proud owner of a new to me 1974 Land Yacht. It's gutted down to the frame. I've removed the inner skin and pulled out all the nasty old insulation. I have my little brother working on scraping the old weatherstripping off of the windows while I begin work on the frame. I've been reading the forums and am very grateful for all of the information. My next step is to figure out how I'm going to fix the couple rusted and wiggly outriggers on the frame as well as replacing the axles. Can I use bolts to replace members of the frame or do I have to weld?

[TheGreatleys]

Congratulations on your project, and welcome.

The frame is no place to get creative. Everything depends on a solid frame, and going back to redo frame work in the future isn't easy. You definitely want the frame welded.

If you don't have the expertise yourself, take it to a local welding shop. The cost will be minimal compared to the overall cost of the project, and the peace of mind of having a professional ensure your frame is solid will be worth it. You're about to pour thousands of hours and more money than you intended into this project, so best to build it on a solid foundation.

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado: Welcome to the vintage Airstream hobby. I'm working on a 75 Overlander 27' trailer myself. It had some frame issues also.

My trailer isn't gutted. I did drop the belly pan from the axles back and did a thorough inspection. My trailer had a mild case of rear end separation due to rear subfloor rot which is common in these seventies trailers.

I hired a local "mobile welder" to come to my place and make the necessary repairs. It took 3 hours and $400. He repaired one outrigger, one broken crossmember, welded in a new rear crossmember, welded reinforcements to the street side frame rail, welded on new rear frame "skid rails" and welded in new holding tank supports for me. The frame is now stout and the rear end separation and sag are gone.

Be sure to inspect your frame carefully, especially for axle plate cracks and frame cracks or buckling behind the axle plates. Inspect for weakened steel due to rust. Don't fear welding. It is the best repair method. I wish I had developed my welding skills.

David

[Masondood]

Welcome! Sounds like you have a great project going on. As stated, welding is definitely the way to go...you wouldn't want bolts to worry about going down the road, and with the flex and constant bumping there's little chance those bolts wouldn't come loose, or even shear.

Good lick with your project!

Michael

[cts125]

Sounds like welding is my only option. Time to find a mobile welder. Thanks for the input everyone.