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[75Tradewind]

Hi! We purchased our 1975 Tradewind in February, it's been used as an office and a place to dream for the last 9 months while we sought out the perfect TV (2000 Dodge 3500 dually - we plan to tow the AS with our motorcycle in the bed of the truck - so bigger was needed!)
We are in the "should we reno or leave" mode at this point, along with "how do we..." on just about everything!

Looking forward to reading/searching and chatting along the way!

(first attempt at adding a profile pic seems to have failed.)

Patrick & Deb

[Bubba L]

Welcome to the Forums and the Airstream world. Should you leave or reno, is it safe to tow and camp in as is? If not, a certain amount of renovation should be done. The “how do we” question is easier. Ask the questions and state the issues and those on the Forums will give their input. It is expensive to renovate and takes a lot of time. Making it safe to travel in is paramount. Good luck and stay safe.

[kpfate]

You may want to peruse the "Technical Sections" under the main Forums Tab. There is a wealth of information at your "finger-tips" for renovations, restorations, questions, ect. You will learn a lot from the membership in the forums for sure.

Welcome and look forward to hearing about your new adventures!

[dbj216]

Welcome to these Forums. There are a lot of us vintage Airstream enthusiasts here who have done complete restorations or renovations, and others who soldier on with a "fix as fail" approach. All the information you need or questions you have can be found here.

I have a 75 Overlander 27', one size longer than your Tradewind 25'. I've had mine pretty much all apart and fixed what was needed. Many 70s Airstreams suffer from "rear end separation" due to frame rust. But southwest trailers are usually better if not stored in wet climates. I never figured out where Airstream put the extra 2' of room. I think maybe the galley and the front sitting area.

Post a picture of your 75 Tradewind if you like. Here are a couple photos of my Overlander.

David

[75Tradewind]

it's been years since I've used a forum like this, I'm a bit rusty. Here she is! We've named her Bonnie, and our TV is Clyde.

[dbj216]

Looks like your vintage Tradewind has seem some extensive renovations. All polished up, aluminum tanks and the like. The 25' is a very nice size. I had a 66 Trade Wind, but it was the old body style. Here is a photo of my former 66 Trade Wind (Airstream spelled it as two words back then.)

David

[acarswell1]

Hello everyone we just bought a 1988 345le and will be taking her out on the road this weekend for a couple of weeks. This is our first time trekking and camping across the states but we are looking forward to the shakedown cruise! Thank you for all of the great advice on these boards which helped in making this decision.

Alton

[Goin camping]

75Tradewind,

Should you redo? Do you have to?

I'd say fix what needs it to go camping. Repair and upgrade as you go.

That way you get to enjoy your trailer all along.

Have you considered Boondocking? You are near to thousands of square miles of free camping in the desert. Take advantage of it.

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by acarswell1

Hello everyone we just bought a 1988 345le and will be taking her out on the road this weekend for a couple of weeks. This is our first time trekking and camping across the states but we are looking forward to the shakedown cruise! Thank you for all of the great advice on these boards which helped in making this decision.

Alton

Be sure and pack your sense of humor.

Things will break. Things will be forgotten and stuff will go wrong. It always does.

You can overcome these ankle biters and have a great time if you can laugh at it.

Enjoy and be sure to post up a trip report and a few pictures.