1977 25’ Caravanner

[pmgia]

I’ve agreed to buy my first Airstream, inspection by a trailer place is looking at it next week. I guess they can’t really see the frame? He will repack the bearings and put on new tires.

What are the common things to checkout before I buy? It’s not in perfect shape but I think overall good enough to work on. I have a long drive to drag it home.

[azflycaster]

My previous trailer was a 75 TradeWind, same as yours with a slightly different floor plan. Congratulations!

One thing to look for on all 70s is water leaking into the rear of the trailer from the bumper area. This can cause the floor where it attaches to the shell to rot which will cause rear end separation. Looking under the bathroom sink will give you a good indication of the floor condition. Bouncing on the rear bumper to see if the bumper moves away from the shell is a test for seperation.

My 75 had a little and I repaired it with a two part epoxy called "Rot Doctor".

[57Vintage]

Your inspector may be able to get a tiny peak at the frame if any prior owners have created access panels in the belly pan or he is wiling to drop the cover on a tank. Probably need to ask specifically for that to happen. Good luck

[dbj216]

The Caravanner 25' was a unique trailer back in its day. It has an open layout designed for entertaining with additional seating and the like. It does not have a "bedroom" so to speak.

Moisture is the bane of Airstream trailers. They tend to leak rain water. As azflycaster suggests, the rear of the trailer is a likely spot, and the moisture rots the plywood subfloor and then rusts the rear frame cross member. My 75 Overlander was like this. Airstreams also leak around the entry door gasket, the window gaskets, taillights, roof penetrations and the like. 1976 to 1980 trailers had a 1/2" plywood subfloor which rots quicker than the usual 3/4" subfloor.

Check out all the systems. Have the seller connect water and electricity to the trailer and then demonstrate all the appliances and faucets. The seller can demonstrate the water pump too. You may find several items that don't seem to work and adjust the price accordingly.

Body damage is the most expensive item to repair. If the trailer had a tree fall on it, it is worth much less. Any body damage is a discount.

I believe 1977 was the last year of the KT lever style door lockset. This lockset wears with time and can lock a guy out of the trailer, or lock a guy in the trailer. I replaced mine with a standard Kohree lever lock which I think is more robust. Ask the seller how the door lock works.

I have a friend that renovated a Caravanner. He did excellent work but has since sold it. Here is a photo.

David

[C-YA-L8R]

Hi, I am a **New Member** and hope I do not violate any protocols. dbj216 mentioned the problematic KT Door lock/latch issues. During the years I took care of my parents, my 1976 Caravanner sat unused. Now I cannot get inside the unit due to a broken latch, The key turns but the latch is broken where it connects to the vertical post. I want to get the door open and replace the old KT lock without damaging the door.

Does anyone have a good suggestion?? Can I remove the screws from the hinge side and get the door open??

In the meantime, I got 4 new Towmaster Tires from Costco and had the wheels polished.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Bruce DeMille
Lakewood/Long Beach CA

[dbj216]

Being locked out is a infamous problem with old KT locks. They will also lock you in at times. You can search these Forums and see how others have broken into their trailers when locked out. I think the lock cylinder is easily removable maybe by a locksmith. I've never taken the door off a Airstream, so can't help with that.

I replaced the KT lock on my 75 Overlander 27' with a new Korhee RV lock. I find the Korhee lock very robust and it costs $50. However it was quite a project, but it is doable. Here is a link to my project description that may help a bit.

David

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...er-223298.html

[C-YA-L8R]

Thank you David (dbj216). I hoped you would see my message and respond. I will check out your project description, It looks like I have an entry door lock replacement in my new future!
Again, Thank You!
Bruce DeMille