Frame slicing through skin on 1960 Safari

[shinybean]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and Airstreams in general. I am looking to buy my first AS. We recently looked at a 1960 Safari. On the sides of the trailer, at the bottom, the frame appeared to be slicing through the skin. It was not on the belly pan, but on the outside. (Could be seen without getting under the trailer). Are these the Ribs coming through? Is this a major issue in terms of value, and ease of repair? Also, will this cause me additional problems down the road? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[PizzaChop]

Without seeing pics or being familiar with 60s unit construction, I'd guess that it's the outriggers. They are 14" wings that extend outward from the main frame rails to support the floor and shell.

See pic

Over time, excessive vibration (unbalanced running gear) probably causes this (as well as any kind of floor/frame separation).

Yes, it could be a problem as it could indicate unequal movement between the frame and the shell (separation, etc.).

Banana wrap repair, while not hard, is not fun.

[wahoonc]

As Pizzachop pointed out it can be several things. Another possibility is a broken out rigger. If there is more than one I would suspect some major floor rot and the shell is moving a lot more than it should. On the 60's vintage trailers the "banana wrap" is not a seperate piece, the side sheets actually extend down to the belly pan. Derfintely fun to work on

Aaron

[shinybean]

There was definitely more than one showing. I think there were about 8 or so. I'm not sure if I'm ready to put that kind of work into it yet I'd still like to be able to actually use it for it's intended purpose...I guess the search continues. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[LI Pets]

One other thing it may be is the bottom edge of the outrigger can be be so rusted that the smooth bottom curve is gone leaving a razor sharp edge to cut through the skin.

[uwe]

Before the mid 60's, the belly sides are actually separate pieces. However, they are wrapped into the floor channel, so without removing the shell, it is almost impossible to repair this.
The outriggers had sharp edges back then, not the crimped ends lie the newer trailers have. Airstream installed a thin, vertical strip of aluminum in the belly wrap, in the exact places where the outriggers run, to avoid rub-through.
I am going to assume that if it is rubbed through in more than one place, there are serious issues, or extremely high mileage on this trailer.

[PizzaChop]

This thread might be helpful if you're looking.

Airstream Buying Advice

[overlander63]

Our Overlander has four or five of those spots in the banana wrap where the outrigger has worn through. I installed new tires before we moved the trailer (the old tires were beyond terrible), and now have several thousand miles on the trailer, with no further degradation of the banana wrap. So, those spots are not the kiss of deathe for an Airstream, they just bear watching, and eventually they will need to be taken care of. Since they have not gotten any worse, they are not that high on my personal list of things to repair. I am guessing the culprit was the bad tires.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Our Overlander has four or five of those spots in the banana wrap where the outrigger has worn through. I installed new tires before we moved the trailer (the old tires were beyond terrible), and now have several thousand miles on the trailer, with no further degradation of the banana wrap. So, those spots are not the kiss of deathe for an Airstream, they just bear watching, and eventually they will need to be taken care of. Since they have not gotten any worse, they are not that high on my personal list of things to repair. I am guessing the culprit was the bad tires.

Outriggers have an edge that is only .070 inched wide.

It will cut through the underbelly with the greatest of ease.

The cause?

Lack of proper running gear balance will do it every time, guaranteed.

Andy

[shinybean]

Thanks for all of the help!!!