Tire popped off at 80 mph skin ripped 9/17/06

[IndyAnne]

One quick reply to all of this before I go into more discussion with the owner. A lot has been said about caution, eBay scams, poor judgment, speed, and other serious and worthy concerns.

I want to be clear that the sellers in this case are very nice people with the best intentions. They are not serious collectors or dedicated Airstreamers, but they respect the product. They are honest and are trying to do the right thing. The sellers have been excellent communicators.

Whatever happens with this deal, I have found this experience to be very informative for all of the interaction from the Airstreamers and this site, and some nice people at the vendor in Grand Rapids who have volunteered to look at the damage.

I am hopeful that I can work out an agreement with the sellers. If we cannot, I know there will be no hard feelings all around.

I will continue to look for a suitable Airstream for the plans I have to travel and relocate my home.

Blessings, everyone. I'll keep you posted.

[Wabbiteer]

Just my .02¢

Forget worrying about wheel hub damage untill you confirm the axles have not taken a set and require replacement. Wheel well liner/cover damage is assured as well as at least one frame outrigger begging for replacement.

If trailer really is the sweetness and grace you want it to be (sic) there is no disgrace riveting a .040 aluminum cover patch over the 'cosmetique' external damage once the structural is repaired - untill such time the whole panel is replaced and other repairs and upgrades are effected - you get to use the trailer as you had planned. Cover damage with piece just tall enough to cover where the verticle seam got split and join up to belly pan, and long enough to be symetrical either side of wheel well opening. The panels you are drilling into are to be replaced, yes?

Airstreams were designed to be repaired w/ bailing wire and such to get their mission accomplished, it's up to the owner to refurbish in the off-season... : )

Here is something I found on my 27' upon belly for rehab...

[IndyAnne]

Hi, Wabbiteer,

I want to be sure I understand what you are saying.

Axles can acquire a "set" might mean if they sit long in one location they become deformed somehow?

I was assuming the first upgrade I would make would be axles, hubs, brakes, wheels, tires, suspension; then, any frame/undercarriage repairs and reinforcement. Interior is way down the list after systems of gas, water, electricity. I figure any campground I would try to stay in will have the basic necessities, and I can ride my scooter to shop, dine, etc., when parked at a campground, kind of like when tent camping, only a harder tent.

Making the basic safety decisions first, as you said, ground up, not short-changing the safety.

Anne

[IndyAnne]

I'll be picking up the Tradewind tomorrow afternoon. Woohoo!

P.S. on the previous post. I figure a full upgrade will be a labor of love, not economy, right? Like construction, multiply the estimate by at least triple, and then maybe double that?

[breakaway]

Anne,

What happened with the inspection? How positive was dealer about the general condition of the trailer. Did they have any immediate recommendations?

[IndyAnne]

Oh, yeah, forgot to tell. Dave went by and looked at the damage. He reported exactly what you all had said, that repair could range from the full sheet replacement (ideal and possibly long-term solution, but professional repair would be more than the trailer is worth) to piece-work temporary DIY. I have pilot friends here who can help me if I go that route. He saw the sheared lugs and the axle, brake drum, hub, the wheel and tire and agreed that the owner had the right solution to making those repairs, and those are under way now. Dave said in 40 years or so, he has seen plenty of this kind of damage.

I also have a call in to Airstream just up the road in Jackson Center about taking the Tradewind in for an assessment. Pretty neat to be near the hq. Thanks for the reminder, Steve.

[IndyAnne]

Cheers to Woodland Travel Center. I will put in a plug for them. Grand Rapids dealer, good people. And, they will at the big show coming up at 5/3 Field this weekend.
Anne

[Wabbiteer]

Whoa - please consider taking new tires along, or paying retail price before trip home... sidewall cracking from UV and ozone and tread seperation is your next serious concern!

I ordered mine online through tirerack.com and had them in 48 hours. You need to review contingency plans for tire age and condition & I'm quite sure you will need another wheel (2600lb min rating) to replace the errant one...

Axle facts.

The axles are not forever units. For whatever reason the torsion arms sag offering no/low protection to shocks that oscillate interior and exterior aluminum construction, slowly at first then blossoming into missing and sheared rivets and interior cabniets creeping and tumbling about....

http://inlandrv.com/articles/dura-torque-axle-92001.htm

Aistream Forums have a huge amount of information on axles - many opinions, but it boils down to Inland RV will take the serial number of the trailer and provide OEM equipment w/o any hassle, the OEM installation is bolt them up w/ a few wrenches, floor jack and pry-bar. Not rocket science.

I went with the 27' 1973 because AS increased models gross weight every few years and this the largest 'newer' Airstream (4500lbs) my pickup can tow w/o spending $$$$ on a new tow vehicle.

It looks like a 1968 tradewind has a ball height of 19 inches, a toungue weight of 445 pounds and total dry weight of 3895. After towing your 16' trailer you should be set (brake controller, known tow capacities, etc) - I believe your tradewind requires a 2 5/16" hitch ball but you need to confirm that...

Whatever else happens, here's wishing you good luck Anne!

[lebolewis]

Wow!! Anne, I am very impressed at the good advice and help you have gotten on this site! This place is worth $$$$$$!!! Let's keep it that way!! Bill

[55inyo]

Anne,
I am sorry I made light about your friend driving
this old trailor at 80mph. But he was was alittle bit dumb driving a old
trailor that has not been rehab at 80mph. Ok were over that now. The
tire blew out. Now I am interested and everybody is also. We do not want
to see you get a bad deal. I am no expert by no means, even though I
have rehab a 54 airstream-----I think I did a very good job by the way.
I have looked at the few photos of this trailor. I do not know what the
interior looks like. I hope it is original. The exterior has been ripped by the
wheel well.--bad... This is my opinon do not buy the trailor unless you
can repair it yourself or you have lots of money, or your ready to live in
a somewhat trashed out trailor.-------Look for another one.

55inyo/roger

[IndyAnne]

Hi, Roger, thanks for your opinion. Here's the item number on eBay: 330027004640. Although the auction ended, I think you can still see the interior.

Others have mentioned the high cost of professional repair. I am taking that into consideration.

Do you have pictures posted of your rehab? I haven't seen a Romany. I like the name.

[lebolewis]

Originally Posted by 55inyo

Anne,
I am sorry I made light about your friend driving
this old trailor at 80mph. But he was was alittle bit dumb driving a old
trailor that has not been rehab at 80mph. Ok were over that now. The
tire blew out. Now I am interested and everybody is also. We do not want
to see you get a bad deal. I am no expert by no means, even though I
have rehab a 54 airstream-----I think I did a very good job by the way.
I have looked at the few photos of this trailor. I do not know what the
interior looks like. I hope it is original. The exterior has been ripped by the
wheel well.--bad... This is my opinon do not buy the trailor unless you
can repair it yourself or you have lots of money, or your ready to live in
a somewhat trashed out trailor.-------Look for another one.

55inyo/roger

Anne, now that Roger has plainly said what many of us have been thinking, I say "Ditto". It's not the end of the world, you know. I started from "zero" several times. It's true that there is always another AS candidate just around the corner....that is, if you keep looking. Bill

[55inyo]

Anne,
I will get off this site real quick and check out
e-bay and look at the interior. I will tell you what I think. My late
model romaney has just been posted on the photo section on this site
under the 50,s section, of the photos section. Wait and I will tell you
what I think of it.-----P.S. Im not e-bay savy so I will do my best.

55inyo/roger

[55inyo]

Anne,
Im sorry it took so long but my computer cut me off
right in the middle of my message--dial up what can I say. Ok I very
carefully looked at your trailor. -----Its a keeper. You must remember
I know mainly about 50,s airstreams. I saw no modifications on the
outside, very good. The inside looks original, very good. It does need a
air conditioner. It looks like its move in ready. Now he is asking
$ 3.860.00 dollars---not a bad price. Ok Tell him this since he thrashed
the side of it . You have talked to many friends and people who know
what there talking about that it will cost several thousands of dollars to
fix the damage----that he did. You will pay no more $1.500.00 dollars
for the trailor because it is now considered totaled. If he does not go
for that, make your price no higher than $2.000.00 and if he does
not go for that tell him he can keep his trailor .
That is what I would do.

55inyo/roger

[Calvin]

Hi Anne,
Congratulations on your Airstream! Here is a link I ran across tonight on a similar repair; with photo's.
http://www.vintageairstream.com/Myrtle/axle.html
Good luck with your project!
Calvin Cole

[55inyo]

Anne,
I am just making a suggestion. But like I said im no expert.
You have to do what you think is best. When it all comes down to it
your the one that has to do what you feel is right for you. By the
way I love cats also, I have three. Did you see my trailor on the
50,s airstream photo section?

[55inyo]

Anne,
I just wanted to let you know that I will be leaving
for about a month to the sierra nevadas for vacation on thursday.
I have to go before it gets to cold. I have a really fun time up in the
mountains. I take my cats with me. Im doin the airstream dream.
I have lots of fun hiking around. When I get back I will check your
thread to see how your airstream goes. Good luck your a really nice
lady.

55inyo/roger

Remember good karma always comes around.

[55inyo]

Anne,
Let us know what you plan on doing with your trailor.
There is alot of people interested in what you plan on doing with your
1968 tradewind. You have had so much advice I must admit it is a
little bit overwelming. I bet you never knew you had this many
friends. Let us know because were all interested. Because we like
you. Someday you will be sleeping in your airstream and say --
boy this is nice. Airstreams make you feel that way. There is
nothing like a airstream---you will find out .
55inyo/roger

[IndyAnne]

OK, I weighed all the good advice, first-hand experience stories, and finally, face-to-face meeting of the trailer and sellers. It's a done deal, I brought the Tradewind home last night.

First of all, it made the trip with the sellers from Grand Rapids to Brighton without incident. Seller replaced the brake drum, lugs, and got a new/used wheel from an Airstream dealer, so the moon hubcap is still in use (I didn't expect to see that again -- just cosmetic, but a detail I noticed).

Dogs and I went to Brighton prepared to overnight so I could drive in daylight the next day. But, I pushed on back to Dayton, stopped along the way several times to look at the tires, etc., and felt I would be ok.

I took it slowly, averaged just under 60 mph. Traffic was better at that time of day. I parked in front of the house and am waiting now for the warehouse/barn options to clear for the weekend.

Did I mention, I have pilot friends who will help by teaching me the riveting? So, the repair doesn't seem like a huge deal, especially with Uwe's steps. I might do a patch repair later. I need to make the road safety improvements first, asap.

Human interest bit: I parked in the Meijer parking lot to pick up some stuff. A lady and her kids pulled up to chat about the Airstream she has at home, intentions to rehab it, etc. Airstream owners are a friendly sort -- aren't WE!?

The Tradewind was stored in a barn. That's why it looks relatively good. No obvious water damage inside, but I haven't looked under the I/O carpet yet. The bathroom hasn't been used in years. The Dometic fridge does not work. The gas furnace works; electric central heat works; all other plumbing works, but is already winterized. I need to decide whether or not to drain the anti-freeze and give the plumbing a look. No leaks there, not yet visible.

What else to tell? Original wood cabinets throughout; some painting was done, still looks nice, white. The interior is good enough to use while spending up-front on safety.

Awning is present, haven't inspected it yet. Previous owners a generation ago were WBCCI members. The number is on, the name is inside, and stickers are still on one of the windows from the 80s. The top was painted white, so that's quite patchy but not awful. The original tanks are gone, but one tank with code connection and valve is present and full of gas.

OK, that's the initial inspection. I have to get this in for evaluation of the axles, brakes, and wheels, tires, frame, all of that.

More to come, with pictures of happier topics than the wheel coming off.

Westward, Ho! Seattlebound,

[IndyAnne]

Hi, Calvin,
Thanks for the link! I will check it out.
Anne