Real world trailer weight

[spatula]

Hi all,

I'm new here, still pre-airstream. We have a 1981 Bigfoot 17', and am looking for a bit of a change. I've found a 1958 22' Flying Cloud which looks great, but I'm concerned about the weight. I asked the seller how much it weighs and he quoted me the factory sticker weight 2,730lbs. In my experience, the sticker weight would not be accurate on a 60 year old trailer. I'm hoping that some owners here might share their actual weights so I can get an idea. This trailer is about 800km /500 miles away, so I won't be going to check it out until I've done some homework!

[Fungus]

Weigh the trailer on a CAT scale or have the seller weigh it for you.

[OilnH2o]

A trailer of that age surely has some mods. If not, "all original" then it will be within 10% or so - empty. So, say 3000 pounds. But, you can see, I assume, from the description - have they increased the tank capacity with different (or added, i.e., grey-water) tanks. Added solar? Or something similar that would add more weight.

You may have found a really good buy - the 22-footers are desirable. And, a vintage Airstream opens up a sub-set of the Airstream world that can really be really be fun, and satisfying. The vintage crowd is very helpful to others (as I, and others on the Forum) am trying to be) and if you are at all "handy" with general repairs and maintenance, you can have many opportunities to both learn, and know more about your systems.

Fungus' idea to get a scale weight is a good one. There also might be a Forum member who lives nearby and might go do you a favor and give you a more expert opinion for... who knows?

Then of course, there's what you will pull it with. (Just a suggestion - "what should I pull it with?" can create a thread that can go off the rails, which might cause you to decide to keep that Bigfoot!)

Good luck on your adventure!

[Glenritas]

I wouldn't be surprised if the '58 weighs within 500# of your '81 .

[uncle_bob]

Hi

A 1958 came out long before the modern gray / black water tank requirements. It is likely there have been mods if it is "road worthy". Fully loaded up with stuff, you could easily be over 3,500 pounds. If it has been gutted and fully rebuilt, weight is *only* going to come from a CAT scale. There is no other way to even guess.

Bob

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

. . .
. . . There is no other way to even guess.
. . .

Bingo!

Drive the 500 "real world" miles, and bypass "analysis paralysis" IMO.