Newbie and looking at vintage trailers

[kbimle]

Hello all. I've been looking at vintage trailers for the past several months and have come to the conclusion that I need your help. ;-) I've decided that a refurbished trailer is probably the way to go. I understand that one ends up putting the money in one way or the other, and I don't have the expertise nor the time to do it myself (although there are several places in Austin that do restorations).

I am looking for 22ft or possibly smaller, something light and towable and am drawn to the Flying Cloud and Bambi trailers for this reason. But I really am feeling my way forward here, and looking for

So, some of my first questions in looking at my local Craigslist are: is it a necessity to have the axle replaced in a late 50's/early 60's model? I've found a few that say they're fully restored but then they've got the original axle, or blackwater tank, shower, toilet and a few other things.

And, if you were looking for your first trailer, to pull for camping and as a part-time Airbnb, if you could go back and do it again, what would you look for? What advice would you give yourself as a raw beginner?

Thanks for your time!

[Bigventure]

The short answer is yes, the axels will need to be replaced. They contain rubber that has hardened and taken a set. IE locked in position. Axel replacement is not that hard. And they come with new brakes and bearings.

[azflycaster]

Trailers in the 50s had leaf springs not torsion arms. Some people will convert for a softer ride.

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the forums!

I think it is a good idea, that if you want to spend your time using the trailer rather than working on it, that you buy something that has had all the work done in the first place.

That being said, you still need to get yourself good and educated as to what "good" looks like. There are plenty of people out there who claim to be "professional" restorers, who put out a very superficially spruced up trailer that has a lot of hidden issues. If someone is selling a "fully refurbished" trailer with the original torsion axles under it, I would say that that is a huge red flag. And yes, you need to know enough about the trailers to know whether it has torsion axles or not.

On the topic of using the trailer as an Air B&B, I would say proceed with caution. Get a good understanding of how all of the RV systems work, before you bank on renting the trailer out. There is a learning curve--it isn't just like a house unless you install residential appliances in it, in which case it will no longer be a travel trailer.

good luck!

[veratipton]

Agree with Beleg 100%. For by part, determine your max investment and find the latest model that's affordable. Is your goal to go camping or restore a vintage AS?

[ke6gkv]

welcome to the forums.having had 5 vintage AS,[80 caravelle currant] it's important to have said trailer checked out.spend the most you can on the one in the best shape. good luck.

[TouringDan]

Welcome to the Forums, and glad to have you with us.

I agree with all the advice given. Particularly:

-Buy the best one you can afford.
-Look at lots of them so you figure out what you want.
-A completely renovated Airstream will have a repaired, if needed, frame, a painted frame, new floor insulation, new belly pan and new axles and brakes.

Additionally:
- I like the 66-68 best: Caravel, Globetrotter, Safari, Tradewind, Overlander but I am biased.
-Don’t be in a hurry. Go to a rally and look at lots of Airstreams and talk to Airstream owners.
-Get educated (this is a good start). Look at the blogs and threads (mine is Dan’s 66 Tradewind Improvements).
- For Airbnb, let them sleep in your bed, you sleep in the Airstream.

Good luck, Dan

[Hikia]

What state do you live in? I have a friend who has several Vintage Airstreams you can choose from! Some completed most ready for renovations and he can help every step of the way!! Let me know if you are interested!! (I have no stake in this, he just has wonderful Vintage Airstreams!)

[StevieB]

As a reply to one of the previous posts, if your trailer is from the 50's you would not have to replace the axle because it has a leaf spring set-up. The most important trailer layout is a permanent bed layout. If not, you will grow tired of pulling the bed out when its time to sleep, and then putting it away in the morning so you can walk to the bathroom or even make coffee. That gets OLD in a hurry.
Regards,
StevieB

[57Vintage]

I would suggest you join the VAC and contact the regional rep who is just north of you in Harker Heights. I'm sure he can help you contact local people in Austin that can help you find a unit that fits your needs. good luck

http://vintageairstreamclub.com/regi...ted-positions/

[kbimle]

Agreed on the bed layout! I'm looking for trailers that have queen beds set up in the back.

[kbimle]

Thanks, TouringDan for your advice. Especially about attending a rally. I'll start looking around for one in my area, I'm sure there are some going on as this is a big Airstream town.

So you don't think Airbnb is the way to go with a trailer?

[bibbs]

Craigslist " fully rentavated" = red flag Get an inspector from the forums to go with you. Might do better at a dealer.

[AlinCal]

Originally Posted by kbimle

Thanks, TouringDan for your advice. Especially about attending a rally. I'll start looking around for one in my area, I'm sure there are some going on as this is a big Airstream town.

So you don't think Airbnb is the way to go with a trailer?

We have stayed in an airbnb Airstream outside of Yosemite that we enjoyed and talking to the host it has worked out very well for him, it was a 99 28 foot classic in original condition showing it's age. Not a babied vintage or newer trailer loved to death by its owner. $150 a night and he averaged about 3 nights a week. His location was everything though.
We were close to doing it with ours being in a touristy town but the county is closing the door on short term rentals here.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by StevieB

As a reply to one of the previous posts, if your trailer is from the 50's you would not have to replace the axle because it has a leaf spring set-up.

Regards,

StevieB

Well, you may need to rebuild the leaf springs though. I would just replace the axles with new torsion axles built with new brakes. Order them from Colin Hyde to make sure you get the right axles that fit ( I know it is a problem communicating but just be persistent).

Dan

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by kbimle

So you don't think Airbnb is the way to go with a trailer?

Well I am too attached to mine I guess.

Airbnb might work ok if you have full hookups to your trailer.

Dan

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by AlinCal

We were close to doing it with ours being in a touristy town but the county is closing the door on short term rentals here.

I suspect if you talk to the zoning office in most locations that have Airbnb’s that they are not legal.

I just wouldn’t call them. We have stayed in Airbnb’s. Not much different than staying with friends or relatives. I don’t see the harm.

Dan

[Iansk]

Originally Posted by kbimle

Hello all. I've been looking at vintage trailers for the past several months and have come to the conclusion that I need your help. ;-) I've decided that a refurbished trailer is probably the way to go. I understand that one ends up putting the money in one way or the other, and I don't have the expertise nor the time to do it myself (although there are several places in Austin that do restorations).

I am looking for 22ft or possibly smaller, something light and towable and am drawn to the Flying Cloud and Bambi trailers for this reason. But I really am feeling my way forward here, and looking for

So, some of my first questions in looking at my local Craigslist are: is it a necessity to have the axle replaced in a late 50's/early 60's model? I've found a few that say they're fully restored but then they've got the original axle, or blackwater tank, shower, toilet and a few other things.

And, if you were looking for your first trailer, to pull for camping and as a part-time Airbnb, if you could go back and do it again, what would you look for? What advice would you give yourself as a raw beginner?

Thanks for your time!

Hi kbimble,
I live within the Austin city limits and have 3 vintage travel trailers and also have a fair bit of knowledge re AirstreamBnB's. I would be happy to chat directly with you and give you a tour of my trailers. I'd also be willing to look at any prospective trailer you might want to buy in the Austin area.
DM me if you'd like.

Ian