new-to-me 1989 Squarestream: questions

[Bison66]

I have recently purchased a 1989 Squarestream. My first Airstream. I believe it was built in '88. I assume that Texas titled it in '89. The state also calls it a 36'. Which is tongue to bumper. My research made me believe that Airstream refers to it as a 34'.

It has a rear bedroom, middle bath, galley kitchen, and front living area. The original owner passed and left it to his more than middle aged children. That's when I feel the damage occurred. It appears that they hooked up water at some point and the toilet valve leaked. It ran under the carpet up against the closet then moved along the kitchen cabinet and settled in front of the door. The OSB deteriorated about a 18" semi circle just in front of the door.

That is where my questions start. Is the OSB 5/8 or 3/4? I see no evidence of a seam. Do they buy OSB for trailers in full width and length? Why do I read that everyone is afraid to install hardwood or composite hardwood with fasteners? A dehumidifier can eliminate any swelling.

Are the walls really secured with screws from below through the subfloor? How thick is the insulation on exterior wall and ceilings? What is the holding strength of the aforesaid. What are my options in covering up the vinyl on the walls?

Thank you ahead of time for sharing your knowledge.

[Bison66]

Not of the inside. I'm not sure if I am allowed to send pictures yet in this system.

.

These are when I was considering the purchase.

[Bex]

If you search "Squarestream" you might find some info.

Actually, I didnt realise there is a forum specifically for you

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f419/

[RUMSHIP]

It's a square stream. I don't think I'd call it an argosy. Good luck. Not many of them around.

[Wolfe]

Hi
the floor on mine is 3/4" and is 1 Pc no brakes. The glue is not water tight, small leak
turns in to chips.
The insulation on walls is guned in foam on mine is still like new, works well.
floor is glass bats thats fallen apart.
Good luck-Jim

[Bison66]

You are right about the glue. Thanks for the info.

[Wolfe]

Have a look at ceps to penatrate ans seal the chip bord (i driled 1/4" holes 1/2" deep on 3/4" center'sand brushed on heavy coat helped but not perfect.

[Jim & Mitzi]

What material was used for the lower interior walls. Ceiling is covered aluminum. Walls seem like good wallpaper. My goal is to cover wall material with lightweight carpet similar to a 97 Safari I just sold. Looked and and was quieter....


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[Wolfe]

My 1988 walls, Vinl, glued to 3 ply luan glued to plastic buble wrap.
luan glue is not water tight.
floor is 3/4" chip bord not water tigh all 1 sheet.

[fiddle]

Bison66 did you find any more floor rot? Check real good around all outside edges.
I have mine pretty well gutted of floor, walls and ceiling. Floor was one piece and was marked 5/8 inch. And yes the floor goes under the outside wall and is screwed from the bottom into the wall bottom z-channel. I am not going back under the wall with new floor rather just installing spacers at each floor spar and then riveting an aluminun angle to the inside of the lower wall z-channel to support the floor along the outside. I am still trying to figure out what would have caused so much rot.

[Bison66]

I did not. I cut out a couple of places until I got to solid OSB. I am going to carefully fit in plywood patches from beam to beam. Bought new new deck screws to secure to I beams. For the seams running perpendicular to beams I have cut strips of ply 4" wide to glue, clamp, and staple from below and above. I will allow that to cure. I cleaned the OSB out to looks like a channel under wall. Will have to cut a few slots to allow y to slide in around screws. I will then glue patches in and staple from above. After securing with new deck screws and allowing time for glue to cure I will assess strength.

[Bison66]

I didn't answer your question as to what could cause the OSB to rot. Airstream had this stuff specially run. Normal OSB has pretty good glue. I have witnessed the stuff on buildings that lasts in the elements for at least 5 years. I understand that the carpet would accelerate degradation; however, I have to believe that what they had made for them has superior strength with a glue that will not tolerate moisture.

[Bison66]

Originally Posted by Wolfe

My 1988 walls, Vinl, glued to 3 ply luan glued to plastic buble wrap.
luan glue is not water tight.
floor is 3/4" chip bord not water tigh all 1 sheet.

I have to check out the wall situation. I think I am hoping for the sprayed foam.

[Bison66]

Originally Posted by Jim & Mitzi

What material was used for the lower interior walls. Ceiling is covered aluminum. Walls seem like good wallpaper. My goal is to cover wall material with lightweight carpet similar to a 97 Safari I just sold. Looked and and was quieter....


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I have been covered up at work and other projects. The stream has been lingering. Once I finish the sub floor I will start on walls and ceilings. I have been reluctant to pull the vinyl wallpaper off either not know what is under it. Thanks to all for information.

[fiddle]

In my 29foot '89 LandYacht (SquareStream) the walls and ceiling are a glued up layering of whitish vinyl, real thin plywood, and about 1/4inch sheet foam. The layering of the wood between to vinyl and foam means is will take forever to dry out if it ever gets wet. Also I think the vinyl shrinks in time from high heat.

The walls have sprayed on foam insulation that at most averages 3/4 to 1 inch thick with some spots missing or much thinner. Think I seen in some literature that AS limited this thickness to allow for the wiring to be easily installed.

I will try to get some good pictures now that I have the interior pretty well gutted. Am still trying to figure out the outside skin construction as just seen yesterday that the outside wall sheeting has a butted seam under the half way down rub trim.

fiddle

[Mkbraymond]

May I ask you if you'd mind sharing a approximate price that you paid for your square stream? We are about to list our 1988 model, given its age, if is in good condition.

[Wolfe]

Hi
I paid $5500.00 for my 1989, That still seems a fair price.

[rickythecat]

Hey there,
Just checking in on some 'square' forums. I purchased my '89 Squarestream in Mackinaw MI last September. I paid $5800. Other than water damage throughout, EVERYTHING works well and the exterior was in great shape. Good luck with your sale.

[ktmkirby]

I paid $7000 CDN, that's $5440 US. Everything works. There's minor ceiling damage around the front and rear vents....I have to see where I can get new ceiling panels...does anyone know? I found a small area of floor rot just above the rear storage compartment, and the paint on the top half is faded. Other than that she's ready to go. I'll probably go to town on the renos in the fall. Should be a fun project.