I know it's a stupid question, but...

[captmorgan]

What are the numbers on the front of the Airstream trailers for? We just bought a 68 International ?Globetrotter?, and there are numbers over the front window. The kind you stick on - Are all of these Airstreams numbered?????

[azflycaster]

Big red numbers? Those would be member numbers in the WBCCI.
WBCCI.org

[dwightdi]

These are the WBCCI numbers assigned to the previous owner. You can use his if you join the club and he has not decided to buy another Airstream. You could also just leave them on and that would stop WBCCI club members from asking you to join the club because you would be a "baldy" without numbers. There will be a big WBCCI get together in Sarasota in late February, at the fairgrounds. You might want to stop in there and see if you want to join. You can not bring your trailer till you have joined and paid the rally dues but you could walk around the grounds without anyone bothering you. You could not attend any of the seminars or evening entertainment without having valid name badges and Rally ribbons.

[JHollenbeck]

Good question: these are membership numbers for the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, a club for Airstream trailer and motorhome owners that has been around nearly as long as they have been making Airstreams. The big red numbers allow club members to identify each on the road because all members are listed in a club directory. I believe the number stays with the trailer (as opposed to the owner) so if you were to join the WBCCI, your current information would be attached to the trailer number. As a brand new member of WBCCI myself, Im not completely sure of this. I suggest you go to their website if you want to learn more- WBCCI.org

[azflycaster]

The numbers are assigned to the member, not the trailer. If you have multiple trailers, you still only have one number. If the number has not been used (member dropped out) for two years, it can be re-issued.
BTW, I am #7513...

[Silverwanabe]

Welcome,

There are no stupid questions.

Greg

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

The big red numbers on an Airstream are the WBCCI member numbers. The blue numbers are the Forums member numbers. Examples shown below. These numbers are normally displayed on both the front and the back of the trailer.

[Dan G]

Well that was not a stupid question as I was searching the forum for the same answer, thanks everyone. Now my next question is: on my 1956 Bubble just under the red numbers on the front there was a sticker that said "Wally Byams CARAVAN"

Was this sticker available everywhere or did my old bubble go on a Caravan with Wally at some point? And even more importantly can I get a reproduction/copy of this sticker? Please reply cos I don't want to polish her till I know if this sticker had any historical importance.

[dwightdi]

Give us what the numbers are and there are a few of here who have the old club directories that may be able to answer you. It is doubtful you can get reproductions of these early stickers, so if it is any kind of shape, protect it when you polish.

[Dan G]

OK so my red number is 2931, it's a 1956 Californian Bubble and at some point in it's life it had had a lot of time and money spent fitting a big non standard fridge, a safe box and a few other modifications.

As for the sticker it is all gone but has left a clear mark of what was there and I can maybe make a transfer of what was there before polishing.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by Silverwanabe

Welcome,

There are no stupid questions.

Greg

That is right.
There are no stupid questions.
Welcome
Dan

[ZoominC6]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that one Airstream owner was asked if the price was negotiable. The individual making the inquiry thought the red numbers was the asking price!!!! What a hoot!!!!

[Dan G]

I had a small break through and was wondering if anyone reading these posts can explain any more, the sticker I refer to in my post 8 & 10, i found a good picture of it on this site http://www.airforums.com/photos/showimage.php?i=9301 . Anyone know what it is? What color it was? Why did some trailers have them? Dan

[Ganaraska]

There are people all over the place who make stickers, numbers etc for cars and for signage. They should be able to photograph your sticker, scan it into a computer and make a duplicate for you.

[dwightdi]

The earliest directory I have is for 1965. It lists that membership as belonging to Leslie Rupert of Seattle, Washington. The Big numbers are made from a flexible plastic sheeting and will be issued you by the club when you pay your membership. The decals usually start to degrade and lose their red color after about 6 years in the northern climate and 3 years in the south. You can buy another set from headquarters every ten years if you want to keep up appearances. The Airstream aluminum plate can be lightly polished and then painted carefully a medium blue to improve its looks. I do not know what color the aluminum dealer was originally.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

the sticker you are refeering to is the Wally Byam's Caravan. It was issued to those going on an actual caravan in the early days. A forums member recently won one made of metal on an ebay auction. It was sent to Steve at Vintage Trailer Supply and is being reproduced so anyone that wants can own one.

[Dan G]

A huge thank you to both dwightdi and 62overlander for the information, that's just great, I have been using Vintage Trailer supplies for some parts already (roof vent, side marker lights, etc) and can't wait to get my hands on the new Wally Byam's Caravan repo. As for the membership, is there any way I can garentee that I will get this same membership number? Also once I join will more info about this trailer become available to me?

[azflycaster]

Send an email to Jodi Morris ( jmorris@wbcci.org ) and find out if the number is available. If it is, she can make sure you get that number when you join.