moving a gutted 1972 29' ambassador

[Waterfordair]

this is my first post- I have recently purchased a 29' ambassador. I have almost completed the interior demo- once the demo is complete I was going to move the trailer about a mile would this be a problem with no interior supports? The second question I have is after removing the refrigerator, roof mounted AC, water heater and such how can I temporarily cover those holes until I get some aluminum. Third question- looking to create an open floor plan and was wondering if there was a good source of pictures on line ?

[cwf]

Howdy.. Welcome!
Since we don't know the full extent of your 'gut', it is difficult to really 'estimate' IF you can tow it..

It is possible to 'move' with just the outer shell and ribs attached. We can see pictures of Airstream workers literally carrying JUST a 'shell' If we can see 'pictures', that can help make a good GUESS....But, it is all on you...

Even if this is your only post, Go slow! don't 'rattle' things. Best wishes..

[J. Morgan]

My take is so long as you don't have tons of snow on the roof moving a gutted Airstream isn't a problem.


Brevi tempore!

[J. Morgan]

P.S. Here is my open floor plan, open except for the bath, some things should be private...




Brevi tempore!

[AnnArborBob]

The interior skin is part of the trailer's structure. If you have removed the interior skin as part of your remodel, you have significantly reduced the strength of the structure. It might be OK to tow the trailer carefully and slowly for a few miles in town. But, if you have to go further than a few miles, or faster than 25 or 30 mph, or suspect that the trailer might be subject to torque such as from side winds or driving on twisty roads, I would brace the interior with some 2 X 4's.

You can temporarily cover your roof penetrations with just about anything (wood, plastic or metal) secured in place preferably with aluminum foil tape available at any hardware or home improvement store.

[SuzyHomemakr]

Originally Posted by Waterfordair

... Third question- looking to create an open floor plan and was wondering if there was a good source of pictures on line ?

I'm in the process of doing basically that to my Ambassador. You can check out some of my posts here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f354...er-114341.html

[perryg114]

We have discussed the myth about the inner skins being structural and the bottom line is they add up to less than 10% of the total structure. Don't worry. Just make sure the shell is securely attached to the frame. It is not that well attached to start with.

Here is the latest thread on that.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...-141728-2.html

Perry

[DaKs]

I towed my 31 Excella for about 70 miles down the hiway just to see how it pulled without all the weight. I have removed everything including the inner skins and it is no problem.
The shell is Very strong. I have an aircraft back ground and the shell is so much like a fuselage it's not even funny.
Good luck on your rebuild.
Ps I just lifted the shell off today. Now the real work begins.

[NavyCorpsman]

Welcome aboard! Towing a gutted AS should not be a big deal. Especially if it is for such a short distance. As far as the roof openings, if you are in the open, you can purchase a sheet of corrugated plastic roofing material at Lowe's or the like. cut to size a bit bigger than the opening and duct tape it down. Then cover the top with a tarp and tie it securely. When you are using a ladder to reach the top, make sure to put your ladder on the upper horizontal rivet line.

[Hittenstiehl]

Based on my reading here on the forum you should be able to move it without problems.

There are lots of Airstream interior pictures on Pinterest, Houzz, and just plain Google.

Type in Airstream Interior Images and lots will come up.

Have fun

[cwf]

My concern about towing may be "over cautious"... But if the shell and frame are coming apart, a few words to the WISE..... I lit is your trailer. Your cleanup if it crashes..

Good luck!