Trailer inspector wanted

[stephseattle]

We have the tell tail signs of "rear end sag" in our 1978 Sovereign rear bath.

My husband thinks it is a total loss, but the option of starting over seems like we'll end up in the same place. And purchasing a newer one doesn't make sense because the layouts don't work for what we want to do with the trailer.

Anyone recommend someone in the Seattle area who can inspect to see the extent of frame damage and advise us on the proper restoration procedure.

We tried Evergreen RV and they were jerks. We tried Brian's custom Trailers in South Prairie and they are way too overbooked. I've got a call in to the dealer, but think they might not want to do it.

We just need to decide whether this trailer is worth restoring?

Thanks! stephanie

[ROBERT CROSS]

The inspector list is on the Portal Page...right side about half way down.(right below 'Restoring a Dream")

Good Luck!!

Bob

[blkmagikca]

At one time there was a "frame stiffening kit" that AS installed. It, essentially, added gussets to strengthen the frame. It is not a cheap fix, and you would have to determine whether or not it is worthwhile spending that kind of money. A lot depends on the overall condition of your '78.

[stephseattle]

whom would I call to find out about the frame stiffening kit? I called airstreams NW to see about an inspection and they said they don't do that. we were playing phone tag so perhaps I can try to get a hold of the guy in person.

the trailer is currently gutted so we are planning to build it out once the foundation is set and we can start replacing the sub floor.

the option of buying a newer trailer for 70k that we gut and restore doesn't make sense; however we are not ruling that out. We do have about 8k in this trailer that is probably worth about 3k in it's current condition.

cost is not so much an issue as this will hopefully be our forever home.

mostly, i'm trying to solve the current problem...can I find someone to fix the frame?

[Minno]

We had rear end sag, and repaired it with our gut job renovation. Trailer's been on the road for 5 years now with no issues in that department. Our repair is in our thread: Little Girl Refurb, under 72 Sovereigns heading. Might help you. If your trailer is already gutted, so much the better. I do not remember it being an expensive fix and we did it ourselves. Good luck!

Kay

[Hittenstiehl]

When we were recently looking for an inspection/inspector we did the following:

Looked at the portal page and sent some messages but did not get any reply

Posted a looking for inspector thread here and got I'm sorry can't help right now response's.

Called a local Airstream Dealership who referred us to a mobile RV mechanic but our trailer was out of his travel zone.

Sent an email to the local WBCCI unit and that person forwarded the message to some of the unit members. A WBCCI member from that unit emailed us and did an inspection for us. We will get to meet him soon when we take a trip to MO. to pick up the trailer.

[blkmagikca]

You can call the mothership (aka JC) and speak with Chris Burch 937-596-6111-x7413. This will not be a cheap fix, but he will explain what is involved and what it is likely to cost. I have been servicing my current AS at JC since I got it in 2011 and am very satisfied with all they have done (including all new running gear after a blow out).

[DJT13]

Billy Sims in Lubbock Tx Has done that fix for years. they are not currently an AS dealer but the last time I talked to Brady their service manager they still had their techs.. they did skin replacement for me in the mid 2000 and did excellent work. I checked with them recently as we decided to downsize from our Cameo 5th to a 2010 FC 30