1970's Trade wind

[michele19]

I recently purchased a 1971 Tradewind. Under the banana peel I can see that the belly pan comes above the outer skin. Which basically means water runs right down into the belly pan. Picture shingles on a roof put on backwards! My question is.....Is that how they did things in the 70's or was this done by a previous owner?

[Lance M]

That's original in the 70s Airstreams and newer.
Fixable.

[cameront120]

A standard error on those models. Preventing water ingress wasn't always a priority for Airstream. Fortunately it's a fixable problem.

[arktos55343]

Which is why it is very important to seal the top of the trim / rub rail...so the water does not go down there (as much)....

[cameront120]

It's even better to remove the aluminum and lap it under the body sheets above (like shingles), so that water laps over rather than in. Still apply sealant so that water doesn't find a way in through hydrostatic pressure.