Airstream search question

[HiHy Camper]

Hi! I’m going to ask in advance for patience with my “newby” questions. We are ISO a TT, and have never towed anything before. Our issue is that our family needs a bit of space but we own a Toyota Highlander that is hybrid, so our tow rating is only 3,500. I had thought Airstreams would be out of the question for us, but I found a vintage one for sale and as I was trying to figure out if it might work I ended up with a mystery. The owner showed me a pic of the title - it says 1953 Tradewind and shows it as 22’. I can’t seem to find anywhere that they made Tradewinds in 53? I figured the year, the model or the length must be wrong. If it’s really a 53 and is a flying cloud, the weight would be around 2,500-2,700 which might work? If it’s a Tradewind the listed weight would be around 3,100 and I would definitely not want to push that far. It has two twin beds in the middle and bathroom in back. I attached a photo of the outside. So...
1. Can anyone help with this model/year/weight mystery?
2. Am I crazy to think I could tow an Airstream, even an older and lighter model?

[sterlinghick]

You don’t say whether it has been renovated, but if it hasn’t, it likely needs new axels and frame repairs to make it safe to tow. If the fame has been repaired, then it is likely much heavier than the original weight.

[HiHy Camper]

Ah that makes a lot of sense! It has been renovated (somewhat) - and it has breaks so I bet you are right. I may just need to find a new TV so I can have my Airstream Dream. I’m completely uninspired by newer TTs and other vintage campers just aren’t working for us.

[azflycaster]

The Tradewind was first produced in 1959 and the picture you posted has much in common with the early Tradewind's. They were 24 feet and had a dry weight listed at 3000+ pounds.

The trailer in your picture does not look like a 53 because of the number of end cap segments. There are folks on this site who can give you more information.

[HiHy Camper]

The mystery is solved!! I searched on Tradewinds vins and found the code. It is a 1953 Tradewind (24’ so the title is incorrect in all 3 ways). Now I may need to search for a bee TV. ��

Here’s the site with vin info: https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...2020-06-16.pdf

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by HiHy Camper

The mystery is solved!! I searched on Tradewinds vins and found the code. It is a 1953 Tradewind (24’ so the title is incorrect in all 3 ways). Now I may need to search for a bee TV. ��

Here’s the site with vin info: https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...2020-06-16.pdf

Confused how you found the VIN for a 1953 in a document for 59-80 trailers. Also, 1959 was the first year Airstream produced a Tradewind.

[LNBright]

If it's a '53, it's a 25' Cruiser



Use this site to see different models for different years and compare:

http://vintageairstream.com/photo-archives/

[HiHy Camper]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

Confused how you found the VIN for a 1953 in a document for 59-80 trailers. Also, 1959 was the first year Airstream produced a Tradewind.

I had the vin so I found the meaning behind the vin numbers, and it showed that it wasn’t a 1953. The numbers mean that it’s a 1959 Tradewind that is 24’. I knew something seemed off - now I realize the title is wrong. Either that or the vin is wrong - but I’m guessing the title is wrong as it says that it is a Tradewind that is 22’, and I don’t think any Tradewinds were 22’. Of course what do I know? But I love Airstreams and a good mystery during a boring Covid weekend. ��

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by HiHy Camper

Our issue is that our family needs a bit of space but we own a Toyota Highlander that is hybrid, so our tow rating is only 3,500.

Originally Posted by HiHy Camper

2. Am I crazy to think I could tow an Airstream, even an older and lighter model?

In a word - "Yes". Especially with "a family" and all the stuff that goes on a camping trip.

When we first started out over twenty years ago, we towed a 3,800lb 1964 GlobeTrotter with a Jeep Cherokee rated for over 5,000lbs. It struggled, big time...especially going up any grades. Even grades you never even knew existed. After a couple of trips, we upgraded our tow vehicle.

Your Highlander may be able to move an Airstream, but not safely tow it without major modifications. Keep in mind, the weight of the trailer posted is stripped down of any personal contents, accessories & fluids...

Shari

[B. Cole]

Originally Posted by HiHy Camper

Ah that makes a lot of sense! It has been renovated (somewhat) - and it has breaks so I bet you are right. I may just need to find a new TV so I can have my Airstream Dream. I’m completely uninspired by newer TTs and other vintage campers just aren’t working for us.

That trailer is a field mouse, full of unpleasant suprises.I would stay far away from that type, especially being brand new to the trailer rodeo.
I won't even get into the single axle larger trailers like that, even brand new.Too much trailer for a single axle.

[Halford1]

If you are looking for a new TV, be sure that it has FACTORY Installed Tow Package. Not dealer or DIY installed. That way you have everything for safe towing trips.