Trying to make a decision

[falcon-N-Air]

We are currently looking for our first Airstream and are very excited about this. There are two things that I am certain of, would like to find a 1966 year model and the trailer needs to be no longer than 22 feet. We are thinking about the Globetrotter or Safari model. It will be the two of us unless our Daughter and Boyfriend decide to join us. I would appreciate hearing from AFM's on these two models concerning the layout, potential problems that might exist from either of the two or anything else that might help us in narrowing down the search for our Airstream. All of your help is much appreciated!
Regards,
Eric

[TG Twinkie]

You are aware that the '66 models don't have a grey water tank? Unless installed by a PO.
There are options. You can always camp where there are full hookups or carry along a Tote.

[CaddyGrn]

If you are looking for a trailer that is "ready to roll" then I suggest you look anywhere and everywhere for photos and interior designs to see what is available. Have you camped with 4 adults in a 22 ft. trailer before? You might rent a square box and try one just for size.... I would also suggest looking to see if there are any Airstream rallies near where you are, go (even if you don't have a trailer) and look and see if there are any there, and look at the various models and layouts. Many folks have customized theirs... if looking for a project trailer you will work on then the sky is the limit!

Looking is half the fun! Good luck!

[falcon-N-Air]

Thanks for the valuable info,much appreciated. No, I was not aware that 66 models do not have a grey water tank. In what year was the grey water Tank available? Yes, we are looking for an Average condition Airstream that is ready to roll,that needs very little if any work. I may have not been clear about how many would be sleeping in the A/S, it will just be the two of us, the wife and I. Our Daughter normally has her boyfriend and other friends along,so they would be Tent camping.Regards,
Eric

[dwightdi]

I think 1976 was the year they started grey water tanks. In those days many campgrounds let you put the gray water on the ground. We camp with a 1963 sometime and bring a 25 gallon BlueBoy along. It is not that much trouble because we have a truck to put the empty tank in when we are finished. Blue boys are also handy if you want to stay longer that the black water tank last and you do not need to move the trailer each time you wish to dump. BlueBoys are pretty cheap by comparison to tearing the whole bottom of your trailer apart to install a gray water tank.

[Aviator]

We have a rally starting on the 28th of August and running through the 3rd of September in Helen, GA. The name of the WBCCI GA Unit's campground is Top of Georgia and is located at 14255 Hwy 75 N, Helen, GA. Please feel free to stop by and check out the various models. There are several at the campground for sale, but I don't know off hand which models or years. Many of our members are serial Airstream owners and pretty much anyone would be happy to talk to you.

When you enter the park, just stop at the host trailer and let them know what you are looking for. If I am around, I would be happy to answer questions as well just ask for Craig Stephens.

[azflycaster]

I believe it was 1974 when they were mandated. My 75 has one, but it is only 10 gallons.

[falcon-N-Air]

Many thanks guys for all of the helpful information. Thank you also for the invite to the Rally @ Helen,Ga. Craig, I would love to see all the Airstreams. I am going to see if I can make it. Once again Thanks to all!
Eric

[Aage]

Originally Posted by falcon-N-Air

In what year was the grey water Tank available?

1973 for the Excella models, and for all the others, 1974. But in 1976, the grey tank were up-sized. As already mentioned. 1973 to 1975 they were ten gallons, which is of little practical use if you want to camp off the grid.

[Wazbro]

I am fairly sure January 1,1973 is when grey water tanks became mandatory, so 1973 models built in 1972 were not required to have them but 1973 models built in 1973 were required to have them.

[Big C]

Good luck on your search!

[TouringDan]

I have a 66 Tradewind and love it. I think that it is a great size and a great layout.

I am curious why you are specifying a 66 vintage and also why you are specifying no more than 22ft in length.

You say that you are looking for one in average conditions that is ready to camp with few issues. The average 66 may not be ready to camp and will have numerous issues. Finding a real good vintage Airstream is not real easy, but it really is a lot of fun looking and learning all about them.

Good luck.

Dan

[falcon-N-Air]

Air Forums, a great group of people with a lot of helpful information. Thanks!

[falcon-N-Air]

Dan,
The main reason I am looking for a 66, it was a great year, I was born then too! lol If I am not lucky enough to find a 66 then any year in the 60's will do. As far as not wanting to exceed 22 feet, that is all I think my tow vehicle can handle. What I am looking for is a trailer that needs very little if any work at all before we can camp in it. I have not had any experience with restoration and am afraid that would be more than I would want to tackle at this time.
Regards,
Eric