NEW GAME: Help Build A Virtual Airstream

[Phrunes]

We all have our favorite features in our beloved Airstream's and Argosy's, and some of us have even posted these favorites in other threads. How about a new game? The Virtual Airstream.

Rules and method of play:
The AS must be built from "the ground up" meaning that all suggested items must be agreed upon in a logical manufacturing order...Axles first, tires second, subframe and tongue third, structural frame fourth...so on, and so forth. Once an item has been completed and agreed upon and the next item could be a number of different items, the first post will prevail as the project for that week. All submissions/recommendations will be open for one week, Sunday thru Saturday. After tallying all postings for the week, a decision on the final items design will be added to the virtual trailer. Certain items may be combined if it makes sense, such as axles and tires combined, since we don't want to spend a week mulling over just tires. The first post on that stage of the build will dictate whether bundling will occur for that week. All suggested items and materials must be available and/or reasonable in today's manufacturing environment. Once the trailer is complete, a summary of the final build will be posted. Sound like fun? Get your creative, practical, lustful and vintage ideas flowing! Lets get started.

[Phrunes]

MOR Ryde axles, 16" Alcoa rims, Michelin radial tires.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi,
Six inch fully boxed frame.

[AIR-Quarius]

Neat-o idea Robert!

[JFScheck]

Self-contained generator powered by propane located aft of the wheels (too much tongue weight as it is) with larger 60lb aluminum propane tanks in the front (40 more pounds over a Classics 40lb tanks).

[NJtoNC]

maybe a poll feature would be helpful? I like this game. maybe we should start with frame... it's in my future

[Phrunes]

The poll idea is great...any idea how to do that?

Remember: this week's items are axles and tires. Feel free to discuss, promote or dispute with other posters on this topic. Since I suggested MOR Axles you could promote Baxters and point out why they would be a better choice. Ie MOR's would be too heavy and Dexters are lighter, etc.

[mstephens]

True and accurate measurement of tank status.

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by mstephens

True and accurate measurement of tank status.

Axles and tires can do that? Lol just trying to get things started off on the right path.

[Phrunes]

I would like to modify my previous suggestions:
Axles =MOR-Ryde
Wheels and Tires= TWEEL

The Tweel (a portmanteau of tire and wheel) is an experimental tire design developed by the French tire company Michelin. Its significant advantage over pneumatic tires is that the Tweel does not use a bladder full of compressed air, and therefore it cannot burst nor become flat. Instead, the Tweel's hub connects to flexible polyurethane spokes which are used to support an outer rim and assume the shock-absorbing role of the compressed air in a traditional tire.

[cwf]

Frame separate from 'shell'..so you can do 'frame off' future repairs/maintenance

[cwf]

Pre run wiring and plumbing raceways in trailer frame for future FARKELING.

[cwf]

Establish "flexation" legends marked on trailer to show original "set" while sitting on wheels and level. These can be similar to maritime markings on ships and barges.

This way the owner can document the state of their trailer to subsequent owners and watch for problems.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by NJtoNC

maybe a poll feature would be helpful? I like this game. maybe we should start with frame... it's in my future

Actually, a logical manufacturing order would start with the frame. Can't add axles until you've got the frame and the springs to attach them to.

But if you want to do sub-assemblies, then axles, brakes, rims, and tires would all be one sub-assembly.

[Phrunes]

How about a cam and lock positioner on axle assy.? Turn a long screw (like bal jacks), it unlocks the axle assy. Back the trailer against wheel chocks, axle rotates in eliptical cam, and presto! instant 6 inches of addl. temporary clearance.

[cwf]

Laminated fiberglass panels for floor instead of plywood.

Pull out ramp for handicap access (like Uhaul trucks have. )

[barts]

I'd prefer hybrid torsion/air suspension like is used on some high end horse trailers.... this would make trailer height quite adjustable, and with differential inflation side to side would allow trailer to self level in most cases. The frame section should taper to the rear if practical to offer additional ground clearance.

Wheel wells should be of 1/8" 6061 aluminum, fastened to the frame.

Hydraulic disc brakes of course.

I'd like that 6" boxed frame to include a full perimeter support for the floor.

I'd like to see the belly pan fastened in smaller sections.

- Bart

[cwf]

Laminated Fiberglas panel flooring. Can imbed heat strips for chilly morns

Pull out ramp at door for handicap access.

Wiring raceway with installed "pull strings"

Access panels for service of tank sensors

Slots under frame into which you can slide and secure underbelly panels. (More accessible to components. )

Hydraulic leveling jacks could push down the plate where axles are attached.

Tire pressure monitors wireless to TV

Built in air lines with quick disconnects secured in recessed panels near wheel well openings.

Hot and cold external water sources.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by barts

Hydraulic disc brakes of course.

Hi, hydraulic disc brakes, only if they can be controlled with a vacuum booster, run by a vacuum pump, with a vacuum storage tank, and with ABS. Todays little electric motor driven pumps are a joke with many failures.

[goshawks00]

How about a discussion on what size this virtual airstream is going to be... That's a lot of "stuff' for a Bambi ;.) 1 axle /2/3/4? Weight an issue? This is already turned into a 10,000 lb elephant and we haven't even gotten to the pair of 200 gal fresh water tanks yet. I think we need to agree on what the final size will be before we can 'build' it.