Weight 1955 - remodel

[DDGriffin]

Hi,
We have been remodeling our airstream for a long time (started in 2017) and we just got it weighed. We believe our original dry weight was 3600 last night our remolded dry weight was 4400. Our truck can tow it just fine but is too heavy and what could happen? As part of the reno we did take the body off and modernize frame (at least we paid for it) - We had some less then honest 3rd party reno guys for a while.
Thanks for your guidence!
Diana

[DDGriffin]

one thing I realized is that all of the info I can find is about single axle 1955 Overlander's but ours is dual axel and is also wider then the 7' so it could have been heavier at the start. Does anyone know where I can find more information about my 1955 26' dual axel airstream? SSN - 6596 - made in Cal.

[InsideOut]

Unfortunately, Airstream wasn't big on documentation in 1955 and 'Owner's Manuals' weren't "a thing" until 1964. I did find these sales ads on their website:

• New, Different, Ultra Modern
• New Features, New Styling, New Comfort

But neither mention total weight.

There is this 'Specs & Price List' on the Airstream website for 1956 tarilers, which I'm sure is pretty close to the 1955 models. It lists the 1956 Overlander model as weighing n at 3,297 lbs. Keep in mind, the weights listed are dry & without any options or gear. Generally, they got heavier over the years - but I'm pretty certain one year wouldn't make a big difference.

The only concern with your restoration being heavier than original, would be the extra weight on the frame & axles. If your frame was beefed up & structurally sound, it shouldn't be a problem...

Shari

[Bill M.]

Does it have a tag anywhere that shows the axle rating?

From what you have said I would adjust the tires for the actual axle weight and go. I think it will be fine.

[57Vintage]

With the weight increase, are you still using the original axle and suspension (even if overhauled)? If so, I'd be concerned with having minimal suspension travel once you load up to camp.

I went through this issue with our 58 single axle Overlander. I had the original leaf springs rebuilt and replaced the axle with one rated to #5200 (per Airstream brochure the shipping dry weight was #3850). After adding multiple tanks, solar, and modern electrical/electronics I have outgrown the original suspension. My suspension was down to being less than 2" from bottoming out. Fully loaded to camp I was at #5200. I ordered new custom leaf springs (rated at #6500 and and replaced the axle with a #7000 one. I never imagined I'd add that much weight, but as you know the original trailer was a lot simpler than what is standard now. We kept the original layout/interior cabinets.

If you plan to boondock or go to out of the way places, you probably need additional clearance to keep from bottoming out. I dealt with this by changing the axle from a 4" drop to a straight axle.







Hope this helps you sort things out.

[uwe]

I am yet to find a vintage unit that is even close to stated weight. One of my procedures is to weigh a trailer before we start restoration, and then after restoration.
For example, a complete 1964 Safari with no AC weighed 4300lbs as was from factory. No AC, no propane in the tanks. No water.
After restoration, it weight 4060 lbs.
Airstream claims a dry weight of 3100lbs for this Safari twin.

So I wouldn't take the stated Airstream weights as any measure whatsoever. The data, simply put, is bogus.

Your current weight somewhat corresponds to a realistic original weight.

I hope this helps.