Airstream - 'Expedition' trailer?

[Mike S]

I have a nice custom built 416 style off highway trailer - well fitted out - that I enjoy a lot.

But I have entertained thoughts of a smaller Airstream on and off for years, and finally pulled the trigger on a 24' Airstream Argosy tandem axle trailer. I intend to fit it out for extended off-grid use, on hunting/fishing trips in wild places, for a exhibit support vehicle for our tent business, and for use at field trials.

It will also have a mobile office for keeping business humming while I travel. This has been a hassle in the past, and I hope to improve on capabilities in this area with better communications.

SInce I travel with my dogs a lot, I am also going to optimize facilities for dogs in my truck and in the trailer. I am thinking that Pirelli industrial rubber flooring, stainless or aluminum lower cabinet door panels, etc. will make it easier to keep clean, and resist wear and tear.

I am curious to know if any of you have experience with using these trailers for 'wilderness' travel, and what ideas, recommendations you might have.

Mike

 

[Grim Reaper]

My 1959 Airstream may have gone to Cairo and parked infront of The sphinx. :archaeolo
http://www.airstream.net/images/sphinxes.jpg

It may be in this picture
http://www.airstream.net/images/pyramid.jpg

Mine is a "Caravanner" it is fitted out for boon docking. It sits 2 inches higher then most and has a frame strengthener as well as full box frame where most are C Channel. It also has a "Wally Byam Caravan Plaque" meaning that it was on one of the international trips. It either went to Cairo, the Around the world trip or the Mexico trip.

Wally (the founder of Airstream) was very fond of traveling to far and distant places. He organized several "Caravans" to third world places. Its in the history of the product to travel the path less traveled.

Wally and Stella Byam's Cadillac heading up a caravan at Mont-Saint-Michel in northern France.
http://www.airstream.net/images/mont.jpg

The around the world Caravan.
http://www.airstream.net/images/caravan8.jpg

Your camper will take a certain amount of rough roads.

The biggest issue you have it is about guaranteed you have sagging axle syndrome. The torsion axle with age looses its resilience and settles. It would be a good idea to replace them as well as the shocks. You may be able to custom order a axle with a little bit of lift. Most airstream's have a top of frame height of about 18inches.

Another thing you need to do is completely inspect the floor. Airstream's are a Monocoque design. The achilles heel is the wood floor. If it rots the frame and shell are no longer attached together and it will beat it self to pieces it left alone.


The Expo of the Airstream world.
www.airforums.com I'm 59Toaster there.

Vintage Airstream club.
http://www.airstream.net/

 

[ThomD]

Good question. Airstream is about the only travel trailer that my wife doesn't think looks dorky.

 

[Ireland]

And just how are you gonna get it through Moab:sombrero:

 

[Rezarf <><]

Mike-

Whats the deal with the other trailer? I'd wish you'd done this a year ago before I started my trailer build up. Good luck with the new set up, I am exctied to see what you come up with.

What is going to pull the Airstream?

Drew

 

[Mike S]

Grim'... Thanks for the thoughts, the link, and the terrific photos. The axles on this trailer are Henschen (sp?) and when I crawled under for a look they were just above level. The shocks are not new, for sure. Looks like the axles bolt up to a plate fixed to the frame, and might present an oppty for a bit more lift of the frame and body. Tires and wheel look newish. Everything inside works fine. The floor is sound - not spongy or sagging. The previous owner rebuilt a portion of the forward floor. This is a twin with convertible dinette and rear bathroom. The better layout, I think. I'll post a couple photos.

Drew - I'll probably keep the 'little trailer' and continue to use it behind the 80. The tow vehicle for the Airstream will be my Expedition for now. I am contemplating a new diesel 1/2 ton next Spring, as the Ford now has 165K miles - runs great, but I expect mileage with the trailer to drop to the very low teens.

Ireland - Probably drive -- but I might think twice about Poison Spider.

Thom - my wife just rolls her eyes. But she knows I need a better support system for my month long safaris to Montana, Texas, NE Oregon, etc.

 

[Lynn]

a 24' Airstream Argosy tandem axle trailer..for a exhibit support vehicle for our tent business

There's something wrong with that.

 

[Mike S]

There's something wrong with that.

It does seem incongruous doesn't it?

When at a typical trade show, the Landcruiser and tent are an 'exhibit' and I would rather stay in the trailer in the parking lot than at the typical motel

And I take some month long trips to Montana, NE Oregon, etc. in late Fall. After tramping around after my bird dogs all day, I really need a warm dry place with a kitchen and a shower for myself and one or two friends. I can't stand cafe food for more than a day or two. Those are the primary uses for the trailer. I will always have a tent on my truck or on my 'little trailer' for rough country or shorter trips.

Mike S

 

[IH8RDS]

I took my 29' trailer to Savannah, Georgia for 40 days two summers ago. They closed the runway here at Langley. 20X better then staying in the dorms. Its nice to come back to a nice warm\cold home away from home. Congrats on your purchase!

 

[outdoorsaddict]

I've been working on my Airstream Bambi

The 1963 Airstream Bambi has been in the family since it was bought new. My aunt and uncle purchased it and traveled throughout the South. It was neglected so I opted to buy it from my father. I didn't exactly stay with the vintage look on the inside. The wood work had already been painted so I just put a fresh coat of paint on it and did the upholstery in camo. I trimmed it out with OD material I had. This was the 16 ft. size and rated at 1875 lbs. I started polishing but what a job that is! Its still needs a lot of elbow grease to get the desired mirror finish. I think I will just stop at this stage. After all, its camo inside, what do I want a glossy finish on the exterior.

 

[outdoorsaddict]

Another pic of inside

 

[outdoorsaddict]

Exterior pic

I set it up at a traditional archery tournament but honestly I just don't think I'm a camper type. I have two canvas wall tents and backpacking equipment I usually use. I've had several campers in the past but I always went back to the wall tent for a base camp. I may be selling the lil Bambi in the near future.

 

[outdoorsaddict]

My other trailers

I haul my gear in one of several trailers depending on the type trip. I used this trailer last year for a month and a half trip out to Colorado. I needed room for the wall tent,stove,and all the other paraphernalia that goes with it. I wanted to keep the bed of the truck empty so I could sleep under the topper if I wanted to. This trailer isn't made for the serious off roading but it did well on the Nat'l. Forest roads that were legal to drive on.

 

[outdoorsaddict]

I've had this trailer for about 20 yrs.

I bought this trailer from my roofing contractor stepfather in law after his tar kettle burned out on it. I cut the kettle off and later fabricated a box for the frame. I added the fuel/water cans and used it for hauling camping gear. I've made several mods to it since the pics but it is still my favorite little trailer. I'm planning on mounting a rooftop to this one.

 

[outdoorsaddict]

I'm still working on this M100

This one was in pretty bad shape. A poorly fabricated tailgate using motorcycle chain link for hinges,etc... The axles/wheels had been replaced with M416 running gear so I decided not to worry about a restoration. New shocks,rattle can paint, and I still need to finish up the tailgate work. I sneaked out and hooked it to HER JK and snapped some pics before she found out.