[VAL] Frame Separation

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Pete is correct about the problem being most prevalent in rear bath 
trailers - especially if the previous owner didn't apply the concept of 
a "see-saw" when he saw where the holding tanks were located. Perhaps 
owners who towed their Airstreams with the holding tanks partially full 
or full were the ones who also slept during their high school physics 
classes.

If my experience is any indication, frame separation can occur in rear 
bedroom models too  - especially when (1) the owner has replaced the 
mattresses with heavier mattresses than were originally installed by 
the Airstream factory, and (2) the owner has packed the storage area 
under each twin bed with everything but the kitchen sink. Storage areas 
under the rear bed(s) are especially attractive because of their length 
and easy access from inside and outside the trailer.

As for fixing a frame separation, I found out first hand that cost can 
range widely depending on the cause. I've fixed two Airstreams ('78 31" 
& '67 22') with frame separation and each cost less than $500. Both 
"fixes" could have been much more expensive had I not volunteered to 
unfasten and lower the belly pan so the welder could find the problem 
and fix it. My welder was happy to have me do the "scud" work while his 
welding skills were used on other jobs for other customers. After he 
"fixed" my frame separation problem, I volunteered (and he took me up 
on it) to button up the belly pan.

All told, dropping the belly pan and reattaching it used up the 
majority of the day my Airstream was in the Welder's garage. His actual 
work on each of my Airstreams was done in less than one hour. He didn't 
charge me for the work I did on my Airstream in his garage.

Not only was it a real convenience for me to wear safety glasses and my 
Navy watch cap to keep dirt out of my eyes, ears and hair (what hair?), 
but a block of wood with a piece of carpet stapled to it was a major 
comfort for supporting my head while laying on my back on the floor.

Likewise, I wore one of my son's worn-out Pilot's jump suits which kept 
dirt out of my waist band and from getting under my shirt while my arms 
and shoulders were going through contortions to align the belly pan 
sheets so my hands could squeeze the pot rivet gun as soon as the rivet 
was positioned correctly.

To reattach the belly pan, I used all three of my expensive high 
quality pop rivet guns. This made the job go faster when I could set 
aside a jammed gun and use one of my spares. It was also helpful that I 
had purchased a box of 500 pop rivets ahead of time. I learned that 
from someone on this list.

Also, the job went faster with four pair of lockjaw pliers to hold the 
belly pan sheets in place after I lined them up before popping the 
rivets in place. I could have done the job much faster if I'd had an 
extra arm and hand.

Bottom line, frame separation is no big deal for the owner who locates 
a welder who is willing to let him do the labor of dropping and 
reattaching the belly pan. My comment to a potential buyer is >> If the 
Airstream is in excellent condition otherwise, I wouldn't be shy about 
buying it.

Nor would I shy off at finding floor rot. Liquid penetrating epoxy is 
simple to use and exceptionally effective in re-establishing a solid 
floor. This job was best done when I did it on a low humidity cool day. 
If I had access to a  garage or barn, it could have been done any day 
of the week.

Of course, the cause for floor rot needs to be located and fixed. I've 
found that job to be straight forward using concepts I learned in my 
high school physics classes - plus dogged persistence at being 
systematically logical in my search pattern.

Restoring, repairing and refurbishing an old Airstream has been greatly 
simplified for me when I break down each job into small parts and do my 
homework before I touch a tool (sort of like prepping a house before 
painting it).  If any of this is helpful to others, be my guest.

Terry
1963 22' Flying Cloud
1967 22' Safari
1989 32' Excella