[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V3 #257

[Aaron Whaley <wahoonc1@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Tail droop/rear end separation and frame cracks are two well known issues with 
the longer 70's vintage units. I have a 1975 Sovereign, with the rear end 
separation. There are a couple of ways to fix it: if it has already occured you 
probably have rotted wood in the rear, that will require repair and addition of 
addtional fasteners and clips in the rear frame area. If severe enough (as in my 
case) you most likely will require frame welding and repair. Easiest method to 
check is to stand on the rear bumper. If there is any movement between the shell 
and the bumper you have separation. Frame crackswe caused by an attempt to lighten 
the trailers due to the high costs of fuel and the smaller vehicles being built 
during the 70's oil crisis. They apparently lightened the frames too much. These 
are usually spotted by puckers or bulges just behind the wheel wells. Airstream 
made and to the best of my knowledge still sells the stiffener plates that install 
behind the wheels over the a!
 xles for this issue. There are many opinions as to what causes the rear end 
separation, ranging from poor design, unbalanced running gear, poor sealant 
maintenance and bad karma.
But if you consider the age of the trailer and the fact they are over 30 years old 
it is not suprising that they have some issues. You won't find anywhere near the same 
number of SOB's on the road after 30 years even though they produced many, many more 
of them than Airstreams. BTW 30 year old cars have issues too. ;-)

Aaron