Re: [a/s] Old "Pipeframe" Airstream

[Charlie/Betty Burke <burke@xxxxxxxxxx>]

What the "pipe frame" refers to is the chassis frame. On a typical trailer of
today, including Airstreams, the frame underneath is referred to as a ladder
frame. A ladder frame has two main frame rails running from the front to the
back of the trailer near but not at the outer perimeter with an A shaped
junction at the front. Cross pieces between the outer rails and short outriggers
provide a relatively uniform support for the flooring. The old pipe frame was
just that, a 6' diameter pipe with very long outriggers extending to the outer
perimeter of the coach body. The rumor is that some additional support from the
rest of the shell did not happen and the result was an unnervingly flexible
floor.
You might check on the Vintage List Server, as several members, most notably Bud
Cooper have dealt with the problem in a number of different way. Bud replaced
the entire frame structure with a modern ladder frame.

Charlie