[A/S] Downsizing

["Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hey Guys,

Be sure to look at the weight of the trailer you are considering. Occasionally, "down sizing" may
have hidden disadvantages. Some of the 1995 25' Airstreams have been known to weigh in close to the
maximum BEFORE any personal gear, water or propane is added. 

A friend of ours has one of them and found that with minimal personal gear, they were overweight
according to the factory installed weight panel on the front side of their Airstream (GVWR 6800#).
They abruptly learned this when their A frame cracked. We were with them at the time it occurred.
Subsequently, they had it repaired at the Airstream Factory. 

On their way home from the factory while the trailer was empty of all personal gear and water, they
stopped at a DOT scale and had it weighed (8200#). Their actual DOT slip verified the trailer was
overweight according to the factory weight panel. That revelation scrambled their marbles.
Fortunately, the carrying capacity of their tires is well beyond the actual weight being carried
(ST225/75R15 = 2540# at 65 PSI). Live and learn. 

As an aside, the factory installed weight panel on OUR 1977 31' (GVWR 8500#) is almost identical to
our actual DOT weight slip (8795#); and we carry everything a Full Timer needs (and then some). 
 
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net