$75,000

1978 31’ Sovereign Land Yacht

Perfect setup for a family.
Private bunk room with 4 beds plus dining area converts to a king size bed up front.

Here is a link to the original trailer specs from Airstream.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7tbuiwl_2RiWFh6YnRaVFE0RzA

BACKGROUND

I originally found this well preserved Airstream near the Salton Sea desert area in Southern California. This is a great environment for storing preserving a vehicle or trailer. It had been a dream to have a remodeled classic Airstream and take the kids camping often during their “growing up” years. If you are a family looking for an Airstream, you will notice that even on larger models the layout is challenging for a family. We wanted to have a bunk room where we could put the kids to bed and then enjoy the living space as a couple for that brief yet precious window of time before us parents went to sleep. We also wanted a wrap-around dining table large enough to invite a second family to join for board games, meals and hang-time.

We ended up gutting the interior back to the bathroom and having it rebuilt just how wanted it. We ended up taking a month long camping trip each fall with our family of 5.

The factory original trailer weight was about 5,500lbs. I would estimate that the remodeled and loaded weight is closer to 7,500lbs. We had a great experience towing with a GMC Yukon XL equipped with the standard (smaller) engine. This is the same vehicle as a Chevy Suburban 1500.

REMODEL PROCESS

The original remodel and all subsequent work has been professionally done by the good folks at MEL Trailer, http://meltrailer.com. Erasmo and Lucas, two brothers, did the original work on the remodel while working for another company, then shortly afterward started their own trailer restoration company named MEL Trailer. They are craftsmen with amazing attention to detail.

All the interior was custom built with birchwood cabinets, original style aluminum rivets, consideration for how to keep a classic look with lux-camping features. For example, the original awnings were in amazing condition and kept, but the bathroom footprint and some original parts kept, but then expanded to have a wardrobe section, closet, porcelain toilet, new flooring and fixtures.

In 2016, I invested in overhauling a few things to bring the trailer into 100% “no apologies” road trip and showroom ready condition. Both axles were previously original but replaced as Airstreams have a torsion spring system which can settle with age. Replacing the entire axles also gives the trailer brand new brakes and shocks. Batteries and cables were also replaced along with updates to the gray and black water systems.

SLEEPING AREAS AND STORAGE

One of the best features is the bunk room. There are doors that close this area off and create a private and quiet sleeping area. The walls have a light padding and beautiful soft fabric. This deadens the sound and makes the bunks really cozy. Each bunk has a reading light and the top bunks have removable wood railings. I’m 6’2” and can fit in the bunks, so they works for big kids as well.

The dining area converts to a bed about the size of a king. The table top drops and cushions nest into each other. Then we have a 2” memory foam in the underseat storage to put down on top...big and comfy.

There is a ton of storage under the bottom bunks. There are 4 huge drawers and 2 open compartments all with matching doors. My kids would each use a drawer and easily hold all their clothes for camping trips. There is also large wardrobe and closet area in the bathroom section for hanging jackets, holding shows, laundry basket and all the clothes and accessories you want to store.

Under the seating area around the dining table is all storage. We used it for extra pantry supplies, bedding, kids games, camping chairs, etc.

KITCHEN AND DINING AREA

Fully equipped kitchen and we did a ton of cooking during our camping road trips. Everything here is new and works well. Happy to include all the cooking utensils and kitchen equipment in the sale. The fridge was replaced a few years ago with a new unit that runs on propane or electricity.

Some of my favorite memories camping are seeing a dozen pairs of shoes piled outside and a dozen smiling chatting faces crammed around the dining table. It seats a ton of people and makes a great hub for games, food and conversation.

HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

AC unit replaced with a few years back and works great. The air routes to both the back and front areas even when the bedroom doors are closed.

Thermostat installed in the bunk area to manage the forced air heater. The heating system routes heat into the main front area, bunk room and also the bathroom giving a nice distribution of heat during cold weather. The trailer stays warm and cozy.

Two 7 gallon all aluminium original propane tanks with updated fittings and valves provide lots of capacity for generously using the heater, cooking and running the fridge on propane.

ELECTRICAL POWER SETUP FOR OFF THE GRID CAMPING

4 solar panels discreetly mounted on the roof. These are managed by a dedicated charging setup to trickle charge the batteries when the sun in shining.

4 new marine grade batteries. This model Airstream originally came with 2 batteries and I had it update to 4 allowing for an incredibly long runtime when off the grid.

Power management through a Xantrex Prosine inverter/charger with remote panel installed in the cabinet above the fridge alongside the solar charging panel. This inverter/charger alone is $2k and does a great job managing the battery bank. The 4 batteries are connected here with all new high gauge shielded wiring.
http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/power-inverters/prosine.aspx

In 2016 all the interior lights were converted to LED. This will consume much less power along with keeping the interior cooler during warm weather camping.

Honda EU1000i quiet generator. Recently tuned up and ready to go. This comes with a locking setup and long extension cord so you can quietly power the trailer when camping off the grid. The 1000 watts are enough to power the microwave, and rapid charge the 4 batteries, but not enough for the AC unit. I used to have the Honda 2000 watt model, but it was too heavy and bulky and I never needed the AC so I swapped for the smaller unit.

CONTACT ME

If you are interested in this trailer, I’d love to hear from you. The trailer is being stored at MEL Trailer in Orange, CA. Happy to let you see it in person and talk details,

Troy Hickerson