Vintage 1955 Airstream 22' Flying Cloud trailer
Sale price: US $43,000.00 Make an Offer
| Condition: | Used | Year: | 1955 |
| VIN : | 03261 | Sleeping Capacity: | 4 |
| Leveling Jacks Included: | Yes | Air Conditioners: | None |
| Model: | Flying Cloud Whaletail | Length (feet): | 19 |
| Vehicle Title: | Clear | Water Capacity (Gallons): | None |
| For Sale By: | Private Seller | Awnings: | 1 |
| Type: | Bumper pull trailer | Make: | Airstream |
Fall City, Washington, United States
Vehicle description
We have owned this Flying Cloud for 3 years. The prior owner completed a complete “shell-off” renovation in 2012 – 2013. In addition to strengthening the frame, powder coating it, replacing the subfloor with marine grade plywood, and reinsulating, the Airstream now has modern amenities, including:
• All new electrical wiring and circuit board
• Pex plumbing
• Black and grey water tanks
• Dometic Heat Pump
• Dometic Refrigerator
• Place for a Microwave
• Propane-powered water heater
• Stainless steel shower enclosure with toilet and sink
• Fantastic Fan ventilation
• An outdoor side shower
All renovation work was completed in Michigan by Woodland Travel Center, an Airstream dealer that has a division specializing in vintage Airstream renovations. (https:/ www.woodlandairstream.com/restore-your-airstream-trailer- restorations)
The prior owner emphasized maintaining the original look and feel of a vintage Airstream. The cabinetry was completely refinished, but looks original. Additionally, the original Zolatone paint was used on the interior aluminum skin, as well as Marmoleum on the floor. Additionally, fabrics on the couch and curtains were selected for a vintage look. The original oven was left in place, as it is still quite functional and works extremely well. Marti’s Vintage Trailer Awnings (http:/ martisawnings.com/) sewed a new awning that utilizes the original aluminum poles.
The prior owner also added a 2” hitch receiver (for bikes or a storage box) and a long and thin storage compartment off the back of the trailer, which is nice since it keeps dirty tank drainage hoses and gloves outside the trailer.
Since owning the Airstream, I have completed the following:
• Changed the house battery to a high quality Battle Born Lithium Ion battery.
• Replaced the axle (including new brakes) and “flipped” it so that the trailer rides several inches higher than it did originally. This makes the trailer’s ride height much better for towing with modern SUVs. (We have towed it with a Chevy Traverse and a Toyota Sequoia.) This also allows easier tire changes and prevents the rear of the trailer from scraping on driveways. (There is a fair amount of overhang over the wheels, so the back end used to occasionally scrape on steep approach angles.)
• Replaced wheels and tires. (The old vintage-style wheels with chrome center caps are included in case you would prefer to switch back to a more vintage look.)
• Added $700 Andersen weight distribution and anti-sway towing system. This provides much better (and quieter) performance than a cheaper traditional antisway system like a Curt system. With this system, you can hardly tell that the trailer is back there. • Added custom cedar closet shelves for better storage. • Re-caulked all windows with Sikaflex (i.e. product recommended by Airstream dealer)
• Re-polished annually using Cyclo polisher and soft cotton polishing pads.
I have purchased, but have not yet installed, a vintage aluminum Hein vent that can be polished to match the Airstream. The front vent has been replaced with a Fantastic fan, but the rear one has a galvanized vent installed that is not original. (It isn’t very noticeable, which is likely why the prior owner did not bother replacing it.) The Hein vent is included if you want to restore the Airstream to its original condition. This can be easily done with a few rivets.
Originally the trailer weighed 2,800 pounds per Airstream specs. The renovations added some weight (e.g. marine grade plywood, stainless steel shower surround, storage box in back, heat pump, etc.). I have not weighed the trailer, but the prior owner estimated that it now likely weighs close to 4,000 pounds. This is still well within the towing capacity of many mid-sized SUVs. (It towed extremely well with a 6-cylinder Chevy Traverse, and the prior owner towed it with a Honda Pilot.) You do not need a large vehicle to tow this.
The front couches pull together to form a large bed. Technically this Airstream sleeps 4, but we have easily slept a family of 5. (We bring along a camping cot for the 5th person.)
This Airstream is in excellent condition. Over $40K has been invested in its renovation. (I have paper receipts for most work if serious buyers are interested in reviewing them.) If you are in the market for a vintage trailer that functions like a modern trailer, this is a great Airstream. We have enjoyed this Airstream and are only selling it because we recently acquired a Sprinter campervan that better fits our camping lifestyle.
• All new electrical wiring and circuit board
• Pex plumbing
• Black and grey water tanks
• Dometic Heat Pump
• Dometic Refrigerator
• Place for a Microwave
• Propane-powered water heater
• Stainless steel shower enclosure with toilet and sink
• Fantastic Fan ventilation
• An outdoor side shower
All renovation work was completed in Michigan by Woodland Travel Center, an Airstream dealer that has a division specializing in vintage Airstream renovations. (https:/ www.woodlandairstream.com/restore-your-airstream-trailer- restorations)
The prior owner emphasized maintaining the original look and feel of a vintage Airstream. The cabinetry was completely refinished, but looks original. Additionally, the original Zolatone paint was used on the interior aluminum skin, as well as Marmoleum on the floor. Additionally, fabrics on the couch and curtains were selected for a vintage look. The original oven was left in place, as it is still quite functional and works extremely well. Marti’s Vintage Trailer Awnings (http:/ martisawnings.com/) sewed a new awning that utilizes the original aluminum poles.
The prior owner also added a 2” hitch receiver (for bikes or a storage box) and a long and thin storage compartment off the back of the trailer, which is nice since it keeps dirty tank drainage hoses and gloves outside the trailer.
Since owning the Airstream, I have completed the following:
• Changed the house battery to a high quality Battle Born Lithium Ion battery.
• Replaced the axle (including new brakes) and “flipped” it so that the trailer rides several inches higher than it did originally. This makes the trailer’s ride height much better for towing with modern SUVs. (We have towed it with a Chevy Traverse and a Toyota Sequoia.) This also allows easier tire changes and prevents the rear of the trailer from scraping on driveways. (There is a fair amount of overhang over the wheels, so the back end used to occasionally scrape on steep approach angles.)
• Replaced wheels and tires. (The old vintage-style wheels with chrome center caps are included in case you would prefer to switch back to a more vintage look.)
• Added $700 Andersen weight distribution and anti-sway towing system. This provides much better (and quieter) performance than a cheaper traditional antisway system like a Curt system. With this system, you can hardly tell that the trailer is back there. • Added custom cedar closet shelves for better storage. • Re-caulked all windows with Sikaflex (i.e. product recommended by Airstream dealer)
• Re-polished annually using Cyclo polisher and soft cotton polishing pads.
I have purchased, but have not yet installed, a vintage aluminum Hein vent that can be polished to match the Airstream. The front vent has been replaced with a Fantastic fan, but the rear one has a galvanized vent installed that is not original. (It isn’t very noticeable, which is likely why the prior owner did not bother replacing it.) The Hein vent is included if you want to restore the Airstream to its original condition. This can be easily done with a few rivets.
Originally the trailer weighed 2,800 pounds per Airstream specs. The renovations added some weight (e.g. marine grade plywood, stainless steel shower surround, storage box in back, heat pump, etc.). I have not weighed the trailer, but the prior owner estimated that it now likely weighs close to 4,000 pounds. This is still well within the towing capacity of many mid-sized SUVs. (It towed extremely well with a 6-cylinder Chevy Traverse, and the prior owner towed it with a Honda Pilot.) You do not need a large vehicle to tow this.
The front couches pull together to form a large bed. Technically this Airstream sleeps 4, but we have easily slept a family of 5. (We bring along a camping cot for the 5th person.)
This Airstream is in excellent condition. Over $40K has been invested in its renovation. (I have paper receipts for most work if serious buyers are interested in reviewing them.) If you are in the market for a vintage trailer that functions like a modern trailer, this is a great Airstream. We have enjoyed this Airstream and are only selling it because we recently acquired a Sprinter campervan that better fits our camping lifestyle.