Airstream Forums - Member Introductions http://www.airforums.com/forums/ en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:04:24 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.airforums.com/ugala/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Airstream Forums - Member Introductions http://www.airforums.com/forums/ Hello new project http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/hello-new-project-58680.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:34:33 GMT Hi I'm new here although I've been watching the forums now and then for a little while. at any rate we have taken the plunge and now have a new project. 1975 25' airstream. It has been parked for many years on the west coast in the forest but under cover. I will have to tow it back home in December (snow storms + mountains) and I'm anticipating replacing the tires and going through the lights before we leave.. just wondering what else could give us a problem. Are the wheel bearings difficult to quickly re-pack? Anyway here is a picture... the shell is straight with only a minor dent on the bottom front. Any information would be appreciated. it looks like I need to load my photos to flickr or something like that to post?
Cheers ]]> Member Introductions keithmac http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/hello-new-project-58680.html Gotcha! Our first AS - 1986 SOV http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/gotcha-our-first-as-1986-sov-58674.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:03:46 GMT After months of searching and researching we FINALLY got what I think is our ideal rear bed, center bath, front sofa camper!!! Due to towing limitations (and cost limitations) we had originally settled on a late model Bambi (compromising the sofa for a dinette) and unfortunately I had lost a... After months of searching and researching we FINALLY got what I think is our ideal rear bed, center bath, front sofa camper!!!

Due to towing limitations (and cost limitations) we had originally settled on a late model Bambi (compromising the sofa for a dinette) and unfortunately I had lost a couple of deals (which seems like a common occurrance). In fact, I had just lost a deal from a private seller over Halloween Weekend when one of our forum members popped his 86 SOV up for sale on the classifieds board, and he was just 60 miles away in Atlanta. I drove down the next day and bought it on the spot!!

I was initially concerned re: weight, as we have a Tahoe which is a 6,800 lbs GVWR vehicle and I really didn't think I could safely pull any AS longer than 23', but the mid 80's vintage is apparently made with lots of alumnimum for interior supports and it cuts down on the weight significantly at 5,200 lbs. The weight dist hitch and anti sway, not to mention the new axles rendered this a pulling dream! I had never towed anything before and our Tahoe tugged this right down the highway without an issue.

The PO, ckeysor, was SUPER helpful and did just a fantastic job on all the systems in the trailer. This really is a special coach and our family is just thrilled to own her. First trip is Dec 4,5,6!

Pics below:



]]> Member Introductions big_john http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/gotcha-our-first-as-1986-sov-58674.html Decisions...... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/decisions-58635.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:56:49 GMT Hi! I am just about to do a deal and get a beautiful 34 ft 1984 Exella! Am i crazy? I am getting such mixed advice..... do i just jump in and follow my dream, then deal with the consequences along the way. I know it's a monster, but aren't monsters fun as well as scary? I was going to do the across America East to West in the summer. A trip i have always wanted to do, as long as i can remember....... so to hire a pick up to carry this beast? Or maybe it would be cheaper to buy a second hand truck (properly checked out) Or am i about to embark on madness????? Help! ]]> Member Introductions lana64 http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/decisions-58635.html Deals keep falling through...AAARRRGGGHHH http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/deals-keep-falling-through-aaarrrggghhh-58632.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:15:03 GMT Okay, after a huge amount of research I settled on a 2007 25' Ocean Breeze, negotiated a fair price and then the made the offer. They called me back and told me it had sold and upsold me to the 2009. The next day I called back and told the dealer I would take it. They JUST called and told me that they had sold this one as well. Evidently, they have stopped making the Ocean Breeze, which is what we had settled on...(note my username :))

Anyhow, I'm unbelievably frustrated at this point...They do have a 28' Ocean Breeze, but to be honest, I think that is way more trailer than I'll ever need. Not to mention that this now changes my pricing significantly. There are just two of us who will primarily use the unit, and we will mostly be taking it out on long weekends.

I just had to share this with a group that I know will feel my sorrow ... I'm adrift now as I return back to square 1. ]]> Member Introductions Tropicgal http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/deals-keep-falling-through-aaarrrggghhh-58632.html Help needed Craigslist Victim - N. Charleston http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/help-needed-craigslist-victim-n-charleston-58612.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:31:34 GMT http://charleston.craigslist.org/rvs/1464658680.html My first trailer. Got the title today, will tow it home Saturday (360 miles through the NC...]]> Well, hopefully not really a victim, but time will tell...

http://charleston.craigslist.org/rvs/1464658680.html

My first trailer. Got the title today, will tow it home Saturday (360 miles through the NC mountains and into TN).
My brother-in-law (mechanic) is going to check the tires, brakes and lights, re-wire the umbilical cable to adapt it to a modern socket on the Tow Vehicle, and re-pack the bearings.
No idea what is in the outside storage, no keys. Gonna get a locksmith on that Friday, though.
Wide open to any last minute "check/do this or you'll really regret it" advice, and/or if there is an experienced airstreamer nearby that would look it over for me prior to the tow, would really appreciate it. I called a nearby trailer restoration company and asked the head honcho there, but he never called me back.
Also, the rear window was removed entirely and replaced with a sheet of plexiglass. Any pointers to a rear window for this unit (with inner frame/operators) would be great. ]]> Member Introductions Mark@Sea http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/help-needed-craigslist-victim-n-charleston-58612.html NEW OWNER of One Owner 1972 Ambassador 29 foot http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/new-owner-of-one-owner-1972-ambassador-29-foot-58578.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:55:52 GMT Hi Folks,

You may have seen some of my pictures posted. I am currently full timing in the AS that I bought in Maine from a gentleman who purchased it new in 1972. I had looked at a lot of over priced units and missed some on Ebay, so felt that a "quick" drive from Florida to Maine would be a pleasant experience. At any rate I bought it and hauled it home-orginal axles and all-over 1500 miles! I did re-wire the magnetic brakes and added a load control in the truck. I did notice that with the drapes open, I could use the rear view mirror and watch Truckers tail gate me. The rig pulled well and I was suprised that the old shocks seemed to work-no rivet popping or internal damage of note. After reading the forums and talk about hauling home used trailers, I probably was lucky, but let it bear testimony to the design of the trailers and the fact that it had not been "passed around" by several owners, that I and the rig arrived safely. I am currently trouble shooting the Armstrong AC unit that keeps popping breakers and running down the list possible culprits. Thanks for all the great postings! ]]> Member Introductions Mrwaterway http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/new-owner-of-one-owner-1972-ambassador-29-foot-58578.html S.O.S. Question for Airstream Gurus http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/s-o-s-question-for-airstream-gurus-58577.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:38:19 GMT Hi I am a newbe to this forum and I am not sure I am placing this in the correct place.
 I am looking for guidance from Airstream pros & enthusiast.
I have purchased an 1973 Airstream Sovereign.
 I have restored a few Mopar muscle cars, a Merc. Cougar.
 Now in progress an 73 MGB for my wife.
 I bought the Airstream to move things from Maryland to Arizona.
 I was looking for a car trailer but ended up with an Airstream.
 It needed minor frame repair in front and rear.
 Due to missing window and leaky ceiling vent.
 After I got involved and did a little research
I came to the conclusion maybe I should restore.
 Many questions that come with restoring so can I ask you guys a few?
 1] I want to resell; how far or where is a good stopping point,?
 2] Original vintage or modernize, what do people like more?
 3] What kind of upgrades?
 4] Where do I find parts; side window or exterior door hardware {locks}?
 5] Is there an Airstream graveyard somewhere in the US?

I would like to invite ANY opinions or questions!

Thanks for taking the time to read and or reply to my post
Alden {dodge4me}
Soon to be airstream4me or airstream4u Ha Ha ]]> Member Introductions dodge4me http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/s-o-s-question-for-airstream-gurus-58577.html Yeah!!!!! http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/yeah-58562.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:22:41 GMT Well, I finally got my trailer!!! :D I have looked for what seems like forever and I finally made the match.... the money available matched the trailer I fell in love with. A 1972 Argosy 20, loving and intricately renovated by a talented Colorado fellow. I am looking forward to step... Well, I finally got my trailer!!! :D

I have looked for what seems like forever and I finally made the match.... the money available matched the trailer I fell in love with.

A 1972 Argosy 20, loving and intricately renovated by a talented Colorado fellow.

I am looking forward to step two....going places, meeting folks and learning about the trailer.

What fun!

Kit
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]]> Member Introductions Kit http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/yeah-58562.html Newby seeks mentoring.... http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/newby-seeks-mentoring-58637.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:22:37 GMT I plan to purchase in the near future and work the National Park circuit. I already volunteer here on weekends in Savannah, and got the bug from my co-volunteers. It's a scarey proposition and I'd appreciate any input, ie Why an Airstream? 5th wheel or bumper pull? All the usual. Thanks in advance. Hope to see you "on the road." ]]> Member Introductions jeffbrad http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/newby-seeks-mentoring-58637.html Members Map - Colorado Example http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/members-map-colorado-example-58460.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:21:31 GMT Here's a KML file (Attachment 90867) of all the members in Colorado (27 of them) who have logged in during 2009 and have at least 100 posts (no reason except the need to limit the number to something manageable). In order to use it in Google Earth, download and change the extension from ".txt" to ".kml".

When you look at the file in Google Earth, it looks like this. Some names are obscured due to many pushpins in that region.

Attachment 90865 Attachment 90866

What's the chance we could do this for all states? Is there an automated way to do it? It would be great to have such files on hand when you're traveling and have a bad case of CRS and would like to visit forum members.

Oops, typo for SCRAPIRONY-2. Sorry.

Zep
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]]> Member Introductions Zeppelinium http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/members-map-colorado-example-58460.html New member....long time fan http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/new-member-long-time-fan-58447.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:46:19 GMT Well I have bartered for a 73 31' footer, The PO only had for a year and never used. The PPO lived in for a couple yrs...so gas wasnt used, fridge, water heater converted to electric only. Interior is in pretty good shape, with a few tambour door problems.. I love the vista view windows and had to remove the interior pane so I could clean and see through them.
I would like to thank everyone for the posts that have helped me so far and in the future......I am sure I will post asking for some help in the future.....

bill
My daughters first comment about the AS........its better than a tent ]]> Member Introductions oleschool http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/new-member-long-time-fan-58447.html just getting started http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/just-getting-started-58370.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:00:03 GMT Our plan to spend a weekend learning about and looking at lots of RV choices ended quickly, when we saw the layout and quality of our new 20' flying cloud, our search was over. (first place we looked). We got a great deal and can't wait to get out on the road. As michiganders, we have limited time left, but are ready for a shakedown weekend. What advice would you give us on our first outing. thanks ]]> Member Introductions tlkeegan http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/just-getting-started-58370.html Ahoy hoy! CA newbie/wannabe http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/ahoy-hoy-ca-newbie-wannabe-58369.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:56:05 GMT Hello, all! After lurking for a couple of days I thought I'd finally test the waters. :chicken:

The hubby and I are still "wannabes" at this point, but someday we'd like to call a 22ft Sport home. ]]> Member Introductions Aristolochia http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/ahoy-hoy-ca-newbie-wannabe-58369.html Ready to Buy my first AS http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/ready-to-buy-my-first-as-58324.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:48:45 GMT It's finally getting close. I'm just a few short years ( I hope) from retirement and the wife and I have given up the Cruising Life (as in off shore sailing) which is sometimes called "swallowing the anchor" and are about to do some "Land Yachiting"!!!

I've read literally thousand upon thousands of pages of information about TT and have decided the Airstream is the way to go. Now it's just a matter of finding one that's fits. In visiting the dealers and looking at the array of models, it seems that the 25 ft AS is what will do the trick. It has the features that are most similar to the 40 to 45 ft sailboats we have been used to and is still trailerable by my 2001 Expedition 5.4 w/ towing package. We've used that TV for moving a J80 racding sailboat (about 5,000+ lbs) back and forth across the southern half of the US and several times to Keywest in a resonable manner.

I'll have to figure out how I can get some sort of boat to fit w/ towing a trailer so if there are ideas out there, please pass them along. I assume an inflatable is the way to go, but I suspect there are some folks that have gotten very creative.....fold-a-boats, canoes, ????

I think the 25 AS will also have room for my Ham Station (been one for almost 50 years). I would greatly appreciate any guidance on what to look for as "touble spots" in used 25ft AS by model. We have not settled on which of the 25s will work best for us (SS, FB, etc). Also if thre are any for sale in TX, I am located in Houston and would appreciate the heads up..

I have noticed a significant number of members on the forum also also Texans so am also interested in any info on AS "conventions" (or whatever they are called) in the state. Is there is someting that takes place in the New Braunsfel area?

So far this forum has been a great source of info and I look forward to "rafting up" (?) with other members.

Dwight ]]> Member Introductions SailAS http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/ready-to-buy-my-first-as-58324.html NEWbie, Question on where to post??? http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/newbie-question-on-where-to-post-58314.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:48:07 GMT Hello,

I've been a longtime lurker and finally decided to make things legit! Lots of very informative topics here, I have really learned allot from. I love my silverfish (I'm a fisherman so that's what I call my Airstream), I've only had for a little over a year now. We plan on moving soon and hope to get more use as we move to a warmer climate, KY to TX.


I also have a second Airstream so to speak,although it's half the trailer of the other one....It's an Airstream wet bar! We've enjoyed many of good times(to good of times!!) around it as well. However, I am getting ready to move and needed to find a good home for the bar. Where would be the appropriate place on this forum to list the bar for sale???

Lookn foward to learning more! ]]> Member Introductions Freedomfish http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368/newbie-question-on-where-to-post-58314.html