Definitive AS Book / Video orientation for the Tradewind?

[pxlchk1]

Hi guys!

Well, we're all set up to pick our "new" Airstream up this weekend.

Which got me thinking, what would you consider THE Airstream book for a newbie? And are there any orientation videos out there for the Tradewind or if not, a good general one for Airstreams?

I'm looking for something I can refer back to for how to get the most out of our new camper, how to deal with the holding tanks, routine maintenance stuff, etc.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Thank you!

-Alana

[mistral blue]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on the Tradewind.

Airstream Life magazine store - Newbies Guide to Airstreaming

[Blevi]

Don't have an answer to your specific question, but I will tell you that I took a video camera when we picked ours up and filmed the entire orientation and asked lots of questions. I referred to the video countless times during our first several trips.

[pxlchk1]

This may be a silly question, but do the AS dealerships offer orientations for older models?

[dwightdi]

I do not think many do. Where are you picking up your trailer? Maybe there are some club members in the area that would be willing to give you a hand. Certainly the Previous owner might know about some peculiarities about that particular trailer. Airstream does still offer service manuals for some models and service manuals also show up on EBay.

[pxlchk1]

I'm picking the trailer up just over the border in Indiana, but we live just outside Chicago.

I got the Newbies Guide to Airstreaming book for my Kindle last night and blew right through it. I'm excited to get my Tradewind home and explore all the doodads and widgets.

Also ordered a 1973 Airstream owner's manual off eBay this morning and a new coupler lock. Can't have anyone makin' off with our new baby.

Thanks for the info guys!

-Alana

[perryg114]

Get ready for a project. Good luck on your trailer.

Perry

[Alumaholic]

It will also be extremely helpful to join the Vintage Airstream Club (VAC) and attend their rallies. That's where you will see and hear how other owners have solved challenges in maintaining, restoring, and renovating their Airstreams.

[kevin242]

You will love your Tradewind! It's a great size to tow and fits in most campsites. :-)

[mysecondjoy]

Alana,
First of all congratualtions on your new purchase. Joy and I have been owners for a year and absolutly love our Airstream. I purchased the book Newbies Guide to Airstreaming and found it useless. It is so basic it is unbelievable. My recommendation is to read the forum posts one subject at a time and you will be surprised how much you can learn in a short amount of time.
John
2008 Safari 28