Visit our Popular Forums

williamhenshall · 04-07-2002, 02:18 PM

Hello, We are owners of an immaculate very low mileage 1989 345LE Airstream Motorhome which we have spent around 100k on as well as the purchase price...we love it. We live in San Francisco and want to drive it to South America next year. Ok, that's the dream

As part of this we have replaced or refurbished nearly all major mechanical and structural items and it drives like a dream now, although like any elderly icon it needs constant looking after.

I wish these were built on Ford chassis for better mechanical reliability...anyway that's another subject...I am constantly having to deal with Chevvy related mechanical stuff, little things like electrical fuses, blocked fuel filters, carb adjustments etc. All things that can stop you going anywhere.

We replaced all airbags and shocks all round, making sure that the original shocks exactly were put on the front. The original spec shocks were hard to get, but eventually sourced. This helped the handling and makes it one of the safest non-swaying motorhomes I have ever driven. With the Banks Power system we can now keep up with anything we need to on the road.

We were horrified to find out about 5 thousand miles later that both side front shocks had sheared off at the bottom. We had to replace them at very short notice on the road and have had the standard P30 shocks fitted until the original parts arrive.

Has this happened to anyone else?

The coach drives very similarly with these and they look alot beefier to me. Does any one know why these were not spec? Are there any implications of keeping the P30 shocks.

The ride maybe seems a little more "van like" but at speed on the freeway it is the same.

I would be delighted to share our experiences of rebuilding this coach with anyone. We have learnt alot.

Very best wishes to all

William and Naomi Henshall
willi@mhenshall.com

eraffety · 04-07-2002, 08:37 PM

I would love to see the interior!! I am awaiting delivery of a 1989 370le very much like yours (except mine is on a Ford 460 chassis). Yours is a beautiful coach!

ALANSD · 04-13-2002, 03:11 PM

didn't know Airstream used Ford chassis...
love to see posted photos of the inside of both of yours ....

eraffety · 04-13-2002, 06:43 PM

Alan -

I didn't think so either - still am awaiting delivery - so I haven't been able to physically see it. I thought the dealer initially had said Chevy 454, but when I asked him about any problems with the Chevy, he said that it was built on a Ford 460 chassis. . . I asked if he was sure, and he said "yes". We'll see - I still have my doubts (he isn't an Airstream dealer . . . )

thenewkid64 · 04-13-2002, 08:06 PM

If my memory serves, I believe that all of the classic motorhomes are built on the Chevy chassis.

There is a 95 that came on the Spartan Diesel Pusher chassis.

The confusion may be coming from the B190 model of van camper that Airstream made. It is on the Ford chassis and many of them are equipped with the 460.

eraffety · 04-13-2002, 08:39 PM

I'll let you know as soon as I get it . . . hopefully s-o-o-n. The dealer replaced the carbuerator before it left his lot (on HIS dime), so that was the delay. It left Michigan on 4/10 . . .

PeterH-350LE · 04-13-2002, 09:05 PM

Looking at the front rims, it's not a chevy.
I am so curious, is someone driving the rig to California? And how can you stand the wait?

eraffety · 04-13-2002, 09:16 PM

I thought it was a Chevy, too, but he kept insisting Ford . . . Oh, well . . .

A company that delivers motorhomes for the dealer is driving it out here. Hopefully, they won't use the "facilities" en route . . . And, NO, I cannot stand the wait!!!!!

But at least I get a free carbeurator . . .

BTW - I am curious, how many years did they make the 370? As far as I can tell - it was just one (1989). Why did they stop? Problems?! Later it was no more than 36 feet long . . . hmmm.

Makes me nervous . . .

PeterH-350LE · 04-13-2002, 09:46 PM

I bet the 370 lenght is directly related to using the Ford chassis.
The best way to learn to drive it, would be a trip to LA in rush hour traffic.

At least that is what Charles told me at the M7Rally. He drove his 1989 345LE all over Houston, the day he got it.

When I started driving Airstreams, I had to learn to look out for a new and unknown hazard. Not to bottom out the rear. Many gas stations and parking lots have a hump, which will cause you to bottom out on your receiver hitch (or worse, the gas tank). After a while, evaluating the road ahead, becomes part of the routine.
Because of this weakness, the condition and proper operation of your rear air bags is extremely important.

eraffety · 04-13-2002, 10:10 PM

How can I tell if anything is wrong with the rear air bags? Will I feel it in the way the motorhome drives? Any preventive measures to maintain air bags?

eraffety · 04-13-2002, 10:13 PM

BTW - which is "better" - Ford chassis or Chevy?

What are pros/cons of each of them?

(I misread your post, Peter, I initially thought you said that after looking at the rims that it WAS a Chevy - now I reread and understand it is a Ford . . . )

PeterH-350LE · 04-14-2002, 07:35 AM

I would think that your rig has a low pressure warning switch. And, yes, after you get to know the beast, you will feel changes immediately.
On the chevy chassis the airbags are located directly inbetween the rear axle and the tag axle,
easy to be seen. The pre-trip kick tire routine should always include air bag inspection.
After market pressure gauges are readily available and can be incorperated in the system by a professional.
I have heard and seen that the little calvin dude has strong opinions about fords and chevys.