1984 Airstream 345 owner (Newbie) need advice!

[Isuzusweet]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Ahhh, so that means the Minuet deal went through!

I should have prefaced my previous reply with the fact that I used the lighter density vs the somewhat heavier density that Tony used in his 310. I'm sure that would have helped the deflection issue to some degree.

Also in hindsight I should have used either 5/8" or even 3/4". Hopefully others will learn from my mistake.

Brad

Yes, the Minuet deal went though; sort of; couldn't tow it back due to shot axle.

Actually I used the lower density Coosa board as my biggest span was 14", and I went with 3/4" thick. You bought the 26lb stuff didn't you?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Yes, the Minuet deal went though; sort of; couldn't tow it back due to shot axle.

So looking for a new axle is in the works.....

Actually I used the lower density Coosa board as my biggest span was 14", and I went with 3/4" thick. You bought the 26lb stuff didn't you?

I purchased 20 lb COR-C-B20-500 Blue Water Panel. That's all the place in Knoxville could/would get for me.

[Keyair]

Are you guys seeing the prices I am?
4x8 sheets at like $400 plus shipping, which will be equally insane?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Are you guys seeing the prices I am?
4x8 sheets at like $400 plus shipping, which will be equally insane?

I paid $516 for three sheets of 1/2" 20 lb Coosa and I had to make a 250 mile round trip to get it. Also keep in mind as you and I discussed the other day, shipping prices to California are just insane. This is probably just another example of that

[Keyair]

Yup.
Plenty of boat building here, so will keep digging around, but my gut feeling is I will put the original stly back in, with aluminum foil on the edge and a good dose of varnish on the rest!


So, Need some input on the Fresh water system.
I took out the pump and all the other OEM grey pipework under the bed, and will need to recreate the basics of the system.


From what I see, from my old pictures, the fresh water feed goes like this:
1/ Filler neck flows into storage tank.
2/ Storage tank has outlet at bottom....
3/ Pipe to strainer/filter unit....
4/ Pipe to Pump....
5/ Pipe to T connection into cold water feed pipe to all cold water system...
6/ Somewhere, T fitting off to Hot Water feed.


In Addition to the above, there is the Mains water feed, which I believe goes like this:
A/ Compartment fresh water reel.
B/ Feed pipe from Hose reel thru floor into under bed area.
C/ Pressure regulator?
D/ Pipe to T fitting of cold water system.
E/ Drain pipes with valves for both Cold and Hot systems.



It looked like this before...



I am going to be replacing the whole water storage, and piping system in the coming weeks.
Any suggestions on changes, options?
Better water filter?
Main water pressure regulator replacement makes sense while Im at this.

Pump was working, and I have a spare too.



Original 80 gallon tank was gone anyway(PO put a 15g in).
Replacement is:
1x 20 G Tank and 1x 70 G Tank.

Both were used, but good, and will utilize original holes. 20G has 1/1/4 inlet, and 3 feeds, 70G has only one outlet, hence this plan.


Main water filler neck is into the rear mounted 20G.
Main water system feed pipe is from the 20G, also contains Level sensors.

There will be a simple balance pipe between the two tanks, but controlled by a gate valve.
Valve closed, only 20g onboard for traveling.
Valve open, up to 90 g onboard (for boondocking only).
Took this pic yesterday to show both in place.

1"Polystyrene sheet, and 12v tank heaters below each storage tank for future cold weather use.
Pex piping throughout. Blue for Cold water and Red for Hot. Hot will have a circulation return. ALL pipe will be insulated.

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by bkahler

Rob, is the Verizon Verizon Mifi/jetpack plan unlimited data now? I used the Mifi/jetpack for around 4 years for my sole source of internet access (downfall of living in the country) and all Verizon had was an 8gig/month plan for $80. It was really tough staying under the 8gig limit. On that plan each 1gig above 8 was an additional $10 per gig. The plan really sucked

Brad

Verizon currently has a $70/month (65 if you set up auto-pay) that is actually unlimited. The jetpacks accept that sim card. I also live in the middle of nowhere, been using it as my primary internet to the tune of about 300GB/month since the new year, and I'm pleased that it's faster than the local frontier landline service.

I have a jetpack 8800 and a 2x2 MIMO directional antenna, though I'd recommend the 7730, the 8800 has some hardware bugs they haven't worked out yet, and they make you jump through hoops to get it activated on the plan for no reason.

I had to order the 2x2 MIMO antenna from the UK, as the whole of the US was out of stock, but it was only $20 and it works great.

There is more info here
https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/verizon-overhauls-prepaid-introducing-unlimited-data-plans-for-jetpacks/

[Keyair]

Expecting rain on Wednesday next week, and have lot going on with Annual Dr checkup, commitments, etc, I won’t get time next week to get out there. Friday, our Cole goes to the vet for some maintenance, a deep teeth clean, and some fatty lump removal. He will be 10 this year, and still very attached to me, as I am to him, so that’s a little worry. Vet says he is in great physical shape, and his 80lb is spot on, so whatever we are doing, keep doing it!

So, with that ahead, and trying to stay on track, going out there today.
Grabbed a 50’ roll of red Pex, enough brass fittings, ball valves, and pipe insulation to hurt the credit card bad!
Curt tail lamp converter arrived, as well as 4x tire protectors.



Also, a nice big heavy box from Brad with a 4L80e output parking brake assembly! Thanks Brad!

Hoping to get some roof paint done, new Maxxfan in place, test fit a piece of sub flooring I found, I’d cut years ago. Maybe begin to get the water system somewhat mocked up.
Need to get some solid measurements from my ex wardrobe space, and see if I move the front dinette to there, or construct something new. Having got a ton of dimensions/pics from Derek(CrazyVW), on the “normal” Dinette setup, i know what’s what now. I’m thinking a 370 style J couch is in my future for one of the spaces.
Oh, also bought 2x 100w ridged framed Renogy Solar Panels too, but they won’t be here until next week. New slimline compact panels that are 42”x19.5”x1.38”. $100 each seemed good, and at 5.7a each that should give me 10 amps more, which is enough for now. 25 year warranty too, some maybe I’ll get to use them camping before that expires... [emoji3]
Want to see how they look, and will go from there.

[bobmiller1]

So Steve, would those solar panels now be considered a “Lifetime” warranty .......? Regards, Bob PS....what are you using for a TCM for the 4L80E ?

[Keyair]

Lol, probably for me, at 58 this year![emoji3]
Renogy says this...
25-year power output warranty: 5-year/95% efficiency rate, 10-year/90% efficiency rate, 25-year/80% efficiency rate
Good enough for me!

Still a way out from the 4l80e swap, but I can’t see using a $600 aftermarket TCM, when I have at least 2 Junkyard OEM GM TBI/Transmission controllers, that I read can be run/adapted to just control the trans. Love the price!

[Keyair]

This is what I ordered.
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100-wa...ompact-design/

[Keyair]

Spectacularly busy day.
Left at 9 after packing up the VW, and got home after 8pm.
Started by stripping the old Fantastic fan out.



Started on the roof around the vent and extrapolated out from there.


This is how the untouched roof looked before and after.



Ended up swapping to the SCT interleaf drum, that’s interleaved scotch pad and abrasive paper. It’s pretty aggressive but needed nothing more than the weight of the tool to Get Er done.



Then I was all in.
Two coats, used shorter nap rollers.

[Keyair]

Did a little polishing while I was waiting for coat 2 to dry enough to put the vent in.
It’s been 7 years....


Took 15 mins.


Roof vent in.



Done!

[Keyair]

Did a little test on the rear corner.
Interesting colors from the Tremco sealant breaking down.

didnt take much to break thru.
Yes, see the river line, that’s a reflection shot.


Pretty out there today!
Attachment 1

Didn’t get to the water tank, but did bring all the original parts home to inspect, and layout.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Magnet18

Verizon currently has a $70/month (65 if you set up auto-pay) that is actually unlimited. The jetpacks accept that sim card. I also live in the middle of nowhere, been using it as my primary internet to the tune of about 300GB/month since the new year, and I'm pleased that it's faster than the local frontier landline service.

I have a jetpack 8800 and a 2x2 MIMO directional antenna, though I'd recommend the 7730, the 8800 has some hardware bugs they haven't worked out yet, and they make you jump through hoops to get it activated on the plan for no reason.

I had to order the 2x2 MIMO antenna from the UK, as the whole of the US was out of stock, but it was only $20 and it works great.

There is more info here
https://www.rvmobileinternet.com/ver...-for-jetpacks/

Rob, something to be aware of with the Jetpack batteries. Over the three or four years that I used the Jetpack I had to replace the battery about three times due to swelling. My Jetpack was on the charger 24/7 and over time the batteries just started swelling. After doing some research it was apparently a common problem.

Brad

[Keyair]

See, we knew Jetpacks we’re gonna be here by now!

Busy day today... recovering from my exertions yesterday. Goodness I’m feeling my age. Aleve is my friend. [emoji3]
Out of the blue, a buddy called me and told me he had a lead on some nice vintage tools. Jumped in the car, and grabbed a bunch of them... this one I couldn’t resist for $10... aluminum case, and after a clean up I will keep it in the Airstream...
See, I said I would be putting a Cummins in the Airstream!

When I got home there was a couple of boxes waiting for me...

[Keyair]

Oh well, nobody gets my joke. Moving on.
Stuff keeps arriving.
Moisture Meter to test subfloor better than my senses can


MC4 Cables, and wrenches for Solar install. A little headroom as I went with 10 gauge main wire. Info says that can handle 3x what I have so far.


Began to lay out the original water system components.
Prefilter will be replaced with a new thread on unit.
Interestingly the mains water pressure regulator is dated 1984. [emoji3]


Black tank is in my crosshairs too, as it’s leaking at the bottom. Seems like it comes out up thru the floor in the bathroom judging by the Service Manual!
Am investigating if replacements are available.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Keyair

Oh well, nobody gets my joke. Moving on.

What? You didn't hear my groan all the way from Kentucky?!

[chiefair]

Maybe not an issue for a California resident, but I would add a tee with two valves between the prefilter and the pump. When it is time to winterize; you attach a hose to the tee, shut of the valve from the prefilter, open the valve to the hose and place the hose in a gallon of RV antifreeze. You can then use the pump to distribute antifreeze to the fixtures.

[Keyair]

Thanks for the input!
I had not considered that, but as you see, I’m building in cold weather abilities the original setup didn’t have.
So, a T fitting with a valve to isolate the storage tank, then a valve on the leg of the T attached to a hose that drops into a container of RV antifreeze? Then open that valve, energize the pump to distribute the antifreeze, and force out any remaining water?

[Magnet18]

Thanks for the heads up on the jetpacks Brad

Originally Posted by Keyair

Thanks for the input!
I had not considered that, but as you see, I’m building in cold weather abilities the original setup didn’t have.
So, a T fitting with a valve to isolate the storage tank, then a valve on the leg of the T attached to a hose that drops into a container of RV antifreeze? Then open that valve, energize the pump to distribute the antifreeze, and force out any remaining water?

Yep that's the idea

On the black tank, I searched for a few hours, no luck finding one that was a drop in replacement for my 310

Pulling mine out through the floor wasn't fun, but it was one of the easier things ive done to the Airstream, nowhere near the job I was dreading it would be.

Repairing your leak or even fabricating a new polyethylene tank is probably well within your capabilities

Can you see where the leak is?