Cross Country in a 1995 Airstream Classic 360

[tevake]

Someone here mentioned using a product for the cooling system, called wet water. Or some such. The poster said that it helped drop his engine temps.

I don't know about it , but it may help for getting it home.

Cheers Richard

[bkahler]

The product is called Water Wetter and would definitely be worth a try.

I think you basically have to drain your cooling system and then refill with water and Water Wetter. We used in on our Triumph race car with reasonable success.

[gunner]

It also helps to use distilled water to keep out the impurities.

[Ryker]

My buddy has been driving half the day and the needle is right in the middle, so it was the fan clutch. I'm sure the new coolant and thermostat helps a bit as well. I am happy that I do not have to purchase a new or recored radiator.

Kudos to Open Roads Complete RV in Acworth, GA. I called them on Friday morning, and they got me in immediately. They put it on a lift, ordered the part and saved me money on it, and changed the fluids. Got my buddy back on the road by Saturday at noon.

[mayco]

Sweet

[Ryker]

Just a couple of problems along the way. The generator will not be operational until El Paso. Because of that, he had to get a motel last night because it was too hot. When he got back to the rig, the key just spun in the lock and he could not get in. He tried to remove the passenger wing window (triangle window), and he broke it. How can I quickly get new glass for that window? I need to take this to Burning Man next Saturday.

Second issue is the AC was working and just quit, so I will have to troubleshoot that as well. Any good mechanics in the Los Angeles area, or maybe Temecula/Riverside area? He is willing to stop in El Paso to get the window fixed too, if anybody would have that in stock.

[Ryker]

In regards to the lock, is that an easy fix, or should I only use the deadbolt? This is what I told him to do for now on. I am not sure if the central locking caused this issue or not but he said it is working again.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Ryker

Just a couple of problems along the way. The generator will not be operational until El Paso. Because of that, he had to get a motel last night because it was too hot. When he got back to the rig, the key just spun in the lock and he could not get in. He tried to remove the passenger wing window (triangle window), and he broke it. How can I quickly get new glass for that window? I need to take this to Burning Man next Saturday.

If it's the sliding wing window that is broken the only place I know of to find a replacement slider is at Inland RV. If it's the fixed window that is broken then you're pretty much out of luck finding a replacement. About your only option is to use a piece of Lexan or Plexiglass. The fixed panes have not been available for years. Inland RV is located in the Los Angles area.

Brad

[streamquest]

Airstream Supply in Salt Lake shows both left and right side sliding panels available (used) for $475 each.

[Ryker]

Looks like fixed window to me.

[Ryker]

Here is the driver side

[martin300662]

I would suggest you start by contacting Airstream. I have never seen any Classic 36 windows even listed at the regular on-line vendors.The fixed/slider windows mentioned are the ones fitted in the regular Argosy/Excella/Classic MH not the 'anteater' bodied units - those are difficult enough to find, normally from other units being parted out.

Your only other option is to try Coach Glass (http://www.coachglass.com/) they make the windscreens for Airstream and there is a remote chance they supplied the side windows for your unit as well (don't bother with filling at the online 'contact us' form - they ignore those - call them!)

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Ryker

Attachment 269734
Looks like fixed window to me.

I'm curious as to what he did to break the fixed window?

[Ryker]

He thought he could remove it to get into the coach. He locked the door and could not get back in. He said the key spun in the lock. He is now using the deadbolt. Is this a common problem? Is there a solution?

He ended up removing a different window.

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Ryker

He thought he could remove it to get into the coach. He locked the door and could not get back in. He said the key spun in the lock. He is now using the deadbolt. Is this a common problem? Is there a solution?

He ended up removing a different window.

Ouch.

I'm not sure which lockset is used on the 95 coaches but I'm not surprised the lock broke. To me it seems that RV entry locks are junk from the get go. I know the Keller lock assembly from the 345 that I dismantled exhibited the same problem as your lock where it just spins. I got lucky and found a replacement tumbler for it. There's a chance you can buy a new tumbler for yours if you can figure out what brand it is.

Brad

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Ryker

Attachment 269735
Here is the driver side

I may have miss spoken. Looking at the picture you posted the glass sorta looks flat. I'm not at all familiar with the 95 coaches so I con't know if Airstream used the earlier Classic slightly curved glass or used flat glass for that year.

Hopefully someone with a 95 coach will chime in with some accurate information.

I apologize if I mislead you about the window

[mayco]

I think it is just wiser to get in the habit of using only the dead bolt when locking up. Too many failures of the locksets in these Classics. I think Brad gave me that advice very early on with my 310. My dead bolt is a Shlague (sp), so it wouldnt scare off any locksmith if there were a problem.

[bkahler]

Mike, the only problem with the dead bolt is getting access to it if it breaks. You will need to cut a whole in the wall directly behind the deadbolt to gain access to the two screws that hold the dead bolt in place.

There is also the issue of the electric lock motor. To gain access to that you have to cut an even larger hole in the wall!


Brad

[tevake]

I have located a window in my rig that doesn't latch on its own.
So that is my go to access when the lock in my door, locks itself if the door gets closed too hard.
This does happen occasionally, and the step ladder I carry is just high enough to get me up there.

Guess I should look for a replacement lock set.

Good luck finding the glass you need. Would think since it looks to be a flat piece, that you could get one made up for that spot.

Cheers Richard

[mayco]

Yyyyyup Brad, I had to do just that when getting mine useable. But, no problems since. (knock on wood)