Hello

Hilandr451 · 10-03-2005, 02:18 PM

My name is Greg Smith a.k.a. "the Highlander" and I just purchased a 1965 Overlander in remarkable condition from an old friend of mine for $3.5K. I would like to know if there are any '65 overlander owners in my location: the San Francisco bay/ Sacramento Valley areas.
Here's a link to my picture site: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...dr451&x=13&y=8

My tow vehicle is a 1966 Chevy C20 "Custom Camper" that I am currently resoring and "modernizing" to accommodate pulling our Airstream on the many cross country voyages we plan to embark upon.

I am interested in getting to know you and make some new friends. Is there anybody who is using a vintage '60's or older tow vehicle to complement their vintage airstream?

I look forward to hearing from you!

**CanoeStream** · 10-03-2005, 04:34 PM

Ah yess -- the man with the brick (or cinder block)! (Photo on his website and initial forum announcement shows said masonry atop roof vent -- without falling off during the ride home. A lucky guy...) Welcome to THE forums (are there any other?). Is it Smith or McSmith, ye highlander scallywag you!

Hang around -- research specific structural issues and systems pertaining to your trailer. As you weave through threads you will identify other folks with Overlanders or any trailer within 3-5 years of yours. I kept a database for a while on folks with trailers similar to my Argosy. It's amazing how many you can identify. Eventually you'll run across some in central California. Using the PM (private message) function of the forums is a good way to gauge receptiveness. (Examples: You're going to want to look at the age of your tires, shocks, window gaskets, roof vents, Univolt and good deep cycle battery maintenance. Watch out the heck for that furnace! Search the forums on: Suburban furnace recall. This period had serious aging problems that could result in carbon monoxide issues.)

Hilandr451 · 10-04-2005, 09:35 AM

Thanks for the tips on what maintenance items to look at that kind of advice is priceless and can only come from another owner who's "been-there-done-that". I had already learned something about trailer tires when we transported it home - you can't just put radials on a trailer. I took it to a trusted tire shop in the town where we bought the coach (we had lived in the area for 12 years and I had purchased tires for all my vehicles there) He explained the difference in the use of car tires verses trailer tires. I believe the letter designation is "ST". You need a tire with a strong sidewall unlike a radial that has a "squishy" side wall for handleing & ride. Our Overlander has a brand new set of bias ply trailer tires on her and concequently, she pulled like a cloud behind the U-Haul all the way home.

I plan on doing some exploratory surgery on the suspension and brakes - but I was wondering - you mentioned the furnace. Did it come with a forced air furnace? or a "hot box" radiant heater in addition to the catylitic floor heater by the door? I noticed a thermostat on the cabinet above the stove, I know it operates the A/C because I tested the system a few weeks ago, but does it also regulate the heater? I supose I need to check that out. I copied the original owners manual so I can get it dirty - I'm just going to have to dive into it.

I haven't bought a bettery for it yet, I just back-fed the electrical system through the curb side exterior outlet to get things checked out. All the 12 volt lights work and the A/C fan & compressor works good. The refrigerator works on electricity, but I haven't tried it on propane yet. I want to do a pressure test of the piping before I try that. I have pressureized the water system as well and found a few leaks. I like the idea of replacing the copper plumbing with the flexable PVC stuff.

I need to wire up a proper 30A receptacle on the side of our house so I can do a proper diagnostic check of the electrical systems and the pressure/demand water pump system. I have spun the motor with my hand and it seems to be just fine, but I need to fill the water tank and power up the electrical system correctly before I can do a real performance test.