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zacfrd · 09-03-2009, 12:50 AM

just bought my first airstream. Is this a good model. any tips? I just replaced all faucets and got everything working. I need to get brakes and maybe axels. I am afraid with being so old to go on long trips with old axels. Brakes are shot and need to be rebuilt so I thought it would be cheaper to go with new axeles all set up with breaks. I need new leveling jacks and should replace propane lines. Whats a good place to order parts?

Mexray · 09-03-2009, 01:40 AM

Do a search on 'axles' and you'll get enough stuff to read for a month or so!

We paid $750 each for new complete axles with hubs and electric brakes last year out here on the west coast - check around and you'll find other dealers nearer to you...we installed em' ourselves - bolted right into place without any problems...

Don't forget the tires - if your trailer has been unused for any length of time, look into getting new tires, even though yours still look good and have tread - trailer tires 'rot' while sitting around, and if you blow oneout on the road, you can damage you trailer, water tank, belly skin, etc and will cost big bucks to fix - new tires are way cheaper!

Propane copper tubing is nothing special - get it from Home Depot, Lowes type big box hardware stores...

Good luck on your new 'toy'...

kennethowens · 09-03-2009, 08:12 AM

You can buy (new brakes and new hubs)
for about $200.00 per axle. Providing the
torsion axle has not degraded and the spindles
are still in good shape. I have a 1975 and
this is all that was needed. A person can go
to great lengths to achieve "peace of mind".
Spend some good money on ST rated tires
as well.

zacfrd · 09-04-2009, 11:32 AM

Whats a good axle to buy and what weight would i need for the 31ft. Can I order one setup online?

dwightdi · 09-04-2009, 12:05 PM

That unit came with hydraulic disk brakes. You will likely need to repair them or go to electrics or the new design disk brakes. I would do the axle tests procedure before you start to make decisions. The axles may be alright. That model also has a frequent problem with rear frame separation. The Wisconsin unit of the WBCCI has a lot of vintage owners in it (not that they are vintage themselves). I am in McHenry, IL about 15 miles from you. I belong to the Northern Illinois unit. Give me a call at 815-344-1375 and we can discuss it quickly and get you going. I own a 77 which I have done quite a bit of work on.