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captmatt · 05-28-2011, 05:11 PM

We are the proud owners of a 31' SOVEREIGN 1986. we are a bit overwhelmed at what "needs to be done". But very happy that everything seems to work and we can go camping soon! Any suggestions for a 'new-be' are appreciated! This community help me go A.S.!

TBRich · 05-28-2011, 05:38 PM

Congrats and welcome to the Forums... All you need to know is here. Enjoy!

DanielB · 05-28-2011, 05:54 PM

Congrats

Silver Otter · 05-29-2011, 05:08 AM

Welcome home! The people here sure have helped this noob learn a lot about 'streaming. You have a real classic there. We just camped with our Unit here in Virginia and one of the members has one like yours. Very nice.

Becky B. · 05-29-2011, 06:47 AM

Congrats on your new trailer. I have the same model as you. Had some issues at first, but now she's finished (to the way I like it) and a dream to camp in! Enjoy!

jjustice · 05-29-2011, 09:28 AM

Captmatt,

A big congrats to you and yours on your purchase. We live in WA ST close to one of the AS harbors. They have been so helpful in guiding us thru the process of the prep work from the way to clean the propane appliances so they work correctly to stopping leaks (that are inevitable in an older AS product). Good luck in your travels. jjustice

captmatt · 05-30-2011, 05:05 PM

I hear that lots of people have issues, I expect them too. May I trouble you to tell me anything I should keep an eye out for? I'm handy but in new territory (for a while) with the AS. I really appreciate any advice or examples others may have.

Thanks!

captmatt · 05-30-2011, 05:13 PM

OMG! as the kids say. I have a rivet! I KNEW I like Airstream's for a reason!!

Silver Otter · 05-30-2011, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captmatt

I hear that lots of people have issues, I expect them too. May I trouble you to tell me anything I should keep an eye out for? I'm handy but in new territory (for a while) with the AS. I really appreciate any advice or examples others may have.

Thanks!

Captain,
My issues seem to circulate around plumbing, but keep a weather eye on your tire pressures and hub temperatures as you pull. My teacher says if I can leave my knuckles on the hubs for a while at the rest or gas stop I'm probably running cool enough.

captmatt · 05-31-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gheuer

Captain,
My issues seem to circulate around plumbing, but keep a weather eye on your tire pressures and hub temperatures as you pull. My teacher says if I can leave my knuckles on the hubs for a while at the rest or gas stop I'm probably running cool enough.

Hubs and brakes are high on my watch list, thanks! Happily I don't think this axle set has been in as much salt water as most that I deal with. The plumbing will be my next big concern. I will test all systems fully this weekend when I get the unit home.

Thank You!

captmatt · 05-31-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beckybillrae

Congrats on your new trailer. I have the same model as you. Had some issues at first, but now she's finished (to the way I like it) and a dream to camp in! Enjoy!

I can only hope to get our 31' to look half as nice as your avitar pic... really an awesome accomplishment! Still, our little 'travel tube' is the center of our attention now, even though she isn't in the backyard yet!

Condoluminum · 05-31-2011, 08:05 PM

Congratulations and welcome to Forums (and keep earning those rivets!)

If someone were to actually post all the things that could possibly go wrong, you might scream and put yours up for sale immediately...

There are lists of things to watch for and to inspect in prior posts, and you should get very familiar with the "search" tab above, in blue bar.. Click on it, type the words you're thinking of, and it will produce lists of threads of messages on the same general subject... The more words you use, the shorter the lists of threads returned...

That said, plumbing and running gear (axles and brakes and bearings) are biggies, and the third is probably rain water leaks combined with wet subfloor and consequent damages to interiors and flooring.. Next would come HVAC, including roof air and furnace. We experienced drain valve failures, hot water heater thermostat and igniter failure, propane hose leaks, and a dripping shower valve, for example, in first few years... Just keep saying to yourself "Yeah, but a new one is $75,000!!!" and enjoy the opportunity to learn and repair at the same time...