Hey new here. Bought '73 Airstream as our new post Harvey home

[My7Angels]

Hey there. I'm so grateful to have found this site. My kids and I bought a '73 Airstream two weeks to be our new home. Since the Harvey floods we have lived in a car, another travel trailer That was flooded out, full of mold and had faulty wires that was minutes away from a fire and then we lived in a tent. Well our Airstream needs a lot of work but we are no longer living in a tent. It's warmer, bigger, and more comfortable. Honestly I don't know what I'm doing in regards to fixings things on it or about travel trailers. So I think this forum will be helpful. If anyone knows where I can find more info or words or encouragement that would be great. I have my work cut out for me but I love my Airstream .
Well thanks
I really need to learn how to get running water. Lol
Oh and we are living TX

[GMFL]

Pics?

[Lumatic]

The big question to me is are you staying in one place or traveling with the 73? If you are traveling you almost certainly need new axles. Also, the 70s Airstreams are prone to "rear end separation". You can do a search and you will find more than you ever want to know.

If you have an original Suburban NT22a furnace there was a recall on that furnace which can leak carbon monoxide into the coach. Not worth fixing, but can be replaced. Again do a search and you will find a lot of info.

[Minno]

WOW! I'm so sorry for your flooded out situation, but am happy you found a home again!
There are many threads here about restoring/renovating a trailer, including ours in the "70's trailer section. (Little Girl Refurb). We weren't living in ours, and many things may be different as far as what you need. (We needed a total gut job, not possible for you).
As far as running water, you need a functioning water pump, and water source (either water tank, or water hook up). Our water tank fill was on the door side of the trailer when we bought her. You will need to ensure no leaks in your water system (compressed air is best if you have access to that) BEFORE you start using your water. You also should sanitize your water system - bleach water is best, followed by a flush, then baking soda flush to get rid of the bleach taste, before you use it for anything other than flushing the toilet.
Good luck, and know you are in my prayers!

Kay

[dbj216]

Hello from Colorado and welcome to the Airstream community. Harvey was a huge natural disaster affecting millions of folks. My brother escaped Irma in Florida and lived in his camper trailer for a few weeks.

At least you now have a roof over your heads that you can move around when needed. I have a 75 Airstream Overlander 27' that I am currently working on. Think of an Airstream, or any travel trailer, as a collection of "systems". The plumbing "system" is one you mentioned. Your trailer has fresh water plumbing, and waste water plumbing. It has tanks, valves and a pump. Your trailer has an electrical "system" with 12 volt DC wiring, and 115v AC wiring. It has a battery, a charger for that battery, fuses and circuit breakers.

You need to do a careful assessment if what works and what doesn't. You need to read and learn all about Airstreams. Here is a good book to start with.

https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll...am-maintenance

And you need to guard against getting overwhelmed. Try to make one repair or improvement on your trailer each day. Start with the important stuff.

David

[Bob Blarney]

Hello, my condolences about the loss of your home. Here in Michigan a few weeks ago, an older couple from Florida pulled in my driveway and offered to buy my recently acquire 30' AS on the spot. Since I hadn't checked it out thorough yet and I'm a new owner too, I decided that it might be more of a burden to them than a help. It occurred to me a couple days later that they had son nearby, and so they were probably living with him temporarily.

All that said, I hope the folks here can offer you any help that they can, from inspection and advice, to parts or labor. I would do it if I had more knowledge and lived near to you. Good luck to you.