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New Airhead in Fresno
After years of looking for a trailer with “good bones” I finally pounced. Here’s the Craigslist ad:
“Everything original. Which means its all a little worn. The stove/burner works. Everything is a little faded (as you would expect from an all original 45 year old airstream!). Door works. Locks work. Toilet is there, can't tell you if it works. Original shower insert.
I had a local RV guy (who specializes in Airstreams) give me a quote to replace the original propane tanks, fix the water heater (regulator isn't working), basically to do everything he could think of so that I could drive it away and leave it near the beach. He quoted me $1,000 to make it "all systems functioning". Keep in mind, this camper has been in continual use, so its been functioning all along, its not a 'start over' its a tuneup.”
Of course, it looked a little, umm, rougher than the seller’s description, but as you know, these things sell in a cat’s sneeze, and the price was right.
Eyes wide open we shook hands and I lost my wannabe status. After replacing the tires and rewiring the tow light harness, off I drove. Spent the first night under the stars on the way back. Thanks Wal-Mart for the hospitality.
The reason the PO didn't know if the toilet worked was because it was falling out of the back due to floor rot ... So, here’s my current “tuneup” list:
Minimum To-do before Camping
ð Replace damaged subfloor
o Bathroom
o Front door
o Refrigerator/bed area
o Any other spots found
o Inspect frame
ð Brake wiring and brakes themselves
ð Check axels and bearings
ð Fix toilet, check bathroom plumbing including shower head, buy shower curtain
ð Buy dump hose
ð Clean (paint?) bathroom fixtures
ð Confirm proper operation of black water tank
ð Check fresh water (clean entire system?)
ð Hot water tank (fix or replace?)
o Thermocouple
o Relief valve
o Gas valve
ð Fix/test electrical, install side connector
ð Replace LP dual regulator & flex line, evaluate whole LP system for operation & safety
ð Remove furnace, cap the propane line, (might use later), temporarily cover duct opening(s)
ð Fix gaucho bed rail(s)
ð Put beds/couches back in
ð Buy/make cushions for all seats
ð Finish and reinstall cabinet doors and visible wood
ð Smoke and gas detectors
ð Kitchen storage (pullouts, etc.)
ð Reinstall or replace refrigerator
ð Install mini blinds and/or curtains
ð Replace floor (Cork?)
ð Fix doorstep (It drops down while on the road)
ð Screen door magnet
Later (after first trip(s):
ð Install new electrical outlets and switches, add GFI
ð Fix, clean and where necessary, replace window hardware
ð Clean up wiring near old refrigerator location
ð Leaks
o Seal windows and doors
o Skylights
o Vents
o Pressure test?
ð Kitchen
o Refurb stove or replace with cook top
o Replace kitchen faucet and/or sink
o Counter
o Microwave
ð Replace front window rock guard
ð Heater and air conditioning
ð Paint, enhance interior
ð Update lighting
ð Awning
ð TV/computer monitor
So, when I am not hanging out at Lowes, or putting my hands on what my SO refers to as "the otrher woman in my life" I'll be checking in with all you experts here. You have already helped in many ways with great information on many topics.
'Looking forward to a ralley or two in the not too distant future. (It would be really great if someone would host one in the parking lot in front of the Fresno Lowes ;-)
Later.
Ron, the new guy.
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