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08-18-2012, 01:38 PM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1952 15' Cruisette
1967 20' Globetrotter
2010 19' International
La Cañada Flintridge
, California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 109
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Now what?
After contracting aluminitis at the young age of 10, I have finally bought my first Airstream! I pick her up on Tuesday but other than securing storage, I am petrified and have no idea what to do next? I suppose driving around a big open space is helpful and tackling my fear of backing up would be wise. Do I head off to a lock R. Park so I can figure it all out and have supplies nearby? I am in Los Angeles for goodness sakes! Excited and petrified I will damage my beautiful 2010 19' Ocean Breeze... All tips appreciated!
P.s. just got my Newbies Guide in the mail and voraciously working my way through.
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08-18-2012, 02:09 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1963 16' Bambi
1962 22' Safari
Yreka
, California
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,937
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One time at a rally where folks were giving hints and ideas.... one fellow suggested layout out a garden hose alongside where you want to park your trailer. When backing up keep the trailer straight to the hose and line it up.... keep your eyes on the mirror and follow the hose. Sounded like a good idea to me.
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08-18-2012, 03:21 PM
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#3
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Tenkara Fly Angler
1975 31' Sovereign
Currently Looking...
Vernon
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 317
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We run a business and our employees most times pull trailers of various lengths. The first thing we do as employers is teach backing up since that is where most accidents happen. Either to the trailer, tow vehicle or an immovable object...
__________________
1975 Sovereign
"The Silver Bullet"
2013 F350 Super Duty 6.7 Liter Diesel
WBCCI #8578
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08-18-2012, 03:35 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
1952 15' Cruisette
1967 20' Globetrotter
2010 19' International
La Cañada Flintridge
, California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 109
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Got it. Learn to back up comes first. I did rent an Airstream before I bought but all of my backing was in wide open spaces and I did pretty good. Later I had reason to rent a small uHaul trailer and I could not back that thing into my driveway for the life of me! Now I am all wigged out.
I will pick up my beautiful Airstream and drive straight to Santa Anita or the Rose Bowl and practice backing up. If you see a crazy woman in a parking lot backing up for no apparent reason...
And I will get a hose!
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08-18-2012, 04:06 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1963 16' Bambi
1962 22' Safari
Yreka
, California
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,937
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Smaller trailers are often more difficult to back up as they can move so quickly.... Have fun with your new AS!
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08-18-2012, 05:56 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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Be carewful of those tight backup turns. You could make it to tight and contact the tow with the towed. If it looks tight...stop. pull forward and then adjust the next backup. These things sneak up on you. My motto is if you say to yourself..."I think I can make it.'.....you can't. Go slow and you'll be fine.
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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08-18-2012, 07:45 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Backing is tricky, easier with experience. You are in LA. Watch turning corners, you need to swing the tow vehicle wide as the trailer will cut the corner shorter than where you steer, hitting curbs etc. Have you noticed the sign on the big tractor-trailer trucks that say "This vehicle makes wide turns"? Applies to all trailers.
Good idea, big parking lot and practice for a while, you'll gain confidence.
doug k
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08-18-2012, 08:03 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,226
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I guess that you have had the disease for a long time.
Glad that you got your first Airstream and good luck with it.
There is a lot to learn, but it is lots of fun. Then you will get to pass on your wisdom to another newbie.
Just take your time backing up and get out however often you need to to make sure that you are ok.
I suggest going to an Airstream rally to meet other folks with aluminitus. Those mutually infected love company.
Dan
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08-18-2012, 08:19 PM
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#9
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Tenkara Fly Angler
1975 31' Sovereign
Currently Looking...
Vernon
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 317
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To this day (and I have back a lot of trailers over the years) If thru my mirrors the angle looks to short, put it in park, get out and check your tv to trailer angle, then any obstacles. It may take longer, but its cheaper.
Just take your time and if you get frustrated, pull out, go around and try again.
Once you get the hang of it don't get cocky, then you will dent something. I always tell my employees (and myself) "its like backing up a snake". Just take your time there is no hurry...
__________________
1975 Sovereign
"The Silver Bullet"
2013 F350 Super Duty 6.7 Liter Diesel
WBCCI #8578
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08-19-2012, 05:22 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2011 28' International
Chatham
, Ontario
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,401
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It gets easier with time and practice; wide open spaces are a good place to start. Personally I found that tips offerred by other well meaning TT owners only served to confuse (it's a me thing) and there was no substitute for just trying. And trying. And trying again. Never be afraid to pull forward and start your back up again - after a deep breath of course!
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08-21-2012, 07:33 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
1952 15' Cruisette
1967 20' Globetrotter
2010 19' International
La Cañada Flintridge
, California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 109
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Holy heck I survived! I got to C and G in Bellflower where a few minor items had been taken care of, hitched up, navigated the Los Angeles freeways to the Rose Bowl for towing/backing practice, made it home and parked her in front of my home. Ahhhh...sweet relief. Now to figure out what I need and where to go?
Love my Bambi
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08-21-2012, 09:07 PM
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#12
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Site Team
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,936
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ummm... you have forgotten pictures! We love pics
Congrats on the new rig
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08-21-2012, 09:31 PM
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#13
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Crazy Montanan in Texas
Currently Looking...
Houston
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 167
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Congrats on the new rig, wheres the pics?
__________________
"When the people fear the government, there is Tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is Liberty." - Thomas Jefferson
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08-21-2012, 09:41 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Holly Lake Ranch
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,794
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Congratulations and good on you for towing in LA traffic..... now go to Seattle, Chicago, Boston and NYC and you will be completely fearless... lol
__________________
Dana and Olga
2006 Safari 23
2011 Tundra Double Cab
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08-22-2012, 09:47 PM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
1952 15' Cruisette
1967 20' Globetrotter
2010 19' International
La Cañada Flintridge
, California
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 109
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I love my AIRSTREAM! I got it all checked out today. Did my best to figure out what was what and am hitting the road tomorrow for my first outing. Yippee!
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10-06-2012, 10:39 AM
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#16
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1 Rivet Member
2012 16' Sport
Prince George
, British Columbia
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
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I am very excited for you! We pick up our new 16' Sport in two weeks. I have the same fear of backing up. Please keep us posted on the progress of your learning curve. I am wondering what the Newbies package is?
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10-06-2012, 10:53 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2018 30' Classic
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 666
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"Now to figure out what I need and where to go?"
Come to the SoCal rally in Kernville! It's only a few hours from you. It would be a great time to meet other Airstreamers and get all kinds of helpful tips. See the link at the bottom of my post for all the info. It would be great to see you there.
I love the Ocean Breezes, but don't think I have seen a Bambi model.
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10-06-2012, 11:14 AM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
2009 25' FB Flying Cloud
bend
, oregon
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 17
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Congrats on your new Airstream.
Even with all the practice, my camp neighbor help me backing in on my first trip. All the people I meet at campsite are friendly and helpfull. Also, the forum members has been the best resourses.
jonathan
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