Tips for first timers

[Ackatak]

Hi There
My wife and I are looking forward to allot of fun times and a big new learning curve in regards to trailer travel. We have many question about Airstream and our own trailer, that we will be naming in the next week or two. I will be picking it up tomorrow morning and I'm a bit nervous at all the new things I have to remember. So hello and hope all is fine in your part of the world.

Ackatak

[TBRich]

Welcome to the Ariforums, Ackatak...there's a lot of information here to be found...poke around in the subforums and feel free to ask away...folks will be happy to offer their knowledge and opinions...

See you down the road!

[strmstr69]

welcome Ackatac...You'll find the people here as well as the knowledge to be very helpful and complete. I don't think there is anything these folks haven't done or have happen to them. The combined experience is better than the Encyclopedia Brittanica!! Read, learn and enjoy!!! any questions? Feel free and remember the search functions...LOL

Dan

[Muddy Waters]

WE DID IT! We took our Bambi out on its maiden voyage for three days and it was really fun. There was one night of rain and it sure was cozy inside. We couldn't get the fridge to turn on but it was chilly enough outside that everything stayed cold anyway. The camera monitor on the dashboard went on the fritz too so we're having that looked at.

One thing I wondered about was after seeing a few SOB's tires propped up on boards and levelers. Why is that? Is it better for the tires to be up on something because of the axle or... What?

[Chuckles]

Originally Posted by Muddy Waters

One thing I wondered about was after seeing a few SOB's tires propped up on boards and levelers. Why is that? Is it better for the tires to be up on something because of the axle or... What?

I would suggest it is an attempt to level the caravan (Sorry Trailer!). When setting up it is normal, before unhitching, to level off across the axle, Use a spirit level across the front of the 'van or on the floor or similar. Use strips of wood or proprietary brand "wedge" type leveler under the low wheel. Once you are happy with the Axle being level, then apply the brakes, unhitch and level front to back using the jockey wheel in the front. Then set down the corner steadies. Never level on the corner steadies alone, you could twist the chassis.

If you were well off level that could be why the fridge didn't work. Nearly without exception, all fridges need to be level, vertical and horizontal,to work properly.

Hope this helps.

[travelRN]

Ok! I jumped in head first and bought the 3rd airstream I looked at. It seemed in fair shape from what my inexperianced eye could see. My fresh water tank fell out 15 miles down the highway( taking the propane line with it). I'v scince found the univolt missing, the 30 amp power cord cut and I'm just starting to tear it apart. I bought a '73 29" Ambassador. I guess the electical system is where I'll start. Any suggestions and help is greatly apprecated.