We bought a fifth wheel Airstream Excella V 1980 a month ago. We would like to have a copy of the manual. We do not know how to start the furnace. We live in L'Annonciation, Province of Quebec in Canada. If is our first fifth wheel. We think that it was painted, by the way they did a good job if it was the case. We are very happy with the fifth wheel but we wonder if it is an original. Did Airstream built fifth wheels? We cannot find anything on that. Thank you for the information.
Airstream produced Fifth Wheels for only a very short time. They were first piloted as additions to the Argosy trailer line then added briefly to the Airstream line. Production was apparently quite limited, but quality was comparable to that of the trailers and motorhomes of the period. There were a few problems with the bonded panel construction methods utilized early in the model line, but I am not certain precisely what the nature of the problems were. I believe that most if not all of the Airstream fifth wheels were painted in a silver and blue color scheme from the factory.
You might try contacting Airstream via their website. They list a number of manuals in their store. Another option would be to contact Secretarial Services as indicated in the information below quoted from the Vintage Airstream Club website:
Manuals
Q: I need an owners and service manual for my Airstream. Where can I get one? A: The first owners manuals were published in 1964. Prior to that, the owner received a brown envelope containing parts lists and other helpful information on the accessories in his trailer. The VAC has started making these available in the Members Archive section. A service manual with instructions for performing service operations did not exist until 1972.
You can get photocopies of owners manual (1964+) and service manuals (1972-1986) from:
Helen Davis Secretarial Services
PO Box 484 Sidney, OH 45365
(937)492-8885
Prices are about $33 and $70 respectively. After 1986 the Owners Manuals included available service information.
Good luck with your coach!
Kevin.
__________________
Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
We had bunks over the couches-can you still get those or were they an after-market product? I'm actually looking for the hardware for them-my dad had the 2 bunks & cushions in the attic. Can any of ya'll give me any clues on this? I remember they were installed by the local Airstream dealer, but ... that was yeaaaaaars ago. Input would be appreciated.
I'd like to put them in one of the trailers so the grandkids can use them.
Thanks,
Molly
The Hammock Bunks were options available from Airstream Dealers (the same option was also offered on Argosy trailers). They were available from sometime in the 1950s through the late 1970s or early 1980s. Today, I believe that Inland RV may be about your only source for the attaching hardware for the hammock bunks -- I believe that they were offereing complete reproductions of the hammock bunks according to information distributed about a year to eighteen months ago.
I have fond memories of the hammock bunks as I slept in one on my first camping trip in an RV as a five year old in 1964 (I now own that '64 Overlander, but it lost its hammock bunks between the second and third owners).
Good luck with your project!
Kevin
__________________
Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
HI, Don here...
I have a 66-67? Caravel- Land Yacht 16'...Need to replace a window...any hints?
Also, looking to find a front wind/debris screen (the frame is broken)
...
HI, Don here...
I have a 66-67? Caravel- Land Yacht 16'...Need to replace a window...any hints?
Also, looking to find a front wind/debris screen (the frame is broken)
...
Until very recently, replacing one of the Corning windows in a 1966-1968 Airstream was a very difficult task. Today, you can source reproductions made of glass similar to the originals from Vintage Trailer Supply at:
For the front rock guard, there are three options. Search for an original with a good frame that can be rebuilt. Purchase a new rock guard -- it would essentially be the rock guard that is used on the new Safari line coaches with the single front window. The third option would be to fabricate your own rock guard. I believe that you will find examples of all three on the Forums by utilizing the Forum's Search feature.
Good luck with your Caravel!
Kevin
__________________
Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
I just wanted to say thank you, we already have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this sight. I most definetly will have lots of questions, probably no answers for awhile.
As you all can see we are from North Carolina near the coast, and this is our first RV, and we got lucky getting the Airstream, Me and her are just a couple of hippies from the 60's, so this is what we were looking for, I told my wife we can be like LUCY and RICKY on our first outing except that she can not collect rocks. LOL. We are looking forward to going places in the A/S.
Now all I have to do is figure out how to communicate with everyone LOL
I am new and looking for a Bambi or Caravelle to restore
I live the Oklahoma area and I very handy and have complete wood shop and lots of time and a little money. I want a smaller trailer that needs a lot of TLC. I live near Tulsa. Phone 918 756-9510 email halschmi@swbell.net I love the Airsteams but would consider another make and it does not have to be Vintage.
This is all new to me [joining,not camping].I have a 1969 25'Trade Wind that I am restoring.HELP I need a curbside wing window,glass,not the "new plastic ones they want to sell me.
So far this is the only part that has escaped my reach.Thanks for all your help!!
You have probably found out by now that you will NOT get a glass replacement for that 69 of yours. They do NOT make them any more - they only made the bottom square corners for one year and you lucked out - she is a special year though - with the moon landing and all but you will have to settle with a non-glass replacement. Go for the more expensive Lexan rather than the plexi as it will scratch in no time....and if you can handle a rivet gun - do it yourself - at a cost of the Lexan alone - rather than having it done at other places that charge an arm and a leg for it - almost the same cost as the glass ones for the 70+ years.
We have had to replace both wing windows in our 69 GT and they are great!!! - now you never have to worry about a guard for the front to protect those precious non-replaceable windows.
__________________ Streaming in the spirit of Exploration... "To go places and do things that have never
been done before-that's what living is all about." - M. Collins
Hello,
I too, have a major renovation job to do on our 29' 1973 airstream and if your not too tired after working so hard, could you help me with your first hand knowledge? I am attempting to replace the rusted out steel black water tank that is mounted inboard and a/s of Ohio says "no way"- No one will fabricate a tank and I'm getting ready to forget this project and junk this money pit if this keeps up-Did yours have a steel inboard mountrd black water tank? thanx-dan
Did anyone tell you why they wouldn't fabricate a new blackwater tank?
I don't know the shape of it, but I have been TIG welding for most of my life.
I am sure one could be fabricated out of stainless steel, and it would out-last the rest of the trailer. (I wonder if the necessary fittings are available?)
This is my first post, as I just joined today. I also have a '73 25' TW, and I did not know the black water tank was even made of metal! It stands to reason, if it is regular steel, it would rust! I thought it was plastic.
Given the dimensions, shape, fittings and connections, I don't see why one couldn't be fabricated. If I have to replace mine, I could make 2 as well as one. I would have to get the pieces cut, I don't have a shear.
I have been contemplating removing my fresh water tank, but don't know if it has to come out inside, or out. The outside skin on mine is shot anyways. (On the bottom) How many gallons does it (the black water tank) hold?
My first day here, too. Have had my 73 Tradewind for years. It has many issues that need to be addressed, so I will be looking into that 'search' feature. I was first attracted to the airstream because I have been welding aluminum since 1969. Thought it might be the way to go. I do have a few small holes to weld up,(It had an add-a room snapped to it) and a couple cracks in around the entry step area.
I don't think my univolt is 'putting out'.
Mine had the awful rolling vertical cabinet doors. All the pieces were there, and we tried to glue canvas on the back, but they didn't last long. Lots of wasted effort. Still have all the original appliances in it. Furnace needs attention. Have to find the thread about the reacall, it is that model. NT22A. Pretty rusty anyways. I guess that is more than enough for now. When do I get my first rivet?
Welcome, and glad you're working the search tab... First rivet comes at 5 posts...
My dad was part of team that invented tig welding just ahead of WW2 while he was working with Northrop and North American Aviation teams for Alcoa..
Many of members are replacing Univolts with Intellipower or other brands of power supplies that are quieter, more reliable and won't boil batteries dry. Search for Univolt or power supply or intellipower or charger.
There is a ready source of new material for rolling doors, which you can also search for.. New material with new fabric backing might be easier than replacing entire cabinets... The stuff is called Tambour (or Tambor or Tamboor), and you can search for it here or look on internet for sources. Inland RV has some in stock in a few colors, I believe...
Can't help you with black water tank...
John McG
__________________ Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
Hi! After lusting, drooling and slamming on the brakes and craning my neck whenever I saw an Airstream or Argosy, I bought one! I got the bill of sales last night on a 1968 Overlander and I am totally thrilled.
The only buyer's remorse I have had is a small panic this morning when I remembered that I really DO have to find a place to put it and find someone to tow it there.
Cart before horse syndrome? I don't really think so. I needed something to lift my spirits and actually fulfilling one of my life's DREAMS is definitely uplifting!!
I look forward to learning what I need to know, which is just about everything.
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Thank you 
I am new and looking for a Bambi or Caravelle to restore 
and I very handy and have complete wood shop and lots of time and a little money. I want a smaller trailer that needs a lot of TLC. I live near Tulsa. Phone 918 756-9510 email 
I love the Airsteams but would consider another make and it does not have to be Vintage.
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