Exterior outlet on '04 Safari

[DJW]

Hello all, not sure if this should go in one of the sub-forums.

My exterior outlet, curbside just forward and above the wheel well, has a broken plastic cover. I tried to remove the entire outlet, without much luck. It seems to be "stuck" in with some sealant from the inside. Also, the outlet looks unusual, and maybe a special Airstream item? I've removed the two mounting screws, but am afraid to pry much harder.

From a similar exposed outlet (for the reefer) it looks like both the "in" and "out" power romex go in a one unit. Not sure if I can replace with a standard item, or what to do?

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Don

[DJW]

Update on this- the outlet is an "Odyssey" and I found some listings for interior examples. It looks like an RV product and is "self contained" meaning the wires are connected internally and the outlet screwed right to a flat surface.

Mine is the exterior version with a cover and some gaskets.Anyone know if replacements are available?

Thanks,

Don

[2airishuman]

hi don

a picture would/should help others understand,

which might bring better help with your issue.

the interior/exterior 110/ac outlets vary a bit

but most of the 2000s share similar versions...

these appear 2b the ones used on your unit...



i think the blue/highlighted number is the one in question.

the online parts manual has this info, it's a good download to have.

Airstream, Inc :: Parts Manuals

many years overlap and some info is either too general or wrong,

but the parts books are a good place to start.

often a glimpse of the installation is included too.
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without a close up of this specific outlet, here is a general approach...

the outlet has a dried bead of acryl-r at the perimeter (ignore the gasket for now).

this works to keep water/moisture out of the main hole and shell wall.

in order to removed the outlet, you will need to cut the sealant.

start by masking (the shell) all around to reduce nicking or skin/clearcoat damage...

then using a SHARP object laid flat/parallel to the skin, cut into the sealant...

it should be 2-3 mm thick at most.

once the sealant edging has been released, removal is pretty simple.

once the replacement is wired and screwed to the shell,

the sealant bead will need to be REapplied (after removing the old stuff)
___________

all the typical electrical repair CAUTIONS apply during removal and replacement.
___________

any a/s dealer service center can order this part.

some dealers may have these in stock, out of doors mart has a pretty good inventory of parts listed ONLINE...

while a/s will have these (or similar replacements) in the factory/parts store,

they don't generally sell directly 2 customers (unless U r in the store in person)

one may be able to find it other places or substitute another exterior grade outlet...

cheers
2air'

[DJW]

Thanks 2Air! Below are pics. I did try to cut the sealant earlier in this process, but must not have complete severed it. The bottom pic is my lame attempt to show the interface between the outlet cover and the skin of the AS.

Don

[Phoenix]

I have seen a lot of Airstream hardware in marine stores; some of it the same, others upgrades in stainless steel or other materials. If you can't get the exact replacement, or want to upgrade, I'd check at West Marine or other marine parts stores/online catalogs. However, marine-quality parts can be pricy, especially the items designed for saltwater use. One good note, those parts will probably last forever on an Airstream.

[2airishuman]

excellent pix don,

that's the same external juice box used on lots of units and lots of newer streams.

some have a SPLIT/2 part cover but the same foot print.

the gasket behind the fixture may be part of the issue with removal.

just a WAG but the gasket may have double stick adhesive or some other sticky stuff.

so it might be useful to warm it with a heat gun,

or use some dental floss to cut it loose (like de-badging a car)

many of the exterior holes have big GLOBS of sealant on the inside, which aren't obvious externally.

and consider sending an email to a/s tech support with your picture for help.

i would expect that a NEW outlet might include some instructions,

but that is a WAG too or just wishful thinking.

i don't see a factory 'how to' document on replacing these

but there is probably a procedure outlined in their double secret service books...

cheers
2air'

[Airslide]

Nice pictures Don. Good to see your working out all the bugs in the new stream. I think that cover broke when I hit that guard rail. I must have happened when the passerby gave me thumbs up on your beautiful trailer!