1996 34' Limited front lighted vent

[byjaffe]

Well she is at the house in our barn and we have already replaced back skylight with a Maxim, a/c cover, water heater thermostat, ordered repair parts for fantastic fan, and alot of little things.

But here is the question, there is a square light with vent in the front that I can't figure out. Have to replace the crank handle, where can I get it and how does it work? Surely someone knows.

Thanks guys.

[HowieE]

The crank handle goes to white metal casting that houses the worm and gear to raise the vent. The teeth on the gear ware off over time. If you remove the gear box from the vent assembly and open it up you can rotate the gear 120 degrees and get another life out of it. In fact you can do this twice if you keep the trailer long enough.

You can drill the rivets out that hold the case together and you will see what I am referring to.

When mine failed I sent a picture of the gearbox and vent to Jackson Center. They replied that Airstream NEVER installed such a thing and that I had installed it after manufacturing. Does this give you an idea of what to expect if you contact them?

[byjaffe]

Thanks HowieE I went out to check and it says it is a Thin-light Model 114. The light works off of a switch which is original and the crank is ok. The knob wasn't on it and my hubby had to close it manually. So anyways I bought a knew knob but it needs an extension or something to make it long enough.

What did come in that spot originally from Airstream?

[HowieE]

This is what I was referring to in my comments. This is the cranking mechanism to raise the vent lid. It has a small crank arm about 3 in. long screwed into this shaft.

[byjaffe]

Again thanks. We went out to check it and hubby ended up taking it apart and found we just need an extension or a longer crank handle, and also need to replace the fan blade. Got that ordered and we should be good to go.

So here is another question for you, since you also own a 34', should the jack stands be down when parked but not in use?

[byjaffe]

Forgot it looks just like the standard pop up vent installed on alot of Airstreams, with an aftermarket thin-lite attached.

[HowieE]

As for the jacks

I almost never use mine parked or camping.

I am sure most would suggest using them in both situations.

If you were going to storage for a longer period of time you might lower the tongue a bit lower the rear jacks then raise the tongue equal distance above the starting height and lower the front jacks. This will take some load off the axle rubbers. These rubbers will take a set over time and lose travel distance.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by byjaffe

Again thanks. We went out to check it and hubby ended up taking it apart and found we just need an extension or a longer crank handle, and also need to replace the fan blade. Got that ordered and we should be good to go.

There is a variety of sizes and shapes of those handles in stock at just about any RV dealer, not just the Airstream ones.

Same with the fan blade, by the way...

[byjaffe]

HowieE thanks for the jack info my husband agrees with you. We have a large building that we call the barn because of the shape. It does have a cement floor and is fully enclosed, so a good place for my baby. We are in Texas in winter and own a Lodge in Co and are up there in the summer. So she will stay in barn during summer but we plan on using her alot between Oct and May. Lots to do and places to visit since our kids are all grown, and its just us and our two dogs.

Aage thank you also, we live out in the country in middle of Texas and no RV dealers around for 2 hours. So we order alot on line and just have it sent. Easy

[HowieE]

Yes if storing in Texas in the summer get her up off the axles a bit. My trailer spent its first 3 years in Fl. on a site and the axles were shot when I bought it. The Heat.