Water Inlet Leak

[Al - K4GLU]

How difficult is it to replace the water inlet on a 2007 Safari? Mine has developed a leak and even though I'm still under warranty - for 2 more weeks - it would cost me more to try and find a Airstream dealer to do the replacement than it would be for me to buy a new one and do it myself - that is if I can. The leak is not due to a bad washer - the leak is coming from behind the star wheel tightener. Is the line that is attached to the back of the inlet flexible? Can the entire replacement be done from outside the trailer or is it necessary to access the new inlet from the inside to attach the water line? Don't know if this has been covered before but I did a search and didn't bring up anything.

[DEITZ645]

Al - K4GLU
The fil hose on our '06 Classifc is flexible and I belive replacing it can be effected from the inside of the trailer. The quarters are a little tight, but I think it could be done. If I remember correctly it is attached at the filler and tank with a hose clamp.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

How difficult is it to replace the water inlet on a 2007 Safari? Mine has developed a leak and even though I'm still under warranty - for 2 more weeks - it would cost me more to try and find a Airstream dealer to do the replacement than it would be for me to buy a new one and do it myself - that is if I can. The leak is not due to a bad washer - the leak is coming from behind the star wheel tightener. Is the line that is attached to the back of the inlet flexible? Can the entire replacement be done from outside the trailer or is it necessary to access the new inlet from the inside to attach the water line? Don't know if this has been covered before but I did a search and didn't bring up anything.

Funny, but the ONLY piece of valuable info that I received when I took delivery of my then new '06 19CCD was that the filler neck was a known weak point on the trailer. There should be an access area (mine is under the vanity sink) where you can reach the hose.

Mine is white PEX tubing with a brass crimp ring. The leak is supposed to be in the inlet fitting itself......YMMV!

[Al - K4GLU]

Thanks for the replies. Lewster my leak is on the outside from the inlet itself. There is no leak inside the trailer where the pipe attaches so I believe the inlet unit is going to have to be replaced. Too bad I'm not closer to Hood River or I'd have you do it. Am in La Pine, OR about 25 miles south of Bend.

[wlj1943]

Hi Al from K4 land,

I have 2 suggestions to supplement Lewster's expert answers.
1. Check the male end of the supply hose. One small ding and you can have a leak. I have replaced the thin brass fittings with NSF approved potable (sic) replacement fittings ( hard to find) or ( if you are not cheap like me ) just get a new hose.
2. Install a new washer in the female end of the "city" water connection, one without the any gripper molded "teats" in the outside diameter; these are a bit better at sealing. Personally I use a female washer with a integral stainless steel cone screen ( ine mesh) pointed towards the hose to keep the big stuff out of the system - it has a wider face and seals better.
I get these from the local farm store; they are used for drip irrigation systems.

Hope this helps
WLJ 1943 - Warren (from K6/K7 land).