plumbing lines in '71 ambassador

[bimi]

I have a 71 ambassador and am wondering where all of the water lines and valves beneath my kitchen sink and in my service center lead. If anyone can tell me or if you have a diagram, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by bimi

I have a 71 ambassador and am wondering where all of the water lines and valves beneath my kitchen sink and in my service center lead. If anyone can tell me or if you have a diagram, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help.

The water system is relatively simple, even though it looks confusing at first.
Someone with a manual might be able to send you a diagram.
The system has several provisions for draining the lines, for winterizing, etc.
You will find drain taps near the bathroom area, and under the kitchen sink.
The water comes inside the trailer through the city water hookup, then to a pressure regulator, and then enters the faucets through several t's. The cold water side also has a feed to the water heater. Your water storage tank and it's plumbing simply feed into the fresh water supply after the water pump, which is usually protected by a one way valve, to keep city water pressure away from the pump.
My 1971 has 3 valves under the sink, two for draining the water lines ( hot and cold) and one to drain the water tank.
Then under the bathroom sink, there's 2 more drain valves, both for draining the hot and cold water lines in the rear of the trailer. There's also a shutoff valve for the toilet's water supply.
Everything is then connected to by copper lines. I hope this very basic description helps.

[bimi]

Thank you for the info. It sounds just like my system. To drain the system from under the kitchen sink, do you open those and then open the drain valves under the bathroom sink? It sounds like that is where those would lead. I am very excited and having fun with this airstream, but I want to get all of these things sorted out before winter. I know I am early, but I definitely don't want to be late.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by bimi

Thank you for the info. It sounds just like my system. To drain the system from under the kitchen sink, do you open those and then open the drain valves under the bathroom sink? It sounds like that is where those would lead. I am very excited and having fun with this airstream, but I want to get all of these things sorted out before winter. I know I am early, but I definitely don't want to be late.

Bimi,
You should get a hold of an owner's manual, somehow. My trailer is most likely slightly different from yours, and I don't want to mis-inform you, which is why I kept my first reply sort of brief.
Ambassadors a bit rare - I envy you!

[bimi]

I have the original manual, but it doesn't have any diagram for the plumbing and the information on the pipes is very, very limited.

Are the Ambassadors rare? Why is that?

[balrgn]

I don't know if this will help you? Here is a lay out from a '76 manual.

Let me know if you have a center bath, this is for a rear....

[bimi]

That looks like it, but the file is too small for me to see when I enlarge it. Can you email me a bigger copy at mistilachelle@hotmail.com Thanks for the help.

[Hit'nMiss]

Originally Posted by bimi

I have the original manual, but it doesn't have any diagram for the plumbing and the information on the pipes is very, very limited.

Originally Posted by bimi

Are the Ambassadors rare? Why is that?

Bimi I am not sure that any records have ever been found showing how many of each model were built. Especially prior to the 80s decade, and maybe not even after 1980. Airstream either kept poor records or tight secrets.

Just from lots of reading various forums I suspect that there were a smaller number of the 29 footers built. There seem to be fewer members here who claim that model but that's just a guess.
There were lots and lots of Sovereign 31s and many fewer Excella 31s built apparently. I suspect the 27 ft Overlanders are one of the more popular sizes also and I would bet many more of them exist than your Ambassador size.
Unfortunately I don't think any rarity of your model equals an increase in it's value at this time. The larger units are the least valuable relatively speaking. This is due to the larger tow vehicle needed to use one easily.

Are you sure you have a Manual for your 71?
Is it an Owner's Manual or a Service Manual, big difference.
Actually I can't recall what year Airstream started the Service Manuals. seems it was 1970 something.
Can you post a picture of your manual by any chance?

Oh where is Little Elm, Texas?

[balrgn]

Originally Posted by bimi

That looks like it, but the file is too small for me to see when I enlarge it. Can you email me a bigger copy at mistilachelle@hotmail.com Thanks for the help.

.

It's on the way. Let me know if it is OK?

[bimi]

Originally Posted by balrgn

.

It's on the way. Let me know if it is OK?

I still haven't received it. Maybe it will show up tomorrow. Thanks for your help, though.

[bimi]

Originally Posted by HitnMiss

Are you sure you have a Manual for your 71?
Is it an Owner's Manual or a Service Manual, big difference.
Actually I can't recall what year Airstream started the Service Manuals. seems it was 1970 something.
Can you post a picture of your manual by any chance?

Oh where is Little Elm, Texas?

I have a manual, and I think it is the owner's manual. I will try to make a copy of it to post. It will probably be on Friday.

Also, Little Elm is on the north side of Dallas. I notice you are down in Huntsville. I have several friends from Sam Houston State. Nice place.

[propofol65]

Would you have a plumbing diagram for a '72 Ambassador? Vintage doesn't have the 1972 Service Manuals available and I'd like to tackle my new (first) AS project.
Thanks,
Bob