'77 31' Sovereign front door lock

[groovzilla]

all,

just purchased my 2nd airstream.

#1&2 photo - is this the correct front door knob/lock for my 77 31' sovereign trailer? if not which one is original equiptment?

#3&4 photo - i assume this is for the brakes? but can someone explain?

thanks

[mariusg78]

That is not the original handle, but will work as long as you like how it looks. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it here.
This is the vacuum break system. Unless you have a connection on your car for a vacuum break system, then you need to convert to electric breaks. I removed this completely from my AS since it served no purpose once I upgraded to electric breaks.
It's a compressor of some sort. I guess this was the wave of the future in the 70's

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by groovzilla

all,

just purchased my 2nd airstream.

#1&2 photo - is this the correct front door knob/lock for my 77 31' sovereign trailer? if not which one is original equiptment?

#3&4 photo - i assume this is for the brakes? but can someone explain?

thanks

That lock is a Bargman L-300.

A8irstream has never used that lock. From 1970 to 1977 Airstream used a KT lock. The Bargman looks similair, but is very different.

The part behind the LPG bottles, is the actuator for the disc brakes.

That was the first year Airstream used them as an option, and the worked reasonably well. We still have some parts for that system.

Disc brakes are far superior to electric brakes, hands down.

Andy

[dwightdi]

The Vacuum power disc brake unit was common on the 77's. I had one. It was always causing trouble on the road and no one knew how to repair it. The disc brake calipers also failed from bending fatigue at the welds. I scrapped the power assist unit and replaced the discs with electric drum brakes. No problems on the road after that. If you really want to spend some money, you can buy newly engineered disc brake system that are eclectically operated.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

The Vacuum power disc brake unit was common on the 77's. I had one. It was always causing trouble on the road and no one knew how to repair it. The disc brake calipers also failed from bending fatigue at the welds. I scrapped the power assist unit and replaced the discs with electric drum brakes. No problems on the road after that. If you really want to spend some money, you can buy newly engineered disc brake system that are eclectically operated.

There are many older disc barke systems, still in use.

Like anything else, regular PM is the key to long term useage.

Many parts for them is still available.

Andy

[Inland RV Center, In]

Overhauling the synchronizing valve, is something we still do, since we have the original test setup.

Andy

[mariusg78]

How in the world would you connect the vacuum system to your car? Someone had told me that you had to connect it to the exhaust of your vehicle?!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by mariusg78

How in the world would you connect the vacuum system to your car? Someone had told me that you had to connect it to the exhaust of your vehicle?!

WRONG. Exhaust is pressure, not vacuum.

The vacuum supply comes from the "intake manifold" of your engine. Not so for diesel.

A "check valve" is installed in that same line.

When not in use, a plug is inserted into the socket that is at the rear of the tow vehicle.

Andy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by mariusg78

How in the world would you connect the vacuum system to your car? Someone had told me that you had to connect it to the exhaust of your vehicle?!

At the time, you would run a vacuum hose from the engine to the rear of the car, then connect that to the brake system of the trailer.
At this point, the state of the art has long passed it by, and replacement with either electric drum or electric hydraulic discs would be best.

[groovzilla]

after further research i found a KT lock photo and see it is somewhat similar but not original - thanks everyone for the help.

the intent of me buying this trailer is to convert it to a music practice/recording space.
i purchased it completely gutted. has new floors that were patched in then covered, new axles, new inverter and it's a mid bath model.

after spending so much time in my 68 26' overlander the past few weeks doing a restoration, i can see how the newer trailers have a much different feel about them.

thanks again for all the info

[Grrrwolf]

Just a heads up groovzilla, make sure to tighten the Schlage dead bolt mechanism before it unscrews itself, drops into the wall, and leaves you locked out. I had to drill mine and am still looking for a replacement.

[groovzilla]

appreciate the heads up - neither trailer has a deadbolt but i can see how that would be an issue if it came apart inside the door.