Airstream Height

[Earl]

Does anyone know the height of a 32' 1984 Excella including air conditioner? I am raising the roof of my shed so I can park the Airstream out of the sun. I tried to get a dimension but it is hard to do accurately by myself with a short ladder.

Earl

[53flyingcloud]

EARL,

You can use basic Trigonometry.
For example:
You'll need the distance to the Airstreaml, and the angle of inclination of the top of the A/S. Then you'll use a trig ratio to help calculate the Airstream's height.
The first step is to carefully measure the distance to the bottom of the Airstreaml from a selected location.
Say for example, You measured a distance of exactly 10 m.

The next step is to measure the angle of inclination to the top of the Airstream's A/C. This can be done using a device called a clinometer.
Let's say that, You did the angle measurement several times, and found an average value of 24 degrees.
Here is our diagram.
You will note that you had a small problem. The measurements were taken above ground level, so your triangle is actually elevated by the height of the measuring instrument.
This means you'll also have to measure that height, and add it to your final answer.
Here's the diagram of the triangle you'll be using to solve for x. The names of the sides are marked on the triangle.

Because you're using opposite and adjacent, the trig ratio needed will be opposite over adjacent, or tan.

[53flyingcloud]

this continues:

[53flyingcloud]

this continues

[53flyingcloud]

Here is the calculation.

Because all 24° right triangles are similar, the ratios of their sides are always the same. So your calculator can provide the value for what the tan24 ratio is supposed to be.

By rearranging and solving, you can determine the correct value for x to make the side ratio equal to tan24.

Now you need to add on the height of the measuring instrument (and the triangle) above the ground. That value was 1.20 m.

So the height of the Airstream A/C in this example works out to 5.65 m.
ciao

[RoadKingMoe]

You find a straight 2X4 (sometimes I believe that's an oxymoron these days) or some other straight object (an 8' flourescent tube is VERY straight but you have to be careful with it) and tape your level to it. Get up on a step ladder and lay the opposite end of the 2X4 on top of the air-conditioner. Get your end of the 2X4 level and have someone measure from the bottom of the 2X4, while you have it level, to the ground.

[hex]

Wow Vern I think I'm impressed. But actually I'm not smart enough to know if I should be! I may have to re-think my position on guys who say ciao!

You may be just the man to solve another Airstream problem I have.
I'll have to take some measurements at my place upstate first.
But let me give you a little background and you tell me what data you'd need. (If your interested).

If I give you the pitch/slope (rise : run) of my driveway apron between two grades (street and driveway), and the distance from center rear axle to the outside bottom edge of bumper. I guess the tire sizes might be needed and maybe the height of trailer from ground to ??belly or bumper bottom??

Armed with these facts I hope to ascertain what approach angle would result in the least tail-smack when backing-in or going-out with the the trailer. I suppose there is a point when the trailer tires would be hanging in the air on some approaches (not mine) depending on hitch heigth? That would probably destroy the trailer?

Am I dreaming? My worst nightmare is that I can't park it there. I do not want to slide it up the apron and place unknown stress on the tail end, what with tail-sag concerns etc.

BTW weren't you Flying Cloud something the other day? And Towner before that?

Thanks

[53flyingcloud]

HEX,

Check profile...
ciao
BTW, I was the original 'ciao' on here as far as I know...
ciao

[hex]

OK profiles checked. Now I'm really seeing double. Guess you two are passing on my calculation request. I'll wait for your next personna.


Hope both of you vote for Sunnunu!

[53flyingcloud]

HEX

Times aflying..But, it's spelled "Sununu, not Sunnunu" and, yes we're planning on casting a vote. After all, it's our duty~!

Now for your project..lol, there's more to it than that.
I have the same exact driveway except, it's gravel. No matter what I do it scraps the bottom everytime. (that's why we have skid pad builted onto the rear of the frame) The main problem is this.
As the rear-end of the A/S goes up the driveway, the wheels of the Burb is still flat on the road surface. This puts the A/S at an angle in contrast with the Burb. I've spend lots of money resurfacing the angle of driveway, etc. But, until the A/S and, the Burb are both on the driveway at the same time..(nearly the same angle) it just wants to dig in. I've thought abt adding skid wheels to the rear of A/S but, was strongly advised against this by the design engineers at A/S factory.
The one thing that might work and, I've yet to try this out is:
Lowering the front of the tongue of the A/S, thereby causing the rear to be elevated. This might work. As my unit is now in Virginia Beach, I haven't as of yet had the chance to try it.
I'm sharing with you some of my frustrations in hopes that it may shed some light on what you'll be facing.
ciao
BTW: When are you getting your A/S?

[uwe]

Earl,

My 71 Tradewind is 9ft8in to the top of the A/C. Never mind the calculations - you want some extra room for pulling under thr roof anyways.
Throw a 2x4 over the A/C, like RKM suggested, and give it a few extra inches
, and you should be fine. I would check and ake sure the A/C really is the highest point, and that ther eis no antenna or other device sticking up.

Good luck!

[gimmejul]

The book that came with my 1985 32' Excella says the height is 115.5 inches.

[ALANSD]

I didn't know I should be carrying an HP12C calculator in my airstream toolbox. But now I will.
I sure would like to calculate that approach and departure angle so my trailer hitvh won't scrape the driveway....or I can continue to drive across part of the lawn which seems to work.

[53flyingcloud]

ALANSD

Your info says:
1982 AIRSTREAM 280 CLASSIC MOTORHOME

Are you really a trailer in "sheep wool"??

I sure would like to calculate that approach and departure angle so my trailer hitvh won't scrape the driveway....or I can continue to drive across part of the lawn which seems to work.

ciao

[NewStreamer]

Towner,

5.6 m is more than 18 feet!!!

Ron

[ALANSD]

not a trailer , the hitch on the rear of my motorhome does occasionally drag on approacheing/departing an incline. I can usually avoid this by the angle I use.
In Helen,GA I gouged a nice piece of asphalt trying to go up a mountainous side road that had a dip before the incline started. What a mess. Didn't hurt the Airstream, only the road.

[53flyingcloud]

NewStreamer

5.6 m is more than 18 feet!!!

That's correct, I never said I was "solving" the problem but, rather showing him a method how~!!

ciao

[tincantom]

If the entrance to your shed is not level, take care that the angle doesn't make the rear (if elevated) or front (if below level) the high point. I saw this happen with a cover built with a slight uphill approach. The rear actually struck the rafters. Measurements of height had been from level ground and the cover built with minimal clearance. It was quite an expensive proposition to remedy this. Good luck. (just lookin' up - not being sarcastic).

tom

[doorgunner]

EARL; page V-1 of my 1986 Airstream Trailer Owner's Manual indicates Height (shell) 101.3 in, Height (to closed vent) 103.0 in, Height ( vent open0 106.3 in, Height (top of tv antenna folded) 108.3 in, Height (top of air conditioner) 115.5 in. Ground cleatance 8.5 in. 7.00-15 LRD Radial (29.4 X 7.8 in at 60 psi. Pretty close to your year. Me, I'ld give myself more thanan inch or two clearance!

[Fyrzowt]

I agree with Tim, give yourself some vertical wiggle room.
Dave