Airstream start-up items

[daveharc]

Hello,

I finally picked up my new Airstream 27FB & I was wondering if anyone had a list of items I will need to buy so I can use the shower, bathroom & all ammenities on the trailer. Items like hoses, pressure regulators, etc.

Also, how do I keep the batteries charged using 110volt service? I shut the power off with the button by the door when I left the dealership but does it need to be on for the batteries to charge after i plug it in at the storage facility I keep it at?

Lastly, the dealer installed a 12,000lb Equalizer hitch on my truck to tow the trailer. Upon disconnecting it (took me awhile to figure that out!) I found it to be a little heavy to move around. I left the bars connected to the receiver and removed it from my truck. What is the best place to store it when not towing the trailer as it's kinda big & heavy?

Thanks for any advice!

-dh-

[RangerJay]

Congratulations on your purchase!


I'm a little surprised that the dealer didn't seem to be more thorough in their orientation regarding hooking up and un-hooking your trailer .....


so ..... with this as a back-drop then your first tasks may be to review your familiarity and comfort levels around:


- hooking up/unhooking (hitch, sway control)
- driving (mirrors, brake controller,)
- levelling (blocks, levelling bubbles)
- operation of propane appliances (frig, hot-water, stove/oven, furnace)
- hooking up and using utilities (water, electric, sewer, propane)
- dumping
- storage


If you don't have reasonable comfort levels with all of these then a trip back to your dealer to insist on a more thorough orientation may be in order.


Make your first "shakedown" overnight close to home - in truth, the driveway is the best spot - really all you "need" is your personal gear, the kitchen gear and your food - after that any additional "wants" will make themselves known (and they will keep making themselves known for the next year or so .....).


You have a lot of great times ahead of you - but give yourself the time to become familiar with the mechanics of your unit before heading out on any big trips.





Jay

[AirsDream]

No, to use the shower, you'll likely need a bar of soap and a towel! And for the toilet, perhaps some toilet paper.

But seriously, you will need some way to get water into your water system, either by filling the fresh water tank, or hooking up to "city water" with a hose. I'd go to the nearest RV dealer and buy a nice, white fresh water hose and get water to the coach. And then figure out if your propane tanks are full - didn't the dealer tell you? - if you don't know, you can find out at a propane vendor by weighing them.

That's about all you need. Once I had this part down, then if I were you, I'd plug the coach into "shore power" in my driveway, stock the fridge with some adult beverages, turn it on, and go out and read the manual(s) that came with the machine, while enjoying a cold one. Or two.

OR: tow it to the nearest Forum rally, confess ignorance and people will come swarming to assist you (that's what I did, and I learned more in a couple of hours than I would have thought possible!). Airstreamers are by and large very nice, helpful folks!