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Silvertwinkie · 03-27-2005, 07:22 AM

Well, just started the annual process of getting the coach ready for the season.

This weekend, I'm getting all the gear we took out rounded up and ready to be reloaded.

Next weekend, I have a wash and Walbernize date along with the plumbing flush out.

Weekend after that it's interior cleaning, systems checks, lube points and a once over for the coach before it's April trip.

..and the next weekend the Twinkie will be out of it's winter cave and out on the road for season #2!

Where are all of you in the seasonal startup process?

Tarheel · 03-27-2005, 07:30 AM

Well we have just come back from Florida a 2500 mile pull, but its time for us to do some spring cleaning as well. Going in this week to get a set of tires, repack the bearings and check and adjust the brakes. I hope we get some good weather to help speed up the project. I would love to be able to do some cleaning befor we take off for the Region 3 Rally in Wiston Salem, NC April 19. Wet and chilly weather is not conducive to sitting on the ground working on wheels.

balrgn · 03-27-2005, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Where are all of you in the seasonal startup process?

We've been working since seasons end to be ready for May! (No time off in April) Just about there on the 75 Trade Wind, trying to patiently wait for warm weather to do a water pressure test.

Deploying the awning this morning!

john hd · 03-27-2005, 07:57 AM

waiting for it to rain so there is no salt on the roads!

then it will be time to get the excella out again!

john

Silvertwinkie · 03-27-2005, 08:04 AM

I guess I should have added that the first leg of the April trip is a stop at Jackson Center to have that small laundry list taken care of and to also take care of the axle recall....after that, we are Thunder over Louisville bound!

RangerJay · 03-27-2005, 09:13 AM

Posts like this just aren't fair - 3 feet of snow in the yard - can barely see the Bambi over the snowbanks - its going to be weeks ...... just plain depressing.

Jay

Silvertwinkie · 03-27-2005, 09:26 AM

We've all been there....heck, it just snowed again a few days ago, but it melted.

Cheer yourself up....fire up the furnace and go out and camp in it....we did the last few winters.

myboyburt · 03-27-2005, 09:57 AM

We also still have about 2 feet of snow on the ground.

Oh well, "The Tube" goes down to our local Airstream dealer April 4th to have her bearings repacked, brakes checked and to get a New Hampshire inspection sticker (any trailer over 3000 lbs in NH must be inspected annually, at least that's what they told me at Town Hall). Also in preparation for this camping year we will:

Install 2 new Fantastic Fans (purchased from Adohen Supply, Scott was great)
Install Airstream LCD TV kit (wall bracket, arm, whatever else) and LCD TV
Repair and refinish shower pan and sink with POR 15 Whitecoat
Replace toliet with newer style fixture
Replace brass bathroom light fixtures with pewter ones from Campingworld.
Replace brass cabinet knobs in bathroom with pewter ones
Paint bathroom
Repair bathroom exhaust fan
Paint wall/backsplash in galley area
Install mini blinds in galley and bathroom
Repair warped entrance door (using instructions found on this forum)
Paint portions of the Hensley Arrow hitch that have rusted with POR 15
Flush water system(s) and prepare for the season
General cleaning and oiling of wood cabinets
*Maybe* start stripping the failed clearcoat and polish (though not to a mirror finish)

My husbands explains to me that with this "Honey Do" list he doesn't have time to work.

But work he must so we can afford to keep "The Tube" on the road.

balrgn · 03-27-2005, 10:23 AM

Awning deployed!!! Whew, big ole Hornets nest up there in the Fridge vent!
I've been out there rakin the snow to get it to melt faster

juel · 03-27-2005, 02:31 PM

Getting "the Big Twinkie" cleaned out and the Oklahoma tag put on so we can pull it to the Airstream restoration man to go over it and tell us what needs attention. Had to get all my repair junk out so he would be able to walk in the trailer. Hoping to get whatever I really need for the hitch, and to get a trailer brake for my new Tundra. Want someone who knows to look at the axels, brakes, shocks, gas system and things I don't even know about. Gosh this sounds expensive! The temp here tomorrow should be about 80, so I'm sorry "Twink" won't be here to work on. My husband is home from Wisc., so I guess we can work on the lawn equipment and do things I can't do by myself. I got the pop rivet tool and the alum. rivets yesterday. Got the 1/8" drill bit too. I'm ready. MAYBE!

balrgn · 03-27-2005, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by juel

Getting "the Big Twinkie" cleaned out and the Oklahoma tag put on so we can pull it to the Airstream restoration man to go over it and tell us what needs attention. Had to get all my repair junk out so he would be able to walk in the trailer. Hoping to get whatever I really need for the hitch, and to get a trailer brake for my new Tundra. Want someone who knows to look at the axels, brakes, shocks, gas system and things I don't even know about. Gosh this sounds expensive! The temp here tomorrow should be about 80, so I'm sorry "Twink" won't be here to work on. My husband is home from Wisc., so I guess we can work on the lawn equipment and do things I can't do by myself. I got the pop rivet tool and the alum. rivets yesterday. Got the 1/8" drill bit too. I'm ready. MAYBE!

Good luck at the Airstream doctor!

flamingo-kid1 · 03-27-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john hd

waiting for it to rain so there is no salt on the roads!

then it will be time to get the excella out again!

john

John, we are RIGHT with you on that.. I have had my vintage car, bicycle AND Airstream off the roads for the winter.

I drove to Chicago today and noticed that the willows on the farms along I-90 are budding out,, actually looking green.

So it begins!

Silvertwinkie · 03-28-2005, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balrgn

Good luck at the Airstream doctor!

I hope they have the pills I need.

Pahaska · 03-28-2005, 07:56 AM

Nice thing down here is that we use the coaches all year. I blew out the water lines and put antifreeze in the traps twice this year; otherwise, we have used the trailer on an average of once every three weeks all winter.

Today, I hitch up and take it to the wash rack and start waxing it in preparation for the Region 9 rally. It has to look good because I will be in "platinum parking" in return for showing the trailer for 2 hours on the Sunday of the rally. One unit for each year gets to be in platinum parking close to the door in return for participating in the open house. I figure that it's a pretty good trade; I just need to pack the battery-powered vacuum and some cleaning supplies to spiify it up that morning.

I'll also be selling Airstream Life subscriptions at the flea market at the rally.

Porky Pig · 03-28-2005, 09:23 AM

After sitting for 5 months we have been busy getting things ready so we can hit the open road on Thursday.

We spent the day yeaterday cleaning out the trailer and truck and repacking everything ... getting rid of all the junk we don't need or have accumulated since November.

Just got back from having an oil change done on the truck ... I'll be installing a set of Bilstein shocks this afternoon.

The big wash and Walbernize will take place tomorrow. It's been fun watching everyone go through the same drill here during tha past few weeks.

The Snowbirds are packing up and leaving Arizona in droves ... this park is just about empty. Can't wait to hit the road again.

**jcanavera** · 03-28-2005, 09:40 AM

We are headed out right after the Final Four. I'll get the Classic home on Sunday, thank goodness for daylight savings time, and will probably get it loaded up next week during the evenings. No time to Walbernize so I'll do the wash, tire pressure check, and wheel lug check before I leave. We will load back in all the winterized stuff. Since our campground for the unit rally is a full hookup, I'll probably dewinterize the system there upon arrival. Hmm....good thing I did this post, I also need to fill one of the propane tanks. Almost empty. Heat pump and electric water heater save a lot of gas.

Jack

Silvertwinkie · 03-28-2005, 03:48 PM

Well, one weekend down, a few more to go. I visited the Safari a few days ago and almost forgot how big 25' really is. I opened the door to the garage and this big silver thing was looking me dead on kind of like it was saying...what the hell are you looking at? Nothing quite like an Airstream with an attitude.....ok, I know, cabin fever is in full gear today....but what do you want from me, it's almost 60 out today!

juel · 03-28-2005, 06:50 PM

The "Big Twinkie" is off to camp with the AS restoration man. It is so lonesome here without it. It was almost 80 out today and when I think of what I could be doing I miss the trailer. He is now locked in a yard with several Airstreams, but he's looking good. Actually for my money, he's the best looking thing there. My new Tundra pulled him like a dream (with no trailer brake installed yet). I don't have sway bars or an equalizing hitch, but we had no trouble on two lanes or interstate. Do I really need to have the sway bars? I've been thinking about getting them. I miss my Argosy.

moogie32 · 03-28-2005, 10:16 PM

Waaaaaa! My bathroom's totally torn apart and there's a big soft hole above the black water tank. There's screws in little plastic labled bags EVERYWHERE and trashed rivet heads as far as the eye can see....this baby's goin' nowhere this year! Boo-hoo!

Can I hitch a ride with any of you fine folks?