New Trailer Shopping List

[dayner]

Our induction unit pulls max 1800 watts, we usually run it at half power or less and yes will run on a generator, and it really doesn't heat the trailer a lot (reason we have it) like the gas burner does...

[Rhino33]

Did you have a difficult time finding cookware for the induction cooktop? The pieces I have found are rather heavy...and expensive.

[dayner]

We use inexpensive WearEver stainless steel cookwear available at Wal-Mart. Just take a magnet with you, if it sticks, it will work on an induction coktop. Our cooktop is a Max Burton (about $75 from Amazon)

[Rhino33]

Thank you so much - this is very helpful!

[Topeka]

Originally Posted by RoadKingMoe

The first thing you need to get is some Walbernize and wax the trailer. A quart will do a 34'.

You shouldn't NEED this on a new trailer, but if you find gaps in the caulking around windows, etc., the caulk the factory uses is Sika-Flex 221 Gray. I don't know where you find it in single tube quantities, besides the Airstream factory store, where I got mine. Don't be surprised if you do need to fix caulking gaps, and that you can lay a bead nicer than the factory does.

I know the rest here isn't really a shopping list, but it's good advice for every new owner from a former RV tech. Regardless of who does your delivery, do these things YOURSELF:

Check the lug nuts torque and tire pressures! Go back 100 miles or so later and check torque again.

Soap test all LP fittings you can find, in and under the trailer!

While under there, look for any gaps mice could get in (i.e. bigger than your little finger), and seal them with caulk, aluminum wool, or strips of aluminum screening. Don't try to seal every seam. You AREN'T going to stop ants, and you need places for water to escape n the event of a leak.

Run plenty of water in each sink, shower, and toilet, and look in every nook and cranny for evidence of water or drain pipe joint leaks! Check both with city water hooked up and water from the fresh tank.

Make sure there's no AC or DC current to ground when the trailer is plugged in (multimeter set on AC and DC milliamps, one lead on trailer bare metal, the other in the ground).

Use a circuit tester in every electrical outlet to make sure it's wired correctly!

Check all 12V lighter plugs for power and proper polarity.

Check all gas appliances for proper operation (make sure there's water in the water heater before testing it), including refrigerator on gas.

Check the Winegard antenna, both antenna connections, and all electrical appliances, fans, and lights, for proper function.

Make sure all windows and compartment locks function properly. Clean sticking window gaskets and coat with silicone spray.

Open the gravel guards on each side, and make sure they swing freely. Same with the solar guards over the front windows.

Others may remember things I've forgotten.

This such an informative list. It will help us be safer! Getting closer! Thanks so much!

[Acheron2010]

Just took delivery, this is what I purchased in the shop, and what I have plans to get.

Wheel chock - I have the X-chocks that fit between the tires.

50-amp voltage regulator

Leveling blocks

150# torque wrench and socket for wheel lugs (my spec is 110#)

Flex hoses
Water filter
Warburizer

Thing on the list:

Spare awning tool (I wore off the plastic tip the second day. Essential item. Get the Airstream one from the dealer)
Ground tarp
Folding chair

I started with a pickup truck full of cardboard boxes of "stuff." Loaded the trailer, heavy items low, and by experience, learned what is "garage" stuff and what is trailer stuff. Now have five large plastic bins in the pickup, two for tools, two for food and household goods, one for pet stuff.

[betterbeagle]

I just bought a 2019 sport 16 and I wondered if I should get extended warranty to 6yr covers everything not made by airstream Those things are only for a year and also put special coating on inside outside

[PKI]

BB - if you fix stuff yourself - no. If you plan to have AS fix stuff - consider it. If you have to finance the purchase - no.

The sealer - not sure the inside treatment is worth doing. The outside is a good idea if you don't have to finance it. Many folks claim the sealer to be a hoodwink of the customer. My belief is that it has value. There are some threads, so search on sealant and figure out how you really feel about the process. The alternative is to wax the exterior once or twice a year. And even if you do have it sealed, a wax once in a while is still a good idea. Might be worth your time to have the discussion with your high end automotive detail resource.

Good luck with your investigation and enjoy the new shiny. Pat

[DreamStreamZ]

I just bought the SAME trailer! Wondering the same thing. I also would love to know where to purchase some blackout shades or covers for the frosted window on the door and the sink window (with the mini blinds). Thanks in advance for any advice or help. We love our Airstream!!

[PKI]

Blackout - get a roll of reflectix (bubble wrap with aluminum foil layers. Cut to fit windows. Does a good job of blocking light, view, and heat. Pat

https://www.reflectixinc.com/products/

[AFTER TAXES]

his goggle-fu is feeling weak today........

[Overstreet]

Nice list here is some comments,
1. it should be specific to the particular trailer. For example, my AS calls for 50 A plug. The 30a stuff except the 30 to 50 a trailer adapter is unnecessary. If you get a trailer with 50a cord there are more flexible cords of the same ratings than the stiff heavy "anaconda" airstream provided with the trailer.
2. I find many site utilities are right next to my AS connections. So to make connections easy I carry at least one 10 ft and one 25 ft hose (both water and sewer). It makes for a neater connection and managing an 8ft run with nice fall of sewer hose is easier with a shorter hose.
3. Surge Protector...…... I burned out a surge protector on my old trailer in a thunder storm. Better that than my trailer. Besides it tells me if there is power and correct grounds.
4. Wine Glasses...………..Camping World carries some nice plastic ones. No socks required.
5. China plates...………...WalMart carrys some nice Correllware no packing materials required.
6. TV (television) cable...…… Sure you can do without it. In Texas I purchased a 25 ft coax cable for the Tv (television) many full hook ups come with it. On a rainy day even those diehard "campers" would appreciate some indoor entertainment. My trailer came with a tv antenna amplifier. It also came with a blue ray player...…. DVDs and kids on a rainy day or misquito time can be a good thing.
7. welcome mat...…….something you can put at the steps to kick off muddy shoes, sandy shoes, etc. You can have a mat to cover the whole section under the awning. Sandy sites, gravel sites, concrete make that mat a nice addition. Some grass covered site RV parks prohibit the big matt. It is also a pain to store and carry. It always gets in the way of something I need. But the little one makes entry better.
8. Water filter...……….those blue charcoal filters make the water you take on into the system a little more standard. The charcoal filters out some bacteria and chemicals. Can you get by without one? yes
9. ice cube trays...……….If your trailer has a freezer it is cheaper and easier than going out to buy ice.
10. extra blanket...…...it just comes in handy

[Overstreet]

11. gloves
12. knee pads...….my old knees appreciate knee pads. You know the kind construction guys wear to do floors. You see I have to kneel to check tire pressures, open/close water tank petcock, open close the sewer valves, connect the hose, hitch up the bars on the WD hitch, on and on and on...…...

[rmkrum]

Garden kneeling pad is a nice alternative to knee pads and easier to store. Mine is about 24” x 12” made of fairly stiff foam.

[Overstreet]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Garden kneeling pad is a nice alternative to knee pads and easier to store. Mine is about 24” x 12” made of fairly stiff foam.

My knee pads move with me without having to pick up the pad with my hands.

[DSteed]

Originally Posted by Porky Pig

Good list ... I'm reading quite a few books on the subject of RV maintenance and repair while waiting for my AS.



I would add a Water Pressure Regulator



This wait is killing me!

Just wanted to say if perchance you do pass while waiting I would be very happy if you would gift your new Baby to me.[emoji854]

Who says Airstream folks don’t try to help one another.[emoji41]

[PKI]

Water pressure regulator - get an adjustable regulator. Pat

[Foiled Again]

A strap wrench if you have small hands or painful knuckles. Very handy to get a stubborn sewer cap off.

I also like to have a mini tool kit inside the trailer: handy when a drawer pull comes loose or some other chore pops up. I just repurposed a pair of Fiskars garden shears as kitchen shears. Handy on shrink wrap and taped boxes, stainless for easy cleaning, integrated wire cutter and even a shapener built into the protective sheath. It will live on the kitchen wall next to the door suspended from Command hooks.

[switz]

Harbor Freight has a vise grip design oil filter wrench that works well on the sewer equipment. Been a real help with older hands that for some reason do not work like they did 20 years ago......

[SeeMeNestin]

In addition to most of the obvious... these are my favorites:

I hate putting holes in stuff so this was clutch!!
It’s relatively new out there but has worked fantastic!! Wireless Bluetooth back up camera (solar charging, bluetooth connecting): https://amzn.to/2TA1gMU

Propane tank gauge: https://amzn.to/2Xn9clC

Trailer Lock (coupler, receiver, and latch all is the same key): https://amzn.to/36vqWiY

Plastic Plates (Microwavable): https://amzn.to/2zy8Ocj

First Aid Kit: https://amzn.to/2X4Jtjf