I thought with all the new trailer owners, a list of the basics might be helpful. These will get you parked and hooked up most anywhere. These are not necessarily the only, or even the best, choice, but most are what I use. Others are welcome to comment, offer alternatives, or add to it.
This is a great post -- as you know, but other's do not, our last camper was a 2001 Coleman Bayside popup with a slide out.
Here is some of the gear we do NOT need anymore...
1. Porta-potty.
2. Tarps to cover the ends in case it rained.
3. Shower shoes.
4. Vacuum breaker for our blueboy.
5. Blueboy.
6. Space blankets to cover the ends if we were in full sun in the summer.
7. Two ceramic space heaters.
8. Spare bedding in case we got wet.
9. Full set of tools to fix everything that broke.
10. Anchors for the Awning. Tarps to enclose one side of the awning to protect outside cooking area from rain.
11. Two coolers, one for food and one for drinks.
12. Duct tape, seam sealant, etc...
13. Setting it up when we got home to dry out, or to clean it.
One thing the Coleman ate was fuses. Does the Airstream use breakers? Ou 1969 Globestar did not use automotive fuses -- it had breakers...
We need all the sewer stuff, and one of the electrical adapters...
American spec Airstreams use circuit-breakers. Canadian spec Airstreams use fuses.
I still recommend tools, cable ties, duct tape, electrical tape. At least make sure you have a jack rated for over half your loaded weight and a lug wrench that'll fit the trailer lugs (truck ones usually don't).
Good stuff for inside, such as non-skid shelf liner, museum clay, TV grips, probably needs it's own new thread.
Dunno about the vintage models, but modern Airstreams have a water pressure regulator built-in. I use that external one with a gauge, but didn't want to overwhelm new owners. Very good idea though, Porky!
What I don't use is any electrical protector. Don't have one on my house, and don't feel the need for one on the trailer since most appliances are rated to operate on fairly low voltage.
I carry the water pressure reg as well. I do not use it to protect the inside plumbing. I connect it to the campground faucet to protect my hose from the extreme pressures that can be present. The last thing I want is my hose to burst at 100 psi and beat the side of mine, or other folks rigs while we are all out.
You will want to keep the awning tie downs too. They are reccomended if you are going to leave the awning out and go away. The wind will not tip the AS over by lifiting the awning, but it can damage the awning.
__________________ Brett G WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
Originally posted by RoadKingMoe American spec Airstreams use circuit-breakers. Canadian spec Airstreams use fuses.
I still recommend tools, cable ties, duct tape, electrical tape. At least make sure you have a jack rated for over half your loaded weight and a lug wrench that'll fit the trailer lugs (truck ones usually don't).
Good stuff for inside, such as non-skid shelf liner, museum clay, TV grips, probably needs it's own new thread.
Maurice, my unit takes a 13/16" lug wrench. I personally reccommend a 4 way, NON-CHROME wrench. The 4-way for better leverage, non-chrome, because the chrome will rust and start to peel off, leaving sharp edges and causing very nasty lacerations to your hands when spinning the wrench. Ask me how I know about the lacerations...
Anybody else have any ideas?
Terry
The 4-way for better leverage, non-chrome, because the chrome will rust and start to peel off, leaving sharp edges and causing very nasty lacerations to your hands when spinning the wrench.
Hmmm ... better add a pair of work gloves to my list.
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.
I am about to get the Airstream here in a couple or so more days and i am wondering what would i need.Also what is recomended by all of you who use these products.Such as...Dumping pipes,water hose,Surge protector,Leveling blocks or wheel stops,Awning clamps.etc,etc,etc.
I have been seaching like crazy but i just cant find everything being that there is so much information out there.Any help is greatly appreciated.Thank You.
...Newbie Airstreamer...
Forum member Road King Moe made up a list last year of recommended items for outfitting a new trailer. I'll try to find it and post a link to it. It was very helpful for us.
I am about to get the Airstream here in a couple or so more days and i am wondering what would i need.Also what is recomended by all of you who use these products.Such as...Dumping pipes,water hose,Surge protector,Leveling blocks or wheel stops,Awning clamps.etc,etc,etc.
I have been seaching like crazy but i just cant find everything being that there is so much information out there.Any help is greatly appreciated.Thank You.
...Newbie Airstreamer...
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