I'm always trying to tweak my Airstream or Truck, most upgrades are for safety, comfort, or convenience. (sometimes for looks) ...so I'm curious, what others are doing for safety or "piece of mind" upgrades on their Airstreams and Tow Vehicles?
ABC Fire Extingisher in Bedroom (can be used if hall is blocked or used as blunt object to break open window) Someone please tell me why Aistream does not put ABC rated ones from the factory?
Backup & docking lights (Custom from David Tidmore @ Roger Williams Airstream)
Scare lights installed both sides of trailer (Custom from factory)
Please share what things you have done to upgrade / add safety to rig. I'd like to see if I can generate a more comprehesive list of safety upgrade options for others to reference.
It came with enough wiring (2 30' lengths) that allowed me to run it under the back of the A/S to the hitch area. I fashioned a camera mount from some galvanized steel and mounted it to the bottom of the license plate. It's ugly but it works. The cable is held in place on the belly pan with some stainless screws and plastic cable fasteners. Those are the only holes I made for the installation.
The other cable runs from the monitor in my F250 to the bumper with adequate slack where I can connect the 2 of them when connecting everything else. I fished the cable from the cab through the rubber boot where the parking brake cable runs. I then zip tied it along the frame to the rear of the truck.
I just ordered a 2nd camera and additional cable that I will mount to the back of the truck. I want to mount it at the top of the tail gate and angle it down. I should be able to use it to hitch up as well as see if anyone is on my a$$ when not towing.
As Martha Stewart says, being able to see behind you when towing is a good thing.
The monitor can support 3 cameras.
__________________
Dennis
Air#4056
"Oooh - They have the Internet on computers now!" - Homer Simpson
keep 'em coming folks on the 'safety upgrades' thread...
cheers
2air'
Hi 2air,
True, the battery brand is not what I intended to promote, but more so, the switch to AGMs give me a more "piece of mind" when on rough gravel roads in the middle of nowhere, primarily for vibration resistance / tolerance. From a safety standpoint, I want to know I have good 12V power for the truck and trailer at all times...
Regarding the carrying a gun, I won't comment. That's all personal preference, but the current polls and posts are quite interesting:
From being past LEO, it's a safety thing for me, as I encountered numerous home or vehicular (RV's included) theft reports that included firearms and ammuntion that WAS NOT LOCKED. From a LEO point of view, that puts more guns / ammo in the street in the wrong hands, so using a safe is due dilligance any gun owner should have, especially when on the road as vehicular theft occurs more often than residental (permanent) homes.
I've considered the red/white reflective tape too, just haven't decided on the impact to visual asthetics yet.
What's a "bed retention button"?
Yes, I also carry a torque wrench, road side flares, & , triangles.
I also bought a remote control Go-light and use it for 2 purposes: First, to help me see some signs (road or otherwise) when I get into a remote unknown campground in the middle of the night. I can't tell you how many times I've had to roll down the window or actually get out of the truck with a flashlight to see the micro-sign posted "campground this way ----------->".... and missed it and have to back the truck and trailer out....
Second, I use it to hook up utilities at night, it allows me to focus a light where I need it without having to wear a headlight, or bother neighbors with my docking lights or truck headlights.
You reminded me that I must go thru my first aid kid and removed expired stuff an put new stuff in....
I even carry a first aid kit for the girls (the 4 legged furry ones). Been to too many places in the middle of nowhere or hours from the nearest vet. I have a list of stuff I carry that I'll post in a different thread...
It came with enough wiring (2 30' lengths) that allowed me to run it under the back of the A/S to the hitch area. I fashioned a camera mount from some galvanized steel and mounted it to the bottom of the license plate. It's ugly but it works. The cable is held in place on the belly pan with some stainless screws and plastic cable fasteners. Those are the only holes I made for the installation.
The other cable runs from the monitor in my F250 to the bumper with adequate slack where I can connect the 2 of them when connecting everything else. I fished the cable from the cab through the rubber boot where the parking brake cable runs. I then zip tied it along the frame to the rear of the truck.
I just ordered a 2nd camera and additional cable that I will mount to the back of the truck. I want to mount it at the top of the tail gate and angle it down. I should be able to use it to hitch up as well as see if anyone is on my a$$ when not towing.
As Martha Stewart says, being able to see behind you when towing is a good thing.
The monitor can support 3 cameras.
Hey cosmotini, which one did you get? do you have pics posted? I'm interested to see the setup. I've even thought about having 3 cameras put in on the airstream, 1 rear, 2 each side for those times you can't see the side from the tow vehicle being at sharp angle...Audiovox Voyager ® Color Tri-View Back-up System with Tilt-Cam and Night-Vue®
The wireless camera from Costco is doing it's job, helping me aim the Hensley stinger... but would like something better that I could have both on the truck and trailer...
Hey cosmotini, which one did you get? do you have pics posted? I'm interested to see the setup. I've even thought about having 3 cameras put in on the airstream, 1 rear, 2 each side for those times you can't see the side from the tow vehicle being at sharp angle...Audiovox Voyager ® Color Tri-View Back-up System with Tilt-Cam and Night-Vue®
The wireless camera from Costco is doing it's job, helping me aim the Hensley stinger... but would like something better that I could have both on the truck and trailer...
Kevin
No pics now, but I should be able to get some this weekend.
My item # was SMS7001-1087KIT which is the monitor and camera numbers.
I paid $270 plus shipping.
__________________
Dennis
Air#4056
"Oooh - They have the Internet on computers now!" - Homer Simpson
ABC Fire Extingisher in Bedroom (can be used if hall is blocked or used as blunt object to break open window) Someone please tell me why Aistream does not put ABC rated ones from the factory?
Kevin
Because they don't have to. RVIA most likely says not required.
__________________
Michelle
Think you are having a bad day? Go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
-i consider reflective tape (dot trucker stuff) well place to be a big help with night driving.
Source?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2airishuman
-leds for the steps at night, reflectors too
Great Idea, Send pictures!
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2airishuman
-flashing breaker for the 7 pin.
Whats this?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2airishuman
-floor level leds, like a passenger jet, to see at night...
I want some! sounds like a neat idea. where did you get them?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2airishuman
-supports UNDER the steps to reduce the chance they will collapse
Adjustable? What do they look like?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2airishuman
-carrying and using a torque wrench on ALL 70 lug nuts
Amen! for my 56 lug nuts!
__________________
Michelle
Think you are having a bad day? Go to the hospital and visit the children.
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
Quick Links
...so I'm curious, what others are doing for safety or "piece of mind" upgrades on their Airstreams and Tow Vehicles? 
