Stange things about my trailer or "Stock or Not"

airstreamcaravel · 06-08-2002, 09:33 PM

As I continue to work on my trailer, I continue to find things that make my go HUH?. Is it stock or is it not. Anyone else having this fun with their vintage trailer? Like my 67 Caravel has a SEARS
battery charger. Caravels that year did not include a charger.
The charger sits below an array of 12v meters and an ampmeter with three triple throw toggle switchs. All this is located in front of the powder room under the road side couch. Non-visable when the cushions are in place.

It also has a SEARS circut breaker box in the powder room closet.
The manual for the breaker box was in with ALL of the other appliance manuals.

All this fussing about where to carry bikes? My Caravel has a steal rear tire holder that appears to be stock. Or not?? See the photo site, I will post a better picture.

Above my windows are little aluminum "gutters" I think I've seen them on other trailers. Or not??

Give me time I'll come up with more. How about you? Got Questions? Got Answer? Lets play "Stock or Not" the Vintage Airstream Game. Appearing here today and everyday on our favorite Airstream web site!

airstreamcaravel · 06-08-2002, 09:42 PM

Oh and another thing that really has me going. With all the talk on "other Vintage sites" about charging batteries and the danger of gas build up to explosion point. How come there is nothing in
the owners manual about this. My battery sits under the roadside
couch where one has sat for the past 35 years. It has no upward venting except into the interior. Has ANYONE ever heard of an Airstream having a spontaneous hydrogen eruption? If this was/is so dangerous how did Wally let it slip. I have a had time thinking the design is so flawed. Some would lead me to believe that it will blow at any moment. BOOM!

83Excella · 06-08-2002, 11:40 PM

As you get to know your trailer, Airstreams, and the other people on other sites you will see you need to take some of what they say with a grain of salt, and others with a pound of salt, in all be wary and verify that the information is correct and safe to do before you do it, there is alot of bad info out there. You may want to do what I do, dont believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. Not saying that we are experts here but we'll do our best to get you the right info your looking for. On your battery the vent should be venting to the outside either through the bottom or side of the trailer, if it is not you are likely exposing yourself to harmful fumes that can injure you by inhalation and explosive and you want to correct that pronto tonto. Batteries under the wrong conditions can be deadly to you and your trailer.

John

airstreamcaravel · 06-09-2002, 09:22 AM

Whenever the battery is charging, the bottom cable access cap is open. Everyone is saying that the gas is lighter than air and will travel up. (Into the trailer) I guess that paranoia about and lack of a consencious on this issue will lead me to go GEL Cell in short order.

74Tradewind · 06-12-2002, 01:56 PM

Not to be a wise guy but.... If hydrogen was heavier than air then the Hindenberg would have needed wheels! It also burns quickly!! (same reference)

Important note!! ALWAYS check the water in your battery before you charge it. Low water will cause extensive out-gassing (hydrogen) and over heating of the battery and also the charger.
(If you smell rotten eggs while charging, you've cooked your batteries. The smell is from Hydrogen Sulfide gas and will turn all your metal work black.) I speak from experience.

There is a great book out about 12V systems called
"Managing 12 Volts"
by Harold Barre

Summer Breeze Publishing
1017 El Camino Real, Suite 364
Redwood City, CA 94063-1632
1-800-247-6553

This book is invaluable.

Ciao, Brian

davidz71 · 06-12-2002, 06:39 PM

That book is great! Also check http://www.progressivedyn.com/servic...nt_101.htmlfor a basic guide to understand Lead-Acid Battery Charging and Maintenance Requirements. Bill Darden has some good info at www.geocities.com/bjb_darden/dcfaq.htm. Other good sites are:
The 12 volt Side of Life part I http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm and continues part 2 at ...12volta.htm. I printed all this material out, some 82 pages, and put them in a binder in my Excella. They make great reading and are really educational for the battery user.