Sliding tray in A/S Classic bumper

[Ramblinboy]

Does anyone have an easy way to secure the tray in the rear bumper of a 2005 Airstream Classic 30'WB. I have been using pins with holes in them and wire fasteners in the holes (what the former owner had) and it is driving me crazy. I end up on the ground under the bumper fastening and unfastening the pins.

[Gene]

I helped another Forum member remove one of those trays on an '06 Classic. It had been falling out and was tied up to keep it off the ground. The whole assembly looked poorly thought out.

My opinion is that you either have to to do a complete rebuild with better drawer hardware and some sort of locking system to keep it closed, or get a bumper with the box that is accessed with a door on top like my Safari has. There's little that can go wrong with the cheaper Safari storage system.

Gene

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Ramblinboy

Does anyone have an easy way to secure the tray in the rear bumper of a 2005 Airstream Classic 30'WB...

the easy/secure way to keep the drawer closed is with what is supplied when new...



these do work fine, and even 1 will keep it closed.

it pays to carry a few extras...

i put the pins IN the drawer when it's open, which cuts down on missing pins.

one can typically FIND the holes by feel and without getting UNDER the stream.

i do not like having them wired to the drawer, that's a bad idea.

one could use a lot of other fasteners, but may need to enlarge the holes.

IF the drawer tabs don't align properly THAT issue needs to be corrected.

nothing wrong with the design or oem execution of this drawer,

but IF the owners forget to secure the drawer and drive around with it flopping open,

bad things can happen.

cheers
2air'

[fltlevel510]

Ramblin,

I use stainless steel fast pins with a 6" cable which you can get at most marine stores. Here is a link to amazon for a photo. Amazon.com: SeaChoice Bimini Top Stainless Steel 1/4" Quick - Release Pins with Cable Pair: Sports & Outdoors

You still have to get on your knees to insert the pins but with the lanyard you do not alway have to look for them. I have not had any problems with my drawer except some rust on the inside. I solved this problem by taking the drawer to the local Linex guy and having it coated.

I have also seen where someone used some 5" T-handle lock pins inserted through the top of the bumper extending into the drawer to keep it secure. This eliminates having to get under the bumper but I was not pleased with the appearance. Best of luck

[RLS]

I'm with 2air' on this one. There is nothing wrong with it. I never get down on my knees to undo it, just squat and reach under I only use one of the snap pins that 2air' shows, the other side has a lock that is also easy to undo. Once you get used to it, you will be able to feel where the pin or lock goes. Good luck,

[Pahaska]

I use the snap pins supplied by Airstream to secure the drawer. I got tired of having to keep track of the pins when not in use, so I drilled a 1/4" hole in the bumper on each side of the drawer. When I remove the pins, I stick them in the holes and they never get mislaid or end up in the dirt.

The holes should be at least an inch back so that they just go through plastic and miss the metal flange.

[Gene]

The one I saw was a mess. That trailer had been in at least one accident and perhaps it was racked. Glad that others work.

Gene

[JBinKC]

These pricey little guys are often called "lynch pins." NAPA Auto Parts and Sears have good prices on them. Lynch pins are superior to "wire lock pins," which are harder to fasten with one hand.

[Cracker]

Now if someone can just figure out how to keep the drawer water tight------!

[mimiandrews]

Tractor supply stores stock Lynch pins in several sizes.

[JFScheck]

Good info...

[Pahaska]

If you will slightly enlarge either the hole on the drawer or else the hole in the fixed part, it is a lot easier to put them in with one hand without kneeling down. Just the next larger size drill will do the trick.

[Zigidachs]

What kind of "booty" do folks keep in that drawer? Hoses? Wiring? Spare golf clubs?

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Zigidachs

What kind of "booty" do folks keep in that drawer? Hoses? Wiring? Spare golf clubs?

Leveling blocks, handle for stabilizing jacks, wheel chocks, blocks for under stabilizing jacks,and similar hardware.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

Leveling blocks, handle for stabilizing jacks, wheel chocks, blocks for under stabilizing jacks,and similar hardware.

Same, plus extension 30A cord, step stool, misc electrical connectors, 110V extension cord, awning rod tool thingy.

[artwester]

I lost my complete drawer on our 2005 31D Classic. the bolted on bracket vibrated off. the dealer wants almost $750 for a new one. does anyone have any ideas on where to find a used one? I carry my disposal water hoses in the tray.Thanks, ArtW

[Gene]

Art,

We carry the hoses and other sewer stuff in a large plastic box and leave it in the back of the pickup. Everything is in one place and easy to move between truck and sewer drain. A lot cheaper than $750.

Gene

[nswhite]

Originally Posted by Cracker

Now if someone can just figure out how to keep the drawer water tight------!

Gave up trying to keep it water tight. Got rid of the mat whose only purpose seems to hold the water in. Painted the tray with Herculiner truck bed liner. The water drains and the tray doesn't rust.

I keep various hoses in my tray. A couple of my friends installed their water purification system in there and it simplified their water hookup.