Newbies and Our 345

[bobmiller1]

For a 90 degree temperature those pressures seem to be OK. When Airstream ordered these chassis from Chevrolet they came with no AC. The AC was installed by Airstream. The first thing you want to do is upgrade to a 7 blade fan, all AC equipped chassis came with a 7 blade fan. The second thing you want to check is the heater control valve. The cable sometimes will not completely shut off the flow of coolant to the heater core. Any hot antifreeze that makes its way past the heater control valve into the heater core will negate the AC evaporator completely. You might want to install a ball valve into the heater hose to make sure that the coolant flow is “completely” shut off. The air flow concern is probably due to one of two things......either the previous owner crimped or blocked the duct work behind the dash to improve air flow to the left side vents or one of the ducts was crimped during installation at the factory, either case you’re going to have to get back in there and check that one out. Also remember that the characteristics of R-134 (Monoclorofloromethane) is different to R-12 (Dioclorofloromethane). Removing the transmission and engine oil cooler from in front of the radiator and adding a large single auxiliary fan to help air flow through the condenser/radiator. Regards, Bob

[JJ1965]

So I got my generator working today. I swapped fuel hoses and was able to siphon fuel and get my pump primed. Thing is I would have sworn I ran the proper hose to the gen set. On my 345 the small hose that was alone (not in the sending unit) is what I used. The other three hoses that run up the passenger side of the frame rail I returned to their original locations. With exception of the fuel supply hose it was all replaced including the steel lines. My current system is returnless so I just left everything there for my future upgrades. I’m using the smallest of these lines which I thought was a vent? Can anyone shed light on which hoses go where? I do have 3/4 tank of fuel so the generator line should be submerged.

[JJ1965]

Thanks Bob. I did the ball valve on the heater core when I upgraded. Maybe moving the oil cooler and trans cooler would help. I plan a test drive this weekend to see how well it cools going down the road. Now that the generator runs I can supplement with the overhead ac as well. I’ll let everyone know how things work.

[JJ1965]

Some pics of the AC condenser and electric fans upgrade. You can see the tranny cooler sandwhiched between the condenser and radiator. External oil cooler is mounted just behind the grill. Temp switch turns the fans on at about 185 or when the AC is on. I picked up the AC components from Old Air Products. Good company if your updating an old ride. The rest of it is just local parts store components.

[bobmiller1]

Looks like a nice clean install. Regards, Bob

[JJ1965]

Thanks Bob. Did our first test drive in triple digits. Fan clutch cycled a couple of times but much less than in the past. I think the dash AC problems have been worked out it seemed to cool fine. Max air was just a busted vacuum line. All that remains is taking the dash apart to get good airflow through the center vents. Excuse my meat thermometer it’s all I could find!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

Thanks Bob. Did our first test drive in triple digits. Fan clutch cycled a couple of times but much less than in the past. I think the dash AC problems have been worked out it seemed to cool fine. Max air was just a busted vacuum line. All that remains is taking the dash apart to get good airflow through the center vents. Excuse my meat thermometer it’s all I could find!

For a second there I thought it said 95 degrees! Didn't realize it was upside down

[JJ1965]

In OKC for training this week. Decided hotels suck so I took the 345. My wife works from home so came along as well. Week of camping on my company card. First and probably the last time I get to do that!
Almost issue free just had a stumble on acceleration three different times in the way down. Heat index was 113 so I’m thinking maybe vapor lock? Not sure hopefully I get it worked out tomorrow.

[JJ1965]

One last thing. RV parks in Oklahoma have voltage issues when it’s hot! 106 most afternoons. Makes me afraid to leave the dogs alone when it’s hot due to tripped breakers.

[Magnet18]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

One last thing. RV parks in Oklahoma have voltage issues when it’s hot! 106 most afternoons. Makes me afraid to leave the dogs alone when it’s hot due to tripped breakers.

Absolutely don't leave the dogs alone inside!
My first trip out of state to Michigan we came back from running around all day to find out one half of the 50A power had been shut off to the whole campground because it overloaded

Thankfully I had upgraded to 50A so one of the two ACs was still running, but shortly after we got back that one shut off too. That could have very easily turned out just slightly different and there would have been 3 dead puppies inside, the Airstream heats up just as fast as any car.

Plenty of stories that don't end as lucky, we realized on the spot we would never be able to leave the dog alone in the Airstream during the day in the summer, she only gets left alone at night or if it's cool enough we don't need the AC to be comfortable


It's unfortunate, but RVs are not houses, and they don't have reliable enough power to depend on. I've also seen state parks have power distribution panels shut down in the heat, and I've had plugs melt at the pedestal, it's a frustrating and insufficient system to say the least

[martin300662]

Originally Posted by JJ1965

In OKC for training this week. Decided hotels suck so I took the 345. My wife works from home so came along as well. Week of camping on my company card. First and probably the last time I get to do that!
Almost issue free just had a stumble on acceleration three different times in the way down. Heat index was 113 so I’m thinking maybe vapor lock? Not sure hopefully I get it worked out tomorrow.

Love those Coleman grills, we live on yours whilst camping.

Have ours connected to the main propane tank using a 4-way manifold and a 12ft high pressure hose to replace the little green gas canisters.

[Gogoil]

Hi there, do you know the different sizes & numbers of all the different fanbelts that go with the 345 motorhome. All of them broke at one go on the highway & I don’t even know how many there are, due to only have bought this beauty not so long ago.

[Gogoil]

Hi there, do you know the different sizes & numbers of all the different fanbelts that go with the 345 motorhome. All of them broke at one go on the highway & I don’t even know how many there are, due to only have bought this beauty not so long ago.

[Waipio Rim]

Originally Posted by Gogoil

Hi there, do you know the different sizes & numbers of all the different fanbelts that go with the 345 motorhome. All of them broke at one go on the highway & I don’t even know how many there are, due to only have bought this beauty not so long ago.

See post #144 here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...-95034-11.html

Another post:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f159...4-a-91126.html

[JJ1965]

Another little project this past week. My battery tray was starting to get in bad condition. I decided to do some repairs before it became a bigger project. It’s hard to see but I had some good sized rust holes forming. I decided to just overlay with galvanized metal for now. I painted everything prior to overlaying and then sealed it up with seam sealer and some spray bed coating to finish it off. Driving to the Gulf of Mexico in about ten days. I feel better knowing that I won’t loose my interstates on the interstate!😁

I replaced my ends on the battery cables as well and have everything a liberal coating of dielectric grease.
The storage next to the batteries is where we keep our jack. Keeps us out of traffic if we’re on the shoulder. Lesson I learned on I10 a few years back. Previous owner had a bottle jack and some cribbing in here for lifting the unit. I left it and ordered a low profile 20 ton jack in addition. We have road side assistance but I like to be prepared.

[JJ1965]

I’ve also continued replacement of my exterior lighting with LED bulbs. All is done inside and out except the turn signals and headlights. What have you guys used for headlights. I’ve seen Bob’s upgrade and I liked them but they were pricey! Might be what I do but I want to get all the opinions I can. Something I want to do once!

[JJ1965]

On the road again! This time Galveston Island. Old machine was trouble free. Drove through a wall of water for three hours coming down and she didn’t miss a beat.
Borrowed this voltage stabilizer from a friend. It works great, essentially it test the pedestal for voltage and has a transformer that will increase voltage as needed. He reported a ten volt increase at times! It’s about 400 bucks but probably worth it if you camp in some older parks.
We did have some trouble with our tow bar. We stopped by PPL motorhomes in Houston and they took care of us. I recommend them very knowledgeable.

[Kvsterling]

My headlights: this was a set of 4 LED I found on amazon. $160 for the set and comes with wire harnesses. So far I like them,haven’t done night driving yet but I can tell you much brighter than OEM sealed bulbs

[JJ1965]

I was hoping to update this thread with out new countertops but Lowe’s had other plans. Anyway here is our lates outing for the holiday weekend and hopefully I’ll ha e some new upgrades soon!
Countertops first then new blinds to match!
Any Oklahoma Members that can recommend a transmission shop? I’ve done a few myself but my failure rate is enough that I don’t trust doing something this large!

[JJ1965]

Countertops arrived while we were at the lake. Started installing yesterday should be finished up tonight if I don’t need any more plumbing parts.
I’m thinking an Aluminium backsplash behind the sink?