Winter updates/service

[92landyacht]

Well, it's getting close to the time to begin the winter shutdown for the ole Air Stream. Time for some much-needed maintenance.

Looks like, on the agenda, it will be complete replacement of the air bags for the tag axle. They're original air bags from 1992 so it's WAY past time. Scheduled to be done on Wednesday the 8th at a local RV center. Normally I would do this myself, but I just don't have the time and I really don't want to be doing this when the weather is cold. I'm becoming such a weeny.

Next on the list is replacing all of the tires. All eight of them. They're just now turning 10 years old so it's more about the age then anything else. Steer tires have already been replaced as they were showing signs of cracking before my last trip.

Since the wheels will be coming off, I decided to go ahead and change out the brake pads front and back. Changing over from the Wagner Thermal-Quiet pads to the Wagner Severe Duty (SX149) pads for some additional braking power. Brakes always seemed to need a little help.

While I'm at it, I'll also be adding the Centramatic balancers. Fronts (400-406) and rear (400-417). Found some good prices that I thought I'd pass on while they're still available.

Front (400-406) = $69 each so two needed to be ordered. Part number would indicate that you get two in a box but I found out that this seller splits them up and charges each. From FindItParts.com

Rear and Tag (400-40-17) = $189.00 per pair. Two boxes needed for drive and TAG axle. From Walmart of all places.

That would give me new rubber all around with new airbags and new high friction brake pads. This is setting me back some $$$$ but it's worth piece of mind.

[92landyacht]

RV center just reported back that the airbags are done. Cost was a little higher than they originally quoted ($1585.00) but they needed to replace a bunch of airlines and several fittings. Total cost is $2586.00 duo in part to 4 hours of additional labor. The rest was the cost of the replacement airlines and air fittings. That price did also include the cost of the new airbags. Still, it did save me a lot of aggravation and probably a bunch of skin.

Next on the list will be replacing the tires, adding the Centramatic balancers and replacing the brake pads with the Wagner Severe Duty brake pads. All of those parts are already in hand. The only additional cost will be the cost of mounting the new tires on the rims. Other than the dismounting/mounting cost, I plan to do the other labor myself. Front tires are already replaced so I only need 6 additional tires serviced. Plan to do 3 tires at a time. The dually rims and the TAG axle rim on one side at a time, so two trips to the tire shop. Don't want to do it at the RV center since they charge too much to replace tires if I don't buy the tires from them. The truck center charges $69 per tire to R/R the tires. Haven't found a cheaper place to do it yet. Most auto centers won't touch them even if I bring the rims and tires in. Too big and too heavy they say.

Getting the ole girl ready for the next season early this year.

[aftermath]

You are a wise person. Preventative maintenance is the quickest way to peace of mind and personal safety for you and your family. I applaud you for taking these important, and often costly, steps. Enjoy your trips in 1024.

[92landyacht]

OK, got her home and ready for the tire and brake jobs next. Sure is good to know that the airbag system is now in good working order.

[92landyacht]

Just finished the front end today. New Sumitomo 8R19.5 tires, Wagner Severe Duty pads and Centramatic balancers are now in place.

Next on the list are the rear and TAG axle tires, Centramatic balancers and rear brake pads. That's for another day. Plan to replace 3 tires at a time since I'm bringing the tires and wheels to the installer. I'll be doing one side at a time on different days. Two drive wheels and the TAG on one side can be easily lifted using the leveling jacks and a 20-ton jack. TAG brakes were done a couple of years ago so not likely to be needing any attention.