The story of the Airstream 310 Jacket

[bkahler]

I finally figured out what Peter does for a living......

He wanders around Austin picking money up off the sidewalks....at least that's what he told me he does and he sent me this picture as proof

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by bkahler

I finally figured out what Peter does for a living......

He wanders around Austin picking money up off the sidewalks....at least that's what he told me he does and he sent me this picture as proof

Attachment 356545

This is what happens to people who have been without Internet for 9 days!! Poor Brad is imagining all kinds of stuff. Be aware!!

[bkahler]

That just goes to show how fast you scooped that money up off the sidewalk...

You can't fool us

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

I have a US Gear in my rig; unfortunately it's just an underdrive. Just make sure when switching ranges that you preload the unit; apply power, hit the switch to the range you want, then let off the gas to allow the unit to complete the transfer. Changing ranges with unit unloaded will damage it.

My unit is also lubricated by the engine oil system, so no oil changes to the unit itself.

US Gear is still in business, but no longer manufactures under/overdriven; they make toad braking systems.

A lot tougher than a Gear Vendors.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Thanks for the info, Tony. This over/under unit runs on 1 qt of 80/90 gear oil. Despite the fact that this deal probably fell through, I am curious to know how you disengage the unit.

[Isuzusweet]

My "Dual Range" US Gear, (this is what is written on the US Gear stalk, just like your picture) is what they call a two speed unit. On mine, the one ratio is 1-1, or a direct drive from the transmission; the other is an underdrive ratio, (not sure what precise ratio), that increases rpms by 500rpm for any given gear.
The unit is working all the time, in one gear or another; it is never disengaged.
To swap between gears however, like I posted earlier, make sure you preload the unit by accelerating, hit the switch, them release load by letting off the gas to allow unit to switch gears.
BTW The electrical switching unit in mine went south on me, and the unit was stuck in underdrive. The replacement the garage found, as US Gear no longer sold parts for it, was the electrical switch out of a winch, with two hot positions. The only thing was, they couldn't wire it to the original stalk, it wouldn't work, so they added a toggle switch, but kept the stalk mounted unit, as it indicator tells me what ratio the unit is in.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

My "Dual Range" US Gear, (this is what is written on the US Gear stalk, just like your picture) is what they call a two speed unit. On mine, the one ratio is 1-1, or a direct drive from the transmission; the other is an underdrive ratio, (not sure what precise ratio), that increases rpms by 500rpm for any given gear.
The unit is working all the time, in one gear or another; it is never disengaged.
To swap between gears however, like I posted earlier, make sure you preload the unit by accelerating, hit the switch, them release load by letting off the gas to allow unit to switch gears.
BTW The electrical switching unit in mine went south on me, and the unit was stuck in underdrive. The replacement the garage found, as US Gear no longer sold parts for it, was the electrical switch out of a winch, with two hot positions. The only thing was, they couldn't wire it to the original stalk, it wouldn't work, so they added a toggle switch, but kept the stalk mounted unit, as it indicator tells me what ratio the unit is in.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Thanks Tony,

I supposed I used the wrong term when I said "disengage". I meant to say return to "neutral" or direct drive mode. Once i am in, lets say overdrive from D can i assume the US gear will remain in OD, even if I come to a full stop and then shift through the gear range in OD mode?

[Isuzusweet]

Yes.

[PeterH-350LE]

Well, Instead of cold turkey pick-up, I am flying to FL in the early am to inspect what I might be getting into. There is an issue with the TB injectors due to old fuel, which was supposed to be sorted out prior to my arrival.
I am returning tomorrow evening and then plan the retrieval for a later date,

unless the 350 has additional serious issues.

May as well stick to my self-imposed rules to never buy an Airstream sight unseen.

[tevake]

Here's hoping your inspection visit goes well Peter.

Keep in mind that you are welcome to stop in here for a layover anytime you are coming thru our area.

Cheers Richard

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by tevake

Here's hoping your inspection visit goes well Peter.

Keep in mind that you are welcome to stop in here for a layover anytime you are coming thru our area.

Cheers Richard

Thanks Richard! Looks like I made a deal, but it will be transported to me. Too many things need attention. I would not dare to drive it 1000 miles as is. So glad I changed my plan and checked it out.
It will need a lot of work interior as well as exterior.

[PeterH-350LE]

curb side and curious new headlight/wiper switch

[Isuzusweet]

What have you gotten yourself into Peter?[emoji53]
That coach does have "project" written all over it.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS, Got to love the turn indicators mounted under the side mirrors.[emoji13]

[PeterH-350LE]

trans and us gear

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

What have you gotten yourself into Peter?[emoji53]
That coach does have "project" written all over it.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

Of course, Tony, someone needs to entertain everyone, since all of you by now have perfect coaches.

But lets wait until it actually sits in my driveway and then the fun can begin. And I can promise there will be lots of it.

[gaiaenviro]

Peter- We took the 345 that we bought in Hudson Bend out west to Big Bend today (across the flat part of TX). It has a gear vendors on the std 454 and 475TH, and it ran faster and smoother than the 325 without the overdrive. For what that’s worth. Also, I drove a K3500 for years with a 454 and 4L80E combo, towing lots of stuff, and it was a great combo! I think if you get the fuel injection sorted out you’ll be really happy with that rig...

[PeterH-350LE]

The 350 is hanging with the big boys at a shop in Florida, having some work done before being loaded up early next week for the trip to Austin. This has been so complicated and Malcolm (the current owner) had to jump through hoops to make this happen. thanks Malcolm!

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by PeterH-Airstreamer

The 350 is hanging with the big boys at a shop in Florida, having some work done before being loaded up early next week for the trip Austin. This has been so complicated and Malcolm (the current owner) had to jump through hoops to make this happen. thanks Malcolm!

Getting close

[PeterH-350LE]

The 350 was supposed to be picked up yesterday by a trucking company, until the seller send them a picture and they declined after already agreeing to transport it and taking his full payment. They said there has to be some specialized equipment (for additional $$) at departure and destination location to load/unload it onto their Low boy, I assume. The seller didn't make it totally clear to me what was required. And I was not interested in having to coordinate such equipment upon arrival.
This is what I gathered so far. Transport companies only are willing to transport 31' and less. So anything above that, the 325, 345, 350 and 370 with tag axle are just out of luck, if you are looking for a long distant transport with all wheels of the ground. Nose up towing is out of the question, since it will destroy the tag axle.
Sure takes the fun out of ownership, knowing that you will be up that creek if something serious happens on the road.
Any thoughts/suggestions? (No, I am not willing to drive it back)

[Isuzusweet]

Enlist into the USAF, volunteer for heavy transport; a C-130 with STOL capability should easy be able to move a 350....comes with on/off loading ramp included.
Just tell the load master it's for a general.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS A C-5 Galaxy would be a tad overkill.[emoji848]

[PeterH-350LE]

Originally Posted by Isuzusweet

Enlist into the USAF, volunteer for heavy transport; a C-130 with STOL capability should easy be able to move a 350....comes with on/off loading ramp included.
Just tell the load master it's for a general.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS A C-5 Galaxy would be a tad overkill.[emoji848]

Thanks, Tony, but we had issues with landing that plane on my street, so here she comes, heading west.