Excella 500

[WetcoastBob]

Back in 1992 I sold the farm (literally) and bought a 1978 Excella 500. My first surprise was when I went to pick it up. I found that it had a vaccuum over hydraulic disk break system. I was really impressed by the fact that my Chevy PU had all the sophisication of a Connestoga wagon whereas the Airstream had 4-wheel torsion bar independent suspension with one shock absorber per wheel, aluminum cast wheels and disk breaks. Also the Aluminum 30 lb propane tanks are real cool.

The supension system is an incredible bonus as in the first year I spent a lot of time on some really out-of-the-way back roads which were not even paved. I travelled around British Columbia trying my best to avoid highways and main roads. All this time I am living NFA (No Fixed Address). While spending the next summer working on the upgrading of the Alaska HiWay I met many members of the Wally Byam club in their annual treck to Alaska.

It was here that I learned of the club for people who live full-time in RV's. They are the Escapees. (SKP's) Great people, great organization. From the Alaska HiWay I went to southern Vancouver Island (mild winter) and then to Saltspring Island (1996). I am still on Saltspring Island as this is a place where people are less judgmental (you live in an Airstream? No big deal) and at the same time are very opinionated. ( makes for spirited community forums )

I am glad to have found this forum and I have a few issues I would like to discuss.

More Later:
Bob

[john hd]

welcome aboard bob!

if you have any photos of your alaska adventure i'm sure everyone would love to see them!

being on the road as long as you have i'd bet you have a wealth of knowledge few of us ever will.

please share!

john

[steelbird312]

Welcome aboard, Bob. Now, lets get at those issues!
By the way, the Escapes also sponser a subgroup called Airstream Angels. They are active in disaster areas (hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, etc.) They do good workin these areas.
I have made a few trips to the gulf coast following Katrina, and see a few Airstreams down there that are people still helping out.

[wannaroam]

Welcome! You and I have the same Airstream.
But I just bought mine and have yet to go anywhere.

I don't know that I would be able to tell you anything about issues, but we are working on ours and learning fast. However the people here on the forum are incredible and very knowledgable. You're sure to get whatever help you need here.

[davidz71]

Welcome Bob. I owned a '77 Excella 500 31' for 4 years before purchasing an '86 Sovereign 25'. The Hydravac brakes on the '77 were awesome, wish I had them on my '86.

[maukahale]

Hi all, been a few years that my 77 Excella 31'er has been sitting in my driveway. I bought it 6 years ago as a tear apart for a mobile showroom, since have been slowly rebuilding it with one trip from Portland, OR to Gerlach, NV for Burning Man and will depart in 10 days for that same trip and event again. I gutted her, have all the plastic parts in varying degrees of condition. She is an amazing piece of American work. I have taken the back 1/3rd as a bedroom. have a closet in the middle over the wheels and the rest is open with a kitchen counter over the other side wheels, all white inside. Am now building a light-weight aluminum framed deck for the roof with a 10' diameter stage... will post pictures in September when I'm back from the Burn.