New to Airstream

[meerkat]

My wife and I just purchased a lovingly restored 1975 23' Safari (Belle). We've been out twice now and are loving the lifestyle but would always appreciate tips and "make sure you don't do this" kind of suggestions. We are in the panhandle of Florida but want to travel all over. We're both retired school teachers. We've already discovered just how far out you need to try and reserve spots at popular sites.

[Bubba L]

Welcome to the Airstream life. 23 feet and double axles is hard to beat. We have a laminated checklist that we have in both our trailers. Even though we’ve traveled quite a bit, we still review the list. Of course safety first on checking the hitch, lights and tires. I have a torque wrench in my toolbox we travel with and check lug nuts and tire pressure before a trip. Good luck and stay safe.

[Rich W]

Hello Meerkat and Mrs. Meerkat
Greetings from central Kentucky and welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your new to you Airstream (AS).

There are lots of things to know, use the Airforum Search blue box near the top of the screen for checklists. There are many of them. Expect the unexpected will happen, keep your credit card handy, keep your smart phone(s) charged, keep all your bolts tight. Always be aware of your surroundings; look up, down, all around, especially when backing up. Don't panic, stuff is going to happen.

For us, the biggest thing to learn was hooking up, backing up, unhooking AFTER you put the chocks down. Have a plan, each of you has assigned duties and the checks for the other person to ensure they have done theirs.

Oh, and the stabilizers are the first thing to go up and the antenna is the first thing that goes down when getting ready to leave. Don't raise or lower the AS when the stabilizers are deployed. Those were the hardest for me, not the only thing, but the hardest to remember. Use visual controls. I put a stuffed monkey on the antenna crank when it's up; monkey see, antenna is up.

[dbj216]

Welcome from Colorado: You are right that RV travel is very popular right now and sites are hard to find. I suspect folks will see a business opportunity and start building more RV sites along well traveled roads to popular destinations, like Colorado.

Congratulations on your 75 Safari. You gotta post pictures of the thing, both inside and out. I have a 75 Overlander 27' that I renovated. We are taking it out in June we hope. It is a twin bed rear bath layout. See photos. You can spot the similarities. Like tambour doors everywhere, and the exterior trim, and the tail lights.

David

[Hans627]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. It’s a great place to learn and share. Another option is to join the club, airstreamclub.org.

Best regards!

[cwf]

Congrats!
- checklist (many folks have their version here). Make your own... on bleached cotton or wood fiber sheets (archaic technology called “paper”... silly ancients...) use your own choice of scrawling device.
- portable phone battery charger
- list all medications, pharmacy and prescription numbers m, doctors, and personal maladies..again on “paper”. Put it in a ziplock bag in your glovebox. Duplicate and put in your Airstream freezer.
- how handy are you?
- do you have a plan for changing a flat tire(s)?
- how do you plan to deal with breakdowns? (Cost of roach motel..)
- your trailer will not be fixed on the road on a timely basis, usually, except at the Mothership is really good!
- tools ? Torque wrench, impact wrench and correct socket for lug nuts... VOM meter... BFH?
- Duct tape is your helper.. gorilla tape is your best friend and T-Rex tape removes your fingerprints...from your fingers..
- Parbond. SILICONE SEALANT is VERBOTTEN. And Never EVER say “silicone the leak”... you can thank me later
- trailer signal and marker light bulb spares
- 2 extra sets of keys... hidden or accessible outside your trailer (helpful if locked out or emergency personnel need access so they don’t chop a hole in your aluminum...)
- WD-40... leave in the store. Buy something else. Brake Kleen then follow with proper lube.
- real mechanics “paper towels”
- gloves
- garden knee pad(s).. you can thank me later
- dielectric grease (yes, silicone GREASE)
- 2-way radios one by the driver, the other for the nagravator telling you what important thing you are about to hit when parking. Cell phones are NOT reliable
- celebratory arrival beverage(s)