Proud to Introduce "Stella" our '76 Overlander

[CFA happy]

Hi everyone, I'm proud to introduce our "Stella" a 1976 27' Overlander we adopted form the hills outside asheville. She's at the shop getting brakes, running lights, springs, shocks & a general check-up. So excited to get her on the road and home so we can dive into what will undoubtedly be an adventure. She only sat for a year so the first good news is that the lights were still working 3 days after she was un-hooked and towed out. Sure appreciate any thoughts about how to check the plumbing....

[millertimeUS]

Welcome!

Well don't let the shop charge you for springs first off, you don't have any on an airstream . Your shocks may or may not be good, if your axles are original they most likely need replaced someday, but don't stress about it.

Regarding plumbing, fill all the tanks with water right up to the grey water coming up out of your shower drain. Leave it overnight and look for leaks underneath later the next day. Check the operation of each flush valve. Check the freshwater tank for leaks, including leaks at the fill port. Check the water pump and all connections to it. Check the pump inlet filter for debris. Check under all cabinets.

Check the roof seals of your vent piping, they are rubber and only last 5 years or so. Failure is a common source of leaks.


I am sure I missed a few plumbing related items.... It's a start


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

76 'Airstream Tradewind

[CFA happy]

thanks Matt - I really appreciate your thoughts! We are looking forward to learning how much we DONT know as we dig into this project!

[ALANSD]

When I got my 66 we hooked a hose to the shore water inlet, then my wife turned the water on slowly while I first went inside looking for leaks, then outside. Didn't take long to find broken copper pipes all over. I ripped all,of it out, and replaced with PEX. Not a bad job even for a non plumbing guy.
Try all your systems, light the stove with the gas on, check the fridge for cooling, which might take a few hours, etc.

[Dalwyn]

Welcome to the forums.

[Hittenstiehl]

Welcome, sounds like lots of fun.

[dbj216]

Hi CFA happy. Being happy is a good thing. Keep that in mind as you sort out your new Overlander.

It just takes some time to get to know the plumbing and electrical systems in your trailer. I just finished reading through a great booklet called a guide to maintenance of Airstream trailers. It is available at the Airstream Life store. I'd recommend you order a copy. The booklet does a good job of explaining all the maintenance chores and repairs an owner typically has. Airstreams are a little different than other brands of RV trailers. Maybe this link will work:

http://store.airstreamlife.com/produ...am-maintenance

The Overlander is a great sized trailer for comfortable traveling. You have a good starting point to get the thing travel ready and start enjoying Airstream adventures.

David