Annual and Periodic Maintenance

[MWBishop]

Hi everyone.
I have an AS on order and I admit I have not researched like I should have.
Unfortunately the nearest AS dealership to me is hundreds of miles away.
So, for annual and other periodic maintenance, do most of you:
1. Do most yourself? Easy stuff ok, but what about alignments, bearings, brakes, other services that need special tools and/or equipment?
2. For things you don't do yourself, do you take to AS dealership? AS in JC?
3. I understand that only AS dealerships are likely to do any warranty work, but do any of you get any of this general service/maintenance done of your local non-AS RV dealerships? Will they even touch an AS or does it just depend?

Kind of worried about this. Not being retired I just won't have the vacation time to run up to JC every other month for servicing. So I am curious how the rest of the AS community solves this problem - I can't be the only one.

Thanks.

[PKI]

We have a dealer and find that to be a good solution for us.

However, the world of RV use goes much better if you do all but the most complex repairs yourself. So learning to do stuff yourself is a good idea. Warranty work requires a trip to a dealer in most cases, but parts can be forwarded to you by Airstream if you are willing to install them.

Brakes and bearing maintenance can be done by you or an RV mechanic like Camping World or a mobile resource.

For major work, hook it up and visit Jackson Center. The alternative is one of the effective dealers that might be closer to you. Some folks make an annual trip to Jackson Center as part of their travel plans. Some folks leave the coach in JC for work to be done. Others wait for work to be completed.

There are also Airstream specialists that some owners find superior to AS Corporate and will not use factory service. Your coach, money, and decision. Good Luck. Pat

[AWCHIEF]

In my case, Dealer for general repairs, a local big truck shop that all the local trailer and most car dealerships use for suspension and tire work and JC for serious system and body work.

[PKI]

AW made an interesting point on a previous thread about upgrades. He suggested that upgrading the coach might terminate the warranty on upgraded components. So, might be viable to consult with Airstream before repairing a warranty item. Maybe do an interim repair with their parts to get you by until the dealer or JC can do a permanent repair? Pat

[cabinetmaker]

Good question for sure...but don't overthink this. I have had 5 Airstreams and none of them have had major maintenance problems.

The hubs are never-lube so your good for several years there. That just means the bearings are sealed and do not require packing every year. Basically like your modern cars. The brakes are self adjusting and depending on use or abuse will last many towing miles and years.

Carry a infrared temperature reader with you and check your hubs and brakes at rest stops. Look for consistent temps...if one is way different then check for a problem. The guys you read about on here doing hubs and brakes have older model Airstreams. Many are vintage...and different requirements.

Keep a eye on your tires for excessive wear. Could be alignment or bad tire. Also, check pressure before every trip. Visual inspection is important and all of us can do that.

Twice a year get a ladder and examine the roof sealant around the vents and such. Touch up as required. Again...visual is the key here. If your not comfortable doing your own roof sealant then any RV place can do it for you. Many of the mobile techs are better and cheaper than dealers. Ask around in your area.

Don't use the Trailer converter to charge your batteries in storage. Use a regulated battery charger / maintainer like boats or motorcycles use. Check the water in the cells regularly and fill with distilled water when needed.

Lube your exterior locks on all outside compartments and doors twice a year with graphite lubricant.

Check seals around your windows. I use a little silicone lube on the rubber.

Make sure all your lights are operating properly. You should do this before each trip.

Use compressed air to blow out the refrigerator gas flue twice a year. Again, any RV dealer or mobile guy can do this if you are not comfortable.

Airstreams are not high maintenance like many Motorhomes or 5th Wheels. Other than a few warranty issues on previous Airstreams I haven't seen a dealer in years.

[Roxy59]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Good question for sure...but don't overthink this. I have had 5 Airstreams and none of them have had major maintenance problems.

The hubs are never-lube so your good for several years there. That just means the bearings are sealed and do not require packing every year. Basically like your modern cars. The brakes are self adjusting and depending on use or abuse will last many towing miles and years.

Carry a infrared temperature reader with you and check your hubs and brakes at rest stops. Look for consistent temps...if one is way different then check for a problem. The guys you read about on here doing hubs and brakes have older model Airstreams. Many are vintage...and different requirements.

Keep a eye on your tires for excessive wear. Could be alignment or bad tire. Also, check pressure before every trip. Visual inspection is important and all of us can do that.

Twice a year get a ladder and examine the roof sealant around the vents and such. Touch up as required. Again...visual is the key here. If your not comfortable doing your own roof sealant then any RV place can do it for you. Many of the mobile techs are better and cheaper than dealers. Ask around in your area.

Don't use the Trailer converter to charge your batteries in storage. Use a regulated battery charger / maintainer like boats or motorcycles use. Check the water in the cells regularly and fill with distilled water when needed.

Lube your exterior locks on all outside compartments and doors twice a year with graphite lubricant.

Check seals around your windows. I use a little silicone lube on the rubber.

Make sure all your lights are operating properly. You should do this before each trip.

Use compressed air to blow out the refrigerator gas flue twice a year. Again, any RV dealer or mobile guy can do this if you are not comfortable.

Airstreams are not high maintenance like many Motorhomes or 5th Wheels. Other than a few warranty issues on previous Airstreams I haven't seen a dealer in years.

My dealer tells me I can charge my batteries using shore power over the winter. I have a 26U like you but haven't had it over the winter yet.

[cabinetmaker]

Dealer is right...you can charge the batteries using shore power just like when your camping.

What he failed to mention is unlike camping where you are constantly using 12 volt battery power...in storage the trailers converter will overcharge your batteries and cause premature failure.

It's better to use a external charger / maintainer that is regulated (like a Battery Minder) to keep your batteries charged when in storage. I use one I bought at Costco and it works great.

Some also change the converter in the trailer to a better model that has the required charging system to float charge the batteries. The one Airstream does not float just charges. I plan to replace mine with one of the better ones when the original dies if it ever does.

[losfeliz]

cabinetmaker - How do you "blow out the refrigerator gas flue?" I remember the PO saying to make sure this gets done, and to clear out any cobwebs.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Dealer is right...you can charge the batteries using shore power just like when your camping.

What he failed to mention is unlike camping where you are constantly using 12 volt battery power...in storage the trailers converter will overcharge your batteries and cause premature failure.

It's better to use a external charger / maintainer that is regulated (like a Battery Minder) to keep your batteries charged when in storage. I use one I bought at Costco and it works great.

Some also change the converter in the trailer to a better model that has the required charging system to float charge the batteries. The one Airstream does not float just charges. I plan to replace mine with one of the better ones when the original dies if it ever does.

On my previous Hi'Lo And later 25"FC, I just used a Noma block heater timer set at one hour a day. It worked.
On my current 30' FC I replaced the Parallax with a PD4655 converter. It works!

[Betty Farmer]

May l give you the telephone number for Airstream Manufacturing. I have found them to be very helpful. 937/ 596/ 6111. After their answering, press 2; then 1 and you should reach the Technical Department and some fine folks. They should be able to give you the closest Certified Airstream Repair. We use North Dallas R V. I would hope that Airstream has them scattered all over the US.

Also, we have found Camper World to have knowledgeable repair techs. Camper World is scattered around on major Interstates.

If you are speaking of an Airstream travel trailer, other than body work, you are going to be able to maintain most everything yourself, particularly with the manual that we have found to be pretty thorough. You have had good suggestions for the wrenches, etc that you need to put into your tool box. Good luck and use it, having much fun.

[Betty Farmer]

Cabinetmaker: Re: your comment, "float vs. charge". Could you tell me what this means? Thanks, in advance. I am also interested in the question re: blowing out the refrigerator gas flu. We had an older Trailblazer, I think, that caught fire due to a bird nest.

[Betty Farmer]

I see many references to "JC" and "Jackson Center". I realize they must be places of repair, but what and where is Jackson Center?

[PKI]

Jackson Center Ohio is the Airstream Factory and Service Center. There is an RV Park that you can use while work is done or to visit the plant. You do not have to have an AirStream to stay there, but most do. Pat

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by Betty Farmer

I see many references to "JC" and "Jackson Center". I realize they must be places of repair, but what and where is Jackson Center?

That's the Airstream factory in Ohio.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ai...8!4d-84.045266

[Woosch]

I have been successful at doing much of my own maintenance. I attribute that success on being able to recognize what I can't do. You might want to get "The (nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance".

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Woosch

I have been successful at doing much of my own maintenance. I attribute that success on being able to recognize what I can't do. You might want to get "The (nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance".

And where, pray tell, could we get that?

[TG Twinkie]

There is nothing special about the axles, brakes and bearings on an A$.
Find a trailer dealership or shop that works on utility, horse, car haulers etc. They can provide the service you need.
If you are the least bit mechanically inclined you can do the work yourself.
Not all A$'s have self adjusting brakes. Even the self adjusting type require human intervention from time to time. You will need to know when the shoes are worn out.

[Brawny]

Originally Posted by Woosch

I have been successful at doing much of my own maintenance. I attribute that success on being able to recognize what I can't do. You might want to get "The (nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance".

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

And where, pray tell, could we get that?

Google is your friend:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Complete+Guide+...am+Maintenance

[MWBishop]

Originally Posted by Betty Farmer

Cabinetmaker: Re: your comment, "float vs. charge". Could you tell me what this means? Thanks, in advance. I am also interested in the question re: blowing out the refrigerator gas flu. We had an older Trailblazer, I think, that caught fire due to a bird nest.

In general (and I'm no expert) change is just that. However, once fully charged "float" mode of a battery charger (which amazingly AS does not seem to have) will essentially trickle charge to keep "topped off". Therefore you can plug a battery in and just leave it it'll be ok (check water occasionally though). However, if no "float" mode the charger will just keep on charging, will over-charge a battery, and I suppose will just fry it. So for long term (winter) I plan to pull the batteries and charge in garage -or- every couple of weeks drag the AS home and put it on shore power for a night or two.

[MWBishop]

Originally Posted by Betty Farmer

May l give you the telephone number for Airstream Manufacturing. I have found them to be very helpful. 937/ 596/ 6111. After their answering, press 2; then 1 and you should reach the Technical Department and some fine folks. They should be able to give you the closest Certified Airstream Repair. We use North Dallas R V. I would hope that Airstream has them scattered all over the US.

Thanks so much. I will certainly give them a jingle.