Getting an Airstream ready for inspection

[unenthused]

Hey all,

I've recently come into owning a 1970 Airstream Sovereign and am slowly learning about everything that goes into these things. My first order of business is to get it registered here in Texas but in order to do that I'm going to need it to pass an inspection.

I'll probably be posting here quite regularly but the first thing I'd like to do is fix the electric jack on the tongue. The couple that sold this thing to me basically hotwired it straight onto the terminals of a battery to move it up or down but I'd like to get this thing working properly. I'm attaching pictures in hopes that somebody out there can point me in the right direction. FYI the trailer does not appear to be mounted with a battery so I'm assuming that might be something I need to take care of first - not even totally sure where the battery would go.

Anyway, any tips or advice ate greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance! Attachment 1

[John Woodrow]

Although I am not familiar with your particular model, generally a separate battery should be installed on the trailer somewhere that will actuate the electric brakes if it should "go it's own way". That battery could also power your electric jack. A charging wire from the tow vehicle will keep it charged. It doesn't need to be a full size battery. I saw one advertised for that purpose recently that was about $20.

[DaveMc]

Texas trailer inspection has been pretty straight forward for me with our cattle trailer and our Airstream--
All factory installed exterior lights must work
Safety chains in place
Breakaway brake system mentioned above
Insurance card (doesn't have to specify the trailer, just your vehicle
I'd think that axle brakes are on the list, but they didn't check the Airstream.
You'd think good tires are likely on the list, but again, they didn't look.

Stock trailer was in for service when they inspected it, so I'd guess they verified brakes then. I don't believe they're looking for anything travel trailer specific--just minimum standards for roadworthiness.

Since it's only $7, they're not getting too detailed...