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Marks · 09-09-2003, 01:42 PM

Some 35 to 40 years ago we had an Argosy and enjoyed the common practice of flashing our headlights as a greeting as we passed other Airstreams. We have not had an RV for the past some 35 years, but purchased an Airstream about 15 months ago. We have now made 3 trips from Huntsville, TX to the mountains of NM and CO. We do not see many Airstreams, but when we do, I blink a salute to them with my headlights. So far, I have had only one to return the greeting. Is this a custom that has gone away?

Marks
2000 Excella 25'

thenewkid64 · 09-09-2003, 01:45 PM

I think it depends on the other drivers attention to the road. I flash, sometimes I get one back other times I don't . It is not something that is widely discussed at "offical" functions either, maybe it should be?

MaShep · 09-09-2003, 02:04 PM

Hey: We were traveling NM and Colo last month just after taking delivery on our new 16CCD. We were 'blinked' by another Airstream but were not quick enough to return the gesture. It was very cool, and we appreciate the howdy!
My understanding is one quick flash is a 'howdy'... several flashes means either Slow Down! or hey! you’re driving with your brights in my eyes!?

Thanks, Ma

Marks · 09-09-2003, 02:12 PM

I might have been the one giving you the headlight greeting if you were in the Red River, NM or the Creede, CO area, Ma.

Marks

swebster · 09-09-2003, 02:29 PM

On our very first trip in our 345 we passed about twenty AS TT's heading the other way in PA. (Must have been a rally) I'd say 15 of them blinked us. It took a few before we figured out that we should return the blink. It was very cool. I hope more of us take up the practice.

Coloradobus · 09-09-2003, 02:34 PM

It is also a good idea to flash your lights after a semi has passed you and has CLEARED your front end with room to spare. They can be very appreciative by you letting them know for sure they have cleared past you before they pull back into your lane. The practice can then repeated for you.
Some will inturn flash their lights letting you know you have cleared their front ends and it is safe to pull back in front of them.
During the daylight hours you can say "Thanks" by letting your hazard lights flash 2 or 3 times, and they may do like-wise.
At night, it is just a quick, simple flick of the hi beams if they are clear, and a flash of your parking lights or 4 way flashers to say thanks after you have cleared.
Seems to be the courtesy flashes are regional, but we practice it on all roads where we travel. Canadians motorists are esspecially receptive.

MaShep · 09-09-2003, 02:58 PM

Hey Marks! I remember a blue stripe on the AS, so it probably was! Albuquerque to Farmington NM or Farmington to Durango, Colo? Between August 16 to 24th? We camped at the Bogen(sp?) campgrounds.
It was very cool! Thanks again, Linda

Silver Bullet · 09-09-2003, 04:01 PM

Aren't (or weren't) there specific CB channels that AS'ers use? I recall Ch 11 or 12, but not quite sure.

Oscar

thenewkid64 · 09-09-2003, 04:10 PM

Channel 14 is the reccomended channel to monitor on your CB, that is what is used by most Airstreamers.

**jcanavera** · 09-09-2003, 04:36 PM

Unfortunately I don't always see the other side of the Interstate in time to always flash the lights. I've never seen anyone flashing theirs first to me. I do wave but in those short seconds in passing I'm never sure if they see me.

As far as I'm concerned I would rather that they pay attention to their driving. You won't hurt my feelings.

Jack

KIMILI · 09-09-2003, 10:22 PM

Here where we are, New York/New Jersey, if you flash your brights to an oncoming vehicle it means:
"Beware! Cops ahead!"

We've been honked at while towing our AS but not flashed, if not to alert us of PO.

Guess every state works different...

cheers
Kimili

85MH325 · 09-10-2003, 06:09 AM

I always thought it interesting that Airstream included a "Blink Switch" on the dashboard of our '85 325 motorhome specifically for flashing the clearance and taillights. The owner's manual made reference to it as well for flashing the clearance and taillights to communicate with other trucks.

Roger

canadarago · 09-19-2003, 03:12 PM

Re ColoradoBus's post above:

Back in the 70's when I drove a truck: if a semi passed you, you would flash your headlights once the rear of he semi was safely clear. If the trucker was as courteous, he / she would flash their marker lights twice.

gwsullivan · 09-19-2003, 04:41 PM

canadarago, is this a reference to a lake in upstate NY??

canadarago · 09-19-2003, 06:21 PM

It is. It's the lake just west of Otsego, where Cooperstown is. My folks moved there in '87. Pic is on the left.

Colorand · 08-07-2018, 07:17 AM

As a new Airstream owner, I traveled from CO to TX this summer for our first long trip. I was surprised to get "blinked" a few times by oncoming Airstreams. I tried to blink back. After the first few, I realized it was a thing. Although, this thread from back in 2003 (15 years ago!) was the only reference I could find on the Internet on this subject. It's cool and I plan to continue the practice! It's also cool to go into a big RV resort and be the only airstream!