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Old 03-28-2012, 01:33 AM   #1
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1967 17' Caravel
Oakland , California
Join Date: Mar 2012
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Cheese to Wine

We are about to drive from the Bay Area to pick up our new (67 Caravel) in Madison Wisconsin and make our first AS adventure.
I have towed race cars, sailboats and a tank thousands of miles. I have never towed a travel trailer, much less spent the night in one. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on especially the "boondocking" book.
Creating a check list
Any advice is appreciated

Van
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Old 03-28-2012, 03:42 AM   #2
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1977 31' Sovereign
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1989 34' Excella
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Make friends via the internet or however with some Airstream knowledgeable people in the Madison area. They will be able to tell you of local sources of parts for your Airstream that will be necessary to bring it into roadable condition for your big trip home. It has been an excceptional mild winter for that area this year but you will still need to dewinterize it before you leave. The local chapter of the WBCCI has a website with contract. information. Here is the link. WBCCI Wisconsin Unit
They have a very active group of Vintage Airstreamers.
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Old 03-28-2012, 04:37 AM   #3
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1993 34' Excella
York , South Carolina
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Assuming the trailer is already tow ready, don't forget your bedding, hoses (water, dump), some basic tools, leveling blocks,hitch lock,wheel chocks,lug wrench. Oh, and a bottle of good, aged, single malt Scotch for the celebratory trip. Enjoy . John
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Old 03-28-2012, 09:19 AM   #4
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1967 17' Caravel
Oakland , California
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 299
Images: 1
Cheese to Wine

The PO has kept the Caravel stored indoors, claims recent wheel bearings repacked, lights work and tires are good. As we all know, tires have about a 5 year life if they are used or not.
Thinking of taking a new set with me regardless.
Any tire recommendations for a Caravel?
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Old 03-28-2012, 09:23 AM   #5
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1967 17' Caravel
Oakland , California
Join Date: Mar 2012
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I just purchased a sway control arm.
Any thing to be aware of regarding the brakes ?
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Old 03-28-2012, 10:02 AM   #6
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2015 27' FB International
2006 25' Safari FB SE
2004 19' International CCD
Santa Fe , New Mexico
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When I picked up my first trailer long distance, I had the PO take it to an Airstream dealer to have all systems checked out and fixed so I could tow & go. In lieu of that, you may want to spend a day or more checking things out with the PO and on your own before you leave, (ie:tires, brakes, lights) and schedule extra time in case you do need to have things fixed or replaced.

First time is a series of discoveries but you can search the forum here for answers to most your questions and surprises. Take a warm sleeping bag, my heater went out the first night and I had no idea how to fix it till I got home!
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Old 03-28-2012, 11:27 AM   #7
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2012 27' FB International
Denver , Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2012
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List for Trailer and Car
Check List Inside
1. Turn electric refrigerator off
2. Light gas refrigerator
3. Put pin in refrigerator
4. Secure bathroom door
5. Make sure water pump switch if turned to off
6. Put TV and radio in safe place
7. Shut all windows and vents
8. Put grate clips on stove
9. Set thermostat on furnace to LOW
10. Put covers in sink
11. Close all curtains
12. Check water level at gauge, fill if necessary
13. Empty and flush holding tank
14. Lock door and set dead bolt

Check List Outside
15. Release water hose, electric cable and secure
16. Roll up and secure awning
17. Fold and secure lawn chairs
18. Remove jacks from under trailer
19. Hook trailer to car and connect wiring
20. Hook brake wire under deck lid
21. Lower front window guard
22. Hook rear view mirrors to car mirrors
23. Lower Radio aerial
24. Check clearance, brake, tail and back-up lights
25. Raise step at door and secure
26. Check tire pressure on all tires
27. After moving out 50 ft check area for goods

Add to the inside checklist, “Turn 12-Volt Shut-Off On”
Note: Your 12-Volt Shut-Off must be “on” when you travel in order to provide electricity to the Break-Away switch for the trailer brakes.

Addition:
When we travel, it’s wise to put ice in containers to keep the fridge & freezer cool, because it’s smarter to turn off the propane !! Having propane on & rolling down the road could turn an accident into an explosion
Addition:
Don’t forget (especially when boondocking) to disconnect the plug from the AS to the Tow Vehicle. It will run the battery down in your Vehicle and you will be hunting for a jump start when you leave
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