New Airstream - Essential Accessories

[txairdream]

Hey Y'all!

Picking up my new AS tomorrow...hard to work when I can't stop thinking about her! Anyway, I will also be having the dealership show me around and I got a Stab-I-Lizer hitch or whatever they're called.

Other than that, what other accessories do you recommend that I purchase before I leave the dealership? Or ones that I should be on the lookout for?

I know as we stream we will learn what we need but I'm curious if you have any suggestions for our of the gate.

Thanks!

[txairdream]

p.s. - is this the right sub forum to post that question to?

[DKB_SATX]

I think this is a decent sub-forum choice for your question.

I haven't bought a new Airstream before, so I'm not sure what's in the "standard" delivery package. Are you planning to go camping directly from the dealership, or you're just asking what's needed to safely to the Airstream back home?

You'll want to have a trailer-brake controller. If one is not integrated into your tow vehicle (such as a recent-model Ford, Chevy/GMC or RAM pickup equipped for towing) then you'll want an aftermarket brake controller. These range from $120ish to much higher prices for the more esoteric models.

Depending on your tow vehicle you may want mirror extensions. It's possible to tow without them but it may not be legal to do so. If you have a truck with factory tow mirrors that extend out farther for towing you're set there.

If you're going to go camping directly from the dealer, you'll want to purchase (or make sure the delivery package for the trailer includes) leveling blocks, freshwater hose, sewer hose and connectors, latex gloves (for the sewer hose, y'know!), a level, etc.

There are all sorts of other things I carry with me on any trailer trip, and I travel relatively light compared to some!

[Foiled Again]

DK got the basics - but I'd add a roll of good biodegradable toilet paper - and toothbrushes if you're at all fastidious.

Paula

[MrUKToad]

Hitch items aside (which were provided by the dealer), our new unit came with a sewer hose, 30 amp cable, and a power tester. We bought a fresh water hose, chocks, and leveller blocks; that was enough to get us going. The most useful things that I've bought since have been an extension to the 30 amp cable (Ontario parks like to put the power points a looong way off) and a cone device to put under the tongue jack when we're parked on our driveway, which is sloped. Everything else we sort of gathered along the way.

That said, toilet paper and tooth brushes were ready and rearing to go from day one!

[txairdream]

DK - thanks. They are adding a trailer-brake controller tomorrow at the dealership while we do our walk-through/paperwork. I'd assume all those hoses come with it, but the latex glove suggestion is a FANTASTIC idea I wouldn't have thought of.

Paula - Thank you for the tip and for using the word fastidious. You warm this English major's heart. :-)

[txairdream]

Thanks, Toad! I reckon I'll wait to camp at a couple of parks to see if we will need the extension, unless a lot of y'all down here in the states think it's a necessity too...

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by txairdream

Thanks, Toad! I reckon I'll wait to camp at a couple of parks to see if we will need the extension, unless a lot of y'all down here in the states think it's a necessity too...

I have camped at only one single site (in SE Texas) where there 25' cord on my Argosy wouldn't let me put the trailer where I really wanted to, and have since added a 30A extension cord to the traveling gear. The only time I've actually used that extension is when parked in front of the trailer while running off the generator which stays in the back of the truck. We haven't been back to that particular park yet (and might not have had the issue in another site there anyway.)

[John&Vicki]

Here's a list I put together, gleaned from a number of sources:

** 3-cell Maglite flashlight
** White potable water hose
** Hitch grease
** Wheel chocks and levelers
** Tire pressure gauge
** First aid kit ( with antibiotic ointment )
** Black tank treatment ( enzyme chemical)
** Bucket full of tools
- SAE socket set
- flat tip and Phillips screwdrivers, several sizes
- Visegrips - small and large
- Channellocks
- pliers
- SAE wrenches
** Butane lighter
** Voltmeter ( multi tester )
** Security latch for door - might not need with deadbolt
** Duct tape
** Household oil
** Contact cleaner (for 7-pin plug)
** Silicone (for window and door seals)
** Water hose gaskets
** Graphite (for locks)
** WD-40 or Kroil
** Charmin Ultra Soft toilet tissue

YMMV !

Poppy

[polarlyse]

I've only needed my extra 30a cable one time. It's the sort of thing that you don't think about until you need it. We carry one of those small cube type electric heaters. They stow easily and we've used it quite a few times on those chilly nights.

[Condoluminum]

Birdmaestro's list is pretty good for the necessities...

We too didn't have a 30A extension cord until after we needed one.. In a pinch, a lighter weight cord would work if you didn't think of running A//C and other heavy-load electrical devices.. Even those orange flimsy things and an adapter are better than no juice if batteries dying.. If you plan to use in summer and need A/C, get the extension cord, or make one.

Other nice-to-haves:
- Propane or Battery/LED lantern for picnic table
- Propane or Matchlite bag and charcoal portable BBQ
- good folding chairs and folding/rollup table (bag chairs not very comfy..)
- A couple smart-phone RV park or dump station apps to go with Directories
- Portable DVD player and some old funny comedies for rainy "Movie nights"
- Metal stovetop "Toaster" gizmo for toast or bagels when no electricity
- Similar favorite stovetop coffee maker (French press or Drip) for all important first cup
- Some form of outdoor rug/mat around door area to limit what gets tracked inside trailer..
- Rope light or aluminum dish light with amber bulb for evening mood lighting under awning.

[Wayward]

For me, the one accessory that I'd buy again first, and give up last is Sewer Solution.

Clean, efficient, easy, black tank draining instead of a stinky slinky and always wondering if I've enough gray water to flush it out.

[rmkrum]

Transparent extension for the sewer solution connector--our 22' international has very little space to get the sewer solution on the dump valve. An 8" extension was just right for us.

25" long cable TV cord with push-on adapters on the ends (Radio Shack item) so cold fingers can hook up the TV connection easily. (It's cold in Texas today)

Kneeling pad to protect knees when working to operate stabilizer jacks or sewer connections.

Small LED Flashlight in your pocket at all times, spare batteries in the AS

SPARE KEYS FOR EVERYTHING!

[PharmGeek]

Roadside assistance coverage - I opted for AAA - insurance (I chose progressive good coverage for new trailers I compared to Allstate and state farm) - other stuff - good car wash and other accessories for cleaning - paint sealer or wax - corrosion X spray for seems rivets and other areas they cut the aluminum for underbelly, boeshield T9 for spraying underbelly - spare fuses - tunes, movies, cable for cable tv hookup if you are planning on catching the game - extension for sewer hose often recommended on here - extra non potable water hose for cleaning stuff etc - some recommend pressure regulator at the spigot to protect your hoses (as has one built in for new trailers I think) - I bought one of those water thiefs on clearance - un-scented bleach for water sanitation - also a spray bottle for bleach solution to spray water spigot - perhaps just a pair of mechanics gloves for various stuff - torque wrench along with other tools mentioned - I bought some reflective triangles to put out in case of need to pull over - 8 bucks - rug or patio mat or something to put outside AS door - trash can for outside ?(I have not bought one yet)

Thats all I can think of based on all I have gleaned so far - if I remember more ill post

I pick mine up Friday

[PharmGeek]

Oh I love the led head lamps - love love - that plus another small led flashlight for AS and one for TV

[txairdream]

Wow folks, thanks! Just processing all this and googling lots of things, as all things RV are brand new to me!

[MrUKToad]

In year two of camping and we spent a lot of time getting rid of the stuff that we didn't use in year one. Year three and we pitched even more stuff. That said, it was fun to collect stuff initially and even more fun getting rid of it because we now feel good about travelling light

[PharmGeek]

also bought Sonin 50211 Rapitest 10% to 28% Pinless Analog Wood, Concrete, Plaster, Carpet, and More Moisture Meter - Amazon.com

there are other versions of this as I understand including systems that monitor several probes over time...this seemed simple and effective enough as far as I can tell...just probe perimeter for any signs of leaks!!

oh, checked my amazon order history, bought zip ties (assorted pack of a bunch of em), extra hose washers, brass y-dual outlet hose adapter

I opted to buy a "sewer solution"...to use - will plan on keeping the slinky as a backup or for very quick dump if needed....bought the extension for the sewer solution...bought on sale for like 100 bucks...I would consider this a non-essential if money is tight....

portable grill? I have not gone there yet to be honest...will cook in the AS for now - im broke so will wait for b-days, christmas and such to expand...same for dishes...

I really want a good handheld vacuum for the trailer....my mother in law has an amazing little orec plug in unit - it hangs on a shoulder strap, really great...want something like that but not that much money - I think they are pricey....I will wait for later on this and use sweeper and perhaps buy a basic 2 gallon shop vac and leave in truck for now...

[PharmGeek]

Originally Posted by MrUKToad

In year two of camping and we spent a lot of time getting rid of the stuff that we didn't use in year one. Year three and we pitched even more stuff. That said, it was fun to collect stuff initially and even more fun getting rid of it because we now feel good about travelling light

what was some things that you chucked?

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

what was some things that you chucked?

We chucked the 27' Airstream and got a 34'... ;0)