Bought My First Airstream

[bcheever]

I think your list is pretty near perfect. We bought so many damn things for our Airstream that we ended up never or rarely using.

My advice is to just buy the stuff on your list, then start camping and pick up things as you need them. Lot of great suggestions on this list, and I would use them to compile a second list which you can start knocking off over time.

Personally, the torque wrench (and a basic toolkit) would be at the top of that second list for me.

I hope you love owning an Airstream as much as we do! Happy trails.

[bcheever]

PS Another thing we learned *after* we got the Airstream is that there are Walmarts and Camping Worlds everywhere - and Amazon literally delivers everywhere - so it's pretty easy to buy things as you need them.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by bcheever

I

Personally, the torque wrench (and a basic toolkit) would be at the top of that second list for me.

I hope you love owning an Airstream as much as we do! Happy trails.

Good idea, this one has served me well.

[hahnster]

Thanks everyone, what a wonderful community. This newbie really appreciates the help and I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

[Spartanfam]

…and now you see why everyone says an Airstream can’t be towed with anything less than a 3/4 ton truck.

Less is more.

[Saluda372]

Congrats and welcome.

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

A external pressure regulator protects your water hose.

Mike

Definitely use an external water pressure regulator because:
(1) The Airstream cheap plastic built-in pressure regulator often fails (leaks unseen in between the walls). I had to replace two in my two new Airstreams within 2 years. Following a thread on this forum I actually totally removed it entirely on my 2nd Airstream failure.
(2) Place a brass high quality water pressure regulator at the water spigot AND a y-connector to protect your hose, filter and fresh water supply with one of the “y” connections AND your black water flush hose on the other “y”. I learned this after high local pressure (110 psi) broke the cheap plastic back flow prevention valve in my black tank flush connection.

Even if you keep the plastic internal pressure regulator there is no harm in having the brass regulator at the fresh water supply spigot. You can set (and monitor) the actual desired pressure and be comfortable that it really is working. I would still look at the internal regulator occasionally to be sure it is not dripping into your insulation. The plastic regulator breaks easily if cold weather occurs unexpectedly because of its location near the external skin.

In addition to the many good suggestions here you undoubtedly will discover several personal choices of spare parts, tools, repair items, etc. that suit your personal experiences, budget, travel itinerary, and preferences. After 10 years and 2 Airstreams my supplies and tools are still evolving (add a few eliminate a few).

It’s all part of the fun of the Airstream Adventure!

[hahnster]

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m interested in the self coiling water hose. I have not been able to find that on the airstream site. If you have a link to that it would be much appreciated :-). Thank You

[Airsurfer]

Great suggestions here. I would also get a 12volt air compressor and a tire plug kit. The air compressor should be able to go to at least 80 psi. I have a Slime kit that has everything. And I’ve used it. Also, Andersen makes a great tall leveling block that is used to raise one tire off the ground so you can change it. I’ve used it as well. A 12’ propane hose is great for running accessories (generator, fire bowl, or barbecue) off the front quick connection.

[Gunta10]

I started with two connecting 10' sewer hoses. In one location I had to buy another 15" to reach the sewer due to the configuration at the camp. As already stated, if you need something, Walmart carries the basics, Camping World and other RV Supply companies are typically close so you can purchase what you are missing. Your hose lengths look good to me. Overall, yes to what you've written. Until you get out there and start camping, you won't know what you really will need or not. Start with the basics. Camp near an RV store for a week or two. Doing a practice run when services are readily available was the best advice we got.

[evamcmahan]

I wasted money on RV toilet paper for years, then discovered Scott single ply, or anything else labeled septic safe. I have always used a transparent 45 degree elbow (“poo view”) between the trailer sewer connection and the three inch “stinky slinky”, so I can monitor my black tank flush progress. Always, the RV toilet paper would flow through the transparent “poo view” in globs, regardless of how long it had been in the tank. Now, the Scott single ply is totally dissolved, such that you would not know toilet paper was in there, regardless of how long it had been in the tank.

[PC Conner]

Originally Posted by Kittycatcat

Also - RV toilet paper is fine, but we switched to Scott tp, septic safe, years ago and have had no problems. I even did the dissolve test, Scott vs RV, both dissolved just fine, and the Scott is a lot cheaper. I noticed Scott also has a "quick-dissolve" version, but haven't tried it.

Any toilet paper that is septic tank safe--including store brand--will finish the job.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by hahnster

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m interested in the self coiling water hose. I have not been able to find that on the airstream site. If you have a link to that it would be much appreciated :-). Thank You

Here you go:
https://www.airgear.store/products/u...2fa05b87&_ss=r

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by hahnster

Thank you for the suggestions. I’m interested in the self coiling water hose. I have not been able to find that on the airstream site. If you have a link to that it would be much appreciated :-). Thank You

Here is the one my wife got me...at first, I thought it a waste of money and could just get one similar on Amazon. But after using it this past year, I really like using it and storing in the case is easier than just throwing it in the back storage bin with my 50A cord. Makes it easier to store. Tip- I do blow out the line each time I put away, and screw the ends together...just a bit of a habit to keep any water from the storage bin.

Here's the Airstream AirGear site where she got ours (50' hose), bag, and here's the sales pitch she fell for! LoL

"Leave it outside for months, run over it with your truck, let it freeze, use it with pressure up to 375 PSI – no problem!
We're so sure it won't fail that we guarantee our drinking water hose for 5 years. Quality made in the USA"

https://www.airgear.store/products/u...ing-water-hose

I do have another collapsible 25' hose, I use for the black water cleanout I store in my bumper.

[patandcole]

Originally Posted by hahnster

I just purchased a 2021 23’ Globetrotter. It came with nothing so I need to purchase all the accessories so we can start our camping adventures. Here is the list I have come up with: 25’ 30 amp extension cord, 30 Amp to 110V adapter, 25’ potable water hose, clean-out hose, toilet treatment, 15’ sewer hose, in-line water filter, 30 amp surge protector, rv toilet paper, leveling blocks, wheel chalks. Am I missing anything major? Regarding what I have listed, are there particular brands that you would recommend? There are so many choices. Do the lengths I have selected look about right?

I won’t reply with a thank you to every post but please know I appreciate the help.

Assuming your GT is a two axle unit as my 23' GT was, I would highly recommend X Chocks. I've used them for years and love them as in addition to providing the wheel chocks you need, they help with front to back movement while you set up at your camp spot.

https://www.amazon.com/X-Chock-Wheel...eae8f9840&th=1

I would also recommend the Anderson Hitches leveling system. I've used these for a few years now and love them as well!

https://www.amazon.com/ANDERSEN-Acce...01LYQ1Z8S&th=1

Lastly and in addition to the various items people have suggested, I highly recommend the Level Mate Pro+. Super easy installation and really helpful to be able to pull into a site and see how your unit is sitting right from your smart phone! I've had this for years as well and wouldn't operate without it!

https://www.amazon.com/LogicBlue-Tec...hlbWF0aWM&th=1

Apologies for the long links!

[KCurtis]

I bought this pump last year. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C36BBF7Y After using it for the past year on my truck and my Airstream haven’t used my air compressor once since I bought it. It is so easy to use. Just set the target number, hook it up and turn it on. You can walk away and leave it too. I just plug it in and charge it fully the night before we depart.

[Hilljeman]

I don’t trust the little bubble on the top of my GT jack post so I bought a 24” long plastic level. I carry it in back bumper. Found that leveling the back bumper is easy. For long way I just open the door and set the level on the floor.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Hilljeman

I don’t trust the little bubble on the top of my GT jack post so I bought a 24” long plastic level. I carry it in back bumper. Found that leveling the back bumper is easy. For long way I just open the door and set the level on the floor.

Levelmate Pro...as mentioned above, along with the Anderson leveling system. We retired our 2' manual level last year when we got this ingenious device! No more wife running around, looking inside at the level. I just back in, tell her which side to put the Anderson levelers on, and I back onto the block till shows level on my phone. No guessing.

[JeffKim]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Levelmate Pro...as mentioned above, along with the Anderson leveling system. We retired our 2' manual level last year when we got this ingenious device! No more wife running around, looking inside at the level. I just back in, tell her which side to put the Anderson levelers on, and I back onto the block till shows level on my phone. No guessing.

I'll add an up vote for the Levelmate (except it's the SO telling me what side to put the levelers). Our friends with a SOB do the running around thing and his blocks break and he's guessing on how high to stack them. I sense a lot of aggravation.

[Dhleg]

Water Filter. You don't know you need it until you already needed it. I did not use one for years, an then one day at new to me park, water would not flow. cost me a new faucet and a lot of time cleaning out the other two.