[VAC] NEW owner of 76 international! (almost)

[Rusty Coonfield <rusty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello everyone,
I have decided to buy a 1976 international 31' with rear bath. I am very
excited about becoming an Airstream owner!! I should have it by the first of
next week or this weekend.  Everything is in great shape as far as I can
tell.
I will be living in the thing full time in the hot California sun with my
fiancee and siberian huskey.
If anyone has any suggestions of accessories, products, techniques that have
made their fulltiming experience in the A/S a success I would VERY much like
to hear about it.

I am aware that this particular model could have problems in the future with
the frame giving way under the weight of the rear bath. So far I planning on
travelling with unladen tanks to minimize the possibility of this occuring.
Has anyone heard of a preventative measure for this problem (IE: beefing up
the frame) ?

My main concern currently is that the unit has two folding couch/beds.
Has anyone heard of modifications or have suggestions about putting in a
full size bed where the rear couch is? I just don't think that the original
futon style pad is going to afford a hard working back much comfort at
night. 

My other main concern is about the Air conditioner. There will be times when
my canine companion will be in the trailer with the air condition for a
friend. Is there an "ultra-reliable" AC out there or has anyone heard of
swamp cooler small enough for use in an A/S?

Thanks to all!

-Rusty Coonfield
Fayetteville,AR
rusty@coonfield.net
Proud new owner of a 1976 Airstream International (almost) :-)