RE: [VACList] New to the List

[Kevin D Allen <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings MikeB!

Welcome to the list and the world of Vintage Airstreaming.  

The numbers that are usually found above both the front and rear windows
of an Airstream indicate that the owner belongs or belonged to the Wally
Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI).  There also may be stars with
the numbers - - each star denoting five years of membership.  The
numbers are assigned to the member and stay with him/her as long as
he/she is active in the WBCCI.  Sometimes, if the number has been active
for two years or more you can request and receive the same number when
you join the WBCCI.  If you can't get the same number, requesting a
similar number can help to hide the ghosts of the previous numbers that
will likely be visible when then numbers themselves are removed.  You
can learn more about the WBCCI at:

http://www.wbcci.org/

By finding this list, you have located one of the Intra-Clubs of the
WBCCI.  There are several Intra-Clubs within the WBCCI that represent
the wide-ranging interests of WBCCI members.  Some examples of WBCCI
Intra-Clubs are the Free Wheelers (Singles who travel alone in their
Airstreams); Full-Timers (those who travel full-time or nearly full-time
in their Airstreams); Vintage Airstream Club (Owners and Admirers of
Airstreams that are 25 years old or older); Radio Club (Ham Radio
Operators); CB Club (Citizen Band Radio hobbiests); Computer Club
(Computer Hobbyists); and Classic Airstream Club (owners and admirers of
Classic Airstream coaches).

To receive the full benefits of any of the Intra-Clubs, it is necessary
to also be a concurrent member of WBCCI.  With most of the Intra-Clubs,
it is possible to subscribe to the newsletter as a non-member; but most
other benefits of Intra-Club membership require membership in the WBCCI.

So far as tow vehicles are concerned, there is a wide diversity among
Vintage Owners.  Some tow with vehicles that are age contemporaries to
their coaches including such vehicles as IHC TravelAlls, GMC/Chevrolet
Suburbans or pickups, commercial step-vans (bread truck-type vehicles),
and I believe that there are one or two who tow with the large RWD
Cadillacs as well.  When new or late model tow vehicles are concerned,
there is an increasing trend to utilize 3/4 ton based SUVs, pickups,
vans, etc. with the heavy duty trailering packages rated between 8,500
pounds and 12,000 pounds.

As you can see by my signature, I have two tow vehicles.  The GMC is
used for both the Airstream and Arogsy.  The Cadillac only has a 6,000
pound trailer tow rating so it will rarely see duty with the Airstream
as it would max out its tow rating; but in early testing, it appears
that it is going to be very capable of handling the Minuet.

Again, Welcome to the word of Vintage Airstreaming!

Kevin

Kevin D. Allen
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet
1975 Cadillac Convertible (towcar in-training)
WBCCI/VAC #6359