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VAL Digest V1 #113



VAL Digest        Wednesday, December 31 2003        Volume 01 : Number 113




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Topics in Today's Digest:

[VAL] Maurice Tierney Out of Office
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #111 - roll-around A/Cs
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
[VAL] platinum cat heater
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - A/C adaptation
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - tire/axle/side skids
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - Chopping up a precious A/S?
Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater
Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater
Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] tire skids
Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater
Re: [VAL] tire skids

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Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 01:31:42 -0500
From: "publisher@xxxxxxxxxx.com" <publisher@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Maurice Tierney Out of Office

I will be out of the office from December 15th through December 31st. Thanks.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 23:15:48 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #111 - roll-around A/Cs

I think what we have here is a misunderstanding.

If an A/C unit like a window unit has no outside air to dump the heat
into what you have is a dehumidifier.
The kind of unit under discussion is the "roll-around" type that is used
like a space heater, only for cooling not heating. It has to have an
outside vent to blow the hot air coming off the condenser out of.
A/Cs have two entirely separate air circuits. The evaporator is the
"radiator" looking thing (actually absorber) on the inside. It gets cold
and the air for the interior is blown through it, chilling it. The
condenser is the radiator on the outside. It gets hot from the heat being
pumped via the refrigerant from the evaporator to it. Outside air is
blown through it to condense the gaseous refrigerant, whether it be freon
(now illegal), R134a, ammonia (used in old units and large commercial
units). The air coming out of the condenser is hotter than the air pumped
into it.

I have seen some of the "roll-around" "personal" A/Cs and they drew the
condenser cooling air from the interior of the house. This air has to
come from outside or the windows or walls of the house would be collapsed
(not really - if in an airtight house the unit would simply be unable to
blow any air through the condenser). In house applications it appears
that the hot outside air infiltration is tolerated for the sake of a
cheap, simple single exhaust hose. The purpose of these personal A/Cs is
to blow cool air on the person they are pointed at. That the rest of the
house may be warmer as a result is not of concern. That cooled air that
has just been chilled with electricity, which is not free, is used to
carry the heat out from the condenser is ignored.

But using one as an RV A/C that is presumably intended to cool the entire
interior will result in one cool spot where the cooled air is blown and
the temperature of the rest of the trailer being raised by all that
outside air coming in.

As to needing air exchange, we don't need al that much. Most trailers are
pretty drafty anyway. I've been plugging cracks and wiring passages with
non-hardening plumber's putty and it made a difference. A trailer would
have to be built to house "Energy Star" - like standards, practically
hermetically sealed, before air exchange would be a concern.

Automotive primary A/C is not comparable to building and RV A/C. Unless
"MAX" or "RECIRC" is selected all air for the evaporator is drawn from
the outside at the base of the windshield.
In my van, the front A/C is conventional automotive while the rear A/C -
heater unit is recirculate only.
My Dad had a '55 Caddy that had 2 A/C units. The front inhaled from the
cowl (base of the windshield) and the rear unit, mounted in the trunk,
drew its air from little scoops on the rear panel between the rear window
and the trunk lid.

> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Sun, 28 Dec 2003 23:09:45 -0600
> From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" 
> <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Portable AC
> 
> But you CAN'T recirculate the OUTSIDE air that the AC needs for
cooling.
> It quits working when the inlet air is too hot. You still need
separated air vents for the unit to function, whether bringing in fresh
air or not. The refrigeration cycle doesn't work with really hot exhaust
air recirculation to the outside vent inlet. The machine MUST be cooled
by fresh air.
> 
> Gerald J.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 14:48:46 +0000
From: satdjpete@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

        I can assure you from personal experiance on a single axle trailer the skid plates 
are absolutes neccessities. (pictures upon request)
        I think it was DR/G who mentiond the fact that the early ? duratorques were subject 
to metal fatigue, indeed they are I lost both at the same time.
         1965 Caravel
                        Pete 1968 TW WBCCI & VAC
    
> Hi All,
> I noticed last night, with Rob's help, that one of my tire skids is missing.
> Hope someone behind me didn't find it the hard way. I have no idea where I
> lost it. I obviously have two options; replace the lost one or remove the
> existing one. Yes, I have been asked by several folks what it is. When I
> explain it to them, they seem to get it and walk away shaking their heads.
> Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I plan on having another
> fabricated and re-installed. The factory must have known what they were
> doing and thought it necessary on a single axle unit.
> 
> Brad Norgaard
> Phoenix
> '59 Trade Wind Twin
> VAC #2699, TCT 
> 
> 
> on 12/29/03 4:38 PM, Stan Truitt at stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
> 
> > mine are bolted on using flat base u bolts. no welding or holes drilled in
> > the axle
> > 
> > harry truitt
> > franktown co
> > 66 safari
> >> 
> >> 
> >> All this information on tire skids.  Are these bolted on or welded.  I
> >> understand that the heat can damage the rubber.
> >> 
> >>> 
> >>> Alex In Indiana (soon to be Port O' Call)
> >>> 66 Safari & Overlander
> >>> WBCCI #8728
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> 
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 09:58:37 -0500
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

I doubt that these skids will reduce damage to the aluminum from a blown
tire as I think that this damage would be from the tire parts hitting the
trailer and I don't see how skids would change that. While some people swear
that the skids saved their trailer, others have experienced blow outs on
single axle trailers without the skids and the trailer still behaved
admirably. So I would surmize that the skids are more a personal preference
item. What seems most prudent to me is to be sure that your tires are rated
to carry the load, that they are properly inflated and that they are no more
than 5 to 7 years old without any signs of dry rot. Also be sure to check
them at each stop. A hand on each tire will tell you quickly if one is
getting hot.

Scott

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stan Truitt" <stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 4:13 PM
Subject: [VAL] tire skids


> hello all
> i had been reading the smartire thread with interest when one of my hot
> questions got answered. i had no idea what those blasted spring steel
> contraptions were hanging down from my axle in the newly purchased 66
safari.
> now i know...... but can you tell me,, are they truely worth keeping and
were
> they an airstream product from the factory or an after market type
product?
>
> "laying a new vinyl floor is tough when its 20 degrees, anyone want a box
of
> asbestos?"
>
> harry truitt
> franktown co
> 66 safari
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 10:04:33 -0500
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

Brad,

I doubt that the factory saw the skids as being necessary since MOST of the
single axle trailers do not have the skids. My '60 Overlander (26 foot)
single axle does not have them. I also believe that the '03 single axle
Airstreams do not have them. Not that I have anything against them...I just
don't think that they are necessary. The trailers behave well even with a
flat.

Scott

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brad Norgaard" <stream2699@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 10:00 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids


> Hi All,
> I noticed last night, with Rob's help, that one of my tire skids is
missing.
> Hope someone behind me didn't find it the hard way. I have no idea where I
> lost it. I obviously have two options; replace the lost one or remove the
> existing one. Yes, I have been asked by several folks what it is. When I
> explain it to them, they seem to get it and walk away shaking their heads.
> Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I plan on having another
> fabricated and re-installed. The factory must have known what they were
> doing and thought it necessary on a single axle unit.
>
> Brad Norgaard
> Phoenix
> '59 Trade Wind Twin
> VAC #2699, TCT
>
>
> on 12/29/03 4:38 PM, Stan Truitt at stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
>
> > mine are bolted on using flat base u bolts. no welding or holes drilled
in
> > the axle
> >
> > harry truitt
> > franktown co
> > 66 safari
> >>
> >>
> >> All this information on tire skids.  Are these bolted on or welded.  I
> >> understand that the heat can damage the rubber.
> >>
> >>>
> >>> Alex In Indiana (soon to be Port O' Call)
> >>> 66 Safari & Overlander
> >>> WBCCI #8728
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 09:14:45 -0600
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

One might expect some metal fatigue with advancing age, but I've no
experience with the duratorques coming apart or breaking. Their internal
suspension cushions seem to get harder and to cold flow with age. I like
the prices and available data on the Dexter version. It appears to be
available to fit the Airstream mountings, though I've not yet tried to
buy one.

One might plan on using a hardened steel, like spring steel for a skid
to make it wear a little longer on the road, and one should constantly
monitor the trailer's tilt with respect to the tow vehicle to detect
trailer tire and suspension failures rapidly. Avoid forward looking
tunnel vision all day. 

Gerald J.
- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 08:29:18 -0700
From: "Fred Coldwell" <agrijeep@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

Dr G and All:

   R.J. Dial had the axle spindle on his `65 Caravel break
off flush at the base or mount.  Here is his web site on the
matter, which explains the break, the damage and the repair: 

http://www.vintageairstream.com/Myrtle/axle.html  

Fred C. in Denver


"Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" wrote:
> 
> One might expect some metal fatigue with advancing age, but I've no
> experience with the duratorques coming apart or breaking. Their internal
> suspension cushions seem to get harder and to cold flow with age. I like
> the prices and available data on the Dexter version. It appears to be
> available to fit the Airstream mountings, though I've not yet tried to
> buy one.
> 
> One might plan on using a hardened steel, like spring steel for a skid
> to make it wear a little longer on the road, and one should constantly
> monitor the trailer's tilt with respect to the tow vehicle to detect
> trailer tire and suspension failures rapidly. Avoid forward looking
> tunnel vision all day.
> 
> Gerald J.
> --
> Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> Reproduction by permission only.
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> 
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 08:27:02 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 7:58 AM
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids


> I doubt that these skids will reduce damage to the aluminum from a blown
> tire as I think that this damage would be from the tire parts hitting the
> trailer and I don't see how skids would change that.

When a tire blows out, any damage to the trailer is caused when the blown
tire is shredded while still in contact with the roadway.  It's not the
blowout that throws pieces, it is the rim and road that tear the tire up.

Skids keep that road contact to a minimum, and help avoid rim damage and
worse.

Roger

Roger Hightower
WBCCI #4165,VAC
1975 31' Sovereign
Mesa, AZ

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 09:10:42 -0700
From: "Stan Truitt" <stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] platinum cat heater

good morning
when i first purchased my safari about 3 months ago, i  found within the vac
archives glowing reviews of the platinum cat heaters available from thermal
systems (a & l enterprises). these reviews were a bit dated, somewhere in 1999
or 2000. i also see no further posts or threads beyond these dates. anyway, i
ordered one of the larger heaters 90 days ago and still do not have it. when i
speak to arnie at a&l, he is very non committal regarding when i will get the
heater. anyone had any trouble or experience with this fellow?  he seems like
a nice guy but 90 days is a long time.

thanks
harry truitt
franktown co
66 safari

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 17:09:00 +0000
From: satdjpete@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

       That Tire skid keeps the trailer upright. If you like I have the pictures of my 65 
caravel and the right rear took a hit on the bumper and bent the metal. Guys and girls those 
tire skids or skid plates are there to protect your trailer they work. mounting is important 
check it ocasionally my bolts were rusted and they didnt hold.
                                    Pete 68 TW WBCCI VAC
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
> To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 7:58 AM
> Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids
> 
> 
> > I doubt that these skids will reduce damage to the aluminum from a blown
> > tire as I think that this damage would be from the tire parts hitting the
> > trailer and I don't see how skids would change that.
> 
> When a tire blows out, any damage to the trailer is caused when the blown
> tire is shredded while still in contact with the roadway.  It's not the
> blowout that throws pieces, it is the rim and road that tear the tire up.
> 
> Skids keep that road contact to a minimum, and help avoid rim damage and
> worse.
> 
> Roger
> 
> Roger Hightower
> WBCCI #4165,VAC
> 1975 31' Sovereign
> Mesa, AZ
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> 
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 10:15:28 -0800
From: "Gary Quamen" <g_quamen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

> Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I plan on having another
> fabricated and re-installed. The factory must have known what they were
> doing and thought it necessary on a single axle unit.
>
> Brad Norgaard
> Phoenix
> '59 Trade Wind Twin
> VAC #2699, TCT

Hi Brad:

The issue, as I see it, is whether it is a good idea to bolt these things
onto a Dura-Torque axle or not.  You should have a solid axle and springs on
your '59 and needn't have the same concern.

Anyone with a Dura-Torque axle that is comfortable with using these
things....more power to 'em.

But I'm not one of them.

GQ '67 Safari
4082 in CA

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 00:31:10 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - A/C adaptation

My roof mounted A/C cannot draw ANY outside air into the house. Of the
few other RV A/Cs I've seen, I've not seen any that can. Some house
window A/Cs have an "exhaust" control that opens a little flap in the
bulkhead between the inside part and the outside part of the A/C.
Auto A/C exhausts by inhaling outside air from up front at the cowl (base
of the windshield) and blowing cooled air into the interior, which pushes
it out thru the cabin exhaust somewhere around the rear doors.
What would a car dealer be expected to know about adapting a house A/C
unit to a travel trailer??
Al Grayson


> > 
> > I really would like to know more about this person's expertise, if
any.
> > auto and RV ac units CAN exhaust and take in (fresh air exchange)
outside air.
> > BUT, if the damper is closed, the ac unit draws in air from inside
the vehicle/trailer, runs it over the coil and then blows it back out.
> > NO outside air is pulled in and you certainly do not want to add an
outside air hole to your trailer.!!  You do NOT want to be cooling
outside mid day desert air when you should only be cooling the air inside
the trailer.  Any outside air that does get in thru leaking vents, etc is
acceptable because it keeps you from getting sick.  from everything from
Legionnaire's to CO poisoning.
> > 
> > I would urge you to think about what some of the people - not only on
this elist but any elist - are saying and then apply some common sense. 
> Along with that, go to your local dealership (Ford is fine) and ask the
AC guy about  how the AC works.  you will quickly find out that the only
fresh air vent you need is the one the AC unit comes with.  further, that
inside cooling or the MAX  cooling setting, is only recirculating the air
inside the vehicle.
> > 
> > enuff
> > chas
> > - --
> > Charles L Hamilton,  chasm@xxxxxxxxxx.net  Houston, TX

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 00:49:05 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - tire/axle/side skids

The only trailer I've seen that had tire/axle/side skids and that I had
an opportunity to crawl under was a Silver Streak. They were a factory
option.
The SS had a leaf spring suspension.
The skids were U-bolted to the springs, not to the axle.
How they would be attached to a rubber suspension A/S I don't know.
Al G.

> ------------------------------
> 
> > hello all
> > i had been reading the smartire thread with interest when one of my
hot questions got answered. i had no idea what those blasted spring steel
contraptions were hanging down from my axle in the newly purchased 66
safari.
> > now i know...... but can you tell me,, are they truely worth keeping
and were they an airstream product from the factory or an after market
type product?
> >
........................................................
> > harry truitt

> Hi Harry:
> 
> If these skids are bolted to the axle tube itself you might want to
consider the forces that would be imposed on that structure (hollow
structural tube with rubber billets inside) when the trailer weight is
suddenly dropped on it, as well as any drag induced torsion.  I
personally wouldn't use these things myself FWIW.  If they were attached
to the frame...maybe.
> 
> GQ '67 Safari
> 4082 in CA
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> I can vouch for them as they kept my coach upright when the lug bolts
sheared off the brake drum, and wheel and tire all came off at 40mph on a
two lane curve in southern Ohio a year ago last May. A Previous Owner had
put on several lug bolts which were woefully underrated. Somehow I was
naive enough to trust that my lug bolts were okay- go figure... 
> 
> I put up a detailed description of the accident and what happened
during the action of the skid and how it truly saved my rig. While other
speculate I have had the experience. For single axle rigs with high
center of gravity (id est taller than a pop up), they are an
unconventional, but not such a crazy idea. The discussion should be in
the list archives somewhere. The only draw back to them is everyone at
filling stations stop me and try to tell me I have "a  broken leaf
spring."
...................................
> Alex In Indiana (soon to be Port O' Call)
> 66 Safari & Overlander 
> WBCCI #8728

> ------------------------------
> 
> hi gq
> when i first glanced under the trailer, i thought i had broken leaf
springs, then later determined that they were not. i see your point about
the loads imposed on the axle when riding on the skids. best to remove
them it seems, however i have seen pictures of damage caused to the body
of airstreams when blowouts occur and it is not a pretty picture. thanks
for your input.
> harry
> ------------------------------
> 
> Hi All,
> I noticed last night, with Rob's help, that one of my tire skids is
missing.
> Hope someone behind me didn't find it the hard way. I have no idea
where I lost it. I obviously have two options; replace the lost one or
remove the existing one. Yes, I have been asked by several folks what it
is. 
> When I explain it to them, they seem to get it and walk away shaking
their heads.
> Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I plan on having another
fabricated and re-installed. The factory must have known what they were
doing and thought it necessary on a single axle unit.
> 
> Brad Norgaard

> 
> > mine are bolted on using flat base u bolts. no welding or holes
drilled in the axle
> > 
> > harry truitt
> ------------------------------
> >> 
> >> All this information on tire skids.  Are these bolted on or welded. 
I understand that the heat can damage the rubber. 
> >>> Alex In Indiana (soon to be Port O' Call)

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 00:35:19 -0600
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #112 - Chopping up a precious A/S?

The matter under discussion involved a plexi panel that is inserted into
the opening of an OPEN window, not hacking holes in the walls or floor.
Al G.
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 13:15:17 -0500
> From: "Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Portable AC
> 
> Hi Guys,
> 
> Haven't been paying a lot of attention to the thread; however, messing
up a window on an Airstream sends shutters...............................
       '69 Safari, 
> Joy

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 14:31:36 -0500
From: gillguy@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater

Harry
Never heard of A & I enterprises. 90 days is way to long to wait on receiving
something, even an on-line purchase, and most of those I've done have been
fairly prompt. If you've already paid for it call the Better Business Bureau
in your area and have them give Arnie a call to find out what the delay is.
I bought my cat heater from an RV store and installed it the same day.
Good luck
Bobby
  ----- Original Message -----
  Wrom: GDGVCJVTLBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWFAOBUZXUWLSZLKBRNVWWCUFPE


  good morning
  when i first purchased my safari about 3 months ago, i  found within the
vac
  archives glowing reviews of the platinum cat heaters available from thermal
  systems (a & l enterprises). these reviews were a bit dated, somewhere in
1999
  or 2000. i also see no further posts or threads beyond these dates. anyway,
i
  ordered one of the larger heaters 90 days ago and still do not have it. when
i
  speak to arnie at a&l, he is very non committal regarding when i will get
the
  heater. anyone had any trouble or experience with this fellow?  he seems
like
  a nice guy but 90 days is a long time.

  thanks
  harry truitt
  franktown co
  66 safari

  -----------------------------------------------------------------
  When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text

  To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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son.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html>

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 14:20:33 -0700
From: "Stan Truitt" <stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater

hello bobby
thanks for your advice. i have been patient and will continue to be so for a
while because this cat heater is the only one that i have found to be
vented. that is to say that all co2 and water vapors are expelled out of the
trailer by a fan driven vent. this makes for a wonderful heater, the
advantages of catalytic without the fumes or condensation. although i found
him on the net, the order was placed by telephone and i have not paid him
yet. i just want the heater and thought maybe someone might have had a track
record for them.  thanks again for your input

harry
franktown co
66 safari
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: <gillguy@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 12:31 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater



> I bought my cat heater from an RV store and installed it the same day.
> Good luck
> Bobby
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   Wrom: GDGVCJVTLBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWFAOBUZXUWLSZLKBRNVWWCUFPE
>
>
>   good morning
>   when i first purchased my safari about 3 months ago, i  found within the
> vac
>   archives glowing reviews of the platinum cat heaters available from
thermal
>   systems (a & l enterprises). these reviews were a bit dated, somewhere
in
> 1999
>   or 2000. i also see no further posts or threads beyond these dates.
anyway,
> i
>   ordered one of the larger heaters 90 days ago and still do not have it.
when
> i
>   speak to arnie at a&l, he is very non committal regarding when i will
get
> the
>   heater. anyone had any trouble or experience with this fellow?  he seems
> like
>   a nice guy but 90 days is a long time.
>
>   thanks
>   harry truitt
>   franktown co
>   66 safari
>
>   -----------------------------------------------------------------
>   When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>   To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
>
http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html<http://www.tompatter
> son.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html>
>
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 15:32:59 -0600
From: Dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater

I have one of the heaters.. I like it a lot,  I have called them to ask  
for
information on operation and they helped me a lot..
But ,  that was several years ago.. My unit still gives me good service.
1970 27 ft unit

Thank you
Dean L.
866-206-5962

On Dec 30, 2003, at 3:20 PM, Stan Truitt wrote:

hello bobby
thanks for your advice. i have been patient and will continue to be so  
for a
while because this cat heater is the only one that i have found to be
vented. that is to say that all co2 and water vapors are expelled out  
of the
trailer by a fan driven vent. this makes for a wonderful heater, the
advantages of catalytic without the fumes or condensation. although i  
found
him on the net, the order was placed by telephone and i have not paid  
him
yet. i just want the heater and thought maybe someone might have had a  
track
record for them.  thanks again for your input

harry
franktown co
66 safari
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <gillguy@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 12:31 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater



> I bought my cat heater from an RV store and installed it the same day.
> Good luck
> Bobby
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   Wrom: GDGVCJVTLBXFGGMEPYOQKEDOTWFAOBUZXUWLSZLKBRNVWWCUFPE
>
>
>   good morning
>   when i first purchased my safari about 3 months ago, i  found within  
> the
> vac
>   archives glowing reviews of the platinum cat heaters available from
thermal
>   systems (a & l enterprises). these reviews were a bit dated,  
> somewhere
in
> 1999
>   or 2000. i also see no further posts or threads beyond these dates.
anyway,
> i
>   ordered one of the larger heaters 90 days ago and still do not have  
> it.
when
> i
>   speak to arnie at a&l, he is very non committal regarding when i will
get
> the
>   heater. anyone had any trouble or experience with this fellow?  he  
> seems
> like
>   a nice guy but 90 days is a long time.
>
>   thanks
>   harry truitt
>   franktown co
>   66 safari
>
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 18:52:52 -0500
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

Roger, that makes sense. Thank You. Would a tire get that chewed up on a
single axle trailer? I would think that you would know almost immediatly and
get pulled over before things got so bad that damage was done. But then
again perhaps someone has been looking out for me!

Scott
- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 10:27 AM
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids


> When a tire blows out, any damage to the trailer is caused when the blown
> tire is shredded while still in contact with the roadway.  It's not the
> blowout that throws pieces, it is the rim and road that tear the tire up.
>
> Skids keep that road contact to a minimum, and help avoid rim damage and
> worse.
>
> Roger

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 19:17:00 -0800
From: Joann Wheatley <jwheatle@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

Pete: I'd like to see the photos. I'm considering putting some skids on 
my rebuild AS Bubble.
Jo Ann
On 30, Dec 2003, at 6:48 AM, satdjpete@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:

>         I can assure you from personal experiance on a single axle 
> trailer the skid plates are absolutes neccessities. (pictures upon 
> request)
>         I think it was DR/G who mentiond the fact that the early ? 
> duratorques were subject to metal fatigue, indeed they are I lost both 
> at the same time.
>          1965 Caravel
>                         Pete 1968 TW WBCCI & VAC
>
>> Hi All,
>> I noticed last night, with Rob's help, that one of my tire skids is 
>> missing.
>> Hope someone behind me didn't find it the hard way. I have no idea 
>> where I
>> lost it. I obviously have two options; replace the lost one or remove 
>> the
>> existing one. Yes, I have been asked by several folks what it is. 
>> When I
>> explain it to them, they seem to get it and walk away shaking their 
>> heads.
>> Unless someone can convince me otherwise, I plan on having another
>> fabricated and re-installed. The factory must have known what they 
>> were
>> doing and thought it necessary on a single axle unit.
>>
>> Brad Norgaard
>> Phoenix
>> '59 Trade Wind Twin
>> VAC #2699, TCT
>>
>>
>> on 12/29/03 4:38 PM, Stan Truitt at stan.truitt@xxxxxxxxxx.com 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> mine are bolted on using flat base u bolts. no welding or holes 
>>> drilled in
>>> the axle
>>>
>>> harry truitt
>>> franktown co
>>> 66 safari
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> All this information on tire skids.  Are these bolted on or welded. 
>>>>  I
>>>> understand that the heat can damage the rubber.
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Alex In Indiana (soon to be Port O' Call)
>>>>> 66 Safari & Overlander
>>>>> WBCCI #8728
>>
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------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 22:35:40 EST
From: Tombhs@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] platinum cat heater

Harry: I would like to check out these heaters.  Do you have a web site where 
you ordered?  What is the name of the unit? Model # etc.  Thanks

Tom Fairbank
1969 Tradewind

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2003 19:37:11 -0800
From: Joann Wheatley <jwheatle@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: [VAL] tire skids

Pete: I'd like to see the pictures and any further info you have on the 
installation. They were not on my old '56 Bubble, I think.
Jo Ann

------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #113
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