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VAL Digest V1 #340



VAL Digest           Sunday, August 15 2004           Volume 01 : Number 340




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Posting pics...
RE: [VAL] FLA Harricane
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
Re: [VAL] Re: Topper lock and latch handle
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
[VAL] The gilded Airstream...
Re: [VAL] progress and a question
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
[VAL] LED lights
Re: [VAL] TIRES ???
Re: [VAL] LED lights
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
Re: [VAL] Posting pics...
[VAL] Door hinge placement
[VAL] Hitch problems
RE: [VAL] Hitch problems
[VAL] Sagging Step
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
RE: [VAL] Hitch problems
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S
RE: [VAL] Hitch problems
[VAL] RE: (VAL) Posting Pics...
Re: [VAL] TIRES ???
Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question
RE: [VAL] Hitch problems

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Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 01:43:14 -0400
From: "JACK SLOAN" <nyseconds@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Posting pics...

I somehow feel some camaraderie with you Mark- maybe we're "Bohemian on a
Budget"...(<;

But then: "rich in spirit, wealthy in friends, well off in toys and
projects" might be putting you (& me too) ahead of some others... besides,
you do live in CA, eh?

I would like to peruse yr pix of the Gold-trimmed Airstream- and hear from
any front wheeled Airstream drivers (M---r Homes) that (like me) lurk in the
cyber-shadows and enjoy the posts and discussions from yourself and others.
Appears to be some nice folks on this list.

Jack Sloan ( nyseconds@xxxxxxxxxx.net )

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 06:58:46 -0600
From: "JP Polly" <jppolly@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] FLA Harricane

Jim Smith - I have been thinking about you as this hurricane hit land, glad you escaped OK.  
I lived in St Pete during one hurricane season myself in the 1940s.  
Polly in CO

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:14:23 -0400
From: Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

Actually, unless it is a buddy rally, if it is a WBCCI rally, you have 
to be a member of the WBCCI...but the only agism I know about is some 
campgrounds won't let "older" trailers in. So I lie about my ages....

And at International being in the Vintage Section is optional. Of course 
you won't have any fun if you don't stay there.....

Daisy

William Kerfoot wrote:
> Alan,
> 
> I don't know why you were left in the cold, it is my understanding that 
> all Airstreams are welcome at all Airstream events.  The only 
> segregation that I know of is at the International when they allow 
> vintage units to park together.  I have felt welcome at the only event I 
> attended prior to becoming Vintage and feel welcome at the events since 
> which are a mixture of vintage and non vintage units.
> 
> Bill Kerfoot
> WBCCI/VAC #5223
> 1979 23' Safari
> 1977 Lincoln Continental
> 1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon
> Orange, CA
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VALgallery/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=21
> 
> AlanTBird@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
> 
>> ...This list is about Vintage Airstreams, meaning at least 25 years old.
>> ...I remember when I acquired my 1st unit, a 79 that was a few years 
>> short of the 25 year mark and felt that while I knew it was special 
>> and unigue~ I was left out in the cold from enjoying and sharing my 
>> new OLD toy with other A/S owners for a few years and that was a bit 
>> frustrating!...
> 
> 
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:23:46 -0400
From: Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

Hi chuck and Lynn,

My '73 has no window by the door, it's very rare but it does happen. As 
for the door, I suppose you can have anything you want when you order 
the trailer.

If you feed the list the serial number of the trailer, someone will 
decode it.

Daisy

c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:

> Hi Folks,  We just purchased a what was described as a 64 Tradewind.  At first, the 
gentleman said it was a 62, but now a 64.  we don't really care if it's a 62 or 64, cause 
it's an Airstream.  Our question is, in the Airstream Photo archives, all the Tradewinds 
60 through 64 have a window or louvers between the door and the front of the trailer.  This 
unit has no window.  Also, all the doors seem to be hinged on the left, making the door 
open towards the rear of the unit.  This one has the hinges on the right opening toward the 
front of the unit.  Does anyone know if it was a common practice for Airstream to reverse 
the swing of the door. Or are we looking at some  other year.  The closest photo I could 
find was a 61 Safari. He says it has a Tradewind label on the unit.  
> Thanks in advance,
> Chuck & Lynn
> 1965 Overlander
> 1960 Tradewind Int.
> 1962-64? Tradewind
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
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> 
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------------------------------

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:28:54 -0400
From: Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: Topper lock and latch handle

Humm, that's probably true. I sort of assume everyone has a screwdriver 
in their pocket all the time, but I guess I may be making false 
assumption....

My deadbolt has internal injuries and has to be coaxed with a screw 
driver to open. I guess I will just put one on my key chain.

Daisy

Dr. Gerald Johnson wrote:

> Since there are few variations on the key, the screwdriver operated 
> hatch may actually be more secure than the handle with key lock.
> 
> Gerald J.

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 07:08:49 -0700
From: Brad Norgaard <stream2699@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

Chuck & Lynn,
Take a look at my '59 Trade Wind in the archives. If there is not a window
forward of the door then, in most all cases, the trailer has a dinette
instead of a couch. Through the internet I've located over 10 '59 Trade
Winds and have found only one other with a booth. They seem to be quite
unique. As for the placement of the hinges, I haven't found the reasoning
behind the decision on where they were placed. Do you have the serial number
from the ID plate. Often times there is a date of manufacture stamped on
there. What ever the year, good luck with your new Airstream.

Brad Norgaard
Phoenix
'59 Trade Wind Twin
VAC #2699, TCT 

.on 8/13/04 9:50 PM, c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net at c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:

> Hi Folks,  We just purchased a what was described as a 64 Tradewind.  At
> first, the gentleman said it was a 62, but now a 64.  we don't really care if
> it's a 62 or 64, cause it's an Airstream.  Our question is, in the Airstream
> Photo archives, all the Tradewinds 60 through 64 have a window or louvers
> between the door and the front of the trailer.  This unit has no window.
> Also, all the doors seem to be hinged on the left, making the door open
> towards the rear of the unit.  This one has the hinges on the right opening
> toward the front of the unit.  Does anyone know if it was a common practice
> for Airstream to reverse the swing of the door. Or are we looking at some
> other year.  The closest photo I could find was a 61 Safari. He says it has a
> Tradewind label on the unit.
> Thanks in advance,
> Chuck & Lynn
> 1965 Overlander
> 1960 Tradewind Int.
> 1962-64? Tradewind

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 10:19:56 -0400
From: Rick Kunath <k9ao@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

On Saturday 14 August 2004 10:08 am, Brad Norgaard wrote:
As for the placement of the hinges, I haven't found the reasoning
> behind the decision on where they were placed. Do you have the serial
> number from the ID plate. Often times there is a date of manufacture
> stamped on there. What ever the year, good luck with your new Airstream.
>

My '60 Tradewind has the jalousie windows forward of the door and has a couch 
across the center.

As to the door hinges, my trailer has the door opening towards the rear of the 
trailer, necessary because of the placement of the louvered windows forward 
of the door. It was my understanding that in the old days, caravanners 
requested a forward opening door whenever possible because then, should the 
door come open unexpectedly during travel, it wouldn't slam toward the rear 
of the trailer and damage the hinges. The wind of movement would keep the 
door against the trailer body. I believe that Wally made this change whenever 
possible after that meeting when the request was made. 

I don't know what the current policy is. Maybe latches are a lot better these 
days?

Rick Kunath 
WBCCI #3060
'60 Tradewind Twin

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 07:38:31 -0700
From: "Mark" <mark@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] The gilded Airstream...

Hi Jack,

Ooops...better be careful where I say THAT nowadays!  I'm pleased you feel a
kinship with me, Jack...your note tells me it's so.  Most people waste their
lives pursuing the booby prize:  money, and it costs them, and those who hang
around them, their aliveness.

Yup, I live in California, but I was born in Oregon in 1948 and I'm darn proud
of it!  I'm glad you wrote and I'm happy to send you these pics, along with
the canned note which follows.  (Everybody else just got the canned note, but
you sound like my kind of people and I wanted to acknowledge that
personally...thanks, now I'm a little bit richer!  Here's the note:

Hi,

 It's a rear bath, with the tub in the starboard quarter, ceramic stool
opposite, vanity counter with ceramic sink across the back.  The center galley
on the port side is across from a gaucho bed, and the main couch across the
front slides out to effect a 'double' bed.  The over/under jalousie window are
duplicated on the opposite side of the trailer, and a bit wider, not having to
accommodate the entrance door.

It has a tandem axle, with 'the new Dura-torque' suspension.  It has both
hydraulic and electric brakes.  The model plate describes it as a '24DS', and
the number across the outside front (Wally Byam club #?) is a very faded
30908.

 Thanks for your interest and...


All the best,

Mark Spencer
Modesto, CA

ps.  I don't know and never met Scott Peterson but, when I was a kid,  I used
to hang out in the now famous house in which he [allegedly] did the deed.

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Airstream interior dark.jpg]

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Airstream SN plate.jpg]

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of airstream street side.jpg]

[demime 1.01d removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Airstream.jpg]

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 10:38:04 -0400
From: Chris Elliott <celliott@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] progress and a question

Pleased to report my ac and dc systems are up and running , I added a intellipower as the 
solar isnt going to run it all given the cloudy rainy weather around these parts . All 
12 v goes in to one service with the solarboost controller , batterys are in a box on the 
h2o tank up front , control box mounts to that . I will be building a desk type shelf where 
the front sofa was (purists gasp ) for the laptop , tv and doing paperwork . My grip about 
a/s I dont care how big is not enough counter space , this will help that , as well as 
moving the guacho forward a foot , giving me a little more next to the stove . Just ticked 
with how quiet the intellepower is , startles me when the fan comes on , which is rarely . 
Also how well the fantastic fan works , also startles me when it
decides to open and come on by itself . Not used to modern technology in my trailers !
   New furnace will go in today ,made the new duct to connect which tested my geometry but 
fits well , got cabinet back in AGAIN last nite.
   Plumbing is almost there but for the final connection of sink/shower drain to 3 inch pipe ,
found a double Genova fitting that will accept both from either side much as it was with 
rubber couples .
   Which lends me to a question ...what is the best lubricant for the old compresser for a 
pressurized system ?. I was going to use mineral oil in case some blew by into the h20 ,but 
it seems thinner than what  was left in there originally . I would like to stay with that 
system as it wont come on every time I turn the water on as a pump would .
   Chris 63 flying cloud

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 07:44:34 -0700
From: Brad Norgaard <stream2699@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

Hi Rick,
I had heard that the doors were hinged in the back to allow room for an
awning and so the door would be able to open all of the way and not be in
the way of the awning arm when the awning was set out. This was speculation
but seems to make sense. Do you have a date stamp on your ID tag Rick? I
have your serial number on file.

Brad Norgaard
Phoenix
'59 Trade Wind Twin
VAC #2699, TCT 

on 8/14/04 7:19 AM, Rick Kunath at k9ao@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:


> My '60 Tradewind has the jalousie windows forward of the door and has a couch
> across the center.
> 
> As to the door hinges, my trailer has the door opening towards the rear of the
> trailer, necessary because of the placement of the louvered windows forward
> of the door. It was my understanding that in the old days, caravanners
> requested a forward opening door whenever possible because then, should the
> door come open unexpectedly during travel, it wouldn't slam toward the rear
> of the trailer and damage the hinges. The wind of movement would keep the
> door against the trailer body. I believe that Wally made this change whenever
> possible after that meeting when the request was made.
> 
> Rick Kunath 
> WBCCI #3060
> '60 Tradewind Twin

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 14:56:09 +0000
From: c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

No, not yet. We are picking up the unit on wednesday. I let you know about the numbers.  Thanks,
chuck & Lynn

- -------------- Original message -------------- 

> Hi Rick, 
> I had heard that the doors were hinged in the back to allow room for an 
> awning and so the door would be able to open all of the way and not be in 
> the way of the awning arm when the awning was set out. This was speculation 
> but seems to make sense. Do you have a date stamp on your ID tag Rick? I 
> have your serial number on file. 
> 
> Brad Norgaard 
> Phoenix 
> '59 Trade Wind Twin 
> VAC #2699, TCT 
> 
> on 8/14/04 7:19 AM, Rick Kunath at k9ao@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote: 
> 
> 
> > My '60 Tradewind has the jalousie windows forward of the door and has a couch 
> > across the center. 
> > 
> > As to the door hinges, my trailer has the door opening towards the rear of the 
> > trailer, necessary because of the placement of the louvered windows forward 
> > of the door. It was my understanding that in the old days, caravanners 
> > requested a forward opening door whenever possible because then, should the 
> > door come open unexpectedly during travel, it wouldn't slam toward the rear 
> > of the trailer and damage the hinges. The wind of movement would keep the 
> > door against the trailer body. I believe that Wally made this change whenever 
> > possible after that meeting when the request was made. 
> > 
> > Rick Kunath 
> > WBCCI #3060 
> > '60 Tradewind Twin 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
> 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: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:11:32 -0600
From: "jcchome" <jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] LED lights

Has anyone here built LED light assemblies for their Airstream or seen
any good references on making these.  I did a web search but didn't find
any good information.  I'm interested in lights with less current draw
and thus a longer battery life.
 
Best Regards,
   Jim
 
   jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:12:39 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] TIRES ???

The old bias ply trailer tires are getting hard to find because they are 
of indeterminate size when inflated, so they sometimes fill up the 
undersized Airstream wheel wells, they heat if the side walls flex under 
load, they wear poorly, and they roll stiffly. Radial tires are more 
consistent about size, their sidewalls are made to flex, and they roll 
more easily. I've not detected any greater lateral instability with 
radials on my Caravel compared to the previous set of bias ply tires.

Many tire makers build a ST series (Special Trailer) of radial tires that 
seem to work well. I bought Titan's for my trailers last year. Went from 
less than a quarter inch tire tread to wheel well clearance to about 
an inch with the same load rating.

Gerald J.

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

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:46:27 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] LED lights

This is what I posted last year. Look for assembled lamps at 
www.mouser.com. 

Gerald J.

>Subject: 
>              Re: [VACList] LED's
>        Date: 
>              Sun, 24 Aug 2003 09:42:16 -0500
>        From: 
>              "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" 
<geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>Organization: 
>              Gerald N. Johnson
>           To: 
>              vaclist@xxxxxxxxxx.net
>          CC: 
>              "AirstreamList@xxxxxxxxxx.com" 
<AirstreamList@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
>  References: 
>              1
>
>
>Choice of LEDs is a moving target. It will only get better. 
>
>Yesterday I received a book from Australia, "Silicon Chip's Electronic
>Projects for Cars", Vol two. www.siliconchip.com.au. $21.50 
(Australian)
>airmailed to the USA. Kits for the projects come from Jaycar 
Electronics
>in Australia, 222.jaycar.com.au.
>
>Article and kits cover parts for making your own bayonet and wedge 
base
>lamp kits. The article was originally published in Silicon Chip, March
>2003, "LED Lightning For Your Car," by Peter Smith. The article includes
>printed circuit board layouts, with relatively trivial circuitry. It may
>be possible to find a copy of the article through interlibrary loan, or
>on the internet. I did find a copy of the article I ordered the book for
>on the internet a couple hours after I mailed my order.
>
>They report white LEDs with an output of 15,000 millicandela, three
>times what I bought last spring for testing.
>
>Gerald J.
>-- 


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

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 09:59:44 -0700
From: William Kerfoot <wkerfoot@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

Daisy,

I know that Blondes, oops I mean Vintage, have more fun, but I thought 
that Alan's problem was that they would not let him play with the 
Vintage until he was older.

Bill Kerfoot
WBCCI/VAC #5223
1979 23' Safari
1977 Lincoln Continental
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon
Orange, CA
http://www.tompatterson.com/VALgallery/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=21


Daisy Welch wrote:

> Actually, unless it is a buddy rally, if it is a WBCCI rally, you have 
> to be a member of the WBCCI...but the only agism I know about is some 
> campgrounds won't let "older" trailers in. So I lie about my ages....
>
> And at International being in the Vintage Section is optional. Of 
> course you won't have any fun if you don't stay there.....
>
> Daisy

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 10:23:54 -0700
From: "Gary Quamen" <g_quamen@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Posting pics...

> I'd post 'em in a hot second but for one thing:  you have to be a paid
member
> and, though rich in spirit, wealthy in friends, well off in toys and
> projects...I'm probably one of the least money saturated persons on this
list
> (how embarrassing!) and am not willing/able to part with the eighty bucks
it
> would take to join right now.

Hey Mark:

I don't think that you have to be a "member" of the WBCCI or the VAC to post
pictures on Tom's website.  He asks you to register as a member of the LIST
in order to upload pictures to the site.  You are already a member of the
LIST or your posts wouldn't appear here.   Check it out.

GQ '67 Safari
4082 in CA (Bay Area)

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 11:37:51 -0600
From: "Fred Coldwell" <agrijeep@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Door hinge placement

Hi Chuck & Lynn:

    After looking at many photos of old Airstreams, I've concluded that 
up to 1965, entrance doors were hinged to open away from adjacent 
windows.  Most pre-1965 trailers 22' and shorter did not have a window 
forward of the door, so the door hinges are on the front side of the 
door.  There are exceptions, like early 1960s Safaris and late 1950s 
Flying Clouds, which had a window forward of the door, so their doors 
usually had rear hinges.  I've only seen one old Airstream whose door 
swung into, as opposed to away from, adjacent windows.

    Many, but not all, 24' and longer pre-1965 trailers have windows 
forward of the door, so their door typically hinges at the rear.  A 
benefit of rear door hinges is that a permanent awning can be mounted; 
when the awning is lowered, the door fully swings away from the awning 
rail so the door can be secured flush against the trailer.

    Forward hinged doors usually can open only halfway before hitting up 
against a near horizontal awning support rail on a permanently mounted 
awning.  The old style free standing awnings with poles at the outer 
edge of the awning are great because a forward hinged door can be swung 
fully open and secured against the trailer.

    Beginning in 1965 and continuing for a while, all Airstreams 
regardless of length had the same new style door with a cast frame and 
one large center mounted rear door hinge.   Permanent awnings can be 
easily used on these trailers.

     As others have mentioned, post your trailer's serial number when 
you received it and we'll decode it as to year and model trailer.

Fred Coldwell


c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:

> Hi Folks,  We just purchased a what was described as a 64 Tradewind.  At first, the 
gentleman said it was a 62, but now a 64.  we don't really care if it's a 62 or 64, cause 
it's an Airstream.  Our question is, in the Airstream Photo archives, all the Tradewinds 
60 through 64 have a window or louvers between the door and the front of the trailer.  
This unit has no window.  Also, all the doors seem to be hinged on the left, making the 
door open towards the rear of the unit.  This one has the hinges on the right opening toward 
the front of the unit.  Does anyone know if it was a common practice for Airstream to reverse 
the swing of the door. Or are we looking at some  other year.  The closest photo I could find 
was a 61 Safari. He says it has a Tradewind label on the unit.  
> Thanks in advance,
> Chuck & Lynn
> 1965 Overlander
> 1960 Tradewind Int.
> 1962-64? Tradewind
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 11:20:48 -0700
From: <trailergirl@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Hitch problems

Just a note of warning about checking your receiver on a regular basis.
We just had a customer come in to pick up their trailer.
The receiver on their truck was a factory installed one not after market.
In checking the receiver and hitch, as he will routinely do just to make
sure all is OK,
the man that does our trailer hitches found that the welds of the cross
piece on either side where it attaches
to the side brackets that bolt to the frame had cracked causing a serious
problem.
He was able to repair the welds in short order and get the customer on his
way.
The customer was towing a 34' Airstream with slide out cross country.
Terrible to think what could have happened if our hitch guy had not checked
it.

Anyway the point is, on a regular basis you need to look under your tow
vehicle
and inspect the receiver. Check the bolts where it is mounted to the frame
and
look for any signs of compromise of the welds. This seems to be more of a
concern with the factory installed receivers and not the aftermarket major
brands of receivers, but all receivers should be checked on a regular basis.
If you see something that gives you any concerns have it checked further by
someone that does hitches.

Would be interested to know if anyone has had or finds a problem with their
receiver.

Sue Murphy
Iowa Boys
North Hollywood, CA

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 14:20:59 -0500
From: "dtidmore" <dtidmore@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Hitch problems

Sue,
Just curious if the vehicle involved was a GM product.  There have been
quite a few reports of welds cracking over the past couple of years on their
factory receivers.  We just returned from the CO VAC rally and while there,
I was visiting with a friend who had 2, GM factory receivers crack at the
welds (towing 31' w slideout) over the last year.  He told me that when the
second receiver started failing (ie he spotted rust in the weld areas), he
pulled it and took it to a welding shop who first inspected it.  They told
him that basically ALL the welds were cold (inadequate current and therefore
heat used during welding process). They also noted that there were only
welds on one side of several joints that should have been welded on both
sides.  They totally rewelded all the receiver joints, fixing all the
deficiencies and so far, no more issues.  I personally know of two others
that have had failures on GM factory receivers, so I don't think this is an
isolated situation. 

I am glad to hear someone else sounding the alert to be on the watch for
receiver issues, factory or third party.  Since the cracking receiver welds
first appear with Hensley Arrow owners (since then, it has also been
detected on Reese DC users) and I also tow with a Hensley, I have been
checking my receiver about once a month.  Fortunately, my Drawtite class 4
seems to be rock solid.  Also, all the mounting bolts between the frame and
the receiver should be checked for proper torque as anything mechanical can
loosen over time and that can start a chain of events that may have a less
than happy ending.

David Tidmore

- -----Original Message-----
From: valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com [mailto:valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com]
On Behalf Of trailergirl@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 1:21 PM
To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com; valist-digest@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Hitch problems

Just a note of warning about checking your receiver on a regular basis.
We just had a customer come in to pick up their trailer.
The receiver on their truck was a factory installed one not after market.
In checking the receiver and hitch, as he will routinely do just to make
sure all is OK,
the man that does our trailer hitches found that the welds of the cross
piece on either side where it attaches
to the side brackets that bolt to the frame had cracked causing a serious
problem.
He was able to repair the welds in short order and get the customer on his
way.
The customer was towing a 34' Airstream with slide out cross country.
Terrible to think what could have happened if our hitch guy had not checked
it.

Anyway the point is, on a regular basis you need to look under your tow
vehicle
and inspect the receiver. Check the bolts where it is mounted to the frame
and
look for any signs of compromise of the welds. This seems to be more of a
concern with the factory installed receivers and not the aftermarket major
brands of receivers, but all receivers should be checked on a regular basis.
If you see something that gives you any concerns have it checked further by
someone that does hitches.

Would be interested to know if anyone has had or finds a problem with their
receiver.

Sue Murphy
Iowa Boys
North Hollywood, CA

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 12:27:41 -0700
From: "Judy White" <djmurtha@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Sagging Step

The folding step on my 1972 is sagging.It won't stay in the up and locked
position for travel.

 

Normal operation, at least the past 5 years, has been to push the step
assembly up into the frame within the belly pan area where it 'catches.'  A
push up on the lever locks it into place for travel.   The lever, forward of
the step, is three position, pushed down, releases the step for use, middle
position is 'neutral' and pushed up, locks the step in the up and ready for
travel position.  There was a friction-feel to the upward movement of the
lever.   Now, the 'friction feel' is gone and the step will not 'catch' in
the up position.  During travel, the motion of the trailer causes it to
ultimately lock in the down and ready to use position, extended out from the
trailer.A rather vulnerable situation.

 

My 1972 service manual shows an exploded view of the parts, but no help with
this saggy situation.  

 

Anyone have a similar experience and solution?

 

Judy White

72-27 Int'l Ambassador

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 16:20:49 EDT
From: JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

AT what age do we become vintage??
Jim Smith
who just wont act his age

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 16:28:41 -0400
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

When you are reissued?

Tom

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: <JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 4:20 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S


> AT what age do we become vintage??
> Jim Smith
> who just wont act his age
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 16:47:08 -0400
From: Dick Kenan <as5368@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Hitch problems

David:

         The cracking receivers have been going on far longer than the last 
couple of years, and they did NOT first occur with a Hensley 
hitch.  Indeed, several percent (I forget the exact number) of trailer 
hitches at the 2000 Florida State rally were found (by DOT, who inspected 
all hitch receivers free) to have either cracked welds or incipient cracks, 
or loose bolts.
         GM is a major offender, although Ford and Dodge had their 
problems, too; the difference seems to be that Ford and Dodge have moved to 
fix the problems...GM may have done so, but if so, it was more slowly and 
rather recently.
         Doug Showker is the "Safety Ambassador" for Reese, and he has 
encountered a large number of OEM receivers with these problems.  Jim Moore 
has been doing safety inspections for the Ga Unit (owns Top O'Georgia 
Airstream park) for several years, and found several badly cracked 
receivers at the Ga State rally, some loose bolts, and a number of 
under-rated hitch balls.  One receiver he saw was just hanging on by about 
one inch of metal - ready for a disaster.
         This is a widespread problem, and I repeat, it was not initially 
found on receivers of tow-ers using Hensley hitches.  It does, as you say, 
need wider attention.  It's easy to inspect the receiver before starting 
out.  Also, torquing the bolts to specs (I think around 75-80 in-lb) is an 
easy job.  And, the rating on the hitch ball is stamped right on the top; 
should be 10,000 lb, IIRC, for a class 4 hitch.

- - Dick
(5368)

\



   This is far larger than At 03:20 PM 8/14/2004, you wrote:
>Sue,
>Just curious if the vehicle involved was a GM product.  There have been
>quite a few reports of welds cracking over the past couple of years on their
>factory receivers.  We just returned from the CO VAC rally and while there,
>I was visiting with a friend who had 2, GM factory receivers crack at the
>welds (towing 31' w slideout) over the last year.  He told me that when the
>second receiver started failing (ie he spotted rust in the weld areas), he
>pulled it and took it to a welding shop who first inspected it.  They told
>him that basically ALL the welds were cold (inadequate current and therefore
>heat used during welding process). They also noted that there were only
>welds on one side of several joints that should have been welded on both
>sides.  They totally rewelded all the receiver joints, fixing all the
>deficiencies and so far, no more issues.  I personally know of two others
>that have had failures on GM factory receivers, so I don't think this is an
>isolated situation.
>
>I am glad to hear someone else sounding the alert to be on the watch for
>receiver issues, factory or third party.  Since the cracking receiver welds
>first appear with Hensley Arrow owners (since then, it has also been
>detected on Reese DC users) and I also tow with a Hensley, I have been
>checking my receiver about once a month.  Fortunately, my Drawtite class 4
>seems to be rock solid.  Also, all the mounting bolts between the frame and
>the receiver should be checked for proper torque as anything mechanical can
>loosen over time and that can start a chain of events that may have a less
>than happy ending.
>
>David Tidmore
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com [mailto:valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com]
>On Behalf Of trailergirl@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 1:21 PM
>To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com; valist-digest@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Subject: [VAL] Hitch problems
>
>Just a note of warning about checking your receiver on a regular basis.
>We just had a customer come in to pick up their trailer.
>The receiver on their truck was a factory installed one not after market.
>In checking the receiver and hitch, as he will routinely do just to make
>sure all is OK,
>the man that does our trailer hitches found that the welds of the cross
>piece on either side where it attaches
>to the side brackets that bolt to the frame had cracked causing a serious
>problem.
>He was able to repair the welds in short order and get the customer on his
>way.
>The customer was towing a 34' Airstream with slide out cross country.
>Terrible to think what could have happened if our hitch guy had not checked
>it.
>
>Anyway the point is, on a regular basis you need to look under your tow
>vehicle
>and inspect the receiver. Check the bolts where it is mounted to the frame
>and
>look for any signs of compromise of the welds. This seems to be more of a
>concern with the factory installed receivers and not the aftermarket major
>brands of receivers, but all receivers should be checked on a regular basis.
>If you see something that gives you any concerns have it checked further by
>someone that does hitches.
>
>Would be interested to know if anyone has had or finds a problem with their
>receiver.
>
>Sue Murphy
>Iowa Boys
>North Hollywood, CA
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
>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
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
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>
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"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the 
intelligent are full of doubt."
- - Bertrand Russell
- ---------------------------------------
Dick Kenan Tel: 770-451-0672
Retired and loving it!
Atlanta
WBCCI # 5368, 28' 1995 Excella
Atlanta
mailto:as5368@xxxxxxxxxx.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~as5368/ 

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 18:10:45 -0400
From: Dave Lowrey <airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

The VAC rules say that trailers 25 model years old, or older, are 
considered to be "Vinatge".

The State of Ohio does as well. I got "Historic Vehicle" plates for my 
trailer. Fifteen dollars and is good for 50 years!

Dave

At 04:20 PM 8/14/2004, you wrote:
>AT what age do we become vintage??
>Jim Smith
>who just wont act his age
>
>-----------------------------------------------------------------
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>
>To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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_________________________________________________________________
Dave & Ann Lowrey - dave_lowrey@xxxxxxxxxx.com

WBCCI: 5074

1977 31' Sovereign International (center bath)
Cincinnati, Ohio 

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 15:41:40 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <rwhigh@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S

Jim's pulling your leg.  He's about as "vintage" as you can get, :-)

Roger

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Lowrey" <airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 3:10 PM
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VINTAGE A/S


> The VAC rules say that trailers 25 model years old, or older, are 
> considered to be "Vinatge".
> 
> The State of Ohio does as well. I got "Historic Vehicle" plates for my 
> trailer. Fifteen dollars and is good for 50 years!
> 
> Dave
> 
> At 04:20 PM 8/14/2004, you wrote:
> >AT what age do we become vintage??
> >Jim Smith
> >who just wont act his age
> >
> >-----------------------------------------------------------------
> >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
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Dave & Ann Lowrey - dave_lowrey@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> 
> WBCCI: 5074
> 
> 1977 31' Sovereign International (center bath)
> Cincinnati, Ohio 
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 16:46:38 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Hitch problems

Reese's web page (http://www.reese-
hitches.com/trailer_hitch_balls.htm) recommends:
"WHEN INSTALLING REESE HITCH BALLS:
 torque all >" shank balls to 160 ft. lbs., all 1" to 250 ft. lbs., and 1<" shank 
balls to 450 ft. lbs."

In inch pounds that's 1920, 3000, and 5400 inch pounds.

To reach 450 ft. lbs you will need a 4 foot long wrench, or a 3/4" drive air 
impact wrench. Or two good men on a 2 foot long wrench. Can't get a 
socket and impact wrench on my hitch.

70 to 80 INCH pounds is only 6 to 7 foot pounds. That's just barely "finger 
tight."

Gerald J.

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

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 18:33:55 -0700
From: William Kerfoot <wkerfoot@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: [VAL] RE: (VAL) Posting Pics...

>Mark,
>
>Lets try to end the confusion.  The Vintage Airstream Club (VAC) is a
>membership organization, you must own an Airstream to belong, either
>associate or member.  You can, however, obtain the Vintage
>Advantage newsletter without ownership.  The Vintage Airstream List is
>not currently a part of the VAC, it was up until sometime last year, I
>believe.  The VAC decided to stop sponsoring the list and Tom Patterson,
>who has many interests, please look at his website:
>http://www.tompatterson.com/  agreed to host the renamed Vintage
>Airstream List (VAL) on his website, again, thank you Tom.  Posting
>pictures on his site: http://www.tompatterson.com/VALgallery/index.php
>is a courtesy which Tom has offered, the pictures are moderated and
>depending on the schedule of the moderators may take some time to
>appear.  The current moderators of the VAL are members of VAC, but other
>than that the VAL has no connection to VAC.
>
>Note to the world and moderators:  If I have made an error in this
>please correct, no offense will be taken, I am only trying to enlighten.
>
>PS: please send me your pictures, my address is on this email
>
>
>Bill Kerfoot
>WBCCI/VAC #5223
>1979 23' Safari
>1977 Lincoln Continental
>1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon
>Orange, CA
>
>  
>
http://www.tompatterson.com/VALgallery/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=21

>Mark wrote:
>
>  
>
>>Thank you, Bill.
>>
>>I'd post 'em in a hot second but for one thing:  you have to be a paid
>>    
>>
member and, though rich in spirit, wealthy in friends, well off in toys and projects...I'm 
probably one of the least money saturated persons on this list (how embarrassing!) and am 
not willing/able to part with the eighty bucks it would take to join right now.

I just found this list a coupla weeks ago, and only became aware of the

VAL club's existence this morning.  One of these days...

Truth be known, I'm in a terrible quandary...whether to put a bunch of

scarce cash into my old Airstream and buy a used Dodge diesel pickup to haul it....or buy an 
older Revcon motorhome (conceived and built by Wally's nephew so I can haul Gidget, a little 
old wooden runabout I've restored, so the small female (Reggie) and I can explore distant 
waterways as well as back roads.

However...if anyone to whom I've sent pictures wants to post FOR me,

they'd certainly have my permission to do so...  Otherwise, if anybody wants to see the thing, 
and sends me an email with their edress in it...I'll be happy to comply.

And that's the way it is.

Mark in Modesto, red of face, empty of wallet, clear of conscience.

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 22:52:37 -0400
From: "Bobby Gill" <gillguy@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] TIRES ???

Titans, huh. Never heard of those. Who makes 'em were didg get em.
Bobby
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Dr. Gerald Johnson<mailto:geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
  To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com<mailto:valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
  Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 10:12 AM
  Subject: Re: [VAL] TIRES ???


  The old bias ply trailer tires are getting hard to find because they are
  of indeterminate size when inflated, so they sometimes fill up the
  undersized Airstream wheel wells, they heat if the side walls flex under
  load, they wear poorly, and they roll stiffly. Radial tires are more
  consistent about size, their sidewalls are made to flex, and they roll
  more easily. I've not detected any greater lateral instability with
  radials on my Caravel compared to the previous set of bias ply tires.

  Many tire makers build a ST series (Special Trailer) of radial tires that
  seem to work well. I bought Titan's for my trailers last year. Went from
  less than a quarter inch tire tread to wheel well clearance to about
  an inch with the same load rating.

  Gerald J.

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

  -----------------------------------------------------------------
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son.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html>

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 22:54:34 -0400
From: "Bobby Gill" <gillguy@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question

Wish my door swing to the front.
BG
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Daisy Welch<mailto:jtdjtd@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
  To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com<mailto:valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
  Sent: Saturday, August 14, 2004 9:23 AM
  Subject: Re: [VAL] Airstream Trailer Question


  Hi chuck and Lynn,

  My '73 has no window by the door, it's very rare but it does happen. As
  for the door, I suppose you can have anything you want when you order
  the trailer.

  If you feed the list the serial number of the trailer, someone will
  decode it.

  Daisy

  c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net<mailto:c-l@xxxxxxxxxx.net> wrote:

  > Hi Folks,  We just purchased a what was described as a 64 Tradewind.  At
first, the gentleman said it was a 62, but now a 64.  we don't really care if
it's a 62 or 64, cause it's an Airstream.  Our question is, in the Airstream
Photo archives, all the Tradewinds 60 through 64 have a window or louvers
between the door and the front of the trailer.  This unit has no window.
Also, all the doors seem to be hinged on the left, making the door open
towards the rear of the unit.  This one has the hinges on the right opening
toward the front of the unit.  Does anyone know if it was a common practice
for Airstream to reverse the swing of the door. Or are we looking at some
other year.  The closest photo I could find was a 61 Safari. He says it has a
Tradewind label on the unit.
  > Thanks in advance,
  > Chuck & Lynn
  > 1965 Overlander
  > 1960 Tradewind Int.
  > 1962-64? Tradewind
  >
  > -----------------------------------------------------------------
  > 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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n.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html>

  -----------------------------------------------------------------
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son.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html>

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

Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2004 23:08:02 -0400
From: Dick Kenan <as5368@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Hitch problems

Hi, Gerald:
         Oops!!  You're right, I meant ft-lb, not in-lb.  And, I was 
talking about the bolts, not the hitch balls.

- - Dick
(5368)



At 05:46 PM 8/14/2004, you wrote:
>Reese's web page (http://www.reese-
>hitches.com/trailer_hitch_balls.htm) recommends:
>"WHEN INSTALLING REESE HITCH BALLS:
>  torque all >" shank balls to 160 ft. lbs., all 1" to 250 ft. lbs., and 
> 1<" shank
>balls to 450 ft. lbs."
>
>In inch pounds that's 1920, 3000, and 5400 inch pounds.
>
>To reach 450 ft. lbs you will need a 4 foot long wrench, or a 3/4" drive air
>impact wrench. Or two good men on a 2 foot long wrench. Can't get a
>socket and impact wrench on my hitch.
>
>70 to 80 INCH pounds is only 6 to 7 foot pounds. That's just barely "finger
>tight."
>
>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

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the 
intelligent are full of doubt."
- - Bertrand Russell
- ---------------------------------------
Dick Kenan Tel: 770-451-0672
Retired and loving it!
Atlanta
WBCCI # 5368, 28' 1995 Excella
Atlanta
mailto:as5368@xxxxxxxxxx.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~as5368/ 

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

End of VAL Digest V1 #340
*************************


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