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VAL Digest V1 #6



VAL Digest         Sunday, September 14 2003         Volume 01 : Number 006




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Topics in Today's Digest:

[VAL] Sat. Boston Globe
Re: [VAL] Sat. Boston Globe
[VAL] Lighthouse Caravan
[VAL] TCT Rally
[VAL] Re: Akron Unit Caravan
[VAL] Re: VACList Digest V3 #309 - Selling stuff
Re: [VAL] Dimension of 65 Tradewind
Re: [VAL] skin repair referral sought
[VAL] Re: [VACList] Olympic Rivets and Water Leaks
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Michelin tires
[VAL] Painting and Repairing Plastic
[VAL] Fw: Miles per gallon - which truck?
Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Michelin tires
[VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Tires

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 11:41:13 -0400
From: "C B Rollins" <canartgrp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Sat. Boston Globe

Living/Arts sec of 13 Sept Globe has brief article about the 'subculture 
within a subculture' and spotlights Wayne and Linda Moore and their 12 
Airstreams plus quotes from Bryan Burkhart etc. My GlobeTrotter just picked 
up an extra $500 in value!  CB Rollins  South Amherst Massachusetts

_________________________________________________________________
Compare Cable, DSL or Satellite plans: As low as $29.95.  
https://broadband.msn.com

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 11:08:51 -0500
From: "Tom Patterson" <tomp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Sat. Boston Globe

Here is what the article said:

- -Tom
________________________________________________________-

      DISCOVERIES
      Campers still taking a shine to Airstreams

      By Nathan Cobb, Globe Correspondent, 9/13/2003

      WINDHAM, N. H. -- Wayne and Linda Moore hear it when they pull up at a
gas pump or roll into a roadside rest area, the inevitable question posed by
a fellow motorist who often has to squint because he's so dazzled by shining
aluminum:

      ''Do they still make those things?''

      Actually, yes and no. Yes, because Airstream Inc. still cranks out
travel trailers, just as it has since the 1930s. No, because the Airstream
that the Moores regularly haul in and out of their spacious backyard here in
southern New Hampshire is a meticulously restored 1966 Trade Wind: 24 feet
and 4,200 pounds of classic and award-winning mobile Americana. Nicknamed
TWLY -- for Trade Wind Land Yacht -- it won the best-in-show trophy for
vintage trailers last year at the mammoth annual international Airstream
rally in Rapid City, S. D.

      ''This has definitely become our hobby,'' Wayne Moore, a 50-year-old
consulting facilities planner, says as he sits at the Formica-top dinette
inside the gleaming silver bullet, in which he and his wife have invested
almost $11,000 and 1,200 hours of labor. ''And it's a hobby we can take
along with us.''

      Vintage Airstream trailers -- officially defined as units at least 25
years old -- have become the treasured possessions of a subculture within a
subculture. The 1,200-vehicle Vintage Airstream Club, which started with
about 100 enthusiasts a decade ago, is an ''intraclub'' of the 9,000-unit
Wally Byam Caravan Club International, named for the late, beret-wearing
Airstream founder who has been elevated to sainthood among loyal and
parochial Airstream owners. These devotees of older rigs have their own
esoteric newsletter, attend reverent rallies, regularly form their own
rolling caravans, and doggedly surf the Net for parts. They speak lovingly o
f Clippers, Globe Trotters, and Cruisers (Cruisettes, too).

      And they expound endlessly on Airstream history, pointing out, for
example, that gas refrigerators arrived in the 1950s, 12-volt electrical
systems in the '60s, and microwave ovens in the '70s.

      ''For one thing, it's cheaper to buy and fix up an Airstream than to
buy a new one,'' says Bard Fuller, a 52-year-old dentist in Southington,
Conn., who owns the 1965 Trade Wind that his parents bought 38 years ago.
''But there's also pride in saving something that would have otherwise gone
into the trash.''

      Meanwhile, there's just something about an Airstream, at least as far
as their faithful owners are concerned. ''It's an object of its time, but it
also has a timelessness that keeps the imagination alive,'' says Bryan
Burkhart, a 39-year-old San Francisco graphic designer who owns a 1962
Flying Cloud and has written a book about the Airstream phenomenon. ''But it
isn't just a style. An Airstream makes use of every square foot, and in that
way it's the extension of a campsite. It gives you exactly what you need,
without towing a huge trailer with a couch and a La-Z-Boy inside.''

      A few of these road warriors, like the Moores, do their own
restorations. Others pay one of a handful of professionals to do it for
them. Many prefer a simple, low-cost fix-up. In any case, they'd rather
resuscitate an old trailer than buy a new one packed with modern geegaws.
But because such oldies require tender loving care, their owners are often
younger than the folks who typically buy spiffy new Airstreams. ''Owners of
the newer trailers tend to be retired,'' says Tom Howarth, 44, an acoustic
research scientist for the Navy who is stationed in Newport, R. I., and
calculates that he has spent more than 1,000 nights in his 1953 Flying
Cloud. ''We're more of a mixed group, with people in their 30s up to their
80s. There are a lot of us who are attracted by the design, and there are
people who like the idea of designing what they want. And, yes, the
relatively low cost brings a lot of people in.''

      These days, new Airstream trailers fetch between $30,000 and $80,000.
Used models range from a few hundred dollars for a heap to more than $20,000
for a fully restored icon. Over the past two weeks, more than 25 pre-1978
units ranging in price from $1,175 to $8,600 were sold via eBay. According
to Airstream Inc., about 60 percent of the trailers it has made are still on
the road.

      The Moores found TWLY, ice-encrusted and requiring a broom to keep its
door closed, on a New Hampshire farm in early 1999. Linda Moore, originally
skeptical, championed the $1,400 purchase as the next step in a history of
family camping. (The couple has two sons, now grown.) ''Initially I thought
we'd buy a shiny new one,'' she says. ''But when I saw this one I said,
`This is cool.' Despite the smell.''

      But if the odor of critters had to be removed, so did everything else.
The fixer-upper needed a gutting. Wayne did the hardware (new plumbing and
wiring, restored wood cabinets, and on and on) while Linda made the software
(pillows, curtains, etc.). It was 15 months before the couple could hook up
their Dodge Durango and head south to an Airstream rally in Washington, D.
C. Along the way, the trailer's front window blew in. The unit still
requires tinkering, and even if the Moores were to sell it at what Wayne
says would be their bottom price of $20,000, and thereby turn a $9,000
profit, they'd earn roughly $7.50 per hour for the time they took to bring
it back to life.

      The Moores spend about two weekends a month in TWLY, usually joining
other Airstream owners and eschewing such modern RV amenities as TV and
stereo. ''We'd rather be outside,'' Linda Moore says of the absence of such
luxuries. ''That's why we have this thing.'' Since resurrecting their
aluminum-clad cocoon, the couple has purchased 11 other Airstreams that they
think they'll restore as a business.

      And they still get those questions along the highway, which is just
fine.

      ''We might buy a new trailer some day,'' says Linda, who not long ago
wouldn't have considered such a step. ''But even if we did, we'd always have
an old one.''


      ''Discoveries'' appears on alternate Saturdays. Ideas for subject
matter -- unusual people, places, events, etc. -- are welcome. Nathan Cobb
can be reached at cobb@xxxxxxxxxx.com or 617-929-7266.



      This story ran on page C1 of the Boston Globe on 9/13/2003.
      ) Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.


__________________________________________________________________________


- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "C B Rollins" <canartgrp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: <valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2003 10:41 AM
Subject: [VAL] Sat. Boston Globe


> Living/Arts sec of 13 Sept Globe has brief article about the 'subculture
> within a subculture' and spotlights Wayne and Linda Moore and their 12
> Airstreams plus quotes from Bryan Burkhart etc. My GlobeTrotter just
picked
> up an extra $500 in value!  CB Rollins  South Amherst Massachusetts

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 13:52:16 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Lighthouse Caravan

on 9/13/03 1:00 AM, valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:

> Love the stories about folks travel plans.  I am massively jealous of you
> folks who can just toot off to the Sierras!  Anyone else headed out this
> weekend? 

Hi Mary, 

Tomorrow, we're heading for the Lighthouse Caravan rendezvous site on the
upper Michigan peninsula. The caravan will stop at ten different places.
We'll see 44 lighthouses (our of over 100) and a lightship, plus enjoy the
camaraderie of 24 other Airstream families for two weeks.

My wife and I looked up the history of all 44 lighthouses just for the fun
of it. We learned a lot we didn't know.  Here's a tease of what we'll be
seeing. 

http://www.lhdepot.com/

Our '67 22' Safari is packed and ready. We're towing with our '87 GMC
Suburban (6.2L diesel). Both are cleaned and shined, plus both are in
mechanically mint condition (I hope).

Yesterday I installed two window couplers on the '67 that had broken when I
stupidly left the windows open on a gusty breezy day. Couplers made out of
pot metal aren't very strong. They seem a little like pewter.

If you're interested in caravan and rallies, here's another website:

http://www.wbcci.org/html/body_caravans___rallies.html

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 14:10:00 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] TCT Rally

Info on the upcoming TCT Rally this next weekend:
Fall Campout
September 19-21, 2003
Camp Dearborn - 1700 General Motors Road - Milford, Michigan 48380
Fee for Campout - $10 rally fee + Camping Cost for site

The Fall Campout will start on Friday (September 19) and run through Sunday
(September 21). 
NOTE: There will be a Car Show in downtown Milford on Sunday, September 21.
We have contacted the car show9s organizers and they have arranged for a
great spot for TCT members to park and enjoy the show and show their
trailers or motor coaches. If you are interested in this event, please let
me know.  We will have a limited number of spots available.

If your schedule permits, please feel free to come early or stay additional
days. The camping fee will be $10 per night or you can upgrade to
full-hookups or electric and water. Camp hasn't set price as of yet.
 Any questions?? Contact us at Camp Dearborn, 1700 General Motors Road,
Milford, Michigan 48380. Our phone number at camp is 248-684-0393
E Mail: f23bone@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Web Site: tincantourists.com
Forrest Bone
tincantourists.com & oldtrailernet.com
1700 General Motors Rd.
Milford, Michigan 48380

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 17:50:11 EDT
From: JAuman2346@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: Akron Unit Caravan

We don't know where we are going but we are going on a Mystery Rally starting 
Wednesday for five days. We have 33 people meeting in three different areas 
and then all meeting in one spot South of here, so we must be heading South. We 
have three lunches, one dinner and lots of tours but we don't know where they 
are at. We must be nuts to follow someone when we don't know where we are 
going. But that's the fun of it, don't know, who cares but we're a going. Wish us 
luck. Hope we find our way back home. We wish all those taking caravan the 
"Best of Luck" and maybe we will "see you down the road" sometime. 
jauman2346@xxxxxxxxxx.com, 75 Tradewind. 

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 21:55:09 GMT
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VACList Digest V3 #309 - Selling stuff

It seems there can't be too many warnings like this. Africa, especially Nigeria, is notorious 
for Internet scams.
Of course, even here in the good ole USA, don't let anyone have anything until their check has 
cleared.
Licensed and bonded escrow services are available to hold money, titles and even hard items 
until everything is straight up.
There really are dealers in other countries that specialize in importing used merchandise for 
resale but only the "big boys" (professional import-export businesses) should deal with them.
Al

Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2003 09:28:10 -0700
From: "Arlen & Shirley" <globetrotter64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VACList] Ads in the Vintage Classified

Just one more warning about people in other countries wanting to buy your trailer.

Yesterday I posted an ad in the VAC Classified in PARTS for some polishing compounders that I am 
offering for sale.  Today I got this email from West Africa:

"GOOD DAY
I A WEST AFRICA DEALER.I WILL LIKE TO BUY YOUR (DeWalt Polishing Compounder) PLEASE GIVE ME ADEQUATE 
INFORMATION REGARDING ITS CONDITION AND HOW MUCH DO WISH TO OFFER LAST,HOPE IT WILL NOT BE HECTIC 
CHANGINGITS OWNERSHIP.PLEASE LET ME HEAR FROM YOU.
BEST REGARD .
OWEN"

My ad points those who are interested to my website which gives a full
description of what I have for sale.  It is quite obvious that this
character is just "mining" ads without regard to what the ad is for, and it looks to me like he is 
attempting to perpetrate a scam. I just thought I would give the rest of you a "heads up", since 
responses like this to your "for sale" ads might seem logical if you were posting a trailer for 
sale instead of a part or a tool.

Arlen & Shirley Manning
http://globetrotter64.home.att.net/

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 15:00:56 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Dimension of 65 Tradewind

Check with Eurostream on safe ways to export:
http://www.eurostream.co.uk/
http://www.airstream.org/eurostream.html

- -- 
Best of luck,
RJ


On 9/6/03 11:58 AM, "Susan Wallace" <cyberia55@xxxxxxxxxx.net> wrote:

> Hello,
> I've been oblivious to the recent controversy. I have enjoyed receiving
> the VAC Digest and have learned many things about these lovely old
> Airstreams.
> 
> I bought myself one and hope to have another one in the future, but
> finances and divorce force me to part with my beloved Tradewind.
> 
> I have found a buyer who wants to ship it overseas. The shipper needs to
> know how tall, wide, etc. the Airstream will be.
> It is a '65 Tradewind International and has a roof air conditioner on
> top. What would its length, width and height be for shipping purposes?
> It is a tandem axel model. I looked for one with the floor layout I
> wanted and I'm just sick that I must sell it.
> Thanks
> Susan Wallace
> '65 Tradewind
> '65 Plymouth Belvedere
> Dog - Cootie, Cat -- Mondo

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 15:08:43 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] skin repair referral sought

http://southjerseyrv.tripod.com/
http://www.can-am-rv.com/

Best of luck,
RJ
VintageAirstream.com
'65 Caravel
'56 Flying Cloud



On 8/26/03 6:25 AM, "Deborah Bede" <stillwaterstudio@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:

> Hello everyone:

> 
> My first project is preventing water getting into the trailer, and I need
> some help with skin repairs.  Does anyone have any experience with a repair
> shop in Northern New England (or further afield) that they can recommend?
> (I'm in Central New Hampshire)  It looks like something (a tree?) fell on
> the top rear of the shell, denting at least 3 panels in the end cap.
> They've been repaired, but badly and there's a large gap between two panels.
> I plan to do as much of the work on the Bubble as I can, but this looks like
> a job for someone with experience with older Airstreams because of the
> curvature and the complicated seaming.
> thanks for your help,
> Deborah

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 15:20:35 -0700
From: Webmaster <webmaster@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Re: [VACList] Olympic Rivets and Water Leaks

On 8/3/03 7:29 AM, "Lynn Evans" <Earth2lynn@xxxxxxxxxx.net> wrote:
> 
> We need some help here too...we are going to remove the rivets and skin
> to fix a slight droop in back and my husband is concerned with being
> able to drill out each rivet and finding the exact center.  He wants me
> to ask if there is a tool used to set over the rivet and guide the drill
> to the center.  I thought a short piece of 1/4" pipe and a center punch
> might work....or maybe it's not that tough but after reading about
> making too large a hole, I just thought I'd ask.

Experience will allow you to use the tip of the drill bit to start,
otherwise you can use an automatic punch:
http://www.yardstore.com/tools/drilling.htm

> 
> Also what does the tool for polishing the rivets look like and can I do
> it with a dremel?

http://AirstreamDreams.com/item.jhtml?UCIDs=69540%7C516076&PRID=151843

It's really the only way..

Best of luck,
RJ
VintageAirstream.com
'65 Caravel
'56 Flying Cloud

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 22:33:43 GMT
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Michelin tires

No experience with Michelin TRUCK tires, but years back when I was foolin' with Citroens I was 
well impressed with the Michelins (XAs) they always had on them. They usually didn't even need 
any balance weights - at the auto mech class I took I put them on the tire bbalance machine and 
they were always within 1/4 ounce of balanced, whether new or old worn ones.
When I replaced with Generals on a (Citroen) SM one required 4 ounces of weights, the others over 
3 ounces. I complained and was assured that they were all within General's allowance for weights.
Phooey! The thickness of the rubber, etc. must have been really uneven. They weren't real concentric, 
either. And these were "H" rated (130 mph) tires, too, not the regular bottom-end Generals.
The only catastrophic failure I ever knew of with a Michelin was a really old one, all checked on 
the sidewalls, that shredded at high speed under overload.
Make sure your front end joints, alignment and shocks are in good condition before spending on 
expensive tires! Michelins will wear out fast, just like any other tires, with loose front end and 
alignment.
Al Grayson

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

Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 10:02:20 -0400
From: Dave Lowrey <airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tires (old thread)

Craig -

I agree. Saving money by buying cheap tires isn't saving money. You will eventually pay much more....
..............
This is a "Highway" tire, not "All Terrain". Since I use my truck on 
roadways 98% of the time, I figured I might as well avoid the rough/noisy ride that the All Terrain 
tires tend to produce.
............
Dave

At 05:11 PM 9/11/2003 -0500, Craig wrote:

>In my opinion tires are a safety and handling issue.  If you want to save a few dollars, save it 
deciding between high quality choices.

From: "Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tires (old thread)

Smart move going with the Michelins.

Michelin is far and away the most competent truck tire manufacturer.  Their truck tires typically 
perform better, ride smoother (they ARE ROUND) and last longer than their competition.

Also, brakes, wheel alignment, tires, tire balance, and shocks are the only thing between your *** and 
the road.  These are not areas where going cheap (low quality) is a smart idea.

Oliver Filippi

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

Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 13:46:53 -0500
From: "Tom Patterson" <tomp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tires (old thread)

I agree also.

I too am using Michelins on my F-250 and have since I first replaced the
original tires.
................
- - -Tom

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 17:02:58 -0700
From: "Arlen & Shirley" <globetrotter64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] Painting and Repairing Plastic

I have repaired and  painted many plastic items - including the external
Airstream plasitc vent covers and small interior fittings.  (Not to disuade
you from your project Daisy, but I would not consider any major painting to
be a "reverseable" process!)

For painting plastic, there is a primer product made for priming flexible
auto bumpers that I highly recommend.  This product is made by many
companies and is available in aerosol form.  I like Bond Aid made by Kleen
Strip (Part # EPD456).  It is available at Autozone.  I have also seen this
same product sold under the name Bulldog.  This stuff REALLY makes paint
stick - and to just about anything.

I have found this to be an excellent product for priming aluminum too.  I
used an acrylic clear coat to refinish the exterior name and data plates on
our Globetrotter.  I was rather disappointed to find that the clear rather
easily peeled off by fingernail.  I carefully stripped them.  I then gave
them a very thin coat of of Bond Aid, followed by a coat of clear acrylic
finish. The Bond Aid clouded the finish slightly, but it is now VERY well
adheared.  I now use Bond Aid as a primer on aluminum trim pieces too -
whether finished clear or painted.

For plastic repairs, I use a product called Devcon Plastic Welder (part #
S-220/22045).  This is a 2 part adhesive like epoxy and comes in a twinned
syringe dispenser.  Unlike epoxy, it sticks incredibly well to almost any
type of plastic except polyethelene type plastics.  This stuff is GREAT for
repairing cracked interior plastic on later model vintage Airstreams, and it
is even a pretty good (off white) color match too! You have to work it
quickly as it has a very fast gel and set time. It sands and trims nicely
when cured. It is widely available, but Walmart is the cheapest source that
I have found by far (about $2.50).  I buy several at a time.  If you are a
general putzer or repairaholic you will soon be swearing by this stuff.

Arlen
http://globetrotter64.home.att.net/

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 19:52:14 -0500
From: "Tom Patterson" <tomp@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] Fw: Miles per gallon - which truck?

Forwarded message.

- -Tom

- ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Terry Tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: "VAL Digest" <valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com>;
<AirstreamList@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2003 7:22 PM
Subject: Miles per gallon - which truck?


>
> > Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 14:41:20 From: "Craig Eldridge"
<craig_e@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> >
> > ........ <snip> .....  <snip> ...... I've been pleased with the 3.73 in
my
> > truck and could only believe it would be a stump puller with a 4.10.
I'm
> > really looking forward to changing a few things in the search for
another 1-2
> > miles per gallon.
> >
> Hi Craig,
>
> Like you, I looked forward to changing a few things in search of more
miles
> per gallon. Well, I succeeded, but I succeeded too well.
>
> Our GMC Suburban with a 6.2L diesel naturally aspirated engine is a bear
and
> a stump puller at or below 40 mph - with or without our '67 22' Safari  in
> tow. For comparison purposes, I had the Suburban weighed (7080#s) and our
> '67 22' Airstream weighed (4220#s) at a Weighing Scale in Colorado Springs
> two summers ago.
>
> Without the Airstream in tow, our GMC fuel mileage is 20-21 mpg. With the
> trailer in tow, it is 15-16 mpg. Currently, here in eastern NYS (September
> 2003), the price of diesel fuel is 10 cents a gallon less than the
cheapest
> unleaded gasoline. How long will that advantage last? Next month will
> probably see the opposite pricing.
>
> The rub with this Suburban is it's somewhat responsive to tromping on the
> accelerator pedal at speeds higher than 40 mph. From brake release with
our
> '67 22' in tow, I'm one of the 18 wheelers that require several miles of
> level highway to  reach posted speed limits.
>
> And, as with a heavily loaded 18 wheeler, I'll never pass anyone going up
a
> hill. But, like the turtle; slow and steady reaches the top and keeps on
> chugging with no flinching or working up a sweat.  Persistence.
Persistence.
>
> In some ways, that's okay because it forces me to have a relaxed attitude
> about accelerating from a stop sign or at any speed above 45 miles per
hour.
>
> In other ways, this configuration has features I definately do want and
many
> that I especially like.  The operative phrase is "trade offs." For me,
this
> configuration of truck and trailer suits us for rally hopping and
> caravanning; plus it's outstanding for long distance urgent solo runs (to
> Mom's house in Florida).
>
> Another positive aspect we've experienced is at higher elevations (ex:
> Colorado Springs at 8,000'), where the benefit of a diesel engine is
> obvious. There is no falling off of power as happens with a gasoline
engine.
> Our chances for keeping up with or passing gasoline powered vehicles in
> normal traffic patterns increases. I know the soft growl of our diesel's
> dual exhausts has no relationship whatsoever to the power curve, but it
> feels like there's more power at higher altitudes. That's probably because
> gasoline engine vehicles have less power.
>
> Now for a change in perspective. When we play Snowbird and go to Florida,
> Texas, Arizona or deep into old Mexico, we use our serious hauler (Ford
3/4
> ton Van w/460CID V8) with our bigger Airstream.  With our Van, the
> accelerator pedal response is immediate and dramatically obvious, with or
> without the trailer in tow and throughout the range of highway speed
limits.
> The downside is 10 miles per gallon on average with or without the
> Airstream. Obviously, mpg is even less (8 mpg) when climbing the Raton
Pass
> between New Mexico and Colorado.
>
> Craig, you'll have fun playing with the options and trying out different
tow
> vehicles with your Airstream(s). All of us do it at one time or another.
>
> Terry
>
> mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net

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

Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2003 19:18:25 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Michelin tires

I had one really fine set of Michelins and one set that died of the
linings falling out long before the tread had enough miles to be worn
out or enough time on my car to be dying of old age. I must presume they
had been in the warehouse a decade before I bought them.

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

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

Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2003 02:19:19 GMT
From: waymark1@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V1 #5 - Tires

Also generally "Highway" tires put more rubber on the road.
Tread grooves on highway tires are for letting water out from between the tire and the pavement, 
not for "gripping" the road.
Tread grooves and lugs on "Off Road" tires are for biting into the soft surface of dirt, gravel 
and mud.
"All Weather" tires are a compromise between "Highway" and "Off Road" tread so that a mainly 
"Highway" tire can deal with some soft surface like dirt, mud and snow.
The quietest, longest lasting and best adhering tires on hard surfaces are the "Highway" tread 
designs, assuming similar rubber compounding and casing construction.
Since almost all of my miles are on hard surfaced roads I want "Highway" tires. On the rare occasion 
that I am on non-hard surface roads I go slowly, which is what anyone should do when towing a trailer 
on soft surface roads anyway.
If I get stuck traveling on slush, snow or ice I would rather chain up rather than depending on 
compromise tires. Or, better yet, wait until the road is clear.
I have towed a heavy (4,600# empty) 3-axle trailer carrying a 1,400# mare and 400# colt on ice in 
the Cascades (got caught in a storm) with a 4WD Ford PU. No fun at all!!!! Purple knuckles!! As soon 
as I could find a place to turn around I did so and went back down, then traveled south to a clear 
pass. No way I wanted to push onward even if I had had "All Weather" or even studded tires.

On rubber compounding: Expensive tires like Michelin and Pirelli (there are others) upper grades have 
rubber that combines dry road and wet road traction with long life. Cheap tires are either hard rubber 
for long life or soft rubber for good traction with short tread life. Plus, the cheap tire does not 
have a well engineered tread pattern. 

The extra $300 or $400 for the high grade tires gets you longer life, better wet and dry road traction, 
and, most importantly, less risk of a crash, that is, if one does not use up the safety margin with 
excessive speeds for the conditions. One accident less in a lifetime will pay for better tires, and may 
save someone's life.

Al Grayson


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

Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2003 10:02:20 -0400
From: Dave Lowrey <airstream@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tires (old thread)

......................
This is a "Highway" tire, not "All Terrain". Since I use my truck on 
roadways 98% of the time, I figured I might as well avoid the rough/noisy ride that the All Terrain 
tires tend to produce. I hope that I won't have problems the few times I need to drive off road, which 
is usually just pulling the trailer on grass or gravel, or unloading a load of mulch in someone's yard....

Dave

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End of VAL Digest V1 #6
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