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VAL Digest V2 #26



VAL Digest           Monday, October 4 2004           Volume 02 : Number 026




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Sewer Solution
Re: [VAL] draining fresh-water tank (1971 Safari LY - 23')
[VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')
[VAL] maintenance manual (1971 LY Safari 23')
Re: [VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')
Re: [VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')
RE: [VAL] maintenance manual (1971 LY Safari 23')
[VAL] Some winter time reading....
Re: [VAL] draining fresh-water tank (1971 Safari LY - 23')
Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....
Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....
Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....

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Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 04:01:45 -0400
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Sewer Solution

Haven't used it yet but the adapter I bought from the Airstream dealer 
allows it to be connected now.  The Sewer Solution I purchased does have the 
clear elbow as mentioned by another list member after you posted.

Others here have used the Sewer Solution with great success and I look 
forward to the same.  I just hate those stinky slinkies, they always drip 
when you are putting them away.

Tom


From: "Rik & Susan Beeson" <rik@xxxxxxxxxx.com>


> Have you used the Sewer Solution? Or has anybody on the list? Are you 
> happy with it? I'm thinking about getting one.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Rik
>
>
> Tom wrote:
>
>> I bought one of these "adaptors" I told you about so I'd be able to use 
>> the new Sewer Solution I purchased a while back.  The original hose end 
>> for the Sewer Solution didn't and wouldn't fit the Thetford connector on 
>> my trailer.
>>
>> However, even using the "adapter" on the Sewer Solution connector is 
>> proving to be a chore!
>>
>> Reason?  I believe it's the O-ring in the "bottom" of the connector (not 
>> the adaptor) that needs to be lubricated so that when I "PUSH" the Sewer 
>> Solution connector "on" it will slightly depress the O-ring which will 
>> allow it to then be able to "twist" and "lock" in place.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 08:35:30 -0500
From: "D.L." <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] draining fresh-water tank (1971 Safari LY - 23')

I think you should have someone show you just how to drain
your unit for winter.   i think you will find 5 valves and you will
need to drain the water heater.   Installing a "bypass valve
kit " should be done so you can pump about 1 1/2 gal. of
the pink antifreeze into your pipes.
It is not hard but you SHOULD have someone show you
just how it is done.
Wish you well

See You On the Road
Dean & Kay
WBCCI   2486
IOWA


On Oct 2, 2004, at 7:09 PM, <Balloon@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:

> Marg,
>
> If you open the cabnet on the backside of the water fill location,
> follow the fill neck down to the tank, to the left or right of where
> the filler neck goes into the tank you should find a valve that you
> can open to allow the water to drain out.
>
> Paul Waddell
> WBCCI/VAC/WDCU 1270
>
>
>> A novice Airstreamer here (1971 Safari Land Yacht 23' rear bath, twin
> beds)
>>
>> I have read the manual that came with the unit and it describes 
>> clearly
> how
>> to put fresh water IN to the tank (lockable "port" outside the galley
>> window)
>>
>> BUT - where is the DRAIN for the fresh water tank located? (The manual
>> recommends draining the tank prior to winter but doesn't say where the
> drain
>> is.)
>>
>> Thx.
>> Marg in Pac NW

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 07:45:52 -0700
From: "MK / JS" <sn2244@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')

re: 1971 Safari LY 23'

thx for the info re: location of valve that drains the fresh water tank

After draining, do I pour some RV non-toxic antifreeze in to the freshwater
tank, through the same "inlet" that I would fill the freshwater tank -
right?

I understand that I also need to pour RV non-toxic antifreeze down each of
the drains (to winterize the u-bend in the drains (ie the traps) of the
bathroom basin / shower drain in floor / galley sinks)

1. what about the hot water heater?
2. Do I have to do anything to the freshwater pump?
3. What about the toilet - not sure when it was last used?
4. Black water tank?

I do not believe that there is a grey water tank - but how can I check?

This trailer is new to us, and I don't know when there was last any water in
the system - but I would rather be safe than sorry in our chilly winter
climate in the interior Pac NW

Thank you very much - from a novice RV-er  / Airstreamer.

Marg in the Pac NW

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 07:59:57 -0700
From: "MK / JS" <sn2244@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: [VAL] maintenance manual (1971 LY Safari 23')

re: 1971 LY Safari 23'

please clarify - other than a generic RV manual (like Trailer Life's
Livingston as recommended by engineer Gerald J), is there a more detailed
repair manual avail specifically for my Airstream?

I have the manual that came with the trailer - but it does not have diagrams
of where the pipes are etc.

I read somewhere that Airstream started making repair manuals (in addition
to owner manual) available in the early 1970's models.

Anyone know? (If YES, where do I purchase?)

Thx - novice Airstreamer - Marg in Pac NW

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 10:48:52 -0500
From: "D.L." <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')

On Oct 3, 2004, at 9:45 AM, MK / JS wrote:

> re: 1971 Safari LY 23'
>
> thx for the info re: location of valve that drains the fresh water tank
>
> After draining, do I pour some RV non-toxic antifreeze in to the 
> freshwater
> tank, through the same "inlet" that I would fill the freshwater tank -
> right?

NO....  You must Pump it into your pipes via your pump.
>
> I understand that I also need to pour RV non-toxic antifreeze down 
> each of
> the drains (to winterize the u-bend in the drains (ie the traps) of the
> bathroom basin / shower drain in floor / galley sinks)

When you PUMP the Pink antifreeze into your piping system using your
Pump you will run all outlets until you see Pink coming out.  This will
fill your drain traps at every sink and drain.
>
> 1. what about the hot water heater?

You drain the water heater then bypass the Inlet to the Outlet.

> 2. Do I have to do anything to the freshwater pump?

You use the pump to place the antifreeze in the system.

> 3. What about the toilet - not sure when it was last used?

Flush the toilet until Pink antifreeze is running out.
> 4. Black water tank?

Drain the Black water tank.

>
> I do not believe that there is a grey water tank - but how can I check?

Do you have 2 drains ?

>
> This trailer is new to us, and I don't know when there was last any 
> water in
> the system - but I would rather be safe than sorry in our chilly winter
> climate in the interior Pac NW

You Need to have a Pro Help you out with this for the first time...
Otherwise you will wreck a good Airstream.

>
> Thank you very much - from a novice RV-er  / Airstreamer.
>
> Marg in the Pac NW

Dean  WBCCI 2486

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 12:08:46 -0400
From: "Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] winterizing the water system (1971 LY Safari 23')

Hi Marg,

Let me tell you not to put antifreeze in the potable water tank.  It would
take many gallons of antifreeze as the water remaining in the tank would
dilute and change the freeze point.  Just drain it.

I disconnect the feed line from the tank at the water pump.  Substitute a
hose with a connection that fits the inlet of the pump and put the other end
into the 1 gallon RV antifreeze bottle.  Typically, one gallon is enough to
fill the system.  I allow the system to drain before I start this by open
the bottom drain and then open all the valves.  Close all valves and then
use the pump to fill the system with antifreeze.  Be especially watchful
with the commode and be sure that you get the color change through the
valves.  I never use the water heater and it remains bypassed.  The small
amount of antifreeze in the pump is OK.  Just be sure that the color change
takes place as you open each faucet.  As I mentioned earlier, you might use
only one gallon of antifreeze to winterize the system.

Even if you winterize too early and use the unit before the freeze, you are
protected.  RV antifreeze is cheap and frequently sells for a buck a
gallon - get several at the low price.

If you predrain the system, most of the color change (residual
water/antifreeze) coming out of the faucets will help protect the gate
valves from freezing.  Catch this in the tanks with the gate valves closed.
Be sure enough antifreeze goes into the "P" traps to keep them from
freezing.  I also add Thetford tank treatment as it lubricates and keeps the
gate valves from damaging freeze.  A small amount of water in the water
heater and potable water tank can freeze without damage to the systems.

Just the quick and easy way I do it and my opinions.  Others may have their
pet techniques.

                                              Regards, '69 Safari 23 &  '74
Argosy 22

                                                                    Joy

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 11:11:45 -0500
From: "Kevin D. Allen" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: RE: [VAL] maintenance manual (1971 LY Safari 23')

Greetings Marg!

Welcome to the world of Vintage Airstreaming!

The information regarding manuals is available on the VAC website at:

http://www.airstream.net/FAQ/FAQ_3.html#Manuals

I believe that the information quoted below (from the above link)
provides the information that you requested.

Manuals

Q: I need an owners and service manual for my Airstream. Where can I get
one?
A: The first owners manuals were published in 1964. Prior to that, the
owner received a brown envelope containing parts lists and other helpful
information on the accessories in his trailer. The VAC has started
making these available in the Members Archive section. A service manual
with instructions for performing service operations did not exist until
1972. 
You can get photocopies of owners manual (1964+) and service manuals
(1972-1986) from: 

Helen Davis Secretarial Services
PO Box 484 Sidney, OH 45365 
(937)492-8885 

Prices are about $33 and $70 respectively. After 1986 the Owners Manuals
included available service information.

Good luck with your coach!

Kevin


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

- -----Original Message-----
From: valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com
[mailto:valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com] On Behalf Of MK / JS
Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 9:00 AM
To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] maintenance manual (1971 LY Safari 23')

re: 1971 LY Safari 23'

please clarify - other than a generic RV manual (like Trailer Life's
Livingston as recommended by engineer Gerald J), is there a more
detailed
repair manual avail specifically for my Airstream?

I have the manual that came with the trailer - but it does not have
diagrams
of where the pipes are etc.

I read somewhere that Airstream started making repair manuals (in
addition
to owner manual) available in the early 1970's models.

Anyone know? (If YES, where do I purchase?)

Thx - novice Airstreamer - Marg in Pac NW

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 20:04:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: BC <Bill.Costa@xxxxxxxxxx.unh.edu>
Subject: [VAL] Some winter time reading....

Folks,

    I'm putting together an Amazon book order for some winter reading.
    Any comments, from the perspective of a vintage Airstreamer, about
    any of the following books you have read, or alternatives, would
    be appreciated:

        RV Repair and Maintenance, 4th edition -- Bob Livingston

            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0934798702

        Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht -- Bryan Burkhart

            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0811824713

        Ready to Roll: A Celebration of the Classic American
        Travel Trailer -- Doug Keister

            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0670030554

        Silver Palaces -- Douglas Keister

            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/158685352X

    Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

                                                         ...BC
- -- 
+---------------------[ Bill.Costa@xxxxxxxxxx.UNH.edu ]---+
| Bill Costa                                          |
| 54 College Road -- CIS CTR    WORK: +1-603-862-3056 |  No good deed...
| University of New Hampshire   HOME: +1-603-435-8526 |   goes unpunished.
| Durham, NH  03824-3566  USA                         |
|                                                     |
+-----------------[ http://pubpages.unh.edu/~wfc/ ]---+

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

Date: Sun,  3 Oct 2004 20:07:35 -0400
From: balloon@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: [VAL] draining fresh-water tank (1971 Safari LY - 23')

You could always go to a WBCCI rally before winter and ask someone
to help you with the process.

Paul


Quoting "D.L." <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>:

> I think you should have someone show you just how to drain
> your unit for winter.   i think you will find 5 valves and you will
> need to drain the water heater.   Installing a "bypass valve
> kit " should be done so you can pump about 1 1/2 gal. of
> the pink antifreeze into your pipes.
> It is not hard but you SHOULD have someone show you
> just how it is done.
> Wish you well
> 
> See You On the Road
> Dean & Kay
> WBCCI   2486
> IOWA
> 
> 
> On Oct 2, 2004, at 7:09 PM, <Balloon@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:
> 
> > Marg,
> >
> > If you open the cabnet on the backside of the water fill location,
> > follow the fill neck down to the tank, to the left or right of where
> > the filler neck goes into the tank you should find a valve that you
> > can open to allow the water to drain out.
> >
> > Paul Waddell
> > WBCCI/VAC/WDCU 1270
> >
> >
> >> A novice Airstreamer here (1971 Safari Land Yacht 23' rear bath, twin
> > beds)
> >>
> >> I have read the manual that came with the unit and it describes 
> >> clearly
> > how
> >> to put fresh water IN to the tank (lockable "port" outside the galley
> >> window)
> >>
> >> BUT - where is the DRAIN for the fresh water tank located? (The manual
> >> recommends draining the tank prior to winter but doesn't say where the
> > drain
> >> is.)
> >>
> >> Thx.
> >> Marg in Pac NW
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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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------------------------------

Date: Sun, 03 Oct 2004 22:03:33 -0400
From: Bob Patterson <bpatt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....

The Burkhart and Keister books are first rate. Wonderful photography and 
finely crafted editing and printing. Highly recommended.
Bob
53 Flying Cloud


>     I'm putting together an Amazon book order for some winter reading.
>     Any comments, from the perspective of a vintage Airstreamer, about
>     any of the following books you have read, or alternatives, would
>     be appreciated:
>
>         RV Repair and Maintenance, 4th edition -- Bob Livingston
>
>  Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht -- Bryan Burkhart
>
>   Ready to Roll: A Celebration of the Classic American
>         Travel Trailer -- Doug Keister
>
>         Silver Palaces -- Douglas Keister

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 23:25:49 -0400
From: "Tom" <thomm@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....

I just bought The History of the Land Yacht tonight from Borders bookstore. 
I believe this will be one *classic* that will forever remain in our 
Airstream trailer.  Inside the book is quite a bit of pictorial history and 
these pictures are much larger in size than I've seen anywhere before.  I 
look forward to sitting down in some places we travel to and relaxing with 
this good book.  I highly recommend this one.

Tom
WBCCI 5303



From: "BC" <Bill.Costa@xxxxxxxxxx.unh.edu>
Subject: [VAL] Some winter time reading....


> Folks,
>
>    I'm putting together an Amazon book order for some winter reading.
>    Any comments, from the perspective of a vintage Airstreamer, about
>    any of the following books you have read, or alternatives, would
>    be appreciated:
>
>        RV Repair and Maintenance, 4th edition -- Bob Livingston
>
>            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0934798702
>
>        Airstream: The History of the Land Yacht -- Bryan Burkhart
>
>            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0811824713
>
>        Ready to Roll: A Celebration of the Classic American
>        Travel Trailer -- Doug Keister
>
>            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0670030554
>
>        Silver Palaces -- Douglas Keister
>
>            http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/158685352X
>
>    Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
>
>                                                         ...BC

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

Date: Sun, 3 Oct 2004 21:50:42 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald Johnson" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Some winter time reading....

RV Repair and Maintenance, 4th edition -- Bob Livingston is very good and 
very useful. Its not specific to Airstream, but most of the appliances, wiring, 
and plumbing in the Airstream are not unique to the Airstream.

Gerald J.

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

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

End of VAL Digest V2 #26
************************


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