[VAL] Marg in the NW - new 1971 Safari

["Richard McFarland" <estatewagons@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Marg -  now that you have access to generic books and specific books and
manuals -
as you study up on your Airstream keep something else in mind.

Back when your Airstream was new in 1971 - there probably was no guarantee
that every
Safari was identical.  As you learn more and more about Airstreams - you'll
find that they evolved constantly for many reasons...sometimes by design and
sometimes due to the factory they were built in....and probably sometimes
due to what materials were available that day in the factory...and probably
sometimes due to which employee was performing which job....etc...etc...

So - I would recommend that you not assume that the Airstream manuals tell
you everything about your specific Airstream.  They will tell you more than
the generic books do - but if you only rely on the Airstream books (from
what I have read on the various e-mail lists over the years) - you probably
will find that just because one persons trailer is a certain way - it may
not apply exactly to your trailer.  You may go to look for a valve or a
switch in a specific place...as you've read it to be...and not find
it....as...it's simply been put someplace else!

Then - here is a significant thing to keep in mind.  Your trailer is about
33 years old.  It has been owned by who knows how many people and serviced
by who knows how many people.  And...who knows if all those people thought
the same way and approached repairs the same way.  (most likely...they won't
have...)  So just because you have a factory manual to read - does not mean
your trailer is still in it's factory original build and installation
condition.

So - you also need to have the generic books on hand - so that you can learn
to "think" - RV design and construction and application - in general terms
so that if you find a total mystery in your Airstream - that is not descibed
in any Airstream manuals - and no one is around to advise you - that you
just might be able to think the whole thing through from beginning to end.

Several people have suggested you get your trailer serviced professionally
the first time - that is a good way to go.  I'd check with  several RV
dealers/service facilities - and ask if you can stay and watch the service
so that you can learn and ask questions.  Some won't want to deal with
that - insurance liability in their shop area....mechanics who just want to
work and not talk.... etc.  etc..these are all fair reasons for them - but
somewhere you'll find a dealership that will probably take the time (and it
would only be fair to offer to pay for a couple of hours of their time) to
walk you through your rig - (or at least talk you through it) - exactly as
it really is - as they see it.  A few hours of their time $ is far cheaper
than the $$$ you might spend fixing something that ...did not need to
be...if you'd known what was what in the first place.

Take it easy and one step at a time - and above all have fun!

RL McFarland
Seattle/Walla Walla