Re: [VAL] New Member/1965 Airstream Overlander

["Mark" <mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Mike...welcome to our world!

I think you've done a very good thing, and I have a hunch, from the sound of
your post, your 'new' Airstream will be the better for it too.  If you keep
it roadworthy, and take it out at least once a year, AND use it interimly
for a guest house and party retreat (assuming you don't have really wild
parties), you'll ensure that all your amenities and appliances will be kept
alive and active.  You and your new rig will have the best of both  worlds!

Congratulations!

As far as your full-hookup site goes, if you plan to hire the work done, you
might do well to find a good, licensed, water-feature landscaper.  They're
used to running high amp circuits and water lines, and servicing your site
would be a snap for anyone worth his biscuits.  While he's digging the
trench, you might have him do a little extra to accomodate a sewer/septic
tank line (might as well do it right, eh?).

If you have room, you might want to think about providing enough of a flat
spot to be able to move the rig fore and aft a bit, every once in a while
(no need to disconnect anything), to keep the tires from getting flat spots.

I've recently read there is real merit to using nitrogen in your tires,
instead of atmosphere.  One of the many claims is the loss of pressure is
much less than with regular air...completely dry too, and prevents oxidation
inside the tire.  I think you'd be wise to devise tire covers, too, to keep
the UV off the sidewalls (usually a bigger tire problem than worn out
tread).

You'll probably want to use jacks or blocks under the frame for stability
and a more solid feel when walking inside.  They'll help support the frame
as it sits in the yard, too, but DO BE CAREFUL to check every now and then
to be sure your tires havent lost pressure and put a lot of extra weight on
the jacks...just crank down the front a bit, then bring it back up to snug.
If it suddenly takes a lot more cranks to lift the frame off of the jack in
the back...check your tire pressures!

I hope some of that is useful to you and, once again...welcome aboard!


All the best,

Mark in Modesto
1962 Tradewind