All,
I'd like to make a little suggestion here for those gaining access to
their air conditioner drain hose and barb. For that matter, this would
apply to any difficult or impossible barb in their Airstream.
Rather than use an Ideal type automotive hose clamp, I suggest using a
Swedish made clamp known as an ABA brand clamps.
These clamps differ greatly from the ones we've all grown up with.
0 The threads and thread cuts are at more of a right angle to the
strap, thereby virtually eliminating the tendency of them to loosen from
vibration as Ideal types do.
0 The edges of the straps are fluted to prevent cutting the hose. As
well, the cuts in the strap don't go all the way through, eliminating the
chance of the screw threads cutting the hose.
0 All parts of the clamps including the screw and screw assembly are
made from 316 stainless steel.
They're slightly pricier than the other style but for an application
that might be closed up forever, the few pennies more spent are well worth
the cost.
If you tap out looking for a usual source for them, any West Marine
store carries them. Even easier for those of you far from a West Marine,
you can order from them on line at http://www.westmarine.com.
Here's the direct link to them:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/
295783/377%20710/0/hose%20clamp/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/20/0
?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=hose%20clamp&Ntk=Primary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallp
artial&Nao=20&Ns=0&keyword=hose%20clamp&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=11&subdept
Num=145&classNum=0
I have no affiliation with ABA or West Marine, I just know they work and
over the years I have replaced them on our sailboat with only a few still
left to change out due to lack of access.
Glyn Judson
1969 Caravel #508
Santa Monica, CA
> ...
> QUESTIONS:
>
> 1. Is the air conditioner the likely source of the leak showing up in the
> former shower/tub area? (I have sealed every other possible source).
>
> 2. If I replace the air conditioner (evidently necessary to seal the air
> conditioner area) should I replace it with a Dometic Penguin? If so, what
> size?
>
> The Penquin is what Airstream used for many years lately an d Airstream has a
> pan for it.
>
>
> 3. I don't want to tow the trailer to an Airstream dealer--too far. Will
> Airstream sell me the contoured mounting pan for a new air conditioner, and
> the drain hose used with the mounting pan?
>
> I think Airstream will only sell directly to you at Jackson Center or at a
> WBCCI rally.
> I bought one at the Sarasota rally a couple od years ago. A dealer can get it
> for you.
> I think Airstream has an agreement with their dealers.
>
> a. Is the mounting pan to be sized for the specific air conditioner used,
> or for the existing hole over which the current air conditioner is mounted?
> (The existing installation has no mounting pan).
>
> Yes it is for a Penquin. Mine is a 13.5 AC and will freeze meat in my 19 foot
> Globetrotter.
>
> 4. If there is too much space between the main bows (ribs, frame members) to
> properly mount a new air conditioner without the addition of lateral supports
> (2) between the main bows, what material should be used for such lateral
> supports and how should these be attached to the main bows.
>
> Mine was done years ago and was aluminum channel riveted to the main ribs to
> support the AC.
>
> There are pics of the pan ( and much more info) at
>
> http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427/ac-drip-pan-30595.html
>
>
> Herb