The Vintage Airstream E-mail List
Archive Files
VACList-Digest Sunday, April 21, 2002 Issue 280
Today's Topics:
1. Re: OBX Rally in Aug.
2. Re: OBX Rally in Aug.
3. Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
4. Re: (No subject)
5. Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
6. Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
7. Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
8. Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
9. Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
10. Re: Rocky Mtn. VAC Rally
11. What a deal? !!
12. NAS New Orleans
13. COE Tuscaloosa, AL
14. Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
15. Re: Equal-i-zer Hitch
16. Re: Rocky Mtn. VAC Rally
17. Re: Equal-i-zer Hitch
18. Re: What a deal? !!
19. Calcium deposits
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message Number: 1
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 00:02:07 +0000
From: "Doug Green" <doug_sue@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: OBX Rally in Aug.
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV>
<P>How much am I allowed to say about the OBX Rally in August since I work for the park? My input would strictly be in MY interest not necessarily the parks because I really really want everyone to come. Thanking you in advance.</P>
<P>Sue Green</P>
<P>1955 Safari - WBCCI Member<BR></P></DIV>>End of VACList-Digest #278
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------------------------------
Message Number: 2
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 18:01:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Rowbottom <shacksman@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: OBX Rally in Aug.
Hi Sue;
You can tell us how great a park you work in and how
they have an indoor and outdoor pool and a great
meeting room. You can tell us how close the beach is
and how you can hear the waves roll in. You can tell
us about the interesting sites to see in the area and
how the pirates used to roam the shores years ago. You
can tell us about the Wright Brothers and their first
flight just up the road from your park. You can tell
us about the fishing pier right next to the park and
the great restaurants in the area.
Mostly you can tell us how excited you will be to see
40 Airstream trailers come rolling in through the
gates in August to be greeted by you and Doug and your
54 Safari.
I hope everyone that wants to get to a great summer
Rally gets their name in soon so they don't miss out
on this one.
Doug Rowbottom
--- Doug Green <doug_sue@xxxxxxxxxx.com> wrote:
How much am I allowed to say about the OBX Rally in
August since I work for the park? My input would
strictly be in MY interest not necessarily the parks
because I really really want everyone to come.
Thanking you in advance.
Sue Green
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Games - play chess, backgammon, pool and more
http://games.yahoo.com/
------------------------------
Message Number: 3
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 20:02:53 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
Thanx for the pointer. I will be ordering a number of parts in the near
future.
Bob
Oceanside
----- Original Message -----
From: <Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 9:32 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
> Bob. We have the vent operators that you need. You can see them on our web
> site, inlandrv.com Click on parts and then scroll to part number
83792.
> Click on "view part" to see it. Andy
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 4
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 20:48:06 -0700
From: "T. Byrd" <tbyrd@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: (No subject)
Joseph C Langlinais wrote:
>
> Does anyone know of a source for "Lug Bolts"? I own a '76 A/S and lost
> one. :-(
> On the head is written "90-95 lbs torque".
Joseph,
I had to replace 5 studs and all six of the lug nuts on one of my hubs.
The studs for a '58 hub were a bear to find, but after two days, and
visiting numerous suppliers, I was able to find them. Napa had grade 5
nuts as a stock item.
--
Ted Byrd
1958 Overlander
------------------------------
Message Number: 5
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 21:59:46 -0700
From: Beth Browning <Beth@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
Subject: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
Just wanted to ask everyone what their experience is with "post-polish
sealer" vs. using wax alone to maintain the shine.
We are in the process of renovating our 1970 31 ft. Sovereign with the help
of Oasis RV a couple of hours away in Tuscon. Exterior polishing was too
daunting for us novice/amateurs to take on ourselves, so we have hired these
nice folks at Oasis to shine her up. I hope we can maintain the shiny finish
once they do the first major job.
Oasis recommends NOT applying a sealant because of peeling problems after
the polishing job but rather using a Carnauba wax to maintain the finish by
waxing about 4 times per year. They are very knowledgeable with over 28 yrs.
Airstream experience and are great to work with.
I am interested in VAC advice as well since I would love a less-labor
approach to finish maintenance if possible.
Arlen and Shirley's polishing site did not seem to recommend a sealer...
http://www.perfectpolish.com/Forum.htm#Shirley's%20Post%20No.%201
But I saw a sealant on this website...
http://www.topoftheline.com/rolmetpol.html
Has anyone used a fabulous sealant with terrific results and
low-maintenance/upkeep requirements? That didn't peel? That didn't cause
people to cry out in abject despair should it ever need to be
removed/repolished in the future? I really feel for the recent trials those
trying to remove "clearcoat" seem to be experiencing...and I don't want to
find myself in a similar situation down the road.
Thanks for any advice--if preferred, send replies directly to me at
beth@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Many thanks!
--
Beth Browning
------------------------------
Message Number: 6
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 11:44:21 -0400
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
Bob, In all fairness, I need to warn you that the vent operators that Andy
offers are not a exact duplicate of the LaDeu openers that you are used to.
They require MANY more turns to get the vent open and then they do not raise
the vent as far as the originals. That said, they are the only alternative I
know of. You will want to replace them in pairs.
Scott
1960 Overlander
----- Original Message -----
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2002 11:02 PM
Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
> Thanx for the pointer. I will be ordering a number of parts in the near
> future.
> Bob
> Oceanside
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 9:32 AM
> Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
>
>
> > Bob. We have the vent operators that you need. You can see them on our
web
> > site, inlandrv.com Click on parts and then scroll to part number
> 83792.
> > Click on "view part" to see it. Andy
> >
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> > http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
> >
> > When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 7
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 12:01:51 -0400
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
Beth,
As far as I know, P&S in Helena Ohio are the only ones that still clearcote
Airstreams after polishing. My trailer was polished and coated by them in
the early winter of 1999. So far no complaints. What is nice about the
clearcote is that the shine does not dull over time. It is not maintenance
free however. Regular washings - especially to remove bugs and a once or
twice a year application of Walbernize is recommended. It is really easy,
wipe on wipe off -- no rubbing.
Even with a frequent application of wax on a uncoated trailer you will not
stop the oxidation, a coating is needed to do that. I can relate to your not
wanting to tackle the task, I did not either. My 26 footer was nearly pure
white from oxidation. It looks much better now. It is not as shiney as the
non coated ones, but matches very well with the newer Airstreams. P&S's
number is 419-638-6261. As far as experience goes I have known of P&S for
about 15 years. At least for a time the Airstream factory sent their coating
work out to P&S. Perhaps you can give them a call and see if this is still
true.
Scott
1960 Overlander
----- Original Message -----
From: "Beth Browning" <Beth@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2002 12:59 AM
Subject: [VAC] Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
> Just wanted to ask everyone what their experience is with "post-polish
> sealer" vs. using wax alone to maintain the shine.
>
> We are in the process of renovating our 1970 31 ft. Sovereign with the
help
> of Oasis RV a couple of hours away in Tuscon. Exterior polishing was too
> daunting for us novice/amateurs to take on ourselves, so we have hired
these
> nice folks at Oasis to shine her up. I hope we can maintain the shiny
finish
> once they do the first major job.
>
> Oasis recommends NOT applying a sealant because of peeling problems after
> the polishing job but rather using a Carnauba wax to maintain the finish
by
> waxing about 4 times per year. They are very knowledgeable with over 28
yrs.
> Airstream experience and are great to work with.
>
> I am interested in VAC advice as well since I would love a less-labor
> approach to finish maintenance if possible.
------------------------------
Message Number: 8
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 10:26:13 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
Scott,
I was curious why the casting on the handles were not the same shape as
the stock handles. So my quest continues for one set of original LaDeu
openers. I am going to order the replacement fan for the bathroom vent from
inlandrv. They are performing a very valuable service. And it would not be
the first time that aftermarket parts sacrifice "something" to modern
economics.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2002 8:44 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
> Bob, In all fairness, I need to warn you that the vent operators that Andy
> offers are not a exact duplicate of the LaDeu openers that you are used
to.
> They require MANY more turns to get the vent open and then they do not
raise
> the vent as far as the originals. That said, they are the only alternative
I
> know of. You will want to replace them in pairs.
>
> Scott
> 1960 Overlander
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Sent: Saturday, April 20, 2002 11:02 PM
> Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
>
>
> > Thanx for the pointer. I will be ordering a number of parts in the near
> > future.
> > Bob
> > Oceanside
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> > To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> > Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 9:32 AM
> > Subject: [VAC] Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
> >
> >
> > > Bob. We have the vent operators that you need. You can see them on our
> web
> > > site, inlandrv.com Click on parts and then scroll to part number
> > 83792.
> > > Click on "view part" to see it. Andy
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> > > http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
> > >
> > > When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original
text
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> > http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
> >
> > When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 9
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 10:38:54 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
The argument over re-doing clear coat has been going on for years. My
mentor for such matters was Bill Scott, (who wet nursed me through the
process of stripping a polishing my coach. Here is what I believe.
Clear coat is tenacious and will last for years if properly applied.
Problem is that any bacteria underneath that has not been removed will
immediately begin breaking down the new clearcoat from beneath.
Vintage coaches that have thick aluminum can be aggressively polished to a
spit shine. This is not true for later models that have a composite skin
with a thin aluminum outer coating. With an older coach one can strip and
polish and that's it. With the newer coaches (somebody can tell you the
year) it might be wise to strip off old clear coat and then go to P&S or
other after market providers of clear coating.
Fortunately, aluminum oxidation takes quite a while to dull the coach and
can be polished away every couple of years and rewaxed. My 66 Safari has
been in residence 250 yards from the beach for over 2 years and it is just
now beginning to show oxidation.
Hope this helps.
Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Scheuermann" <s.l.scheuermann@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2002 9:01 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
> Beth,
>
> As far as I know, P&S in Helena Ohio are the only ones that still
clearcote
> Airstreams after polishing. My trailer was polished and coated by them in
> the early winter of 1999. So far no complaints. What is nice about the
> clearcote is that the shine does not dull over time. It is not maintenance
> free however. Regular washings - especially to remove bugs and a once or
> twice a year application of Walbernize is recommended. It is really easy,
> wipe on wipe off -- no rubbing.
>
> Even with a frequent application of wax on a uncoated trailer you will not
> stop the oxidation, a coating is needed to do that. I can relate to your
not
> wanting to tackle the task, I did not either. My 26 footer was nearly pure
> white from oxidation. It looks much better now. It is not as shiney as the
> non coated ones, but matches very well with the newer Airstreams. P&S's
> number is 419-638-6261. As far as experience goes I have known of P&S for
> about 15 years. At least for a time the Airstream factory sent their
coating
> work out to P&S. Perhaps you can give them a call and see if this is still
> true.
>
> Scott
> 1960 Overlander
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Beth Browning" <Beth@xxxxxxxxxx.org>
> To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2002 12:59 AM
> Subject: [VAC] Advice Please on Sealant after Polish
>
>
> > Just wanted to ask everyone what their experience is with "post-polish
> > sealer" vs. using wax alone to maintain the shine.
> >
> > We are in the process of renovating our 1970 31 ft. Sovereign with the
> help
> > of Oasis RV a couple of hours away in Tuscon. Exterior polishing was
too
> > daunting for us novice/amateurs to take on ourselves, so we have hired
> these
> > nice folks at Oasis to shine her up. I hope we can maintain the shiny
> finish
> > once they do the first major job.
> >
> > Oasis recommends NOT applying a sealant because of peeling problems
after
> > the polishing job but rather using a Carnauba wax to maintain the finish
> by
> > waxing about 4 times per year. They are very knowledgeable with over 28
> yrs.
> > Airstream experience and are great to work with.
> >
> > I am interested in VAC advice as well since I would love a less-labor
> > approach to finish maintenance if possible.
>
>
>
>
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a daily Digest format, please go to
> http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 10
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 12:02:14 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <n7kt@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: Rocky Mtn. VAC Rally
Hi to all the Guerins,
I was just printing out the application for the RM Rally, and noticed that
the header on the form has the date (year) wrong. Just thought you'd like
to know.
We plan on being there, and will bring our granddaughter this time. Dog
too, :-)
Will you all be at the Bennett Ranch Rally next week? We're leaving here on
Wednesday for the drive up.
Take care,
Roger and Leslie
Roger Hightower, N7KT
WBCCI 4165, VAC, TCT
1975 31' Sovereign, '02 F-250 PSD
Mesa, AZ
mailto:n7kt@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 11
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 15:21:56 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: What a deal? !!
on 04/15/02 4:10 PM, myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net wrote:
> I live in one of those prissy parks that regulate every detail. Some of you
> will recall a couple of years ago when I really worked to spit and polish my
> 66 Safari before presenting it to the park manager. Now I'm in and well
> accepted. My coach is the cutest in the park and yet the manager says she
> will never accept another Airstream. (Skirting issues).
>
> I'd love to have more space and freedom to go to Airstream events, but I
> can't beat the location or the price and the park frowns on moving the
> units.
> Bob
------------------------
Hi Bob,
Had you ever considered borrowing an Airstream from a member who has
several? Or asking that member if you could buy one of his, work on it and
take it to rallies now and then - but leave it in his yard? What a deal? !!
There might be someone around who would need your assistance occasionally.
And if you were a regular visitor to his yard and to his restoration
project, this could be a beneficial trade off as well as a bonus friendship.
That's probably fantasy thinking. Sometimes my ideas just bubble up and
shutting them off is nearly impossible. It would be nice to have space and
freedom all in one fell swoop. That's icing on the cake. You'd have it all.
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 12
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 15:21:56 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: NAS New Orleans
Hi Guys and Gals,
If any of you are a veteran or on active duty with any branch of military
service, this might be of interest, especially those of you who use military
campgrounds AND haven't yet visited the base in New Orleans. Our campsite
for the next few nights (April 17-20) is the Naval Air Station (NAS)
Campground in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Although I am a US Navy veteran, I'm not on active duty nor am I retired
Navy. This means I'm an ordinary citizen and not eligible to use military
campgrounds on a drive-up basis.
Thus, to tow our Airstream onto the Naval Air Station and park it in the NAS
Campground, it was necessary for our son (active duty USAF) to register us
and obtain the necessary documents. He did that earlier this week.
Because of heightened security at all military installations, the MPs not
only checked our papers, but inspected our truck and inside our Airstream
for guns. They were professional about it, yet polite and straight up. The
alternating concrete barriers on the entry road kept us alert .
At this campground, there are 15 campsites with eight of them under huge
shade trees. That's the way to stay cool when outside temperatures are hot
and humidity is high, like this week. We have a key to the shower rooms. The
laundry room washers/dryers are brand new. It's comfortably cool at our home
away from home while visiting our son and his family or while babysitting
our grand daughter.
This is the first time we've parked our Airstream at a Navy base campground.
It's like old home week for feeling at ease with how things are done and
knowing we'd be in good hands if a problem occurred.
The Auto Hobby Shop was a block away if I had needed a garage to work on my
truck or if I needed a recommendation for a local mechanic. Leaving the base
for crawfish and shrimp, or a haircut, or the hardware store, or visiting
our son and his family was very easy, as was getting back on the base.
Another thing we like about USN bases occurs at sunset when the bugle plays
for colors being lowered. I'm not the only one who folds his USA flag in the
traditional triangular manner. Later in the evening at10pm, the bugler plays
"Taps." In the morning, the bugler plays when the colors are raised. For
me, these familiar melodies are reminiscent from serving aboard a Destroyer
and at a Naval Air Station during my five years with Uncle Sam.
Flying over our Airstream are three large flags (Gadsen, USA, USN). Our
Gadsen flag was first flown by the Commander-in-Chief of the American Navy
during February 1776. It has a yellow field, with a rattle snake about to
strike and the words "Don't Tread On Me" along the lower edge.
Our USA flag has 13 stars and was first flown during June 1776. Our third
is a brand new US Navy flag.
One reason we look forward to staying at campgrounds on military air bases
is because we like hearing the roar and vibration of jets as they climb
skyward. These young pilots are earning their wings. For us, the sound of
them doing " touch and go" practice is music to our ears. We are among those
who call it the "sound of freedom."
Enough said,
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 13
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 15:21:57 -0400
From: Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: COE Tuscaloosa, AL
Hi Airstreamers,
This note is for those interested in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Campground located about 14 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
It's call Deerlick Creek Campground. There are 40 campsites equipped with
water and electric, tables, fire ring grills and lantern hangars. There are
6 primitive campsites. The campground has a dump station, a washhouse with
flush toilets, hot showers and coin laundry. There are fishing piers, a pay
phone, a small playground, a paved bicycle trail (well done), a group picnic
shelter, a swimming beach and a boat ramp.
Each campsite is situated on a full and long concrete slab with a large
graveled side area for the picnic table, grill and hangar. The unusual thing
is some of the prime sites have a wooden deck beside the slab and the deck
overlooks a deep ravine going down to the lake. Standing on one of these
decks is like standing on top of the trees and looking down into the forest
and lake below. It's quite a view.
Another feature is 16 of the 40 sites are for folks who drive-up and 26
sites are for those with reservations. Today (04/21/02), we arrived as a
drive-up and five prime sites were available. We chose #34 with the view.
In our experience, COE campgrounds are gated communities and have a security
person on duty throughout the day and into the evening. When we register at
any campground (not just COEs), I ask for the phone number of the security
person and the person on the gate. I've found they can expedite calling an
ambulance in an emergency or solving a small issue like when we arrive at
our assigned campsite after a long and convoluted drive around the reservoir
only to find someone else is already assigned the same campsite. Like we
taught our kids, be prepared and don't assume anything.
I'm pedaling and riding my bike everywhere,
Terry
mailto:tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 14
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 16:48:40 EDT
From: Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: Vintage Airstream HEHR Aluminum Vent Cover
Scott.
We give considerable thought before we embark on coming up with a
replacement for some of the parts for the vintage coaches. First, is it worth
it? Next, can it be done at a reasonable cost? Would the finished product be
acceptable? Would it be compatible? Can the original design be improved upon?
Would it have a reasonable selling price? And finally, what is the market?
As you know Scott, no one in the Airstream family has made such attempts, but
us. This also opens the door for ridicule, by some. But it usually comes from
someone that doesn't need that item anyway.
When we set out to come up with a replacement for the old "Hehr" operator, we
looked at it's draw backs. One, because it had very little friction, it come
open in transit, resulting in it being blown off. Thousands of vent covers,
both Solardomes and Astrodomes, have been replaced for that very reason.
Secondly, the double rise design had considerable play in it.
With those things in mind, we wanted the vent operator to be considerably
more rigid, and to require many more turns to open. That design has
eliminated the opening in transit problem. Additionally, you can, with our
operator, open the rear end of the cover, and travel at any speed, actually
tested over 100 MPH!!! With the rear part of the cover open, you create a
slight vacuum, which helps keeping the coach interior "cool" during hot
weather. With our operator, the cover will not open as much as the original.
That fact doesn't matter on a powered fan vent. It does somewhat matter on a
non powered vent, however. But, you can leave a vent accidentally open, and
have it rain, without any water getting in, unless it's a real down pour.
Therefore Scott, we think we have an overall, better vent operator than the
original. We have yet to have a single complaint from any owner, having sold
several hundred.
We have come up with many "innovations" for some parts for the vintage owner.
No one has a "Solar Gray" Solardome, that has a "thermal barrier." We do. No
one has replacement windows for the 66-67 and 68 trailers. We came up with a
scratch free acrylic material to fill the void. You can scrub our replacement
window with steel wool, AND, not scratch it.
Scott, I could go on and one about the products that we have available to
keep the vintage coaches alive. No one else has or wanted to make the time or
financial investment to do so. We have. We have also purchased some molds
from Airstream, that were earmarked to be destroyed, such as the rooflocker
catches, closet door latches and some Air Conditioner shrouds.
You are correct in telling someone that our vent operator is different, but
you didn't mention, that's it's a first class machined product, with
improvements.
Our web site, inlandrv.com lists many parts that we have on sale that are for
the vintage owners as well as for the 10 and 20 year old coaches. Many of
those parts, in the past, were "no longer available." We take great pride in
being able to say that "we took that giant step," and will continue to do so.
Recent additions have been the rinse quick spray head, a better and cheaper
replacement for the 292100 grease seal, cabinet latches, rooflocker latch,
closet door hinges, a heck of a price for a package of 100 Olympic rivets, a
gasket for the 65 and older trailers, a gasket for the Jalousie windows,
ceiling light lenses for 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, and some 69 and 70 trailers,
many of the disc brake parts, including the pads that we have made, stove
exhaust vent covers, fiberglass black water tanks, window clips, bar arms,
and operators for 66-67-68, operators and nylon friction pads from 65 and
down, and access doors for 64 to 68 trailers. And now we have "Kirsch drape
tabs" when no on else does.
We are also the only Airstream representative that has a web site dedicated
to informing the owners through articles and pictures, but who also has their
own parts sale section. Since it's inception, some 1 and 1/2 years ago, we
have received over 22,000 inquiries.
We are working on some pictures and a short story on "How to make the
interior of your vinyl walled Airstream look better than new, on less the
$6.00."
Scott, we think we deserve at least a B+ for our efforts, don't you?
Inland RV Center, Inc., it's staff and Andy
------------------------------
Message Number: 15
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 16:13:11 -0500
From: Dan Weeks <theprofileco@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Equal-i-zer Hitch
Charlie:
Thanks for your comprehensive report on Equal-i-zer Hitch. I'm going to be
towing my 26' argosy with a late-model, GM full-sized rwd wagon with a
factory tow package and the LT1 5.7 engine, which is nowhere near the beef
of your 2500 HD, 8.1 and Allison (what a combo!) but which I think will
work fine, given what these rigs were originally designed to be towed with.
But, given that I'm running a bit light on the tow vehicle by today's
standards, I'd be happy to invest in a really good sway-control hitch. The
eas-lift single swaybar that came with my rig has been adequate for the very
limited amount of towing I've done so far, and in fact my 26 has been better
behaved than my 16' SOB (without sway control) is.
Here's my question: In spite of reading the Eqaul-i-zer website, I'm still
not sure how the sway control system on theirs works, and why it is better.
I don't need to know the details--if you think it is, I'll be happy to take
your word for it. In my situation, do you think the ca. $550 upgrade is
worth it? Do the Equal-i-zer no-chain spring bars produce a better ride and
allow more accurate weight equalizing than eas-lift? Is the equal-i-zer sway
control better than a friction bar?
Thanks much for your insight. I always appreciate your posts.
Dan
76 Argosy 26
> From: VACList <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Reply-To: VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net
> Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 17:00:50 -0700
> To: Multiple recipients of VACList <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: [VAC]
>
> Re: Equal-i-zer Hitch)
------------------------------
Message Number: 16
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 15:01:52 -0700
From: "Roger Hightower" <n7kt@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Re: Rocky Mtn. VAC Rally
Sorry about that....it wasn't meant to go to the list.
Roger Hightower, N7KT
WBCCI 4165, VAC, TCT
1975 31' Sovereign, '02 F-250 PSD
Mesa, AZ
mailto:n7kt@xxxxxxxxxx.net
------------------------------
Message Number: 17
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 16:27:16 -0600
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Equal-i-zer Hitch
Dan,
The technology that provides weight equalizing is the same for darn near all the
hitches out there. Even the Hensley uses Eaz-Lift or Draw-Tite spring bars to
get that part done. The differences are in sway control/elimination/management.
The old design basic hitches have very little management of sway from the
pressure of the equalizing spring bars. Don't forget however even that amounts
to a lot of sway management compared to a tow setup without equalizer spring
bars.
The big difference is in how the hitch manages sway. Most, including Eaz-Lift,
Draw-Tite, etc. work to suppress it with friction devices, Reese uses both
friction and their dual cam systems. Pull-Rite repositions the pivot point
forward. Hensley uses a very sophisticated device. Equal-i-zers approach was to
eliminate or constrict the flexible points in a simple load equalizing hitch.
The rear L bracket mount eliminates all of the flex of a chain hook up leaving
just for and aft movement. Their hitch head, rather than a loose pivot point in
a round bar or trunion head, hold the pivot point in compression. The
combination virtually stops sway from beginning.
Of course my recent comments are about my new truck. But, I started using the
Equal-i-zer with my previous truck a 1990 Ford F250HD with a 5.8L/5 speed. And
while the new truck out muscles the trailer, the old truck was every bit as
stable a tow platform. Most of my personal evaluation was done with the older
truck.
I started towing back in the early 70's before most of these neat hitches were
on the market. The first 7-8 years I towed with a Bock equalizer hitch and a
friction sway control. There were a few occasions early in my learning curve
when I had some not to pleasant moments. Nothing serious, just WHOA! My first
chance to pull an Airstream was taking a new '73 from the CA factory to ID.
Gads, what a difference from my 26' SOB. I actually have much more time towing
with a basic equalizer than most of the new ones.
Charlie
Charlie
Dan Weeks wrote:
> Charlie:
>
> Thanks for your comprehensive report on Equal-i-zer Hitch. I'm going to be
> towing my 26' argosy with a late-model, GM full-sized rwd wagon with a
> factory tow package and the LT1 5.7 engine, which is nowhere near the beef
> of your 2500 HD, 8.1 and Allison (what a combo!) but which I think will
> work fine, given what these rigs were originally designed to be towed with.
> But, given that I'm running a bit light on the tow vehicle by today's
> standards, I'd be happy to invest in a really good sway-control hitch. The
> eas-lift single swaybar that came with my rig has been adequate for the very
> limited amount of towing I've done so far, and in fact my 26 has been better
> behaved than my 16' SOB (without sway control) is.
>
> Here's my question: In spite of reading the Eqaul-i-zer website, I'm still
> not sure how the sway control system on theirs works, and why it is better.
> I don't need to know the details--if you think it is, I'll be happy to take
> your word for it. In my situation, do you think the ca. $550 upgrade is
> worth it? Do the Equal-i-zer no-chain spring bars produce a better ride and
> allow more accurate weight equalizing than eas-lift? Is the equal-i-zer sway
> control better than a friction bar?
>
> Thanks much for your insight. I always appreciate your posts.
>
> Dan
> 76 Argosy 26
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 18
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 15:51:37 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: What a deal? !!
Terry Tyler wrote:
> Had you ever considered borrowing an Airstream from a member who has
> several? Or asking that member if you could buy one of his, work on it and
> take it to rallies now and then - but leave it in his yard? What a deal?
!!
>
> There might be someone around who would need your assistance occasionally.
> And if you were a regular visitor to his yard and to his restoration
> project, this could be a beneficial trade off as well as a bonus
friendship.
>
> That's probably fantasy thinking.
Dear Terry,
I don't know when you last visited San Diego but there are very strict
rules about using a trailer for habitating and in many cases even storing a
trailer on a residential lot. I also don't have the money to buy Airstream
#2. I have just enough resources to keep Airstream #1 in good shape.
I used to satisfy my craving for life on the road by outfitting my puller as
a camper. That all ended when I rolled and totalled my 66 Ford Camper
Special in the Baja. Today my "puller" is an 89 Toyota truck with a
whopping 2.2 liter four banger. Surprisingly this little truck is rated to
pull my 3340 lb. Safari. I would only attempt such a pull in an emergency.
I am working these days to lighten the coach by removing the A/C and forced
air heater, pulling the asbestos vinyl tile in favor of more contemporary
flooring. I think I can get it down to 3200 lbs. What is the consensus for
the toughest and lightest flooring?
Thanx for the ideas and support
Bob
Oceanside
------------------------------
Message Number: 19
Date: Sun, 21 Apr 2002 16:04:18 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Calcium deposits
A local repair guy checked my hot water problem and removed one of the 1/2
copper lines that attach to the heater. He ascertained that the mineral
(calcium) buildup was in the tank, which needed to be replaced. His
assessment peaked my curiosity so I turned off the gas and let the tank
cool.
Then I disconnected the output pipe and sure enough there was thick white
stuff plugging the hole in the tank. I checked with my neighbor who used to
be a plumbing contractor about the nature of H20 tanks. I asked whether
they were just big pots or had internal chambers like a battery. He said
that they were just big pots. I borrowed an ice pick and attempted to
penetrate the calcium deposit. This stuff was thick (4") and tough like
hardened plastic. I finally got through and then I got out my drill and a
Big bit to rout a larger hole. It became obvious that the heater would have
to be replaced soon, but when I put the plumbing back together the flow had
doubled so I can at least take a shower while I am waiting for the new
heater.
My neigbor recommended that any hot water heater be drained and flushed with
an anti-calcium agent annually. And so it goes.
Bob
Oceanside
------------------------------
End of VACList-Digest #280
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