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VACList DigestVACList-Digest Thursday, June 13, 2002 Issue 333
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Grover Products compressor
2. Re: Uni-Solar flexible mats (panels)
3. Re: Uni-Solar flexible mats (panels)
4. Re: Van as tow vehicle
5. 69 Dometic
6. Dometic Fridge Operation
7. Re: Van as tow vehicle
8. Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
9. Weeping pressure relief valve?
10. Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
11. Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
12. Re: Van as Tow Vehicle
13. 1956 18 FOOT AIRSTREAM in VAC Classifieds
14. Re: Weeping pressure relief valve?
15. Re: Grover Products compressor
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message Number: 1
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 20:16:25 -0400
From: Dave Lowrey <dave_lowrey@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Grover Products compressor
At 04:57 PM 6/12/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>Grover still makes that bad boy:
>http://www.groverproducts.com/horns/horninfo/large/Model1167.jpg
>They might be able to help.
>RJ
>VintageAirstream.com
* laughs *
I always wondered where the "air" came from for big rig "Air Horns". I
always figured it was some sort of compressor attached to the diesel engine.
Now I know....
* grins *
Dave
_________________________________________________________________
Dave & Ann Lowrey - dave_lowrey@xxxxxxxxxx.com
WBCCI: 5074
1977 31' Sovereign International (center bath)
Cincinnati, Ohio
------------------------------
Message Number: 2
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 20:08:05 -0700
From: Pearl Main <pearlm@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Uni-Solar flexible mats (panels)
My Airstream Hi Bob: I am curious as to why you are not interested in the
solid
panels. I have had 2 on my 64 for the past 9 years and never have had a
problem
they are raisede up a little from the roof and very easy to wash with a long
handled brush and give me all the power I normally need??? What are the
advantages of the flexible panels Pearl in SoCal
> Terry Tyler wrote:
> > One of the installation requirements for rigid solar panels is to provide
> > sufficient space beneath them and the roof for cooling purposes. Is that
> not
> > a factor with Uni-Solar flexible mats? I'm asking. I don't know the
> answer.
>
> Terry,
> My research found that there is a backing on the Uni-Solar mat that
> allows it to be placed directly on the surface of choice. The one thing
> that surprised me in looking at dozens of sites is that Uni-Solar seems to
> have a monopoly on this flexible technology. A bit of a miracle in these
> days.
> Bob
>
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>
> When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text
>
>
------------------------------
Message Number: 3
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 20:25:25 -0700
From: "My Airstream" <myairstream@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Uni-Solar flexible mats (panels)
Pearl wrote:
> My Airstream Hi Bob: I am curious as to why you are not interested
in the
> solid panels.
It's just cosmetic. I'm taking off the A/C to get a sleek silver bullet
look. If I were to put hard panels on top, it changes the look and
aerodynamics of the Airstream for me. It's begins to look like an AWAC
instead of a 747.
Bob Kiger http://cruiserbob.com
66 Airstream Safari
Mira Mar Mobile Park
Oceanside, CA
------------------------------
Message Number: 4
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 21:56:36 -0700
From: Pearl Main <pearlm@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Van as tow vehicle
"Lewis A. Lindner"
> 6/12/2002 7:46:25 AM, Louis Joyner <joyner@xxxxxxxxxx.net> wrote:
>
> >
> >An opinion from someone with experience with these or other full-size vans
> >
> HI: I tow my 64 30' soverign with a 1986 Ford 350 Econline extended body modified by Van
> Masters have been using it since 1989 when I bought if from another A/S who had recently
> remarried and they had too many vehicles. I live in So Calif and have been up dthe Maritime
> provinces of Canada, florida and all over the west and in every province of Canada and find
> it a great tow vehicle....
Since I have been towing this trailer since it was new...1st with Chrysler Newport, then with
IH travelall's both 1/2 and 3/4 ton modles before buying the van. It has been very reliable
and I have kept complete info onall maintenance and recently
had new tires (Cooper) new brakes, rebuilt carb, kingpin/tie rod/and wheels aligned and it
feels like a new vehicla all over again. I was up in Montana several years ago in a bad wind
storm and had complete control of van/AS and saw several 18 wheelers flopped on their sides
and several 5th wheel trailers over so am a confirmed user of the van under any
circumstance.....am a single woman in my mid 70's and feel very safe with the van. Pearl in
So Cal
>
> Have been towing a '72 Safari for two years with a "Custom Craft" conversion which is
> built on the Chevie 3500 twin of the Savannah (127" WB), especially for the purpose
> of towing. Obviously this is rather extreme overkill, but experience has been entirely
> positive -- even with no sway bars or equalizer bars, it is entirely too easy to forget the
> a/s is there. Never any problem with passing trucks, etc. In short, totally boring --
> which is what I want.
>
> -- Lew #4239
>
> '72 Safari
> bicycle
>
> 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: 5
Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 21:59:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: robert brandt <rdbrandt_1930@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: 69 Dometic
Thanks to Chris Bryant for the answer to my freezer
door problem. His picture and solution worked as the
factory meant it too. Thanks Chris.
Carole and Rob
69 Caraval
__________________________________________________
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Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Message Number: 6
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 06:35:26 -0400
From: "James Greene" <drgreene@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Dometic Fridge Operation
Question for Charlie Burke or other experts: I have heard that when running
on gas the Dometic fridge "pilot" stays lighted all the time and the
thermostat increases the gas flow rate when more cooling is called for. That
may apply to the older models prior to the electronic ignition found on the
newer fridges. Do the Dometics with a circuit board and electronic ignition
turn off the gas completely when no cooling is needed and then relight
themselves electronically when more cooling is called for? If so, about when
did the electronic ignition become standard?
Jim Greene
' 68 Tradewind
------------------------------
Message Number: 7
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 05:01:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: Karen Waldo <landyacht76@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Van as tow vehicle
Hi Louis,
There are several of us on the list who have full size
vans. My family and I travel in a Chevrolet Express
conversion van. My parents have always had a full size
van. The biggest plus is the extra interior room. Our
sons are 17 and 20. All 4 of us are not small people.
We also travel with 2 dogs in crates and our bicycles.
We have had 1 passenger van and 2 conversion vans so
far. All 3 have had the option of removing the last
rear seat. That frees up a lot of room for extra
storage. Another plus with the van is that when we
arrive at our destination we are not "worn out" from
being cramped in a vehicle that borders on being too
small. The captain chairs on the conversion vans are
large and roomy, as are the bench seats.
As far as towing with the van, we couldn't be happier.
I do have to admit that I have never towed much with
anything else.
My personal experience with traveling in my sister's
Suburban is that the seats are very uncomfortable. The
are too low to the floor and too short in the seat
lenght for tall people. Even the kids have complained
about them.
Good luck with your decision.
Karen
WDCU # 8440
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Message Number: 8
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 08:18:34 -0400
From: Chris Bryant <list@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
James Greene wrote:
<<..>>
> Do the Dometics with a circuit board and electronic ignition
>turn off the gas completely when no cooling is needed and then relight
>themselves electronically when more cooling is called for?
Yes.
>If so, about when
>did the electronic ignition become standard?
IIRC, the first Dometic electronic control models came out
around 1982 (the RM1303) , with the last full size manual models
disappearing in the early 90's (I *think* the last manual models were
the RM2604/2804).
The compact models (under 5 cu ft) still can be had with
manual controls.
--
Chris Bryant
mailto:bryantrv@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com
------------------------------
Message Number: 9
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 08:35:45 -0400
From: "Rick Langer" <farreach@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Weeping pressure relief valve?
Thanks Jim and Andy,
I going to try to clean the valve first. It makes sense that the small
tubing should be run outside the trailer. I don't know why it's pointing
straight up, but in the end I'll make sure it's vented out. My problem is
that the water isn't coming out of that tube. It's coming out of the top of
the valve where the threaded insert and rubber washer type disc are. I'm
thinking this is where a plug is suppose to be, so that when the valve pops
the water is forced out the tube instead of all over the floor.
What do you guys think?
Rick
>------------------------------
>
>Message Number: 9
>Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 09:53:31 -0400
>From: Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
>Subject: Re: Weeping pressure relief valve?
>
>Rick,
> This is no doubt the pressure relief valve. You might try
>dissassembling and cleaning it. Its operation should become obvious when
>you get it apart.
>
> <<Jim>>
>
>Rick Langer wrote:
>
>> The valve is located on the city water inlet line just past a bell shaped
>> valve which I think is the pressure regulator. As I look down at it, i
see a
>> black washer like disc with a small hole in the center. Under this is a
>> threaded insert with a slot accross the top and can be turned with a
>> screwdriver. This is where the water is coming out. Should this be closed
>> off with a cap? To add to my confussion, there is a foot long piece of
>> tubing coming out of the side of the valve body, pointing straight up.
>> Can anyone help me here? Where's the water suppose to be released (tube
or
>> top of valve)? What should I do, ie. service the valve, repalce it or
>> eliminate it? Where can I get a replacement?
>> Thanks a bunch,
>> Rick langer
>> '66 GlobeTrotter
>> #3847,VAC,TCT
>>
>>
>------------------------------
>
>Message Number: 11
>Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 10:20:55 EDT
>From: Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Subject: Re: Weeping pressure relief valve?
>
>Rick. The pressure relief valve, over time, may start to seep. Replacing
them
>is the simple fix. The clear tubing from that valve should go through the
>underbelly, so that if it pops off, the water will be diverted to the
ground.
>Capping that valve will defeat the excessive pressure purpose of that
valve.
>Some Airstream dealers may have that part.
>
>Andy
>inlandrv.com
>
>
>------------------------------
------------------------------
Message Number: 10
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 10:31:27 EDT
From: Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
Chris. What model Dometic with electronic ignition has the flame cut off
completely after reaching the set temperature?
I have never seen one.
Andy
------------------------------
Message Number: 11
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 10:47:13 -0400
From: Chris Bryant <list@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Dometic Fridge Operation
Inlandrv@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:
>Chris. What model Dometic with electronic ignition has the flame cut off
>completely after reaching the set temperature?
>I have never seen one.
All of the current models 5 cubic foot and larger do. I cannot
remember when the '04 models were discontinued, but they were the last
that used the "push and hold" mechanical safety, along with the
"bypass" type mechanical thermostat.
--
Chris Bryant
mailto:bryantrv@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com
------------------------------
Message Number: 12
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 09:55:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: jon fitz <fitzjo1@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Van as Tow Vehicle
I'm pulling my 68 Overlander with a 95 Ford E250. The
van has a 5.8L V8 and the E4OD typical of Fords. It
also has the extended length body. The Overlander
weighed in at 4300 pounds on a recent trip.
I have no complaints about the handling. This is
pretty good, especially considering the amount of rear
axle overhang that you get with the extended body.
Almost all truck/wind-induced sway is with the van
itself and not the trailer. Try the van out on a busy
highway and you should have a pretty good idea about
handling, without even hooking up a trailer.
I think GM makes an extended body in which the
wheelbase is actually lengthened. It probably doesn't
do much for turning radius, but I'll bet it has one of
the best ratios of overhang to wheelbase I've seen.
Power is another matter. The van will tow as fast as
most people would want to go...on flat ground. Once
you start up hill, the gas engine shows its
limitations. I think this might be improved on the
one ton models, with their higher ratio axles.
One problem with the van is that no one seems to make
performance equipment for the engines. Everyone seems
to make this stuff for the pickups only. I don't know
why this is (limited space under the hood?).
Because I have a 3/4 ton van, the rear end doesn't
squat much when you put the trailer on it. If the van
in question is 1/2 ton, be sure that it will handle
the job. Note that the Ford half ton vans tend to
have smaller brakes, lower ratio rear axles (for
mileage--not towing) and less cooling capacity, in
addition to the lighter suspension components. I
would look into this carefully on the GM.
Overall, I am happy with my van, but wouldn't mind a
powerstroke diesel ;) We already have two kids and
will probably have more. So, it is really helpful to
have the extra space (strollers, carrying packs, etc).
The pricing of vans seems pretty good, too. I would
recommend a 3/4 or one ton van for anyone in a similar
situation. If you don't have kids, AND you want
monster towing power, I would get a diesel pickup.
Sorry if this was too detailed, but early on I had a
hard time finding folks who towed with vans to give
opinions. There's another guy named Jon Michaels with
a V-10 van. Talk to him or see his website.
Jon in SC
68 Overlander
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Message Number: 13
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 14:16:29 -0700
From: Paul Farley <farley@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: 1956 18 FOOT AIRSTREAM in VAC Classifieds
I have no interest in this trailer (buying or selling) but anyone who is
considering buying it is welcome to contact me off list for an accurate
description. I looked at it today.
Paul
#2580
------------------------------
Message Number: 14
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 18:57:35 -0400
From: Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Weeping pressure relief valve?
Rick,
I'm having a hard time picturing exactly how your P/R valve looks, but
it seems to me that it'd be obvious how it works once I got it apart.
Remember that this valve will seldom open (vent water) unless the
pressure regulator (bell-shaped thingy) fails or is mis-adjusted.
However, it's not at all uncommon for such items to begin leaking a bit
because of this little use.
Actually, now that I think about it, there's another reason for this P/R
valve: there's little to no air cushion in an RV water system UNLESS
you've added an accumulator. When your system is full and you light off
the water heater, the expansion can cause either that P/R to weep or the
one on the heater itself. (The Temperature/Pressure or T/P valve)
Another reason to add the little accumulator, IMO.
<<Jim>>
Rick Langer wrote:
> Thanks Jim and Andy,
> I going to try to clean the valve first. It makes sense that the small
> tubing should be run outside the trailer. I don't know why it's pointing
> straight up, but in the end I'll make sure it's vented out. My problem is
> that the water isn't coming out of that tube. It's coming out of the top of
> the valve where the threaded insert and rubber washer type disc are. I'm
> thinking this is where a plug is suppose to be, so that when the valve pops
> the water is forced out the tube instead of all over the floor.
> What do you guys think?
> Rick
>
>
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
<<jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
<<mailto:jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
------------------------------
Message Number: 15
Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 19:03:41 -0400
From: Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Grover Products compressor
Dave,
The air horns on the Big Rigs DO obtain their air from the air brake
system, which uses an engine-driven compressor. However, if you have a
boat or pickup truck w/o air brakes, you can use the little electric
compressor shown.
<<Jim>>
Dave Lowrey wrote:
> At 04:57 PM 6/12/2002 -0700, you wrote:
>
>> Grover still makes that bad boy:
>> http://www.groverproducts.com/horns/horninfo/large/Model1167.jpg
>> They might be able to help.
>> RJ
>> VintageAirstream.com
>
>
> * laughs *
>
> I always wondered where the "air" came from for big rig "Air Horns". I
> always figured it was some sort of compressor attached to the diesel
> engine.
>
> Now I know....
>
> * grins *
>
> Dave
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Dave & Ann Lowrey - dave_lowrey@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>
> WBCCI: 5074
>
> 1977 31' Sovereign International (center bath)
> Cincinnati, Ohio
>
>
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
--
<<http://www.oldengine.org/members/jdunmyer>>
<<jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
<<lower SE Michigan, USA>>
<<mailto:jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxx.com>>
------------------------------
End of VACList-Digest #333
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