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VACList DigestVACList-Digest       Friday, October 18, 2002      Issue 459
  
Today's Topics:
  
        1. Airstream Lunar Dishware
        2. Re: converter
        3. Re: Airstream Lunar Dishware
        4. Enough computers!
        5. Re: converter
        6. Re: converter
        7. Re: Enough computers!
        8. Re: converter
        9. Re: What's that Smell
       10. Carlisle tires ST 225/75 D 15
       11. Re: converter
       12. What's that smell?  Can't smell Carbon Monoxide!
       13. Re: converter
       14. Re: foam tank support
       15. Re: what's that smell (gas?)
       16. Re: What's that Smell
       17. Re: What's that Smell
       18. Re: What's that Smell
       19. Re: Travelling w/'updated' Utility Connections
       20. Re: Carrying Bicycles between Trailer and Tow Vehicle
       21. Re: Travelling w/'updated' Utility Connections
       22. Re: what's that smell (gas?)
       23. Re: what's that smell (gas?)
       24. Re: What's that Smell
       25. Re: what's that smell (gas?)
       26. Re: what's that smell (gas?)
       27. Re: Enough computers!




----------------------------------------------------------------------




Message Number: 1
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:14:23 -0700
From: "Richard        McFarland" <estatewagons@xxxxxxxxxx.att.net>
Subject: Airstream Lunar Dishware

I was shopping at the Bon Marche today in Seattle and happened to notice a
display of dishware.  In case you've not seen it before...it's interesting.
The series is referred to as "Slice of Life".

The series - in which many different themes are used on various sizes of
dishware - has fun with the concept of futuristic things -  and the way in
which futuristic things used to be illustrated.  As the plate says on the
back - the artist attempts to project the known into the unknown.

The plate that caught my eye....and I subsequently bought...is titled "Lunar
Barbecue" and it's depicts an Airstream owner (and his Airstream) (obviously
dry camping) on the moon.  The owner is standing outside (in a space suit)
attempting to grill a meal on a barbecue.  A somewhat familar looking planet
looms in the distance.  The Airstream has a personalized license plate
befitting it's locale.

The finish on the plates is more along the lines of casual usage - it's not
fancy - it's simply fun stuff...and the price reflected that as the dishware
was on sale.

RL McFarland






------------------------------

Message Number: 2
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 20:59:37 -0400
From: "Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: converter

Hi Ruth,

While I don't have a tipped over battery, I do have water that enters
through the battery compartment and wets the floor - eventually it will
become soft enough that I have to replace the floor.

However, my purpose in jumping in your thread is to inform  you that plywood
and battery acid are not compatible.  No matter how well  you wash, coat
with baking soda, or attempt to preserve the wood, it's history!!!

I assume that the spill was extensive and must have nearly drained the
battery?  If  you are sure it was only a tiny spill, OK.  However, it was a
large spill keep wet baking soda on the area until you replace the floor in
that area.  Sulfuric acid is almost forever in wood - it just goes on
decomposing the wood.  Think of it as a rapid form of rot.

Hopefully you'll install a hold down for the battery to prevent future
tip-overs as you now realize how expensive the repair can be. :)

I bought the Intelli Power and Charge Wizard at Camping World with the
recommendations from the list.   I'm completely satisfied.  The unit only
weighs about 5 pounds, is nearly noiseless, and functions flawlessly.

Hookup is a bit of a problem if your unit has the DC fuse panel as part of
the Univolt.  I took the fuse panel off the Univolt and installed it in a
plastic electrical box so I could leave all wiring in tact and maintain the
existing fuses, etc.  I couldn't justify constructing a completely new fuse
panel for the purpose.  I installed an electrical box with a grounded
receptacle using the existing AC service.  Then, just plug in the Intelli
Power.

My '69 Safari had the fuse panel in the convenience hatch at the rear of the
trailer and not in the Univolt.  Really made the installation quick and
easy.  Just run a new ground (You'll have to do this with either layout.) as
detailed in the instruction.

As compared to the Univolt,  you won't even know that it's onboard.With it's
small size, you'll have difficulty trying to decide which open space to
secure it to! :)

However, don't be lulled into thinking that you don't have to check the
fluid level every once in a while as a battery will still lose some of it's
electrolyte over time.

Please be sure to construct an appropriate hold down for the battery.
Battery acid spills are a bitch, to say the least! :(

                     '74 Safari, Joy (a retired chemist with archaic
solutions)








------------------------------

Message Number: 3
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 21:05:44 -0400
From: Bob Patterson <bpatt@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Airstream Lunar Dishware

Thanks for the info on the A/S plate. I found one at this web site for $7.99.
http://www.kitchenetc.com/Products.cfm?sku=000870295

Bob Patterson


>The plate that caught my eye....and I subsequently bought...is titled "Lunar
>Barbecue" and it's depicts an Airstream owner (and his Airstream) (obviously
>dry camping) on the moon.  T
>




------------------------------

Message Number: 4
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:00:29 -0400
From: jrdorsey <jrdorsey@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Enough computers!

Ok I've had it, this is my last post on this.

A: I'm not trying to sell ANYBODY ANYTHING I was replying with
alternatives to someone with a problem.

B: It's nice that you haven't had any problems with your system and I
hope it stays that way, but the odds are against you. I know too may
people PERSONALLY that have horror stories, a friend that got a virus
that wiped her BIOS ROM, my cousin whos Windows "forgot" that it had a
modem and wouldn't recognize it until I formatted the drive and
reinstalled Windows, another friend that lost his Thesis for his masters
degree in nursing because his Windows locked up and corrupted the file.
The list goes on but I digress.

C: Perhaps I do have some prehistoric opinions as I was a professional
computer technician since MS-DOS 3.0 (I still have the disks someplace
around here) but the above described problems all happened in Windows 98
or later. Considering Wal-Mart still sells Windows 98 that's not very
prehistoric. 

D: The internet and most business systems do NOT run on Windows. They
run on Unix or SunSparc or IBM OSs. A good example of why is in my
county, our Clerk of Courts system runs an intel based Unix system, 
system administration is done part time by one of the accounting staff
and it's almost never down. Our county system is an intel based Windows
system that takes two full time administrators to run it and it's often down.

E: It's a shame you are trying to convince innocent people that there is
nothing wrong with Outlook Express. Even Microsoft admits it has serious
security issues. Further proof is that Microsoft is constantly releasing
security patches for it to try and fix it.

F: I still work on computers and I work on both Windows and Macs (no I
don't do Unix yet). I actually have both Windows 98 and Mac OS9 on my
Mac. For many people Windows works just fine, they have an up-to-date
antivirus, they don't open strange emails, and they don't load a lot of
extra programs. Many people also drive their whole lives without
seatbelts and they have no problems, but that doesn't mean they are
safe, they may be in a crash tomorrow. I don't like playing odds, I wear
my seatbelt, and I use Netscape on a Mac.

G: As far as "wannabes" goes the Mac GUI predates Windows.

F: "economies of scale" Just think how much cheaper and easier it would
be if all RV companies made Fleetwood compatible units. Standardization
is better even if the standards are lower right? Personally I would
rather keep my Airstream (Macintosh) in a Fleetwood (Windows) world.



My Airstream wrote:
> 
> There's always a "simpler" way if you don't have an investment in a
> particular email program (Outlook).  I like my Microsoft Outlook and am not
> interested in how bad it is from people selling Linux, Netscape, Apples and
> all the other wannabes :)
> 
> Frankly, I haven't had ANY of the much maligned problems that have been
> attributed to PCs.  PCs can't be so bad.  Without them our business systems
> would just stop and the internet would be a small club.  The economies of
> scale allowable by open PC architecture more than make up for any
> prehistoric difficulties that keep being recited by PC detractors.
> 
> Bob Kiger  http://cruiserbob.com
> 66 Airstream Safari
> Mira Mar Mobile Park
> Oceanside, CA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "jrdorsey" <jrdorsey@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: [VAC] Re: How to protect your address book?
> 
> > Well, there's a simpler way. You can keep Windows and just go to:
> > http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/default.jsp
> > and download Netscape. It's easy, it's stable, it's secure, and it's
> > FREE. (and they make it for LINUX too.)
> >
> > I used Netscape in Windows for years before I upgraded to a Mac.
> >
> > That brings us to the second simpler solution. Get an Apple, they aren't
> > free, but they are Faster, more Stable, almost nobody writes viruses for
> > them, and even if you use Outlook Express with one, the Windows Outlook
> > viruses can't get in.
> >
> > Lastly, it's very easy for the average person to move from Windows to
> > Mac OS. Windows was originally made to make MS-DOS look like a MAC. When
> > my cousins' Windows computer died I loaned them my Mac while I fixed
> > theirs and they operated mine with no problems.
> >
> > Ron Ainsworth wrote:
> > >
> > > Simple, get rid of windows and install LINUX.
> > >
> > > Penguins are our friends.
> > > Ron Ainsworth
> > >
> > > 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
> > >
> > >
> >
> > --
> > John Dorsey
> > Wauchula FL
> > http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey
> > '49 3800 Chevy Panel
> > '52 640 GMC Firetruck
> >
> >
> >
> > 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
> 
> 

-- 
John Dorsey
Wauchula FL
http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey
'49 3800 Chevy Panel
'52 640 GMC Firetruck


------------------------------

Message Number: 5
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:21:16 EDT
From: JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: converter


Once again epoxy inters the picture. when the floor dries out completely coat 
it liberaly with penetrating epoxy resin after it curers crouer the aera with 
fiberglass cloth or matt using epoxy resen. the floor will last a long yime. 
Jim Smith



------------------------------

Message Number: 6
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:52:43 -0400
From: "Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: converter


Jim,

But, but, but, sulfuric acid never dries out, it just keeps eating and 
eating and seems go on forever.  I have a spot on my work bench that 
continues to deteriorate after many years.  Each high humidity period 
and it gets going again. 

Ever get a drop from a battery on your finger and wipe on if off on your 
levis?  The skin peels and the levis have a big  hole.

Is your experience with plywood that has been sulfuric acid soaked?

                 '69 Safari, Joy



------------------------------

Message Number: 7
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:06:04 -0400
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Enough computers!

Computer problems:  Oy Vey!

Having seen some of those "problems" you listed below and your reported
"fixes" it appears that you didn't need to do what you actually did to
repair these problems.

Never in my life have I ever heard until now that is, of reformatting a hard
drive to get the computer to recognize the modem.

If you are not still a computer technician I can understand why.

Your bias towards things not Windows is obvious.  Some people go to school
but school just doesn't go to them.  This may one of those times.  There are
lots of 'systems' running computers today and yes, it would be wonderful in
the real world if they all played nice together.  But, the truth is that
there will always be some conflicts and there will always be ways to work
around these problems if at all possible at the time.  I say "at the time"
because the world of computers changes daily, if not by the minute.  We are
all moving at light speed with our machines and there will be problems AND
there will also be solutions.

But to reformat a hard drive for simple stuff?  I would NEVER do that and
I've had some BIG problems to work out and solve for myself which I'm happy
to say that I am usually successful in doing so.  I would certainly starve
if I did this for a living or by the hour as it'd be cheaper to just buy a
new computer.

Then again, I could just reformat every time the computer misplaces or loses
something couldn't I?  You would, I wouldn't.

Tom

From: "jrdorsey" <jrdorsey@xxxxxxxxxx.net>

> Ok I've had it, this is my last post on this.
>
> A: I'm not trying to sell ANYBODY ANYTHING I was replying with
> alternatives to someone with a problem.
>
> B: It's nice that you haven't had any problems with your system and I
> hope it stays that way, but the odds are against you. I know too may
> people PERSONALLY that have horror stories, a friend that got a virus
> that wiped her BIOS ROM, my cousin whos Windows "forgot" that it had a
> modem and wouldn't recognize it until I formatted the drive and
> reinstalled Windows, another friend that lost his Thesis for his masters
> degree in nursing because his Windows locked up and corrupted the file.
> The list goes on but I digress.
>
> C: Perhaps I do have some prehistoric opinions as I was a professional
> computer technician since MS-DOS 3.0 (I still have the disks someplace
> around here) but the above described problems all happened in Windows 98
> or later. Considering Wal-Mart still sells Windows 98 that's not very
> prehistoric.
>
> D: The internet and most business systems do NOT run on Windows. They
> run on Unix or SunSparc or IBM OSs. A good example of why is in my
> county, our Clerk of Courts system runs an intel based Unix system,
> system administration is done part time by one of the accounting staff
> and it's almost never down. Our county system is an intel based Windows
> system that takes two full time administrators to run it and it's often
down.
>
> E: It's a shame you are trying to convince innocent people that there is
> nothing wrong with Outlook Express. Even Microsoft admits it has serious
> security issues. Further proof is that Microsoft is constantly releasing
> security patches for it to try and fix it.
>
> F: I still work on computers and I work on both Windows and Macs (no I
> don't do Unix yet). I actually have both Windows 98 and Mac OS9 on my
> Mac. For many people Windows works just fine, they have an up-to-date
> antivirus, they don't open strange emails, and they don't load a lot of
> extra programs. Many people also drive their whole lives without
> seatbelts and they have no problems, but that doesn't mean they are
> safe, they may be in a crash tomorrow. I don't like playing odds, I wear
> my seatbelt, and I use Netscape on a Mac.
>
> G: As far as "wannabes" goes the Mac GUI predates Windows.
>
> F: "economies of scale" Just think how much cheaper and easier it would
> be if all RV companies made Fleetwood compatible units. Standardization
> is better even if the standards are lower right? Personally I would
> rather keep my Airstream (Macintosh) in a Fleetwood (Windows) world.



------------------------------

Message Number: 8
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 23:32:39 EDT
From: JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: converter



Is your workbench laminated? the glue in the plywood will acgt as a barreor 
and the Epoxy will also help nuterlise the acid. Almost eavery where a 
battery sets on a serface there is always some danger of spills the battery 
should be kept in a plastic container to be secure. the epoxy treatment will 
probaly not last foreaver but will add years to the aera. 
Jim Smith


------------------------------

Message Number: 9
Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 20:59:52 -0700
From: "Tim Shephard" <tim@telecom-pros.com>
Subject: Re: What's that Smell

I work for a city goverment.  If the fire guys have a propane sniffer I may
be able to borrow it or have one of them test for me.

Do fire guys usually have these?

Second question.  I repaired my 31 year old suburaban furnace by cleaning it
out and repairing the motor.   Could/should I risk using it with an infant
in the trailer if I get a carbon monoxide dector or should I just purchase a
new furnace?

-Tim
tim@telecom-pros.com
http://www.telecom-pros.com/tim/tim
eFax (508) 590-0302

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2002 11:06 PM
Subject: [VAC] Re: What's that Smell


> Why waste time?  Call the Fire Department and tell them you smell gas. ;)
> Bet that's the fastest route.  Make sure to tell them it's not too big of
a
> deal but you just thought they'd like to know.




------------------------------

Message Number: 10
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 04:03:45 +0000
From: globetrotter64@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: Carlisle tires ST 225/75 D 15

I just advertised 2 Carlisle tires ST 225/75 D 15 in the classifieds under 
parts.  Normally I would just list these there but if anyone needs these I can 
bring them to the Santa Maria Vintage Rally next week.  See the ad for the 
details.

Arlen & Shirley Manning
please email silvaire@xxxxxxxxxx.net


------------------------------

Message Number: 11
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 00:26:16 -0400
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: converter


Enough water should dilute the acid so it stops acting.

Tom
  ----- Original Message -----=20
  From: Mr. Joy H. Hansen=20
  To: Multiple recipients of VACList=20
  Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 10:52 PM
  Subject: [VAC] Re: converter


  Jim,

  But, but, but, sulfuric acid never dries out, it just keeps eating and =
eating and seems go on forever.  I have a spot on my work bench that =
continues to deteriorate after many years.  Each high humidity period =
and it gets going again. =20

  Ever get a drop from a battery on your finger and wipe on if off on =
your levis?  The skin peels and the levis have a big  hole.

  Is your experience with plywood that has been sulfuric acid soaked?

                   '69 Safari, Joy

------------------------------

Message Number: 12
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 01:46:06 -0400
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: What's that smell?  Can't smell Carbon Monoxide!

> Second question.  I repaired my 31 year old suburaban furnace by cleaning
it
> out and repairing the motor.   Could/should I risk using it with an infant
> in the trailer if I get a carbon monoxide dector or should I just purchase
a
> new furnace?
>
> -Tim

Tim,

The risk you speak of knows no age limit nor is it prejudiced in any other
way.

If you are uncertain of your work, or if there was a problem or if you even
think you had a problem with this furnace then you most likely will always
be questioning yourself as to the safety of this unit.

Good quality carbon monoxide detectors do cost more than the everyday smoke
detector but they work differently and I guess that's why they cost more.
How much are human lives worth?  They are priceless as we all know too well
nowadays.

If you can afford it and you don't trust or if you even suspect that this
unit may be faulty then I'd recommend that you replace it with a brand new
unit that will come with a warranty and most likely it will be a safer unit
than those built back when your trailer was new.  I'm sure you can find a
bargain price on a brand new unit if you search around.

One of the best Search programs you can download for free is at
www.copernic.com and there is no time limit for this program nor is it
shareware.  This version is FREE, which is always a good thing. ;)  You
could purchase the Pro version but if all you need to do is Internet
information searches of the usual variety I highly recommend this FREE
Search program.  Be sure and set the Details tab when you go to do a Search.
The highest limit you can set as a default is 300 Items per Search Engine
and a Total of 3000 hits per Search.

You may also want to educate yourself about the dangers of Carbon Monoxide
poisoning.  They call this stuff the "silent killer" because it debilitates
you and you couldn't even save yourself if you wanted to and you know this
stuff is killing you!  This gas is colorless AND odorless AND LETHAL.

Just keeping a window cracked when the furnace is running is not enough to
be safe!  I believe you actually need cross ventilation AND I'd also keep
the roof vent cracked as well so there will be suction and an exchange of
the inside air (and loss of heat as well) in your trailer.

Do a Search for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and see what you come up with.  It
might be good as a refresher if we all educated ourselves one more time
about the dangers of this lethal gas since it's that time of year to begin
running our furnaces in BOTH our RV's and our homes.  Every year people will
die and it's not necessary if you prepare yourself and your family.

Tom
WBCCI 5303



------------------------------

Message Number: 13
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 08:56:14 -0500
From: "D. Reilly" <dmr@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: converter

I just bought a Progressive Dynamics' Power Converter (60AMPs)  at Camper's
Choice for about $184.00 along with the Charge Wizard for $24.00





----- Original Message -----
From: "W.E.Spinney" <w.e.spinney@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 5:40 PM
Subject: [VAC] converter


> We  need a new converter.  We will probably buy it at Camping World.  We
> have a 1971 Safari.  Is there a converter you folks would recommend?  Our
> battery tipped over onto the converter and shorted out the wiring while we
> were bouncing along the roads of Cape Breton.  Thank you for any help.
Bill
> and Ruth of the Sizzling Safari
>
>
>
>
>
> 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: 14
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 08:08:43 -0700 (PDT)
From: jon fitz <fitzjo1@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: foam tank support

Twenty pounds sounds suspiciously heavy.  Are you
certain the material in question is the original?  I
have a photo of mine which I could send.  Email me
off-list if interested.

Here's the main problem with replacing the original:
you must allow for the function of the heating system.
 The original foam supports the tank on lots of
cylinders with air spaces between them.  This allows
air to circulate beneath the tank.  Hot air is
supplied under positive pressure from the furnace.  If
you put flat foam under the tank it will prevent this
air circulation.  In addition, the tank bottom is
sloping, so it won't match the contours of the tank
bottom.

Perhaps your foam isn't original.  It seems unlikely
that the original material could absorb so much water.

Jon in SC
68 Overlander

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More
http://faith.yahoo.com


------------------------------

Message Number: 15
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 08:12:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: jon fitz <fitzjo1@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: what's that smell (gas?)

We had a recurring gas smell associated with the
operation of our fridge.  I discovered that some of
the fridge exhaust was building up under the counter
top.  We never had anything show up on the CO monitor,
but I am certain that combustion products were
entering the coach in small quantities.  Even after
burning there seems to be some "gas" smell.  It
doesn't take much to be noticeable.  

Perhaps your water heater isn't venting completely to
the exterior.

Jon in SC
68 Overlander

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More
http://faith.yahoo.com


------------------------------

Message Number: 16
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 09:49:05 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: What's that Smell

Any combustion heating device with age over 20 years is suspect. The
heat exchanger suffers from rust and stress cracks that are cause by its
repeated heating and cooling. Add in a little floor shift to rip loose
flue connections and you have a CO poisoning in the making. The furnace
in my SOB did that the one night I tried to use the furnace. The CO
detector saved me but I didn't feel good for days.

If you must use the CO maker, er old furnace, your fire guys will have a
more sensitive CO detector that is portable to check your furnace, but
you don't know that a weak spot in the heat exchanger will split on the
first road bump, or the 1732nd road bump.

Gerald J.
-- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.


------------------------------

Message Number: 17
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 13:17:27 EDT
From: JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: What's that Smell



Eavery timeI entered my trailer I used to smell gas 


------------------------------

Message Number: 18
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 13:18:17 EDT
From: JSmith1805@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: Re: What's that Smell



Sorry hit the wrong button.


------------------------------

Message Number: 19
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 11:17:20 -0700
From: "Dave Huffman" <huff@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Travelling w/'updated' Utility Connections

To "update" my '67 Caravel power/water connections, I cut 2 holes in the
street-side utility door.
The lower is for water - about 1.5" for one of the units readily available
in RV shops.  Outer plate is SS with 2 holes for holding it in place.  I
used 1.5" bolts.  I slipped a rubber (or plastic) collar over the female
hose outlet to make it easier to mount the male end of a water hose.  No
problems, works great.

Electric Power: I used a female 30 amp. outlet requiring, of course, a much
larger hole cut into the aluminum utility door, placed above the water
outlet.  On the inside of the compartment, I wired a female 30amp unit, a
pigtale, into the back of the female 30 amp outlet mounted on the door.  (I
am trying all this out, so I don't want to cut up my oeq. 30 amp power cord
yet).  My still intact oeq. 30 amp power cord is plugged into the female
pigtale unit.
    Now the challenge is to get from that readily available female outlet
surface mount to the male-to-male needed to get to the electric power
campground unit.  Rather than fuss with 30 amp cords as we don't need A/C
this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, I used a 30amp/110 unit on the
external outlet.  An 8' Power cord w/soldered pigtail was easily adapted
with heavy duty male outlet.  For two of the campgrounds we visited this was
on the short side.  If I keep this set-up, I'll get a 15' (probably a 25'
and cut it down) heavy-duty power cord to adapt to male-to-male.
    It worked A-OK, nice to not have to unlock/open the Util.Door, unscrew
the PVC outlet cap, and feed hose and cord through it, pulling them out to
the campground mounts.  But... a danger here: ONCE PLUGGED INTO LIVE POWER,
YOU CAN HAVE AN OPEN MALE POWERED PLUG!  I just plugged in all starting at
the trailer outlet, plugging the power cord into the Campground Unit last.

    A better solution will be to mount a large Elec.Power Panel Door into my
AStream Utility Compt. Door.  But my util. compt. is too full right now --
filled by two large 6v. golf-cart batteries, currently mounted on the aft.
end of the util. compt.  If I move the port side battery forward and to the
rear of my util.compt, I think there will be enough room to accomodate the
rolled up power cord.  Ie, a power cord rolled up and placed through a
plastic Util.Door (readily available at your local RV store).
    What prevents my doing that right now is the oeq. Water Pipe and
City-Water Backflow valve -- placed right where I need to put that battery.
I'm planning to replace that area with 'plastic' water pipe/new back-flow
valve mounted toward the front of the compartment.  'Wiring in' a
pressure-reducer would be nice.
    Hopefully the new door will take up both current holes so I won't have
to patch one!

    BTW, as we were ready to pull out of our Yakima KAH campground, the
local Airstream dealer pulled up and started talking about our '67 Caravel.
He and his wife are looking for one!   He reports low overhead and no sales
commissions, so he can sell new Streams at a lower price than others.  I
think he mentioned they handle only a selection of AirStreams, maybe 30' and
under.  He was unaware of the Beatrice Foods interlude.  I told him about
VAC.

    Huff

P.S.  Many excellent wines for tasting in that valley!  They are so generous
that I actually used the throw-away bowl to prevent inebriation... hate to
throw away perfectly drinkable wine!



------------------------------

Message Number: 20
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 11:24:16 -0700
From: "Dave Huffman" <huff@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: Carrying Bicycles between Trailer and Tow Vehicle

When I inquired about hitch-mounted bike mounts here a few months ago,
someone reminded me that my bikes could be crushed in a tight turn!  I have
removed the original owner's rear-bumper bike rack on our '67 Caravel.   So
I tried a standard Hollywood 4 bike unit, hung from the back-window on our
'97 Toyota LandCruiser.   (I would prefer the much smaller 2 unit Hollywood
rack I used to own, but I gave it to a daughter long ago).
    Worked great, but we took Bike Fridays which have 20" tires and hang
much higher than standard bikes on a bike mount.  That helped keep them high
up and away from the hitch and power-jack.  The shorter-armed 2 bike unit
would have helped too.  No problems with any contact with the bikes during
tight turns.
    And, of course, the bikes were right there when we chose to drive to
some place other than campground to start our bike trip.

    Huff



------------------------------

Message Number: 21
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 12:58:45 -0500
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: Travelling w/'updated' Utility Connections

STOP!!!!

That MALE to MALE cable you seek has HOT exposed pins. It will kill!

Gerald J.
-- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.


------------------------------

Message Number: 22
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 14:44:46 -0700
From: "Tim  Shephard" <tim@telecom-pros.com>
Subject: Re: what's that smell (gas?)

That is kind of what I am thinking is going on.  Seems to only happen when
the water heater is running.


----- Original Message -----
From: "jon fitz" <fitzjo1@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 8:12 AM
Subject: [VAC] Re: what's that smell (gas?)


> We had a recurring gas smell associated with the
> operation of our fridge.  I discovered that some of
> the fridge exhaust was building up under the counter
> top.  We never had anything show up on the CO monitor,
> but I am certain that combustion products were
> entering the coach in small quantities.  Even after
> burning there seems to be some "gas" smell.  It
> doesn't take much to be noticeable.
>
> Perhaps your water heater isn't venting completely to
> the exterior.
>
> Jon in SC
> 68 Overlander
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Faith Hill - Exclusive Performances, Videos & More
> http://faith.yahoo.com
>
>
>
> 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: 23
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:02:44 -0400
From: "Tom" <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com>
Subject: Re: what's that smell (gas?)

I'd replace it.

Tom

From: "Tim Shephard" <tim@telecom-pros.com>
Subject: [VAC] Re: what's that smell (gas?)


> That is kind of what I am thinking is going on.  Seems to only happen when
> the water heater is running.
>
> From: "jon fitz" <fitzjo1@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
> Subject: [VAC] Re: what's that smell (gas?)
> > We had a recurring gas smell associated with the
> > operation of our fridge.  I discovered that some of
> > the fridge exhaust was building up under the counter
> > top.  We never had anything show up on the CO monitor,
> > but I am certain that combustion products were
> > entering the coach in small quantities.  Even after
> > burning there seems to be some "gas" smell.  It
> > doesn't take much to be noticeable.
> >
> > Perhaps your water heater isn't venting completely to
> > the exterior.
> >
> > Jon in SC
> > 68 Overlander



------------------------------

Message Number: 24
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:24:22 -0400
From: jrdorsey <jrdorsey@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: What's that Smell

You might have a crack in the pipe that leads to the burner. I had a gas
dryer one time like that. It only leaked when it was running and sending
gas to the burner.

As much as I like keeping antique trailers and vehicles original, I have
to agree with Dr. Johnson, you just don't take chances with your life.
"Life Safety" items should be replaced when suspect. 

"Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" wrote:
> 
> Any combustion heating device with age over 20 years is suspect. The
> heat exchanger suffers from rust and stress cracks that are cause by its
> repeated heating and cooling. Add in a little floor shift to rip loose
> flue connections and you have a CO poisoning in the making. The furnace
> in my SOB did that the one night I tried to use the furnace. The CO
> detector saved me but I didn't feel good for days.
> 
> If you must use the CO maker, er old furnace, your fire guys will have a
> more sensitive CO detector that is portable to check your furnace, but
> you don't know that a weak spot in the heat exchanger will split on the
> first road bump, or the 1732nd road bump.
> 
> Gerald J.
> --
> Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> Reproduction by permission only.
> 
> 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
> 
> 

-- 
John Dorsey
Wauchula FL
http://www.strato.net/~jrdorsey
'49 3800 Chevy Panel
'52 640 GMC Firetruck


------------------------------

Message Number: 25
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 18:45:08 -0400
From: Chris Bryant <list@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: what's that smell (gas?)

Tim  Shephard wrote:

>That is kind of what I am thinking is going on.  Seems to only happen when
>the water heater is running.

	It can also be as simple as a clogged pilot or main burner-
leading to incomplete combustion.
	Are both flames (pilot and main burner) good and blue?
-- 
Chris Bryant
mailto:bryantrv@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com


------------------------------

Message Number: 26
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 16:09:48 -0700
From: "Tim  Shephard" <tim@telecom-pros.com>
Subject: Re: what's that smell (gas?)

I believe they are good and blue.  But I will recheck it.

Again we are smelling what we think is propane inside the trailer near the
water heater when it is running.

-Tim

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Bryant" <list@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of VACList" <VACList@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2002 3:45 PM
Subject: [VAC] Re: what's that smell (gas?)


> Tim  Shephard wrote:
>
> >That is kind of what I am thinking is going on.  Seems to only happen
when
> >the water heater is running.
>
> It can also be as simple as a clogged pilot or main burner-
> leading to incomplete combustion.
> Are both flames (pilot and main burner) good and blue?
> --
> Chris Bryant
> mailto:bryantrv@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com
>
>
>
> 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: 27
Date: Fri, 18 Oct 2002 19:52:30 -0400
From: "Lewis A. Lindner" <lindner.1@xxxxxxxxxx.edu>
Subject: Re: Enough computers!

10/17/2002 8:06:04 PM, Tom <tmeeker@xxxxxxxxxx.rr.com> wrote:

>
>If you are not still a computer technician I can understand why.
>

If memory serves me correctly, ad hominum digs are considered discourteous in 
many environments, including internet lists.  Could we please return to civilization.

                     -- Lew #4239
'72 Safari
bicycle



------------------------------


End of VACList-Digest  #459
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