Sierra Nevada Airstreams - Owner's Guide

Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States in a recreational vehicle.

Maintaining your RV

Hints, tips, how-to's, and resources for keeping your rig rolling.

Mechanics

Winterizing

Get ready for storage and cold weather. Drain the plumbing, prevent freezing damage, and don't forget other parts that need attention when exposed to cold weather, storms, or periods of storage.

Also see Get Ready for Spring at rvsafety.com if you need an antidote.


Furnace repair

Replacing the motor in the furnace in a 1990 Airstream BVan


Tires

Keeping the hard parts off the road


Trailer Hitch

The parts and pieces that connect your trailer to your tow vehicle


Sway Control

About trailer sway and how it is controlled


Hitch Setup

Rigging your hitch properly enhances safety and provides for good weight distribution and handling.


Hitch mishap

Check and recheck all connections and parts of your hitch before heading out. This includes the connections if you have a motorhome and tow a vehicle behind it.



Bearings

Wheel bearings need proper lubrication.

Hints and Tips

Bryan and Dave's Greasy Adventure


Awnings

Awnings are an essential element on most RV's. They provide shade, create an outdoor living area, and a structure for hanging lights and decorations.


Life Support Systems

Plumbing

Pipes and connections


Electrical

Wiring your RV for household, RV, and signalling


Propane



Energy & Power

Don William's installation of solar panels on his CCD

Photos of a variety of RV solar panels




Note: there are a lot of facts, assumptions, and calculations that are used to provide the information presented here. The intent is to provide 'back of the envelope' accuracy and not engineering or science level accuracy. There may also be cases of teaching license taken, such as the water and electricity analogy. However, errors or miscalculations may lead to misinformation or some analogies may mislead. If you see something you think should be corrected, please let us know - email rvtech@SierraNevadaAirstreams.org


Other resources

Please help us keep these links current and useful - send your comments or suggestions to rvtech@SierraNevadaAirstreams.org

Topic

Useful links

Energy

Arizona Wind Sun Solar http://www.windsun.com/ - very good source of information about batteries, inverters, and politically correct energy sources and management

Refrigerators

These folks fix ammonia cycle refrigerators and have a lot of good information about how they work and how to evaluate, test, and fix them: http://www.rvmobile.com/ and Bryant RV has copies of service manuals available at http://www.bryantrv.com/docs.html - Nucold - http://www.nucold.com/ - off grid appliances - http://www.offgridappliances.com/rv-appliances/rv-home.htm - maintenance by Bill Hendrix - http://www.rversonline.org/02CCDometic.html - Dometic - rvcool - http://www.rvcool.com/ -

Propane

The Illinois Association at http://www.ilpga.org/ has much good information and a lot of links well organized. A commercial propane products site is http://www.propaneproducts.org/ and for engineering data and conversion factors, see http://www.altenergy.com/propaned.htm - -

Fuel Cells

An association at http://www.fuelcells.org/

Tires

Goodyear at http://www.goodyear.com/

Data communications

To help you choose your poison: http://www.broadbandreports.com

Maintenance and Repair articles

Rvers corner http://www.rverscorner.com/articles.html

Battery Charging

http://www.vdcelectronics.com/ - - - Dankoff Maintenance and charging-

Low Tech Tips

http://www.geocities.com/blueskywhiteclouds/

Technical articles

http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/tech.htm

Airstream rivets

http://www.rivetsplus.com/

Solar Electric

http://www.solar-electric.com/index.html

Measuring Devices

http://www.measureanything.com/



Battery Chargers 24 volt - BatteryStuff.com
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Solar electric reference and photovoltaics information.
Solar Electric Systems & Solar Panels
Precision Battery Chargers
RV Mobile, RV and Gas Refrigerators
RV parts, accessories and supplies, generators, awnings and covers, air conditioners - Home
Equal-i-zer: The Original Sway Control Hitch
Camping World - Community
Features Item : Propane-Air Standby Systems: Gas Energy Uninterrupted (February 2001)
Illinois Propane Gas Association
Propane (LPG) Rebates and Training in Texas
Welcome to the American Petroleum Institute
Fuel Cells 2000's Index Page - English (index_e.shtml)
The Coalition For Propane Product Safety - http://www.campheater.org/
PropaneData Physical Properties, Energy Units Conversion Table, Natural Gas/Oil/Propane Equivalents, Propane-Air Mixtures,Gas Conversion Factors
http://www.goodyear.com/media/pr/lre0208.html
Battery Information
www.worthingtoncylinders.com
http://www.pexconnection.com
MasterPlumbers.com - The Largest Plumbing Resource on the Internet
Home Improvement Store for Home Repair and Remodeling: DoItBest - home hardware store, housewares, hand tools
Repair Fittings for PEX, CPVC, copper and Polybutylene from PlumbingWorld.com
Mobile Home Surplus - Parts & Accessories for Manufactured Housing and Mobile Homes
http://www.optimabatteries.com/
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvbattery.asp
Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
mobile home repair.com
Goodyear RV | Tire Wear & Replacement
Michelin Truck
Efficient Lighting
Funroads.com - RV, Motorhome, RV parts
Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitch accessories - etrailer.com: Bearings
Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitch accessories - etrailer.com
Airstream Parts Sale Inland RV Center, Inc. (909) 734-8130

liquid waste

Wastes Prcessing and Management
Grey Water Recycling & Reuse (toilet flushing, gardening, landscaping, ..)
American Society for Sanitary Engineering - News and Information - Article Archive
Graywater Law in California & Uniform Plumbing Code: Needed Improvements
Graywater and Rainwater use
Septic Systems for Waste Water Disposal
Builder's Greywater Guide (book)
:: NASA Quest > Archives ::

Vehicles

Ford Fleet - Products - RV/Trailer Towing Guide
RV Safety
E-Series & Ford Cars
The Center For Auto Safety
ATRA - The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association Home Page
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ford F150, F250, F100, Ranger, Lightning, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, SuperDuty and Bronco Pickup Parts
1
Home
Library

Repair

RV Times - Help! Tips for RVers
The RVers Corner - Maintenance and Repair Articles
Battery Chargers for Car, Boat, Motorcycles and RV.s
Low-Tech Ideas, Tips, Hints and Solutions for RV Trailering
Roy's RVing
http://www.rma.org/publications/rv/rv_guide.html
Poop Sheets by phred
Water, Water, Everywhere!
Camping and RV tips, recipes, articles and resources
RV Technical Articles
Price vs. Condition - Airstream Values
VintageAirstream - Polishing Pg1
Nutsert, Pop Rivet, Monobolt, Inserts, Bulb-Tite: RivetsPlus.
Kent White - The Tin Man
Getting Ready for Spring
http://www.npga.org/public/articles/OPD_Packet.pdf
PTS- RV & Trailer Tips
HitchItch
CruzPro VAH35 Three bank Volts/Amps/Amp-Hour Monitor
RV Articles & Tips
CAT Scale
Technical Bulletins
Helminc.com
Most Common Problems
www.measureANYTHING.com - One-Stop Shopping to find the products to Measure Anything - Flow, Temperature, Pressure, Voltage, Gas, More!
Full Time RV Living
Funroads RV forums - RV advice, tips and discussion, Ask Onan, Ask Coach Care
RV Education 101--Learning RVs the easy way. Rver Videos
My Roadtrek
Barker Manufacturing Company
Maintenance Tips
TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com
bearings-stepbystep
Hitches, Tow Bars/Dollys & BrakeBuddy
Trailer Hitch Balls By Reese
Wheel Weights, lead wheel weights, tire weight, tire balancing - all sizes
IMI: EQUAL
U-Tube Manometer
Measuring Gas Pressure with make-your-own manometer
Copper Tube Handbook - Table of Contents
airstream company FAQ
Dexter Axle Company - Manufacturer of trailer axles and related running gear components.
The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels
Best Brake Controller
Hayes Lemmerz - Aftermarket Business - Brake Controllers - Energize XPC
Quality S Mfg. Wholesale Hitches
The Eastwood Company. . . Unique Automotive Tools and Supplies
My New Hensley Hitch
hitch FAQ
Vintage Vacations, Airstream and Classic Trailer Restoration
The Vintage Vacations Home Base
Rubber Manufacturers Association
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ford F150, F250, Lightning, Ranger, F100, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, SuperDuty and Bronco Pickup Enthusiast Community, Resources and Parts
http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/index.htm
Sunline Coach Co. - Solaris, Slide Room, Advancer Lite Travel Trailers
rvNetLinx | a source of RV information and web links for the Recreational Vehicle lifestyle

RV-equipment

Battery Chargers 24 volt - BatteryStuff.com
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Solar electric reference and photovoltaics information.
Solar Electric Systems & Solar Panels
Precision Battery Chargers
RV Mobile, RV and Gas Refrigerators
RV parts, accessories and supplies, generators, awnings and covers, air conditioners - Home
Equal-i-zer: The Original Sway Control Hitch
Camping World - Community
Features Item : Propane-Air Standby Systems: Gas Energy Uninterrupted (February 2001)
Illinois Propane Gas Association
Propane (LPG) Rebates and Training in Texas
Welcome to the American Petroleum Institute
Fuel Cells 2000's Index Page - English (index_e.shtml)
The Coalition For Propane Product Safety - http://www.campheater.org/
PropaneData Physical Properties, Energy Units Conversion Table, Natural Gas/Oil/Propane Equivalents, Propane-Air Mixtures,Gas Conversion Factors
http://www.goodyear.com/media/pr/lre0208.html
Battery Information
www.worthingtoncylinders.com
http://www.pexconnection.com
MasterPlumbers.com - The Largest Plumbing Resource on the Internet
Home Improvement Store for Home Repair and Remodeling: DoItBest - home hardware store, housewares, hand tools
Repair Fittings for PEX, CPVC, copper and Polybutylene from PlumbingWorld.com
Mobile Home Surplus - Parts & Accessories for Manufactured Housing and Mobile Homes
http://www.optimabatteries.com/
http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvbattery.asp
Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
mobile home repair.com
Goodyear RV | Tire Wear & Replacement
Michelin Truck
Efficient Lighting
Funroads.com - RV, Motorhome, RV parts
Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitch accessories - etrailer.com: Bearings
Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitch accessories - etrailer.com
Airstream Parts Sale Inland RV Center, Inc. (909) 734-8130

liquid waste

Wastes Prcessing and Management
Grey Water Recycling & Reuse (toilet flushing, gardening, landscaping, ..)
American Society for Sanitary Engineering - News and Information - Article Archive
Graywater Law in California & Uniform Plumbing Code: Needed Improvements
Graywater and Rainwater use
Septic Systems for Waste Water Disposal
Builder's Greywater Guide (book)
:: NASA Quest > Archives ::

Vehicles

Ford Fleet - Products - RV/Trailer Towing Guide
RV Safety
E-Series & Ford Cars
The Center For Auto Safety
ATRA - The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association Home Page
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ford F150, F250, F100, Ranger, Lightning, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, SuperDuty and Bronco Pickup Parts
1
Home
Library

Repair

RV Times - Help! Tips for RVers
The RVers Corner - Maintenance and Repair Articles
Battery Chargers for Car, Boat, Motorcycles and RV.s
Low-Tech Ideas, Tips, Hints and Solutions for RV Trailering
Roy's RVing
http://www.rma.org/publications/rv/rv_guide.html
Poop Sheets by phred
Water, Water, Everywhere!
Camping and RV tips, recipes, articles and resources
RV Technical Articles
Price vs. Condition - Airstream Values
VintageAirstream - Polishing Pg1
Nutsert, Pop Rivet, Monobolt, Inserts, Bulb-Tite: RivetsPlus.
Kent White - The Tin Man
Getting Ready for Spring
http://www.npga.org/public/articles/OPD_Packet.pdf
PTS- RV & Trailer Tips
HitchItch
CruzPro VAH35 Three bank Volts/Amps/Amp-Hour Monitor
RV Articles & Tips
CAT Scale
Technical Bulletins
Helminc.com
Most Common Problems
www.measureANYTHING.com - One-Stop Shopping to find the products to Measure Anything - Flow, Temperature, Pressure, Voltage, Gas, More!
Full Time RV Living
Funroads RV forums - RV advice, tips and discussion, Ask Onan, Ask Coach Care
RV Education 101--Learning RVs the easy way. Rver Videos
My Roadtrek
Barker Manufacturing Company
Maintenance Tips
TheDieselStop.Com - www.thedieselstop.com
bearings-stepbystep
Hitches, Tow Bars/Dollys & BrakeBuddy
Trailer Hitch Balls By Reese
Wheel Weights, lead wheel weights, tire weight, tire balancing - all sizes
IMI: EQUAL
U-Tube Manometer
Measuring Gas Pressure with make-your-own manometer
Copper Tube Handbook - Table of Contents
airstream company FAQ
Dexter Axle Company - Manufacturer of trailer axles and related running gear components.
The Tire Rack - Your performance experts for tires and wheels
Best Brake Controller
Hayes Lemmerz - Aftermarket Business - Brake Controllers - Energize XPC
Quality S Mfg. Wholesale Hitches
The Eastwood Company. . . Unique Automotive Tools and Supplies
My New Hensley Hitch
hitch FAQ
Vintage Vacations, Airstream and Classic Trailer Restoration
The Vintage Vacations Home Base
Rubber Manufacturers Association
Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ford F150, F250, Lightning, Ranger, F100, Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, SuperDuty and Bronco Pickup Enthusiast Community, Resources and Parts
http://bart.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/index.htm
Sunline Coach Co. - Solaris, Slide Room, Advancer Lite Travel Trailers
rvNetLinx | a source of RV information and web links for the Recreational Vehicle lifestyle
DC Install
learn about different types of microwave cookware at AubuchonHardware.com
Brass Parts Fittings Conex exporters of brass plumbing, cable glands, hose fittings, electrical components
Power Caster - The original trailer mover! Maneuver your RV or boat trailer in limited space with this powerful, easy to use and safe electric trailer dolly. POWER CASTER handles all types of travel trailers (including fifth-wheels), boat trailers, ATV or jet ski trailers using a standard type hitch and crank-up jack.
Welcome to Thermoil Batteries
UltrasportMods
Rotochok Online
All Recipes | Recipes
Open Roads Forum
Trojan Battery Company - Technology - Battery Maintenance
Home / Emergency Preparation - RV dealers Texas Rio Grande Valley RVs recreational vehicles new Allegro motorhomes travel trailers campers used motor homes sales parts service

Sierra Nevada Airstreams: Destinations - Owners - Community - Family - Memories - Education - WBCCI Unit - Quicksand - Commerce


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