VACList-Digest Saturday, January 19, 2002 Issue 186
Today's Topics:
1. Re: Getting Overlander Road-Ready
2. Wrecked Trailer
3. Solar - More Choices (2 of 3)
4. Solar Panels (3 of 3) cost? + opinions
5. Simple Solar Solution (1 of 3)
6. Pictures-Interior of 69 AS Tradewind
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Message Number: 1
Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2002 21:50:13 -0600
From: KEVIN D ALLEN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: Getting Overlander Road-Ready
Greetings Terry!
The 71 needs checked out just bought recently. Looks like everthing is
there.
I PUT IN A NEW BATTERY, The previous owner put on new tires and rework ed
the
brakes. I had it towed home by AAA. I think there is a problem with the
turn
signals. At least thats what I was told.
Lack of turn signals could be as simple as bad bulbs or corroded contacts in
the rear fixtures. A second possibility could be located in the trailer
pigtail Bargman connector - - a loose wire or corroded connections - - or it
could have been a problem with the bargman connector on the AAA tow truck.
There could also be a problem with the wires in the junction box found on
the
underbelly - - typically between the hitch and entrance door (usually
identifiable as a somewhat smallish piece of alumninum that may look like a
patch.
>
> Also any information on checking it out before I put it on the road
> would be helpful.
If you haven't already done so and are planning on camping in it
immediately,
it would be highly advisable to have a qualified RV service facility check
out
all of the propane using appliances - - cleaning and repairing as
necessary - -
there are numerous safety issues regarding proper cleaning/adjustment of
these
propane using devices.
While having the propane system checked, you might also want to have other
systems checked that you don't wish to repair yourself if a problem develops
first use such as: water pump, water lines, toilet, etc. To protect that
new
battery, you might want to have the power converter checked to be sure that
it
is charging in an acceptable manner.
If you have any reservations about the brake repairs, you might want to have
a
service facility check them out. When I purchased my '64 Overlander the
previous owner had made a "do it yourself overhaul" of the brakes, but as it
turned out parts from several different types of electric brakes were used
which resulted in uneven braking and total destruction of one of my new
tires
when the brakes on one wheel caused it to periodically lockup. The net
result
was that I ended up having new "loaded" backing plates installed with
complete
resurfacing of the drums to end up with road-safe brakes.
>
> And I need to get a hitch put on my van chev conver 350 c20 1989. or
> get something elset o pull with any suggestions there ?
The answer as to whether your Chevy Conversion van has the capacity to tow
your
Overlander depends upon its optional equipment. If it came from the factory
with the heavy duty towing package including the 3.73 or 4.10 differential
gears you should be within limits. If this is one of the conversion
specials,
you may find as I did that it will be marginal at best as it likely has a
3.07
or even a 2.73 differential which netted a 5,000 pound maximum towing
capacity
LESS the weight of the conversion, passengers, and cargo. I would be highly
suspicious that your van likely does not have trailer towing equipment as
the
package usually included the platform hitch as well as the other towing
goodies. The physical size of the van shouldn't pose any problem, but its
powertrain may not have sufficient capacity if it wasn't equipped from the
factory with towing in mind which many of the dealer stock conversion vans
were
not. If you are not sure about the factory equipment, you can get a general
idea by checking the data plates on the van. One should have the GCVWR
(Gross
Combined Vehicle Weight Rating) - - knowing this, you can weigh the van as
it
sits with full fluid levels and subtract this from the GCVR and get an
approximation of its tow rating. There should be a broadcast sheet either
in
the glove box or some other location that a dealer can decode and tell you
precisely what differential gears as well as other important towing
equipment
was included on the van from the factory. If the heavy duty trailering
equipment package wasn't included, you will need at the very least to add a
heavy duty transmission fluid cooler, heavy duty turn signal flasher,
electronic trailer brake controller, and Bargman car to trailer connector.
>
> Do I need a lot of info or what?
>
> Terry A. Rockfield AS/BS/NARFE/CQE/ASQ/ANA/
>
Welcom to the world of Vintage Airstreaming. You will find that the
Overlander
is becoming much more common among VAC members in recent years. When I
first
joined nearly 5 years ago, my Overlander might be the only one at many
activities. I am sure that there are close to a dozen listees who posess at
least one Overlander.
Good Luck with your project!
Kevin Allen - - WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
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Message Number: 2
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 00:29:37 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Wrecked Trailer
In a message dated 1/18/02 4:34:20 PM Pacific Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< WHAT A SHAME !!!! ..................... It's a neat looking trailer.
Looks like
there's two battery boxes under the front window and a strange box under the
front street side window. Then just behind it there seems to be a heater
vent.
Seems to be a unique location for a heater.
This dude should have rented a U-Haul to move with!! Too bad he destroyed the
interior of such a rare unit. Auuggh !!!! >>
There's NO leads on this? What's the photo site url? (Hi Pat!!)
------------------------------
Message Number: 3
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 16:48:28 -0500
From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Solar - More Choices (2 of 3)
Hi Airstreamers,
When we started getting serious about solar panels, I began keeping a
journal and would jot down notes periodically. Here's a summary of salient
points from several years of notes.
Terry
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
When solar battery charging came of age, we were delighted and began
installing panels on all our Airstreams. Our goal was to have the choice of
planning our travels on the basis of where we wanted to go, not on the basis
of where there was an RV park with electric power. We wanted to
dramatically expand our freedom to be comfortable wherever we parked our
traveling homes. Prior to buying solar panels, we asked Noel and Barbara
Kirkby (RV Solar Electric) many questions. Their answers were most
revealing.
Q - Is it easy to add solar to an RV? A - Yes, RVs are a ready-made 12 volt
DC system. Just install the solar panel or panels and connect the wires
according to the do-it-yourself directions written in our "RV POWERPAC"
installation package.
Q - Is our RV already wired for solar battery charging? A - Yes, every
self-contained RV has one or more 12 volt batteries, 12 volt lights and 12
volt wiring. Simply connect the existing 12 volt system at the RV battery
location with special wire provided in our "RV POWERPAC" and solar battery
charging begins immediately.
Q - Is there a danger of overcharging the batteries? A - Our "Battery Guard
& Test Module" automatically monitors, controls charge and prevents battery
overcharging by cutting back the charge rate when it senses the batteries
are full. It allows owners to adjust the setpoints for level of fill.
Q - Where can I get it installed? A - Any RV or automotive service center
can follow detailed directions we provide. We recommend you read our
installation manual first, then decide if you feel you can do-it-yourself as
many other folks have done.
After having these and other questions answered by Noel, we wondered what
our RVing friends thought about answers they received. The opportunity came
at the Escapees RV Club's Eastern Escapade Rally in Harrisonburg, VA. We
visited with Noel, Barbara and their son Steve, went to their three
seminars, listened to actual examples and read all their literature. It
didn't take long to realize the Kirkbys were providing an unusually
insightful educational service to every RVer in the audience.
Whether RVers were just learning about or were highly experienced at using
solar power, Noel listened to each question before offering suggestions. His
answers were clear and understandable. He encouraged follow-up queries and
invited everyone to think about his answers before deciding what to do. At
all times, his attitude was professional. We later learned he had more than
40 years experience using solar energy in hundreds of practical ways.
We purchased our solar equipment from Noel Kirkby. It operates as he said it
would. Our only complaint is we should have done it sooner. With a modest
investment in solar panels and related materials that provide a controlled
charge to our deep cycle marine batteries, plus a 1300 watt inverter to run
all 120 volt appliances, our electrical needs are easily met. What we got
was far more than solar equipment and worth far more than the money we
spent. We are now living a delightfully adventuresome lifestyle. We are
routinely exploring more of the great treasures on this continent than would
have been possible without a simple, effective way to recharge our batteries
every single day.
The solar panels function on sunny, cloudy or rainy days; thereby enabling
us to operate all our 12 volt equipment every day of the year regardless of
where our Airstream is parked. Like most solar enthusiasts, we keep track of
usage so there's enough power for what we want to do before the next
sunrise.
Our 1300 watt inverter provides clean, surge free 120 volt power to operate
the computer, monitor, printer, microwave, electric drill, breadmaker,
vacuum cleaner and rechargeable tools. With planning and common sense, like
turning on only one 120 volt appliance at a time, our 12 volt batteries
provide power to the inverter for all our daily electrical needs. We are not
tied to utility poles with their fluctuating power and unpredictable
brownouts. We are never without sufficient electrical power to satisfy our
daily needs. All of our circuit boards (computer, printer, refrigerator,
bread making machine) can be protected from power surges by operating them
off our inverter with just the flick of a switch (to bypass utility company
power during electrical storms or persistent brown outs).
While planning our Fall/Winter/Spring travels for 1995 with our traveling
buddies Ed and Mary Wellington (also seasoned boondockers and solar
enthusiasts), we decided to challenge our assumptions and put the solar
equipment to the test. We chose an area of the Arizona desert we'd never
explored and stayed on vacant government land and primitive parking sites
around Ajo and Why, Arizona. The panels generated more power than we used.
A month later, the four of us explored Puerto Penasco in Mexico south of
Lukesville, AZ before crossing Mexico's Gran Desierto and staying at family
run primitive campsites around San Felipe. Solar power was still abundant.
We then crossed the state of Baja California North to Ensenada and leisurely
drove the 1,000 mile Baja Peninsula highway south to Cabo San Lucas. During
those months, we found safe places to park our Airstreams at the water's
edge on exquisite beaches, all without electrical hookups. At Santispac
Beach on Bahia Concepcion, Ed's electric drill helped make needed repairs to
our truck. At a remote area on beautiful El Coyote Beach, Mary's microwave
made delicious desserts. The aroma of fresh bread baked by our 120 volt
bread machine in our own Airstream told us "home is where we park it."
After returning to the Yuma Escapees Park and parting with the Wellingtons,
we traveled by ourselves to Guadalajara for Springtime weather during the
remainder of Winter. Our assumptions had met the challenge. Our hopes for
electrical independence had been resoundingly confirmed.
It is now Winter 2000 and we're in Florida where power spikes and brown outs
are common. We use the inverter to run our computer and bread maker even
though connected to a utility pole. The circuit boards in these appliances
have strong aversions to power interruptions and the electrical surge that
follows.
We thank Noel and Barbara Kirkby for enabling us to achieve true electrical
independence, for answering all our questions and encouraging us to take and
explore the roads less traveled. They are true pioneers of solar power
usage. Serious RVers wishing to learn more should contact RV Solar Electric.
Noel's free annual newsletter "Solar Electric Update" is available by
calling RV Solar Electric at 1-800-999-8520. His web site can be viewed at
http://www.rvsolarelectric.com and the Kirkby's book "RVers Guide to Solar"
and their solar planning booklet "Solar Electric Systems" provide guidance
to what is a simple solar solution for electrical independence.
For us, the use of solar technology has made RVing much more enjoyable
whether with our smaller Vintage Airstreams while caravanning or our larger
more modern Airstreams while full timing. This simple technology has given
us far more choices. ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
------------------------------
Message Number: 4
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 16:48:29 -0500
From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Solar Panels (3 of 3) cost? + opinions
Hi Solar Enthusiasts,
This post was in reply to comments by Richard, Danand Daniel during the
Winter of 2000. In my opinion, the concepts are still as applicable today as
back then.
Terry
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------------
Thanks for your comments on "Solar - Simple Solutions" and "Solar - More
Choices." The question of cost is always a factor. Here's my unabashed,
biased opinion <grin>.
Cost varies widely, dramatically and often without regard to logic. Those
who buy from retailers selling new products will pay the most. Those who buy
from businessmen selling used products will probably (?) pay less. Those who
buy from a discounted parts place (scavengered parts) will pay considerably
less. Those who buy panels off a wrecked Airstream in a junk yard will pay
even less. Those who buy from private owners who just want a few bucks and
have the buyer cart them off will pay the least (maybe). There are other
categories (rallies, hamfests, etc.), but these examples give a general idea
of where this line of thinking is going.
What I can suggest is that better than average prices can almost always be
found by investigating 12 or more sources, documenting the details
systematically and then comparing and contrasting the variables. The wider
the variety of sources, the better.
The solar panels on our '77 31' were purchased during the 1980s from a
reputable businessman who was clearing out an over supply of used 53 watt
solar panels at a few dollars above cost.
This winter (2000), we've seen prices for 53 watt panels in the $200-$300
range. Over by Algodones, Mexico, there's a solar guy parked out in the
desert doing a land office business. I'm sure his prices are even less. At
the Hobo Rally last week in Blythe, the solar guy (AJL) was selling and
installing solar panels every day.
For an economical buy from the most honest and reliable solar guy we know,
RV Solar Electric in Scottsdale (800-999-8520) gets my vote, plus he
installs them or provides a booklet on how you can install them.
In my opinion, the cost of solar panels (and most everything else in this
world) is dependent on whether the buyer prefers traditional purchasing
methods or thrives on searching for treasures. I believe serendipity is
always alive and well, and all I need do is search, search, and search some
more, with great persistence. Almost always, I find what I look for, at the
price I want to pay, with the quality I want and rarely any surprises
afterwards.
Simple, huh? One more thing. By the time I'm ready to take out my wallet, I
usually know more about all aspects of the product I'm buying than the
salesman selling it to me. And, I'm no expert. Thus, if I don't understand
most of what a salesman is telling me, then it's not my time to buy.
Terry mailto:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
------------------------------
Message Number: 5
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 16:48:29 -0500
From: Terry Tyler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Simple Solar Solution (1 of 3)
Hi Guys,
Here are three of my postings about solar panels and written during the
Winter of 2000. If they are helpful to you - be my guest.
Terry Tyler
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
---------------------------
SIMPLE SOLAR SOLUTION
Originally, we began using solar power because of nostalgia for specific
primitive campsites in the state park system. Our most memorable times were
those early years in the 60s of tenting and tent trailering in NYS Parks
when we used a Coleman lantern and stove. We didn't have any need for
electrical power. Then, with our first travel trailer in 1965, we began
using deep cycle marine batteries in the trailer and when they became
discharged, connecting them to an auxilliary battery in our truck. This
started our search for a better way to recharge the trailer batteries every
day.
The best system occurred after we learned sunlight could be converted into
battery power. As conservative users of electricity, we found one solar
panel provided a generous flow of 12 volt power on sunny days. Unexpectedly,
we learned on rainy days, it generated sufficient 12 volt power to replenish
what was being used by the radio and lights. As our experience using
sunlight to recharge RV batteries evolved, we learned the following:
A - WITH TWO PEOPLE, ONE DEEP CYCLE MARINE RV BATTERY, ONE 53 WATT SOLAR
PANEL AND NO OTHER SOURCE OF POWER, WE HAD SUFFICIENT SOLAR POWER FOR:
1 - use of CB radio on emergency standby 6 hours daily,
2 - use of AM/FM radio during news and weather segments twice daily,
3 - use of one fluorescent light turned on from dusk to bedtime,
4 - use of water pump to wash selves and dishes, no showers and using
campground toilets occasionally,
5 - fully recharging one battery during daylight hours on either sunny or
rainy days.
6 - Use of a permanently mounted Solar Guard gauge showed incoming solar
power equaled consumption on rainy days and was greater than consumption on
sunny days.
B - WITH TWO PEOPLE, TWO DEEP CYCLE MARINE RV BATTERIES, TWO 53 WATT SOLAR
PANELS AND NO OTHER SOURCE OF POWER, WE HAD SUFFICIENT SOLAR POWER FOR:
1 - use of CB radio on emergency standby 24 hours daily,
2 - use of AM/FM radio and/or TV during news and weather segments three
times daily,
3 - use of 1 fluorescent light turned on from dusk to bedtime with minimal
use of 2nd fluorescent light,
4 - use of water pump to wash selves and dishes, to take two Navy showers
daily and to flush RV toilet,
5 - fully recharging two batteries during daylight hours on sunny days.
6 - two hours use of inverter during peak sun to operate low amp items, i.e.
computer, monitor & printer.
7 - Use of a permanently mounted Solar Guard gauge showed incoming solar
power equaled consumption on sunny days.
C - WITH TWO PEOPLE, THREE DEEP CYCLE MARINE RV BATTERIES, THREE 53 WATT
SOLAR PANELS AND NO OTHER SOURCE OF POWER, WE HAD SUFFICIENT SOLAR POWER
FOR:
1 - unrestricted use of the CB radio,
2 - use of AM/FM radio, TV or
video player two hours daily, plus limited use of cooling fans,
3 - use of 2
fluorescent lights turned on from dusk to bedtime with minimal use of 3rd
fluorescent light,
4 - use of water pump to wash selves and dishes, to take
two full showers daily and to flush RV toilet,
5 - fully recharging three
batteries during daylight hours on sunny days.
6 - three hours use of
inverter before and during peak sunlight to operate electronic equipment,
i.e. the bread making machine, microwave, computer, monitor, printer,
blender and electric drill.
7 - Use of a permanently mounted Solar Guard
gauge showed incoming solar power was greater than consumption on sunny
days.
D - WITH TWO PEOPLE, FOUR DEEP CYCLE MARINE RV BATTERIES, FOUR SOLAR PANELS
(THREE 53 WATT AND ONE 75 WATT) AND NO OTHER SOURCE OF POWER, WE HAD
SUFFICIENT SOLAR POWER FOR:
1 - unrestricted use of the CB radio,
2 -
unrestricted use of the AM/FM radio, TV, video player and cooling fans
daily,
3 - use of 3 fluorescent lights turned on from dusk to bedtime with
minimal use of 4th fluorescent light,
4 - use of water pump to wash selves
and dishes, to take two luxury showers daily and to flush RV toilet,
5 -
fully recharging four batteries during daylight hours on either sunny or
rainy days.
6 - four hours use of inverter before, during and after peak
sunlight to operate electronic equipment, i.e. bread making machine,
microwave, computer, monitor, printer, blender, electric drill and hair
dryer.
7 - Use of a permanently mounted Solar Guard gauge showed incoming
solar power was greater than consumption on either sunny or rainy days.
BOTTOM LINE -- Since using solar panels, abundant electricity has freed us
from utility poles. Life is short and we want it to be great no matter where
we are. With our simple solar solution, taking the road less traveled has
become an even more exciting way of life, especially with a restored Vintage
Airstream.
------------------------------
Message Number: 6
Date: Sat, 19 Jan 2002 18:49:07 EST
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Pictures-Interior of 69 AS Tradewind
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Hello Everyone: Can anyone refer me to interior pictures of a original 69 AS
Tradewind. As I work on my trailer, I realize there may have been some
additions, subtractions etc. I want to restore as near to the original as
possible but I first need to know what the original was. An example: My unit
has a read bathroom. In the curbside closet just in front of this bathroom
are wires running above the Uni-Volt switch, up the corner of the closet and
out toward the center of the trailer. A hole is drilled in the side of the
closet, wire passes thru hole and connect to a light above the side bed.
These wires are all duct taped to cover them. I don't think AS used duct
tape as original equiptment but I'am wondering if this light was added.
There are several other small problems like this that could be answered if I
could see a complete original interior. Thanks again for any suggestions.
Tom Fairbank
1969 25ft Tradewind
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<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial"
LANG="0">Hello Everyone: Can anyone refer me to interior pictures of a original
69 AS Tradewind. As I work on my trailer, I realize there may have been some
additioTom Fairbank<BR>
1969 25ft Tradewind</FONT></HTML>
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End of VACList-Digest #186
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