VACList Digest Saturday, April 5 2003 Volume 03 : Number 153
When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html Topics in Today's Digest: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures RE: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Topsail Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion [VACList] Fantatastic fan Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures RE: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 09:05:07 -0500 From: "C B Rollins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Hi folks- after pondering everyones sage wisdom & advice I'm planning to try a '99 Dakota extended cab 4wd pickup with cap- it costs roughly what the Voyager we have is worth, is rated for 6600 lbs of trailer and is already wired for trailer lights (but I'll have to do the brake controller)plus has a nice cap over the bed. I understand it was recently driven here from Alaska by its female owner so I'm guessing its fairly reliable. See you out in the real world in a couple months! CB Rollins South Amherst Massachusetts _________________________________________________________________ Help STOP SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 19:03:20 +0000 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion I was going to do the same thing with my twin overlander, and I came up with the idea of building piece of plywood that would slide out from one of the twins over to the other twin for sleeping and slide back during the day so that we wouldn't have to crawl over the bed to get to the bathroom. Anyway, my wife didn't like the idea. She wants a dresser on one side and a futon on the other. I've just got to figure a way to make a futon fit over the wheel well covers. - ------ Original Message ----- >From what I remember about converting to a double bed is most end up just cutting a sheet of plywood for support and getting a section of foam or having a mattress made to fill the space between the two beds. - -- Gary Murrell [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://murrell.topcities.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 19:08:46 +0000 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures I'm getting to the point (in my rebuilding the interior of my '70 Overlander) of installing the reading lamps that are mounted to the aft closet walls. The original units are not salvagable, but I'd like to find something in that style. Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting stores or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have anything either. Anything online would be great. Thanks. - -- Gary Murrell WBCCI 4975, '70 Overlander [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://murrell.topcities.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 14:56:56 -0500 From: "Phil Renner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Try a boating store. They generally have 12v fixtures. Here in Connecticut there's fewer RV stores than $2 bills in your wallet, but we have lots of boating stores. Phil Renner 63 Overlander - ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 04, 2003 2:08 PM Subject: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures > I'm getting to the point (in my rebuilding the interior of my '70 Overlander) > of installing the reading lamps that are mounted to the aft closet walls. The > original units are not salvagable, but I'd like to find something in that style. > > Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting stores > or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and > converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have > anything either. > > Anything online would be great. > > Thanks. > -- > Gary Murrell > WBCCI 4975, '70 Overlander > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://murrell.topcities.com > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text > > To unsubscribe or change to an digest format, please go to > http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 15:45:49 -0800 From: "chyde" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures > > Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting stores > or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and > converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have > anything either. Gary, Keep in mind that you can buy 12v bulbs that are identical to 110v bulbs. Just wire the 110 fixtures with 12v. I'm not too sure how efficient the large 12v bulbs are though. Colin 57 Sovereign of the Road 59 Ambassador International ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 14:49:14 -0600 From: "Kevin D. Allen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Greetings Gary! I don't know how much styles had changed by 1970, but I found some very nice fixtures for my '64 Overlander at Ace Fogdall RV in Cedar Falls, Iowa (they are Iowa's Airstream Dealer). You can see a photo of the "single" reading lamp that I have in the bedroom area of my Overlander at: http://www.airstreamphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1062&papass=&sort= 1 It is a very high quality fixture in a brushed brass finish - - I don't know, but it may have been available in other finishes as well; I was just determined to have the brushed brass. I believe that the fixture was in the neighborhood of $30.00 before shipping. Ace Fogdall RV has a web site and it now features a store as well - - I don't know that these fixtures are on the site, but Florence in parts could probably point you in the right direction to get a similar fixture if it is similar to what you are searching for. http://www.acefogdallrv.com Good luck with your project! Kevin Kevin D. Allen WBCCI/VAC #6359 1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban 1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado (Towcar In-Trianing) > I'm getting to the point (in my rebuilding the interior of my '70 Overlander) > of installing the reading lamps that are mounted to the aft closet walls. The > original units are not salvagable, but I'd like to find something in that style. > > Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting stores > or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and > converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have > anything either. > > Anything online would be great. > > Thanks. > -- > Gary Murrell > WBCCI 4975, '70 Overlander ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 15:54:21 -0500 From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Hi, Gary, I'm not sure what the reading lamps in the '70 look like, but just last week I saw a fixture that made me think, "if my fixtures were shot, that's what I would buy!" It's very similar to the reading lights in my '68, only (dare I say this?) MORE beautiful. However, I haven't measured, so I'm not sure how the size compares. Also, it's a regular home-type fixture, not a 12-volt, but this company is quite individually tailored - they do the manufacturing themselves, I think; maybe they could convert? Anyway, maybe worth a look: http://www.rejuvenation.com/fixshowW299/templates/selection.phtml?registered =W299%3A12%2CW419%3A48%2CW126%3A56%2CW685%3A66%2CW489%3A69%2C&source=W482&iq g=30fd6e660ba5f43c32b5da4b284b0da6 The above link may not be clickable, since it's so long, but you can paste it in, or, from www.rejuvenation.com, type Westfall in the search box. I have I have bought several fixtures for my home from this company, and they're gorgeous! Also, you might watch eBay closely. A pair of the reading lamps like the ones in mine just sold last week or the week before, for about $25! Good luck, Amanda '68 Safari Original Message: - ----------------- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 19:08:46 +0000 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures I'm getting to the point (in my rebuilding the interior of my '70 Overlander) of installing the reading lamps that are mounted to the aft closet walls. The original units are not salvagable, but I'd like to find something in that style. Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting stores or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have anything either. Anything online would be great. Thanks. - -- Gary Murrell WBCCI 4975, '70 Overlander [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://murrell.topcities.com - -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 15:01:44 -0600 From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures I found a swivel reading fixture that uses the 1383 tiny reflector flood lamp for 12 volts at Byerly RV near St. Louis. It was only a few bucks as I recall. Its working fine in my Caravel. The small halogen reflector lamps in the home stores, especially the holders made for low voltage track lighting would modify most easily for RV use. Check the multitude of on-line RV sellers for reading lamps. Some should have them. Gerald J. - -- Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer. Reproduction by permission only. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 15:03:28 -0600 From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures The most common edison base 12 volt lamps are 50 watts. A bit big for battery operated reading lamp when 12 or 15 watts is plenty. Gerald J. - -- Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer. Reproduction by permission only. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 16:54:39 -0500 From: "Scott Scheuermann" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures There are 12 volt Edison base fluorescents available at www.solar-electric.com They work great with the pre univolt trailers that have 2 sockets in each fixture. Their 11 watt bulb gives off about the same amount of light as a 50 watt incandescent and uses only 920 milliamps. Their 7 watt bulb, 30 watts using 660 milliamps. I have used two of the 11 watt bulbs for two years now and am very happy with them while boon docking. Not the nice "warm" light of incandescents, but not a strain on my battery either. Scott - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > The most common edison base 12 volt lamps are 50 watts. A bit big for > battery operated reading lamp when 12 or 15 watts is plenty. > > Gerald J. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 22:11:32 +0000 From: "Robert Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Topsail Randy Your just full of good info. I completely forgot about the military FAM Camp down there. We've been to the ones at Tyndall and Eglin AFB before but totally forgot that Ft Benning has one too. I like that 19$ price too. Our trip is still several weeks away since we want to wait until it's warmer and the water is bearable. I'm basically still in the planning stage and checking out the options. I'll try to remember to let you all know when we decide to go hopefully we'll see a few Airstreams around. Most of the time we are the only Airstream around. Thanks Bobby >From: "jrlkleven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> All of TopSail's sites have full hook-ups including sewer. Like I alluded to before, it's a top notch RV resort and you won't be disappointed with anything about it except that the beach is not really convenient and the pool is small. Also, if I remember correct, your retired military and FT Benning has a great RV park in Destin that was only $19 last year but on the intercoastal waterway and not the beach. They also have a nice pool. Might see you down there as we go on the spur of the moment and always check in with other airstreamers when we see them. Randy _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 17:54:41 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion On my trade wind double I replaced the toreture rack thart passed for a bed with a cusrom built futon it is built in as part of the trailer. I started with a pare of sofe bed hinges from rocker hardware and worked from there. It was quite a engeneering project it is nor as wide as a full sized bed it is about 44in opened. while I was at it I replaced the front sofa with a custom built futon it opens to 39 in I used the new "cpmfort Foam' In 4 in thickness. works well I cannot feel the plywood base under neath. The project was pricyI did the work myself bought the foam and fabric wholesale and paid $200. labor for the upholstry. thtal project cost about $800. Spentb 5 months last year in the trailer and the project was worth eavery penny. Jim Smith 1965 Tradewind(The Silver Abaltross. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 23:10:59 +0000 From: "Robert Gill" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion Jim Where did you get the foam? I'm planning on putting bunks over my rear twin beds and need some matresses for them. Thanks Bobby >From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >I used the new "cpmfort Foam' In 4 in >thickness. works well I cannot feel the plywood base under neath. The >project was pricyI did the work myself bought the foam and fabric wholesale >and paid $200. labor for the upholstry. _________________________________________________________________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 15:32:24 -0800 From: "Gary Quamen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures > Check the multitude of on-line RV sellers for reading lamps. Some should > have them. > > Gerald J. Hey all: Check out West Marine. They have some really great looking 12V lights: http://www.westmarine.com Look under Electrical and Ventilation > Electrical > Interior Lighting Good stuff... GQ '67 Safari ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 19:13:05 -0500 From: Daisy Welch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures go see : http://www.realgoods.com/shop/search.cfm THis is a sort of "Come the Revolution" catalog, full fo stuff that runs on 12v which is prefered for off the grid folks. You can get a 12 v bulb for a regular lamp, then you just need an addapter to the cigarette socket plug. Or you can just wire it in. You can also get LED bulb, 12v with an edison base. One of these days I'm gonna add a LED and other 12v lighting to my web page, Anyone coming to VT, be sure to find 6512,especially at night to see the LED's I already have. Daisy, the LED queen. chyde wrote: > > >>Does anyone have a supplier for 12v fixtures? Any of the local lighting > > stores > >>or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and >>converting them would be a real chore. The local RV dealers don't have >>anything either. > > Gary, > Keep in mind that you can buy 12v bulbs that are identical to 110v bulbs. > Just wire the 110 fixtures with 12v. I'm not too sure how efficient the > large 12v bulbs are though. > Colin > 57 Sovereign of the Road > 59 Ambassador International > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text > > To unsubscribe or change to an digest format, please go to > http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 19:40:26 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [VACList] Re: twin to double bed conversion I bought the foam from Harris &Sterns in Tampa phone (813)253-0111 They cut it to size for me. it is the blue foam. Jim Smith ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 20:49:57 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [VACList] Fantatastic fan I went to the Florida State rally To buy a fantastic fan to replace the vent on (The Silver Abaltross) I did not take the trailer as it was not ready to show. I carefully installed it and bedded it down in 5200 marine sealant it is there forever. Carefully wired it up and checked the polarity it worked beautiful. Opened and closed ran on all3 speeds so far wonderful. The trailer is parked at the end of my house I checked the next morning and because of the humidity the vent was closed. The next night it rained very hard and was still raining in the morning. the vent was wide open and the fan was running happily and sucking in the water and wetting down the whole trailer. Called Fantastic Fans and found that I had a first (Whenever something that I own breaks I always have a first) The company sent me a new set of controls I installed following their directions. The motor would only open the vent not close it . Called again and was given several things to check tried every thing with no results. I called again and they sent me another set of controls I installed them and nothing works.I than installed the 2nd set of controls and thought I would settle for a very expensive manual vent fan. Unfortunately as I unplugged the wire to the switch that stops the motor when the vent is closed The sleeve came off the switch and I cannot get it to stay on at all so the motor will not run. My tolerance level for things that I spend money on that are not as advertised is very low I am now charging it off to a very bad experience I have not the patients too fool with it any more. I now hope that the new Honda EV4010 generator I unpacked today works. Jim Smith ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:55:39 -0600 From: John Anderson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Gary, it isn't very hard to re-wire 110v fixtures for 12 volts. When I "decomissioned" my worn out original reading lamps, I took the guts out and placed them in some new inexpensive but rugged and attractive 110 volt fixtures from Menards, and they work just great. Another option I have used is buying 12 volt lights that use a transformer to step down from 110 volt; remove the transformer and wire the lamps directly to one of the coach 12vdc circuits. (Found them really cheap in the close out cart at Menards.)I installed these lights over the galley sink; and while I was at it, ran the 12vdc through a new switch located near the door, so that is now the first light I turn on when entering the dark coach at night. Just another possibility to consider! Good luck! John [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Any of the local lighting stores > or Lowes/Home Depot only have 110v fixtures that are much heavier and > converting them would be a real chore. ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 19:55:20 -0700 From: "Pete Ryner" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: [VACList] Interior Lighting Fixtures Most any RV supply house has a wide variety of fixtures. Camping World is one of the biggest. Boat suppliers are also a good source since they are mostly 12V too. Pete ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 22:02:53 -0500 From: Chris Elliott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Still not big enough . Chris C B Rollins wrote: > > a '99 Dakota extended cab 4wd pickup with cap- ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2003 22:57:03 -0500 From: "Scott Scheuermann" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Chris, I beg to differ. I had a Dakota pulling my single axle 26 footer a few years back. While my trailer was a handful for the truck, the Globe Trotter is 7 feet shorter and quite a bit lighter. I feel that it will make a good tow vehicle for the trailer in question. Scott - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Elliott" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 04, 2003 10:02 PM Subject: Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? > Still not big enough . > Chris ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2003 20:29:56 -0800 From: William Kerfoot <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [VACList] Dodge Dakota vs 19' Globe Trotter? Now time out and wait a minute. CB Rollins is only towing a 19' Globe Trotter. According to the Airstream web site list of weights, for a 1964 19' Globe Trotter, the last one listed of that size, the dry weight is only 2,890 lbs. I would guess that the max weight should be no more than 4,500 lbs. According to Kelly Blue Book, the 2003 Dakota extended cab has a 131" wheelbase and a 215" overall length, a curb weight of either 3,871 lbs or 4,105 lbs and a towing capacity of either 6,450 lbs or 6,250 lbs. To my way of thinking, this works, with almost a 40% excess towing capacity factor. I tow a 1979 23' Safari which has a dry weight of 3,905 and a gross weight, per the trailer tag, of 5,800, with a 1973 Dodge 3/4 ton Power Wagon with a 360ci engine, same size as CB Rollins, a 131" wheelbase and 215" overall length, same dimensions as the 2003 Dakota. Agreed my dry truck weight is about 1,000 lbs more and the track is slightly wider, but I think that most of you would agree that my truck is sufficient to tow my trailer. True, I cannot climb every grade at 70 MPH, and do not want to, but must slow down to 40 MPH on the steeper grades. I could cruise at 70 MPH on the flat but I don't, 60 MPH is fast enough for me. A 1 ton, 4X4, crew cab, high output diesel is not necessary for every Airstream ever built. The Dakota is not a compact truck and either it or the Durango should be adequate, especially if you don't mind slowing down. Plus the Dakota has disc brakes and I only have drum brakes. Bill Kerfoot WBCCI #5223 1979 23' Safari 1973 Dodge W-200 Powerwagon Orange, CA Chris Elliott wrote: >Still not big enough . >Chris > >C B Rollins wrote: > >>a '99 Dakota extended cab 4wd pickup with cap- >> > > > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary original text > >To unsubscribe or change to an digest format, please go to >http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html > > ------------------------------ End of VACList Digest V3 #153 ***************************** When replying to a message, please delete all unnecessary Digest text To unsubscribe or change to an e-mail format, please go to http://airstream.net/vaclist/listoffice.html
