Re: [a/s] 75 Aitsream Brake system

[Matt Worner <wornmatt@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Don,

We have the same yr/model and ours has electric brakes; I have no reason
to believe they were changed from original.  The gvwr on our unit (from
the data plate on rt. front corner of coach) is 7100# and our tow
vehicle, F-350 4x4 PSD, is 7700# (full fuel, 1 pax, 200+- pounds in the
bed).  I wouldn't THINK of towing it without the brakes.  Believe you
me, there's no doubt it's back there.

Check for a small cylindrical device (about the size of a spice jar) on
the front of the tongue with a cable coming out of the front end.
That's the breakaway switch that locks up the brakes if (God forbid) the
trailer comes loose.  A friend of ours has a '77 with vacuum brakes, the
giveaway is a small tank (looks like a 10# propane cylinder) behind the
propane tanks in front of the coach.

From what I've been able to determine from this and the Vintage
Airstream Club list, the rear end sag had been cured by '75, and
affected only the rear bath models anyway.  (By the way '75 is
officially vintage as of 1 Jan this year.)

Since the previous owner hasn't been using the brakes, I'd pull the
wheels to check the drums, shoes and magnets before taking it out on the
road.

Contact me off list if you want to discuss price I paid, problems I've
had (mostly operator headspace and timing) and other things I've learned
(in the first 1000 miles ;^) )

Pam, Matt and Darrell Worner
WBCCI/VAC #4971
'75 31' Sovereign (Rear Twins)
'00 F-350 PSD