Re: [a/s] seeking info re:1975 27' overlander

[Susi and John Burchard <saluqi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Leantowind@aol.com wrote:

>     - The control lever for the stove vent and exhaust fan (on the central
> control panel) is stuck up. I'd like to free this control. Has anyone
> experience with this lack of operation? How do I get "into" the central
> control panel?

The slot in which that control lever moves has a notch top and bottom, allowing
you to "lock" the lever in the up or down position.  If you look at the end of
the slot where the lever is not, probably the bottom end in your case, you will
see which way to pull the lever to free it from the notch.  Probably forward
(toward the interior of the coach) at right angles to the slot?  At least that's
the case for mine.

>     - The seller installed a converter which does not connect to the power on
> light in the central control panel. Is it useful to have this light work? Can
> I just as easily leave a nightlight in an AC receptical to provide the same
> function? Is there some way to "fix" this shortcoming?

AFAIK that light is supposed to light up when you are plugged into "shore power"
and not otherwise.  I haven't looked at the way it is wired up?  IMO it is
indeed useful, it is the first thing I check after plugging in on arrival at a
campground (or wherever).

>     - The awning is in great condition, but the supports don't want to
> extend. Is there some specific lubricant or procedure which is recommended to
> free the supports?

This one might take "hands on" by some awning-savvy person.  First thing is to
make sure everything which needs to be unlocked is actually unlocked.  On my
Carefree awning, for example, you first have to lift each arm straight up (not
out) and disengage a latch which holds the arm tight to the upper support
fitting.  Only after both latches are disengaged (by sliding them up, then
letting them drop and making sure they do not slip down onto the prong they
normally hitch to) can you unroll the awning and so swing the arms out from the
side of the coach.

Another possibility is that the roller pivots might be rusted fast.  This
happened to me not long ago.  It took a dose of WD-40, and later turning them by
hand from a stepladder, before I could open the awning.

>     This Airstream came with a equalizer hitch. It pulls easier than anything
> else I've ever pulled, except for the weight. We have a 1 ton crew cab pickup
> for a tow vehical with a strong diesel engine, but the combination
> excelerates slowly and doesn't maintain speed on hills out here in the
> Rockies.

Take it to a public truck scale and weigh the trailer.  Is this perhaps a
question of the rear end ratio on your tow vehicle?

John

Susi and John Burchard
Tepe Gawra Salukis
saluqi@ix.netcom.com