Re: [A/S] New to trailers and Airstream.

[Don Horn <donhorn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Roy,

I've given it some thought, and can add the following to what Jim said:

All of the windows are multi-pane jalousie type, which allows much better
ventilation without sticking out as far as the single pane windows on the
Caravel.   They crank a lot smoother and easier, too.  The whole back window
can be removed from the frame by flipping two levers.  This may be in order
to put in a window AC, or as an emergency exit, or both.

The cabinetry work is much nicer, as is the general fit and finish of the
interior.  The interior still has that pine wood smell after all these
years.  There are magnets on the ceiling to hold open the doors to the
overhead cabinets.   I've seen very few small Airstreams with dinettes, and
those I have seen didn't seem as sturdy or well designed as the Avion.   The
side gaucho on the Avion is much sturdier and slides a lot easier than the
ones on my Caravel did.

The exterior is anodized aluminum--won't take a mirror shine, but stays
relatively shiny without clear coat and little maintenance.   The curved
panels have the rolled or crimped edges that Airstream used for only one or
two years (I think it was around '58 or '59).  The curved walls have smaller
radii than Airstreams, especially after they went from 13 curved panels to
7.  That, along with the fact that the rear wall is less sloped (more
vertical), makes it feel a little larger than a 20-ft Globetrotter, and
there's slightly more storage space in the overheads.

There's an exhaust vent in the bathroom, about 6" in diameter with a fan,
which I haven't seen on small vintage Airstreams.  This is in addition to
the normal vents and fans you'd find on any trailer.

The 12v system didn't come with a charger/converter.  It's totally isolated
from the 120v, and I like this better.  When I'm hooked up to AC, I can plug
my charger into an outlet if I need to charge the batteries, and the
StatPower charger treats my batteries better than the Univolt would.   The
AC shore power cord uses a Hubbell twist-lock connector on the coach side to
keep it from falling out, which I haven't seen on older Airstreams.   The
coach uses "clutch head" screws throughout, and came with the appropriate
screw driver to work with them (it's listed on the delivery check list).  I
don't know if there is any advantage to this type of screw & driver, but
there's a certain snob value there .  ;>)

Well, that's about it for now.  Will let you know if I think of anything
else.  

Don 
'63 Avion
(That's _Mister_ SOB to you...)   ;>)