[A/S] 85 Airstream 270 Odyssey

["Joe Goeppner" <pshabasgo@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello Fellow MH owners.   We have just returned from the maiden 
voyage of our l985 Excella 2780 after purchase in July.  4150 miles 
in 21 days.  SC to ME, across Canada to MI, down through Ohio to 
Summit of the Parkway in NC and return to SC.  Insteresting problems 
and experiences.  At the outset, in North Carolina the radiator hoses 
which lead to the heating coil under the coach body (Which we did not 
know exists - nothing in Airstream Manuals about it)flooded entire 
coach with ethylene glycol - had to have Commercial Cleaner remove 
all traces from carpets.  Tip - When I spent about $150 to get all 
the manuals (Chev Chassis as well as A/s -wife bitched, but IF we had 
not had the Chev manuals with us on trip - Would not have been able 
to get it located or fixed.  Next problem.  Compressor for air ride 
didn't work, so had to manually pump up everytime we got gas.  Next 
problem - lost gas, oil, temp, amp gauges.  Visited Airstream 
Factory, but could get no help with solution.  Decided to drive it 
home where our mechanic could address it.  Two ladies in Store at 
Airstream very helpful, and a little old man, who never told us who 
it was was finally instrumental in getting someone at Airstream to at 
least look at our emergency problem. Don't under any circumstances, 
visit the Airstream factory without a reservation - EVEN in an 
emergency.   They would hardly give us the time of day.  Except for 
the problmes noted, the Vehicle performed beautifully on the entire 
trip, even at high altitudes.  7.99 miles to gallon oveall.  Only 
used 2 quarts of oil on trip.  Even though 15 years old, she is a 
very good performer.  Perhaps someone call tell us who can renovate 
the Compressor on the Air Ride - It runs, but does not produce 
enought of air pressure to inflate bags.  On the entire trip, we did 
not encounter another Airstream of any kind, except at the Factory.