RE: [A/S] Hunter's Water Pressure Thingy

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hunter,

If it is the water pressure regulator, any good plumbing supply should have
one.  The ones for domestic use are the same as the ones used in RVs.  Since
the local Airstream dealer is out of stock, you might want to ask his parts
man for the specifications of the regulator so you will know what to ask for
at the plumbing supply.

I don't know what kind of plumbing is used in your Airstream.  The old ones
used sweat soldered copper tubing or pipe.  For a while, they used plastic
PEX (which was a disaster in residential applications.  The fittings slowly
slid off!.) I assume they are back to soldered copper.

If it is soldered copper, most any plumber should be able to handle it.

The biggest problem, perhaps, might be access.  In my case, the regulator is
under the rear bath vanity sink.  It takes a double jointed midget to get to
it. I was very happy with Jay at Oasis RV in Tucson, who apparently has a
mechanic capable of getting to it. (I wouldn't have tried it on a bet.)

I too have been a little shocked at the hourly labor rate charged by
Airstream dealers' service departments.  However, if they have done similar
work before, have a good mechanic who is fast (and only charge you for the
actual repair time, the cost isn't all that bad.  In my case, Jay insisted
that I stay overnight at the shop's parking lot with the water connected to
make sure that the leak was fixed.  As it turned out, he had to re-solder
one of the joints, but did not charge me extra. Ask for an estimate of the
cost. It might not be that bad. Note that you will not likely find this sort
of experience at a general RV repair shop like Camping World, for example.

If the leak isn't very big and not damaging anything, you could hold off
until you get to a dealer you feel more confident with.

Good luck,

Oliver Filippi