[VAC] Re: General Maintenance frequency

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jill,

I am also an old car enthusiast but cannot claim to be a highly skilled
mechanic.

I have not found failure of travel trailer appliances and components to be a
problem.  I hadn't really thought about it until I began to compose an
answer to your question but in my opinion, the quality and durability of RV
appliances is comparable to home appliances, outstanding.  I have only owned
and used Airstreams since 1993 but have owned a number of slide-in truck
campers and stick-built travel trailers over the preceding years.  (no
comparison except with other aluminum trailers!)

I have a '93 34' A/S purchased when it was a little over one year of age
that has been towed coast-to-coast and north-to-south to the tune of about
45k miles since October 1994.  I have not full-timed with it but it has seen
a lot of use.  I have replaced the batteries twice (not with high-cost/high
quality batteries), the wheel bearings have been repacked and the brakes
adjusted, both are due again, brake shoes probably are due for replacement,
I have replaced the tires once, the water pump seemed tired on a short trip
last week and needs replacement, I have replaced a couple of drawer slides
and a couple of wardrobe door latches, nothing major has failed or is
anticipated to fail anytime soon.  Airstreams are a fine, durable product.
Not cheap but a carefully selected older one can be a tremendous bargain
that will provide a lifetime of service if well-maintained (and not
wrecked).  Older A/Ss may be better than newer models.

Wally Byam's concept is a good one.  The fact that A/Ss are durable products
could be established by a simple on-list inventory of the vintage A/Ss owned
and used by members of this list.  It would be very interesting to have a
data base of years and models of trailers remaining in service and of
course, our list inventory would not even approach being complete on a
national and world basis.

All RVs will experience some seam opening over time, miles, and rough roads.
Stick-built RVs, if not recaulked, will rot and essentially come apart in
extreme conditions.  Airstreams are less susceptible but the flexing will
also cause leaks which if not detected and caulked, will cause plywood floor
rot, not structural body failure.

A/S appliances and components are generally very well designed and provide
many years of trouble free service.  Brake magnets will fail, brake linings
are a wear item and do have a service life, tires of course, cabinet latches
and door hinges will wear or fail, water pumps will fail due to age and
wear, upholstery, drapes, and carpet of course will eventually require
replacement, but most failures can be prevented by good careful use and
preventive maintenance.  Eventually a range/oven control valve, water heater
burner and valve, roof air conditioner fan motors and compressors, heating
furnace fan motors, and similar parts will fail but it will be after
approximately 10, 15, even 20 years of service use in many cases.    Just
like in an automobile or home appliance, every item  is unique and life
depends on care and use.

Some basic maintenance is required as it is in all machinery.  Any Airstream
owner's manual will provide some good basic preventive maintenance tips.
The ones I have read are good and apparently based on millions of miles and
thousands of collective years of use.

If you continue seeking information, advice, opinions, and recommendations
on this list you should be able to find an excellent A/S that you will get
many years of faithful service from.  Good luck.

Harvey