VAL Digest V1 #56

VAL Digest          Tuesday, November 4 2003          Volume 01 : Number 056




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Topics in Today's Digest:

Re: [VAL] Switch by door
[VAL] RE: window awnings
Re: [VAL] Switch by door
RE: [VAL] Switch by door
Re: [VAL] Switch by door
[VAL] Tow Auto
[VAL] [Fwd: light switch]
Re: [VAL] Tow Auto
[VAL] original tag
Re: [VAL] Switch by door
Re: [VAL] Switch by door
Re: [VAL] Tow Auto
Re: [VAL] [Fwd: light switch]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2003 23:30:13 -0800
From: "Stephanie Roberts" <stefrobrts@stephanies-mustang.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door

> Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
> From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
>
> In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light by
> the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.
>
> Gerald J.
> - --
> Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> Reproduction by permission only.
>

Hi Gerald,

Interesting that you have a porchlight on your 68 Caravel. Mine does not
have one, but it would sure be nice sometimes. Do you think it's original,
or something that was added over the years?

Stephanie
Battle Ground, WA

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2003 23:30:11 -0800
From: "Stephanie Roberts" <stefrobrts@stephanies-mustang.com>
Subject: [VAL] RE: window awnings

> Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 00:27:26 -0600
> From: John Schubert <flynya@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> Subject: Re: [VAL] New Member
>
> Nice Caravel Stephanie, can you tell me how you made those cool window
> awnings?
>
> John

Hi John, I got some outdoor canvas at the fabric store and sewed them up
myself. I took a piece about two inches wider than the window, and 8 inches
longer. I took the 8 inches, which hung over the bottom of the window and
folded it up to make a pocket about 3 inches deep for the bottom of the
window to slip into. Then I just slip it onto the window and hold it on with
some plastic clips I got from the office supply store. They hold it on
securely, but gently, because I was worried about breaking the glass if I
used anything that held on too tight. I also put a little elastic loop at
the top corner of each awning and loop it around the arm that raises the
window, so if it blows off it won't blow away. So far they haven't blown
off. And they look pretty snazzy :-)

Stephanie
Battle Ground, WA

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 08:30:48 -0600
From: "William Durkee" <bdkli@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door

There is an additional switch on the other side of the front window to turn 
on the external spot light.  So I am still at questioning the first switch 
next to the door.

>From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
>Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
>
>In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light by
>the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.
>
>Gerald J.
>--
>Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
>Reproduction by permission only.
>
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>
>To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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>
>

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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 07:57:47 -0700
From: "Jim Cooper" <jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com>
Subject: RE: [VAL] Switch by door

I have a switch above the door that turns on the water pump.  This is on
a 67 tradewind.

Best Regards,
   Jim
 
   jcchome@xxxxxxxxxx.com
   
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com
[mailto:valist-admin@xxxxxxxxxx.com]
> On Behalf Of William Durkee
> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2003 7:31 AM
> To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
> 
> There is an additional switch on the other side of the front window to
> turn
> on the external spot light.  So I am still at questioning the first
switch
> next to the door.
> 
> >From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer"
<geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> >Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> >To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> >Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
> >Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
> >
> >In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light
by
> >the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.
> >
> >Gerald J.
> >--
> >Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> >Reproduction by permission only.
> >
> >-----------------------------------------------------------------
> >When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original
text
> >
> >To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> >http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html
> >
> >
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Want to check if your PC is virus-infected?  Get a FREE computer virus
> scan
> online from McAfee.
> http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original
text
> 
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
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------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 09:49:16 -0600
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door

Stephanie Roberts wrote:
> 
> > Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
> > From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> > Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
> >
> > In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light by
> > the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.
> >
> > Gerald J.
> > - --
> 
> Hi Gerald,
> 
> Interesting that you have a porch light on your 68 Caravel. Mine does not
> have one, but it would sure be nice sometimes. Do you think it's original,
> or something that was added over the years?
> 
> Stephanie
> Battle Ground, WA
> 
Its more of a flood light as described in some of the pictures in my '68
manual. Good for blinding unsuspecting visitors. With no window close to
the door its easy to leave on and annoy neighboring campers.

Digging through my manual, its shown in a picture of a larger camper,
but not in the picture of the Caravel. And in the wiring diagrams its
the same, not shown for the Caravel. The installation has no extra
patches inside to make it look as if it was done at the factory. Perhaps
its part of the difference between a plain Airstream, a Land Yacht, and
an International model. Or maybe its just one of those options on the
order list from the era. At the time my Caravel was made, I was forcibly
engrossed in weaponry and green clothes at very low pay so I wasn't
following Airstream sales brochures.

Its likely that switch placement varied from one year to the next, maybe
even between models and whether built in Ohio or California. Especially
those switches for options like the flood light appears to have been.

With the water pump and tank up front, it was surely easier wiring to
put the pump switch forward of the door, though without a label
confusing to owners and visitors alike. A little engraving and filling
on the switch plate (making a 79 cent plate into a $5 part) sure would
have been an elegance worthy of a yacht and forever useful. The controls
on the bridge and in the engine room of a yacht tend to be carefully
identified, why not in our land yachts?

Gerald J.

- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 11:24:50 -0500
From: BuzzHacker@xxxxxxxxxx.com
Subject: [VAL] Tow Auto

I got me one of them 31' 1973 beast of an Airstream

Just purchased a 2000 Suburban 4 wheel drive 5.3 V8 to yank it

Should i be scared?

Thanks

Jamie

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 10:37:44 -0600
From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] [Fwd: light switch]

Novia, Nicholas wrote:
> 
> Gerald
> I write to you, because from work, I cannot email the "list."
> 
> I have two switches inside the door, one is for the exterior light, the other, I 
thought was in all rigs, is for the interior light closest to the door.  So when you 
enter...you can turn on the house lights just like at home!  Mine didn't work at first, 
I had to remove the fixture switch and check it out.  It works fine.
> 
> Nick Novia
> '68 Safari
> #2577
> WDCU
> VAC

Which adds to the data to show that there were various options and
adjustments to the wiring. The wiring diagrams in my '68 Airstream
manual show only the flood light switch next to the door and then that's
not shown in the 17' Caravel. By this manual, all interior lights are
switched only at the fixtures, so we stumble in to find the first
overhead light fixture (in the dark). With 12 volts available at the
flood light switch, it wouldn't be difficult to add an interior light
sneaking another switch, perhaps a dual device into the same switch box.
The problem is finding a dual switch with terminals rated for aluminum
wire. Might have to crimp splice copper pigtails.

Gerald J.

- -- 
Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
Reproduction by permission only.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 16:23:07 -0700
From: Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tow Auto

Jamie,

Nope, while the engine isn't the biggest thing out there it should be able
to do the job just fine in the flat country. And if you're not in a big
hurry you will eventually make it to the top of the hill.
Make sure you have a good, properly installed weight distributing hitch to
put them together. If your Sub. already has a receiver on the back for the
hitch, it should also have the towing electrical package. This makes adding
a brake controller easy, you knew about them right?

Charlie

BuzzHacker@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:

> I got me one of them 31' 1973 beast of an Airstream
>
> Just purchased a 2000 Suburban 4 wheel drive 5.3 V8 to yank it
>
> Should i be scared?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jamie
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
>
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 18:43:28 -0500
From: "Chris Herring" <cherring@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: [VAL] original tag

Spotted this message on another AS list today and wanted to post it here.

I don't know these folks -- respond to email below if you want more info.

- ---------------------------------------------------------------

We have a friend that does the garage sale route on a regular basis.  He
came
across an Airstream keychain and gave it to us.  On it is the original tag
which reads:  Overby, 1981 Airstream Excella II, S/N 1STBEAR21BJ  500218.
If
anyone out there owns this trailer and would like this tag, let us know.
We're
being selfish and will keep the Airstream logo.

Verna
airstream720@xxxxxxxxxx.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 23:53:06 +0000
From: satdjpete@xxxxxxxxxx.net
Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door

Hi All,
     My 1968 tradewind (tf)24ft Has a swithch over the door that operates the overhead light 
and also a switch towards the front for my outside (seald beam) Hi HI.. and it is in my wiring 
diagrams. Ohio model.
     Pete Highlands  ps I dont think my 65 Caravel had it. 
> There is an additional switch on the other side of the front window to turn 
> on the external spot light.  So I am still at questioning the first switch 
> next to the door.
> 
> >From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
> >Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> >To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
> >Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
> >Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
> >
> >In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light by
> >the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.
> >
> >Gerald J.
> >--
> >Entire content copyright Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer.
> >Reproduction by permission only.
> >
> >-----------------------------------------------------------------
> >When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> >
> >To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> >http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html
> >
> >
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Want to check if your PC is virus-infected?  Get a FREE computer virus scan 
> online from McAfee.    
> http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963
> 
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> When replying to a message. please delete all unnecessary original text
> 
> To unsubscribe or change to a digest format, please go to
> http://www.tompatterson.com/VAC/VAList/listoffice.html

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 21:35:32 -0600
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door

On my 1970 27ft unit the first sw is for the outside over the door light
The second switch is for the top light over the couch and table.
As stated below you may have a sw on the curb side close to the front
window that is for an outside light on the side of the unit..
Almost a worthless light as all it dose is to shine in your eyes as you
walk up.  It needed something better to direct the light down.
Dean

On Nov 3, 2003, at 8:30 AM, William Durkee wrote:

> There is an additional switch on the other side of the front window to 
> turn on the external spot light.  So I am still at questioning the 
> first switch next to the door.
>
>> From: "Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" 
>> <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
>> Reply-To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>> To: valist@xxxxxxxxxx.com
>> Subject: Re: [VAL] Switch by door
>> Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2003 21:29:30 -0600
>>
>> In my '68 Caravel, the switch by the door runs the white spot light by
>> the door on the outside. Its not for an inside light.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 21:39:23 -0600
From: dean <dean@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] Tow Auto

How's your driving?
Hope that is a 3/4 burb.   The 1/2 ton may be a little light.
Remember... It is not the Yank it is the WOW that counts.
Dean

On Nov 3, 2003, at 10:24 AM, BuzzHacker@xxxxxxxxxx.com wrote:

> I got me one of them 31' 1973 beast of an Airstream
>
> Just purchased a 2000 Suburban 4 wheel drive 5.3 V8 to yank it
>
> Should i be scared?
>
> Thanks
>
> Jamie

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 03 Nov 2003 22:42:32 -0500
From: Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxxxx.net>
Subject: Re: [VAL] [Fwd: light switch]

On my '73, the first switch in turns on the light over the kitchen sink, 
next over the deer jumping light. AKA the Nautilus light.

Daisy

Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer wrote:
> Novia, Nicholas wrote:
> 
>>Gerald
>>I write to you, because from work, I cannot email the "list."
>>
>>I have two switches inside the door, one is for the exterior light, the other, I 
>>thought was in all rigs, is for the interior light closest to the door.  So when you 
>>enter...you can turn on the house lights just like at home!  Mine didn't work at first, 
>>I had to remove the fixture switch and check it out.  It works fine.
>>
>>Nick Novia
>>'68 Safari
>>#2577
>>WDCU
>>VAC
> 
> 
> Which adds to the data to show that there were various options and
> adjustments to the wiring. The wiring diagrams in my '68 Airstream
> manual show only the flood light switch next to the door and then that's
> not shown in the 17' Caravel. By this manual, all interior lights are
> switched only at the fixtures, so we stumble in to find the first
> overhead light fixture (in the dark). With 12 volts available at the
> flood light switch, it wouldn't be difficult to add an interior light
> sneaking another switch, perhaps a dual device into the same switch box.
> The problem is finding a dual switch with terminals rated for aluminum
> wire. Might have to crimp splice copper pigtails.
> 
> Gerald J.

------------------------------

End of VAL Digest V1 #56
************************


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