Absolutely spot on, and very articulate. I met Rich several years ago at an Alumapalooza (Rich - I’m the guy who bought a digital copy of your book and asked you to sign my iPhone screen). If you don’t own his book, buy one. If you need accessories, look at his store first. He knows what he’s talking about.
Thanks for such a nice recommendation of Rich's book and AIR GEAR. We are Airstreamers like you all, and try our best to develop and offer products that are practical and relevant to your - and our - needs.
Thanks so much for that excellent presentation Rich. Got both of your books but there's nothing like hearing your advice directly, plus adding a few extra tips on maintaining our beast of an Airstream!
Thank you so much for this video and your blog! I like understanding the "why" of things, including in my Airstream. You provide amazing value! I'll definitely be buying your maintenance related tool kits!
Good stuff overall, thanks for doing this. I have a different opinion on the new refrigerator though. They do not chew battery power as quickly as many people think because they are much more efficient than the old absorption units on DC. We have 380 watts of solar and not 180 as the questioner does, but we run our fridge without plugging in for a long time, assuming we get enough sun. The ultimate was well over a week of living in our 2022 FC Office on batteries and solar only. We could have gone even longer, as this was a sunny period in Florida, which is the caveat. Also, you mentioned turning on the fridge 24 hours before a trip to get it ready. If it's about ensuring it's cold, you need to turn the new refrigerators on only a few hours before you load them, not overnight like we had to on the old absorption models. Cheers! -Ari (@Trekers)
Thank you Rich love your videos. Have purchased from your website appreciate your airstream advice. Specially do you have any cell booster recommendations looking weboost. Seems that the cell reception Inside our 2022 23’ globetrotter isn’t as good as outside sitting on the picnic table. Thank you
Thanks for the positive feedback! We don't have any specific recommendations for cell boosters. Check with our friends at www.rvmobileinternet.com/ - they have some research about cellular boosters on their site.
QUESTION: we have a water leak in roof of our 2022 GT and dealer cannot find it or recreate it so they can’t fix it. Another streamer said to request an air pressure test to find the leak but our dealer says those tests cannot be done on airstreams. Do you know if that is true, and do you have any advice on how we can find the leak ourselves? Thanks!!!
Unfortunately, this is too complex an issue to adequately answer in a comment, and without seeing your Airstream. To help you troubleshoot the issue yourselves, here's a detailed blog we wrote about how to troubleshoot a water leak: www.airgear.store/blogs/airstream/water-leak-now-what
BTW, it's nonsense to say that a pressurized leak test can't be done on an Airstream. Sounds like that particular dealer representative didn't know what he/she was talking about-or they don't have the equipment.
Hi, I am a brand new squarestream owner. I recently purchashed an old airstream, I am told it is a 88 or 89 square stream..I know nuttin about em..lol Inside length is 28 feet.. Front kitchen, needs a bathroom vent and a few window pieces..not sure on how the furnace works.. looking fer any and all info I can get.. looks like some flooring at the very back needs replacing.. the rest seems prime.. thnx
We'd suggest contacting a restoration professional to have the Airstream evaluated. They may also know how to help you understand how the old appliances and equipment work.
Filiform corrosion on the aluminum is enabled by tiny gaps in the clear coat (often caused by tiny nicks from stones or other abrasion) which allows moisture to get to the aluminum beneath. An aftermarket Ceramic coating won't stop that process unless it can *completely* defend against stones and scratches.
I own a 2014 Bambi 20 and the A/C condensate drains on the roof to the rear or front or sometimes out the drain in the tire well where my previous 3 Airstreams drained. I removed the inside cover/ air direction diverted and noticed three drain hoses teed together and water started to leak on the floor. I turned the A/C off and water poured out for a short time. I checked the fender well drain hose and no water was draining out . What might be the problem be?
Unfortunately, we can't troubleshoot specific Airstream issues remotely. We suggest contacting a qualified Airstream or RV service technician in your area.
Not satisfied with the battery switch explanation. On my 2024 the jack still works with the switch off. And if the switch does cut off everything, why are new trailers coming with physical battery disconnects, and why do people continue to install them with battery upgrades?
The power hitch jack is directly wired to the battery on all model years, so it does not switch off with the Battery Disconnect. However, it has zero standby power requirement so it does not impact the batteries during storage. The Battery Disconnect Switch does not cut off everything. For more on that subject see our guide: www.airgear.store/blogs/solar-electrical-and-batteries/why-are-my-batteries-dead
Front end separation can *theoretically* happen on any trailer, but from what we've seen, it is primarily a problem for longer trailers (especially 30-34 footers). It's also a problem when older trailers have structural issues such as wood floor rot, severe frame rust, or collision damage.
Plan is to but an AS FC in near future. Do you know where the 2 feet is lost going from a 27’ to 25’ rig. Will be going the twin bed route. Hopefully not in the bed area Thanks
Absolutely spot on, and very articulate. I met Rich several years ago at an Alumapalooza (Rich - I’m the guy who bought a digital copy of your book and asked you to sign my iPhone screen). If you don’t own his book, buy one. If you need accessories, look at his store first. He knows what he’s talking about.
Thanks for such a nice recommendation of Rich's book and AIR GEAR. We are Airstreamers like you all, and try our best to develop and offer products that are practical and relevant to your - and our - needs.
Always enjoy listening to your comments, thanks for helping us all out.
I enjoy the challenge of answering interesting questions! 🙂
Packed with great information. Thank you for answering these questions live!
Thanks so much for that excellent presentation Rich. Got both of your books but there's nothing like hearing your advice directly, plus adding a few extra tips on maintaining our beast of an Airstream!
Thank you very much. 🙂
Thank you for another fine presentation Rich! 👏🏻
Appreciate that positive feedback - thank you.
Thank you so much for this video and your blog! I like understanding the "why" of things, including in my Airstream. You provide amazing value! I'll definitely be buying your maintenance related tool kits!
Excellent program. Great info. Thanks.
Good stuff overall, thanks for doing this. I have a different opinion on the new refrigerator though. They do not chew battery power as quickly as many people think because they are much more efficient than the old absorption units on DC. We have 380 watts of solar and not 180 as the questioner does, but we run our fridge without plugging in for a long time, assuming we get enough sun. The ultimate was well over a week of living in our 2022 FC Office on batteries and solar only. We could have gone even longer, as this was a sunny period in Florida, which is the caveat.
Also, you mentioned turning on the fridge 24 hours before a trip to get it ready. If it's about ensuring it's cold, you need to turn the new refrigerators on only a few hours before you load them, not overnight like we had to on the old absorption models. Cheers! -Ari (@Trekers)
Thank you Rich love your videos. Have purchased from your website appreciate your airstream advice. Specially do you have any cell booster recommendations looking weboost. Seems that the cell reception Inside our 2022 23’ globetrotter isn’t as good as outside sitting on the picnic table. Thank you
Thanks for the positive feedback! We don't have any specific recommendations for cell boosters. Check with our friends at www.rvmobileinternet.com/ - they have some research about cellular boosters on their site.
QUESTION: we have a water leak in roof of our 2022 GT and dealer cannot find it or recreate it so they can’t fix it. Another streamer said to request an air pressure test to find the leak but our dealer says those tests cannot be done on airstreams. Do you know if that is true, and do you have any advice on how we can find the leak ourselves? Thanks!!!
Unfortunately, this is too complex an issue to adequately answer in a comment, and without seeing your Airstream. To help you troubleshoot the issue yourselves, here's a detailed blog we wrote about how to troubleshoot a water leak: www.airgear.store/blogs/airstream/water-leak-now-what
BTW, it's nonsense to say that a pressurized leak test can't be done on an Airstream. Sounds like that particular dealer representative didn't know what he/she was talking about-or they don't have the equipment.
Hi, I am a brand new squarestream owner. I recently purchashed an old airstream, I am told it is a 88 or 89 square stream..I know nuttin about em..lol Inside length is 28 feet.. Front kitchen, needs a bathroom vent and a few window pieces..not sure on how the furnace works.. looking fer any and all info I can get.. looks like some flooring at the very back needs replacing.. the rest seems prime.. thnx
We'd suggest contacting a restoration professional to have the Airstream evaluated. They may also know how to help you understand how the old appliances and equipment work.
Rich, any thoughts on ceramic coatings, and should it help with corrosion prevention?
Filiform corrosion on the aluminum is enabled by tiny gaps in the clear coat (often caused by tiny nicks from stones or other abrasion) which allows moisture to get to the aluminum beneath. An aftermarket Ceramic coating won't stop that process unless it can *completely* defend against stones and scratches.
I own a 2014 Bambi 20 and the A/C condensate drains on the roof to the rear or front or sometimes out the drain in the tire well where my previous 3 Airstreams drained. I removed the inside cover/ air direction diverted and noticed three drain hoses teed together and water started to leak on the floor. I turned the A/C off and water poured out for a short time. I checked the fender well drain hose and no water was draining out . What might be the problem be?
Unfortunately, we can't troubleshoot specific Airstream issues remotely. We suggest contacting a qualified Airstream or RV service technician in your area.
Not satisfied with the battery switch explanation. On my 2024 the jack still works with the switch off. And if the switch does cut off everything, why are new trailers coming with physical battery disconnects, and why do people continue to install them with battery upgrades?
The power hitch jack is directly wired to the battery on all model years, so it does not switch off with the Battery Disconnect. However, it has zero standby power requirement so it does not impact the batteries during storage.
The Battery Disconnect Switch does not cut off everything. For more on that subject see our guide: www.airgear.store/blogs/solar-electrical-and-batteries/why-are-my-batteries-dead
Hi Rich, I know front end separation can be an issue for some airstreams. Do you know if the 23' coaches suffer this problem? Thx in advance.
Front end separation can *theoretically* happen on any trailer, but from what we've seen, it is primarily a problem for longer trailers (especially 30-34 footers). It's also a problem when older trailers have structural issues such as wood floor rot, severe frame rust, or collision damage.
Plan is to but an AS FC in near future. Do you know where the 2 feet is lost going from a 27’ to 25’ rig. Will be going the twin bed route. Hopefully not in the bed area
Thanks
The 2 feet are in the middle. Mostly you lose some storage space.