Resources

Solar

Solar Installation Why put 2010 solar on a 1956 Airstream? As this will be our primary trailer, the functionality the solar charging provides to the 12v electrical system allows uninterrupted travel, boondocking, and peace of mind of never running out of power for lights, the water pump, cooling fan and other conveniences. Up on top read more »

Cabinets – Bed

Interior Cabinets – Twin Bed Having camped for many years, you learn what is practical and what is folly. There is a reason why the majority of Airstreams sold from the 1940’s to the 1970’s, and even today, were of the twin bed configuration. It is not because Airstreamer’s don’t like their spouses, it is read more »

Cabinets – Curbside

Interior Cabinets – Curbside Unit Across from the galley is the large full height cabinet containing the refrigerator, heater and wardrobe. Old Cabinets A reminder of what the old cabinet layout was: Installation – Curbside Cabinets, Wardrobe & Refrigerator The other side (curbside) of the trailer gets attention now. You can see the condition of read more »

Cabinets – Dinette

Interior Cabinets – Dinette There are some dinettes in RV’s that are enjoyable to sit in, and others where you just can’t get comfortable. A lot of it has to do with the dimensions. Ideally they should be: Height to cushion top = 18″ Height to table top = 30″ Table width = 32″ Table read more »

Cabinets – Streetside

Interior Cabinets – Streetside Galley Since the bath was enlarged fore and aft, the galley had to accomplish its purpose in a smaller footprint. There was also the requirement to include a water heater and more countertop space. The water heater was addressed by installing a Bosch on-demand system in the back of the deep read more »

Cabinets – Bath

Interior Cabinets – Bathroom The work began with the most complex section, back in the bathroom that must surround all the plumbing and inlets down into the black and gray water tanks. Old Cabinets A reminder of what the old bath layout was:

Interior Cabinets

The cabinetry is when you realize that the expensive part of the renovation is just beginning, as it is within the walls and cabinets that the systems, appliances and finish materials will be installed. We kept all the removed cabinets, but it became evident that the quality, condition and surprisingly shoddy original construction just wasn’t read more »

Water Tanks

The original potable water system consisted of a small (12 gallon) aluminum water tank under the front window and copper tubing over to a hand operated siphon pump by the sink. Since this trailer is meant to be self-contained, a much bigger system was needed, and tanks were placed up front under the new dinette, read more »

Plumbing

Since the original plumbing was plugged and corroded copper lines with only a huge 110v only water heater, I went with a new tankless heater and all new PEX water lines. The water supply consisted of a hose connection to the copper water lines, and an independent small galvanized tin water tank and pump-prime counter read more »

Linoleum Flooring

The big changes continue. With the paint completed, the next step is the flooring so the cabinets and systems can go in next. The original flooring was sheet Linoleum. Lino was chosen back then for its durability and ease to clean, and is the same reason we chose that material again. Today’s Linoleum is made read more »