Airstream Caravanner 1977 User manual

1977 Airstream Owner’s Manual

Copyright 1976 by Airstream, Inc.

Introduction
An Airstream travel trailer offers you excel¬
lence in travel luxury and mobility. This
owner’s manual is your key to carefree
travel fun. It contains information necessary
to avoid problems. Consult it when you
have a question about your new Airstream.
It has been designed to aid you in knowing
your trailer better. All information, illustra¬
tions and specifications contained in this
literature are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publica¬
tion approval. The right is reserved to make
changes at any time without notice. Should
you trade or sell your Airstream, please
leave the manual with the trailer. Go Air¬
stream and make this your year for
carefree vacations.
Note: If and when new materials and
production techniques are developed
which can improve the quality of its
product or material substitutions are
necessary due to availability, Airstream
reserves the right to make such
changes.

Contents
Wally Byam Caravans and Clubs .2
Warranty and Service .4
Explanation of Airstream Warranty .6
Certified Service Centers .9
Wally Byam Stores .15
Tow Car Equipment .16
Brakes .17
Loading .20
Tires .30
Hitching Up.33
Towing Tips.36
Overnight Stop.39
Extended Stay .40
Winter Airstreaming .42
Storage and Winterizing .43
Exterior Identifications.44
Exterior.46
Floor Plans.'.48
Interior .54
L.P.G. System .63
Refrigerator.64
Microwave Oven .66
Range and Oven .68
Furnace .70
Water Heater.72
Water System .73
Drain and Waste System .76
Electrical System .79
Battery .81
Electrical Outlet Locations .82
Electrical Wiring Diagrams.83
Electrical Trouble Shooting .91
Specifications.92
Pre-Travel Check List.94
Lubrication and Maintenance .96
Maintenance Record.97
Index .98

Wally Byam Caravans and Clubs
When you bought your Airstream, you
bought a whole new way of life. Airstream
owners enjoy endless opportunities for
friendship, fun and adventure. You may join
every Airstream Wally Byam Caravan and
Airstream Company Rally. We arrange for
such rallies each year: one in the North
West, South West, North East and South
East. You also become eligible to join the
Wally Byam Caravan Club International,
the largest single make trailer club in the
world. The WBCCI is made up of 26,000
family memberships and 160 local chapters
or units throughout the United States, Can¬
ada and Mexico. They meet at monthly
rallies, or where weather conditions prevent
year round rallies, Caravanners come to¬
gether for pot luck dinners to plan events
for the good seasons.
Since the first Wally Byam Caravan in 1951,
110 Airstream Caravans have gone to most
parts of the world. Caravans to Canada
and Mexico are now so popular that there
are six each year. Many a lifelong friend¬
ship was started on these trips. Old-timers
and new owners share experiences and
find a new kind of fellowship, and there is
no better way to learn to use your Air¬
stream. Caravanners enjoy many
advantages: the security of traveling in a
group, planned entertainment and excep¬
tional sightseeing opportunities. The
prestige and good will established over
many years by our Caravans adds further
benefit to Caravanner membership.
The “Caravanner” is the Airstream publica¬
tion and the “Blue Beret” is the official
Caravan Club publication. The bi-monthly
“Caravanner” is for general distribution to
owners and prospective buyers, while the
monthly “Blue Beret” is for WBCCI mem¬
bers only.
Several months before a Caravan rolls, the
"Caravanner" and the “Blue Beret" publish
a description and a registration coupon.
Everyone who registers receives a detailed
bulletin with complete information on the
caravan. When going abroad, all official
matters such as insurance, tourist cards
and border crossing formalities are han¬
dled for you by the Caravan staff.
On every Airstream Caravan, the route is
carefully planned, and a day by day
itinerary, including mail stops, is given to all
Caravanners in advance. Our staff also
makes all the arrangements for parking,
entertainment, tours, etc. well ahead of the
starting date. Airstream Caravan Programs
aiways take caravanners ot all ages into
account. Airstream provides the Caravan
Staff; a leader, a recreation advisor, a
service representative and an advance
representative. This staff is backed by
committees composed of interested Car¬
avan members who assist in the day-to-day
operations.
Waily Byam, pioneer trailer traveler, and
founder of the Airstream Company, was
born on July Fourth and the first Interna¬
tional Rally was in the form of a huge
birthday party for him at Bull Shoals,
Arkansas. It was patterned after the Interna¬
tiona! Rallies in Europe which Wally and his
wife Stella had attended for many years.
Everyone enjoyed this first big rally so
much that the club decided to make it an
annual event. Since then, International
2

Rallies have grown and grown. Some 4493
Airstream Travel Trailer families recently
gathered at Louisville, Kentucky for the
1976 International Rally.
Only Airstream Wally Byam Caravanners
and WBCCI members are entitled to have
an official Trailer Number and be listed in
the 1976 Annual Directory. This directory
contains a schedule of all major WBCCI
Rallies and Airstream Wally Byam Car¬
avans and Rallies for the year, and
announces the activities of the Ham Radio,
C.B. Radio, Square Dance and the many
other WBCCI special interest groups.
Along with the fun, Airstream owners recog¬
nize the need for better legislation, more
and better overnight parking facilities, more
sanitary stations and other travel
conveniences.
They are alert to adverse bills governing
travel trailers and have achieved much
through the actions of the strong WBCCI
National Legislative Committee.
The Way of Life Department of the
Airstream Company dedicates its full time
staff to improving the owners' fun and
makes use of all the information and
experience gained by owners over the
years to help develop even better Air-
streams and Way of Life programs for the
enjoyment of all Airstream owners.
Become part of the Airstream Way of
Life. Join our WBCCI activities and we
believe you will enrich your life. Owners join
through a local unit of WBCCI. All operate
autonomously, elect their own officers and
fix their own dues. Annual International
dues are paid with the unit dues at the time
of application. These are at present: Inter¬
national dues, $7.50 per trailer and unit
dues from $1 to $10. If you are interested,
please write to the following address and
we will forward your letter to the unit
nearest you
WBCCI Headquarters Office
15939 Piuma Avenue
Cerritos, California 90701
3

Warranty and Service
Airstream offers the most complete and
explicit warranty in the industry. Your valua¬
ble warranty covers every item in your
trailer (except tires and battery) against
failures resulting from defects in either
material or workmanship for two years from
date of purchase as the original owner.
Please read the facsimile warranty care¬
fully. As soon as the factory has
received your signed check-out and ac¬
ceptance sheet, a formal warranty is
issued to you, together with an owner’s
identification card. As soon as you receive
your warranty, please attach it over the
facsimile for safekeeping. In order to
qualify for service without charge under
the Airstream Warranty Program, your
owner’s identification card or authoriza¬
tion for Interim Warranty must be
presented to the service representative.
The Airstream Certified Performance
Checkout, or C.P.C., is an exclusive Air¬
stream program. Before leaving the factory,
each and every vital part of an Airstream is
tested for performance. Each test is signed
and certified by an inspector. After the
Airstream arrives on your dealer’s lot, all of
these vital parts and systems are again
tested. When you take delivery of your new
Airstream, a factory trained trailer expert
personally gives you a complete check-out
on the trailer.
C.P.C. does not stop here. After you have
traveled with your Airstream for 1000 miles
(or 60 days, whichever comes first) you can
make an appointment with any one of the
170 Airstream dealers or service centers for
still another check-out of your trailer. At that
time, a specified list of performance checks
on your trailer equipment will be conducted
and any deficiencies you have experi¬
enced since taking delivery will be
corrected. Give the C.P.C. card overleaf to
the dealer when you take your Airstream for
the 1000 mile check.
Please contact your dealer if you need
service. Major service under your Airstream
Warranty is available through our nation¬
wide network of factory trained specialists
at Airstream Certified Dealer Service Cen¬
ters listed on pages 9-14 of this manual. All
centers operate on an appointment
basis for the utmost efficiency. When you
require service from the Airstream factory
or a certified service center, please contact
the service manager for an appointment,
and kindly inform him if you are unable to
keep the appointment date or wish to
change it.
Airstream factory service may be arranged
by contacting the service manager at:
Airstream
15939 Piuma Avenue
Cerritos. California 90701
[phone]
Airstream
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334
[phone]
4

Please place your Registered Warranty over this Facsimile, the folded edge on top. There is a glue strip on the back for this purpose.
AIRSTREAM LIMITED WARRANTY
When you buy a new Airstream Travel Trailer from an authorized dealer, Airstream warrants to you that,
except for tires and battery, it will pay for the repair or replacement of any part of your trailer or any
component equipment installed by the factory that is defective in material or workmanship. This
warranty extends for a period of two (2) years from the date of original purchase.
All that we require is that you use your trailer in a normal manner and properly maintain and service all
component parts requiring scheduled maintenance, and that all repairs and replacements be made by an
Airstream factory or any Airstream Certified Dealer Service center. Any warranty defect will be corrected
without cost upon return of the trailer, or defective part, to an Airstream factory or Airstream Certified
Dealer Service center.
All warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, whether written or oral, express or
implied, shall extend only fora period of two |2) years from the date of original purchase. There are no
other warranties which extend beyond those described on the face hereof and expressly excludes
conditions resulting from normal wear, accident, abuse, exposure or overload. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
For additional information regarding your Airstream Warranty, refer to the materials entitled "Explana¬
tion of Airstream Warranty” provided with this warranty.
®
Ohio Factory: 177 West Church Street, Jackson Center. Ohio 45334
California Factory: 15939 Piumn Avenue, Cerritos, California 90701
5

Explanation of Airstream Warranty
The Airstream Warranty applies for a period
of two (2) years from the date of original
purchase, and the applicable date of all
warranties is that indicated on the owner’s
I.D. card. (Owner’s Identification.) Warranty
defects (except tires and battery) will be
corrected without cost upon the return at
the owner’s expense of the trailer or defec¬
tive part to any Airstream factory, Airstream
Certified Dealer Service Center, or par¬
ticipating Argosy Certified Dealer Service
center.
The Airstream axle is manufactured to a
tolerance of 1° camber and Vs" toe-in.
These tolerances will only change if the
trailer is subjected to abuse, such as
dropping off a sharp berm, striking a curb,
or hitting a deep hole in the road. Such
damage would be considered as resulting
from an accident which risks are not
covered under the warranty. Abnormal tire
wear and/or wheel alignment resulting from
such damage is not covered under the
terms of the warranty.
The tire and battery warranties will be
handled by their respective service points
and according to their written policy.
Caution: Your Airstream is equipped
with the all new Excella-Vac brake
system which for the first time brings all
of the advantages of full disc braking to
travel trailers. It is extremely important to
note, however, that Excella-Vac uses an
entirely different system for controlling
brake operation. It is not compatible in
any way with the old electric brake
control system. If you do not use the
control system designed for use with the
Excella-Vac disc brakes, the terms of
your Airstream warranty will be voided
with respect to any damages incurred as
a result of the use of a noncompatible
system. In addition, many advantages of
the exclusive Airstream disc brakes will
be lost if the Excella-Vac control system
is not used.
Inasmuch as this warranty covers defective
material and/or workmanship, adjustments
and checking are excluded. All adjust¬
ments are made at the factory prior to
shipment, and rechecked by the dealer
prior to delivery to the customer. An addi¬
tional check-up, including adjustments, is
given at the 1,000 mile or 60 day inspec¬
tion. Adjustments thereafter become a
customer responsibility.
Each Airstream exterior (not including the
underside) is sprayed with a plasticoating
material to prevent oxidation. This applica¬
tion is covered by the two year warranty
against peeling. Prolonged exposure to salt
air or industrial fall-out will permit penetra¬
tion through the coating material, causing
damage to the exterior metal. Since Air¬
stream has no control over these conditions,
it is necessary for the owner to wash his
trailer as instructed in the Owners Manual.
Damage to enameled or porcelain surfaces
resulting from abrasion or blows is the
result of accident or abuse, and is not
covered by warranty. Window glass break¬
age, and what is termed by the automotive
industry as “mysterious explosions.” al¬
though not covered under this warranty, is
covered by the comprehensive clause of
most insurance policies.
This warranty does not include failure
caused by accident, abuse, normal wear,
overload, or any cause not attributable to a
defect in original material or workmanship
of the trailer or component equipment as
installed by the factory.
Exclusions:
1. Normal Wear.
Items such as tires, water heater flints,
water purifier packs, curtains, upholstery,
floor coverings, window, door and vent
seals will show wear or may even wear
out within the two year warranty period
depending upon the amount of usage,
weather, and atmospheric conditions.
2. Accident
We can all recognize damage caused
by accident because it is visible, and we
strongly urge our dealers and customers
to inspect the trailer upon receipt of
delivery for any damage caused by
accident while being delivered to the
dealer, or while it is on the dealer's lot.
Damage of this nature becomes the
dealer’s or customer's responsibility upon
acceptance of delivery, unless Airstream
is notified and the damage is verified by
the person making the delivery.
3. Abuse.
Lack of customer care and/or improper
maintenance will result in early failure for
6

which Airstream cannot be held
responsible.
4. Exposure
Not unlike a car the steel parts of a
trailer can and will rust if subjected to
prolonged exposure to moisture, salt air,
or corrosive air-borne pollutants without
repainting. Aluminum oxidizes when un¬
protected under similar conditions, and
refinery chemicals of a sulfurous nature
are harmful to finishes if not washed off
periodically. Extremely hot or direct sun¬
light will deteriorate rubber and fade
curtains and upholstery. Conditions of
this nature, although they may be normal
for the area, are beyond Airstream’s
control and become the responsibility of
the owner.
One other type of exposure is that
resulting from an accident, rain or
plumbing leak. Although it is our
obligation to correct a rain or plumbing
leak within the terms of the warranty, it is
the owner’s responsibility to use
reasonable, prudent care to minimize
foreseeable secondary damage, such as
a delaminated floor, stained upholstery,
carpeting, drapes, etc.
5. Overload.
Damage due to loading, either beyond
capacity or to cause improper towing
because of improper balance, is beyond
Airstream’s responsibility. The Airstream
trailer is engineered to properly handle
the gross vehicle load rating on the
certification label. Load distribution has a
definite effect upon the towing
characteristics and attitudes of the trailer.
Level hitch installations are a necessity,
and very important on a tandem axle
trailer. There are limits to the amount of
load that can be safely transported
depending upon speed and road
conditions, and reasonable cause to
believe these factors have been
exceeded could void the Airstream
warranty. For additional information on
the loading of your trailer, consult your
Owners Manual or gross vehicle weight
rating plate.
Airstream will not be responsible for any
consequential damages incurred as a re¬
sult of any warranty defect. Consequential
damages include, but are not limited to,
travel expenses, gasoline, oil, lodging,
meals, telephone tolls, loss of work and loss
of use of the trailer. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
In the event of a warranty defect, the
warranty holder should take corrective ac¬
tion to lessen the damages which might
result from such defect. Airstream will not
be responsible for resulting damages
which could have been avoided.
The full extent of Airstream’s warranty is set
forth in the "Airstream Limited Warranty”
and this “Explanation of Airstream War¬
ranty.” Airstream will not be responsible for
additional representations or implied war¬
ranties made by any of its dealers to the
extent those representations are not a part
of, or are contrary to, the terms and
conditions of the Airstream Warranty and
Explanation of Warranty. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
If you believe your trailer needs repairs
under the terms of the Airstream warranty,
you should contact the Service Manager at
any Airstream factory, Airstream Certified
Dealer Service center or participating Ar¬
gosy Certified Dealer Service center. The
trailer or defective part must be returned to
a factory or authorized service center at the
owner’s expense.
7

commonly insured by Comprehensive coverage.
The New Airstream Owner’s Association
Accident Insurance Program
A big bonus benefit available only to Airstream owners.
This program includes 24-hour protection for accidental death or
dismemberment-anywhere in the world, on or off the job; on
business, on vacation-or at home PLUS 2Vz times the benefits
while on a trip with your Airstream.
Klrt . rv* st
Protect your investment
Please rush information on these exclusive Airstream money¬
saving programs:
□ Caravanner Travel Trailer insurance Plan.
□ Airstream Owner’s Association Accident Insurance Program

Business Reply Mail
N<3 postage necessary if mailed in she United States
Postage will be paid by
Caravanner Insurance, Inc.
2411 West Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90057
First Class
Permit No. 36321
Los Angeles, CA

Certified Service Centers
ALABAMA
Alabama Auto Carriage Inc.
2359 West Fairview
P.0, Box 1695
Montgomery, Alabama 36108
205-262-3563 or 262-3564
R & S Camper Sales
2405 Ardmore Highway
Huntsville, Alabama 35806
205-837-5241
ARKANSAS
Fred and Jack Trailer Sales
10318 New Benton Highway
1-30 West
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
501-565-0131
ARIZONA
O’Rielly RV Center, Inc.
4780 E. 22nd Street
Tucson, Arizona 85711
602-748-1414
Robert Crist & Company
2025 East Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85203
602-834-9410
Robert Crist & Company
8833 North Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
602-944-2288
CALIFORNIA
Adventure Trailer Center
5810 S. Union Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93307
805-831-5451
Bill Barry Pontiac
2000 East 1st Street
Santa Ana, California 92705
714-558-1000
Caswell's Vacation Vehicles
700 East Foothill Boulevard
Pomona, California 91767
213-331-0163
Coastline Trailer Sales
303 North Ventura Avenue
Ventura, California 93001
805-648-1772
Haller Trailer Sales
15711 South Lakewood Boulevard
Paramount, California 90723
213-634-3553
Holiday Trailer Sales
770 East Baseline
San Bernardino, California 92410
714-889-8918
Manteca Trailer Sales
9862 E. Yosemite Avenue
Manteca, California 95336
209-239-1267
Murray’s RV Center
1201 E. Washington
Escondido, California 92025
714-743-2422
Nelsons RV Enterprises, Inc.
28001 Mission Boulevard
Hayward, California 94544
415-582-9433
Pulmobile Trailer Sales
4563 San Fernando Road
Glendale. California 91204
213-241-0310 213-245-6068
Ralph’s Trailer Sales and Supply
1025 East Main
El Cajon, California 92021
714-442-4435
Santa Rosa Airstream
3534 Santa Rosa Avenue
Santa Rosa, California 95401
707-525-8330
Toscano Recreation Center
617 W, Pacheco Boulevard
Los Banos, California 93635
209-826-4923
Valley Motors Camperland
2370 S. Broadway
Santa Maria, California 93454
805-925-8617
Valley Trailer Sales, Inc.
1650 El Camino Avenue
Sacramento, California 95815
916-929-2200
Valley Travel Center, Inc.
584 El Camino Real North
Salinas, California 93901
408-499-5438
COLORADO
Chisman Trailer Sales
2500 East Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909
303-473-7043
Trailerland
8200 W Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80215
303-237-9591
Branch : 2515 E. Mulberry Street
Ft. Collins, Colorado 80521
303-493-3676
CONNECTICUT
A-1 Trailer and Motorhome Sales
Route 66 and Jackson Hill Road
Middlefield, Connecticut 06455
203-344-0338 or 344-0339
Camperama of Danbury, Inc.
Mill Plain, Route 6, Btw. Exit 1 & 3,1-84
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
203-743-2726
DELAWARE
Marty's Travel Trailers, Inc.
2343 South DuPont Highway
Dover, Delaware 19901
302-697-3173
FLORIDA
Airstreams by General
5610 Okeechobee Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
305-686-3707 or 584-2888
Airstreams by General
1881 St. Rd. 84
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33315
305-525-3374
Bell's Trailer Park and Sales, Inc.
Route 4, Box 382, Highway 90W
Tallahassee, Florida 32310
904-576-2915
Camptown USA, Inc.
23905 SW 132nd Avenue
6 mi. S. of Perrine on US 1 at Princeton
Miami, Florida 33171
305-245-2353
9

Carpenter's Campers, Inc.
8450 Pensacola Boulevard
US 29 North, Between MO & 90
Pensacola, Florida 32504
904-477-6666
Indian River Trailer Sales
5855 US Highway 1-
Midway between Cocoa
and Titusville
Cocoa, Florida 32922
305-636-1422
Orlando Travel Center
5001 Sand Lake Road
Route 528,1 mile E, of 1-4
Orlando, Florida 32809
305-351-0581
Kropf Eldorado, Inc.
6915 14th Street West
US 41, S.
Bradenton, Florida 33507
813-755-1586
C. J. Stoll, Inc.
5985 34th Street, North
US 19
St. Petersburg, Florida 33714
813-527-2189
GEORGIA
Three-Way Campers, Inc.
1370 North 4 Lane Highway (US 41)
Marietta, Georgia 30062
404-422-9300
IDAHO
Wheels Unlimited
709 N. 5th, P.O. Box 4685
Pocatello, Idaho 83201
208-233-4230
ILLINOIS
Crystal Valley, Inc.
4220 Northwest Highway
US 14 at Route 31
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
815-459-6611
Four Winds of America, Inc.
U.S. 51N, RR#1
Maroa, Illinois 61756
217-794-2292
Rocket Trailer Sales
Route 30 and Sixth Avenue
Rock Falls, Illinois 61071
815-625-6245
Wilderness Lake Camp Ground, Inc.
Route #2
Martinsville, Illinois 62442
217-279-3340
Vacationland Trailer Sales
US 30
Shabbona, Illinois 60550
815-824-2063
INDIANA
Berning Trailer Sales, Inc.
5220 New Haven Avenue
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803
219-749-9415
C & G Recreational Center, Inc.
RR #3, Box 46
North Muncie, Indiana 47302
317-228-1883
Camp-Land, Inc.
US 30, Vz mi. W, of 1-65
1 mi. W. of South Lake Mall
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
219-769-8496
Four Seasons Trailer Sales, Corp
8225 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46231
317-241-8348
Mid-West Trailer Mart, Inc.
2409 Corydon Pike
New Albany, Indiana 47150
812-945-1173
Travel Center of Elkhart, Inc.
25610 C.R. 4 E.
Elkhart, Indiana 46514
219-264-3161
IOWA
Barrows Camp-O-Rama
1912 Washington Boulevard
Camanche, Iowa 52730
319-259-8921
Ace Fog dal I, Inc.
5324 University Avenue
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
319-266-4404
Imperial RV Center
1727 Ankeny Road
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
515-964-1424
KANSAS
Schotfield Winnebago, Inc.
11516 East Kellogg
Wichita, Kansas 67207
316-684-0236
KENTUCKY
Crouch Campers & Trailers
5081 Reidland Rd„ Route 4
Highway 62-68 S.E.
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
502-898-7373
Murphy Sales Company, Inc
Winchester Road (US 60W)
Box 404
Mt. Sterling, Kentucky 40353
606-498-1168
LOUISIANA
Camper Village, Inc.
705 Florida Boulevard, S.W.
Denham Springs, Louisiana 70726
504-664-7104
Givens Travel Center
9724 Mansfield Road
Shreveport, Louisiana 71108
318-686-8863
Superior Pontiac GMC, Inc.
200 Wright Avenue
Gretna, Louisiana 70053
504-368-5640
MARYLAND
B & J Trailer Sales
Box 369, US Route 40
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
301-575-6840
Koons Ford of Annapolis, Inc.
2540 Riva Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
301-224-2100
MAINE
Giant Advance Camper Country
765 Center Street
Auburn, Maine 04210
207-783-2291
10