Airstream Excella 500 1973 User manual

An Airstream travel trailer offers you the
ultimate 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. Should you trade or sell your
Airstream, please leave the manual with the
trailer. Go Airstream and make this your year
for carefree vacations.

Contents
Wally Byam Caravans/Clubs . 2
Warranty and Service. 4
Service Centers. 6
Wally Byam Stores . 9
Tow Car Equipment. 10
Chassis. 11
Tires. 13
Hitching Up. 14
Towing Tips . 16
Overnight Stop . 19
Extended Stay. 20
Winter Airstreaming . 24
Storage and Winterizing. 24
Exterior. 28
Floor Plans.30
Interior.32
L.P.G. System .38
Refrigerator.39
Micro Wave Oven.41
Range/Oven.42
Furnace .44
Water Heater .46
Water System .47
Drain/Waste/Vent Systems. 50
Thermasan. 53
Electrical System. 54
Battery. 56
Battery Charger.57
Electrical Trouble Shooting. 61
Specifications.64
Lubrication and Maintenance.68
Pre Travel Check List .66
Index.20

Wally Byam
Caravans/ Clubs
When you bought your Airstream, you
bought a whole new way of life. Airstream
owners enjoy endless opportunities for friend¬
ship, 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
22,959 family memberships and 131 local
chapters or units throughout the United
States, Canada and Mexico. They meet at
monthly rallies, or where weather conditions
prevent year round rallies. Caravanners come
together for pot luck dinners to plan events
for the good seasons.
Since the first Wally Byam Caravan in 1951,
89 Airstream Caravans have gone to most
parts of the world. Caravans to Canada and
Mexico are now so popular that there are
eight each year. Many a lifelong friendship
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 Airstream. Caravanners
enjoy many advantages: the security of travel- "
ing in a group, planned entertainment and
exceptional sightseeing opportunities. The
prestige and good will established over many
years by our Caravans adds further benefit to
Caravanner membership.
The “Caravanner” and the “Blue Beret” are
the official Caravan Club publications. The
bi-monthly “Caravanner” is for general dis¬
tribution to owners and prospective buyers,
while the monthly “Blue Beret” is for WBCCI
members only.
Several months before a Caravan rolls, the
“Caravanner” and the “Blue Beret” publish a
description and a registration coupon. Every¬
one 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 handled for you by the Cara¬
van staff.
On every Airstream Caravan, the route is
carefully planned, and a day by day itinerary,
including mail stops, is given to all Caravan¬
ners in advance. Our staff also makes all the
arrangements for parking, entertainment,
tours, etc. well ahead of the starting date.
Airstream Caravan Programs always take
caravanners of all ages into account. Air¬
stream provides the Caravan Staff: a leader, a
recreation director, a service representative
and an advance representative. This staff is
backed by committees composed of inter¬
ested Caravan members who assist in the
day-to-day operations.
Wally Byam, pioneer trailer traveler, and
founder of the Airstream Company, was bom
on July Fourth and the first International
Rally was in the form of a huge birthday
party for him at Bull Shoals, Arkansas. It was
patterned after the International 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
2

decided to make it an annual event. Since
then, International Rallies have grown and
grown. Some 4,000 Airstream Travel Trailer-
families recently gathered at Louisville,
Kentucky for the 1972 International Rally.
Only Wally Byam Caravanners and WBCCI
members are entitled to have an official
Trailer Number and be listed in the Annual
Directory. The Annual Directory contains a
schedule of all major rallies and Airstream
Wally Byam Caravans for the year, and
announces the activities of the Ham Radio,
C.B. Radio, Square Dance and the many other
WBCCI special interest clubs.
Along with the fun, Airstream owners recog¬
nize the need for better legislation, more and
better overnight parking facilities, more sani¬
tary 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 Legis¬
lative Committee.
The Way of Life Department, of the Air¬
stream 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 Airstreams.
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 autonom¬
ously, 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: International dues,
$5.00 per trailer and unit dues from $1 to $5.
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 ex¬
plicit warranty in the industry. Your valuable
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.
Adjustments to appliances, gas pressure or
other normal service and maintenance require¬
ments are not a part of the warranty. The
warranty is designed to cover defects in
material and workmanship.
Your tires and battery are warrantied by their
respective manufacturers and will be handled
by their service centers according to the terms
of their written policy.
Please read the facsimile warranty carefully.
As soon as the factory has received your
signed check-out and acceptance 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 warranty must be pre¬
sented to the service representative.
The Airstream Certified Performance Check¬
out, or CJP.C., is an exclusive Airstream
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
175 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 experienced
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 nationwide network
of factory trained specialists at Airstream
Certified Dealer Service Centers listed on
pages 6, 7 and 8 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:
Airstream, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334
[phone]
Airstream, 15939 Piuma Avenue
Cerritos, California 90701
[phone]
4

: this Faosimilie within the line, the folded edge on top. There
For the lifetime of the Registered Warranty Holder, or so long,as he continues as the original owner
of the Airstream Travel Trailer, Airstream warrants the metat' shell, frame, axle and axle assembly
to and including spindle (excluding shock absorbers)4d l be free from defects in material and work¬
manship; all other component parts, including shocfe.aBs'6rbers (excluding tires and batteries) are
likewise warranted for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Any warranty defects will
be corrected without cost upon return of .the trailer, or defective part, to any Airstream factory or
authorized Airstream service center.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties of merchantability or fitness expressed or implied,
there being no warranties which extend beyond the description on the face hereof and expressly
excludes conditions resulting from normal wear, accident, abuse, exposure or overload.
Ohio factory: 177 West Church Street, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334
California factory: 15939 Piuma Avenue, Cerritos, California 90701

Service Centers
ALABAMA
Alabama Auto Carriage Company
2359 West Fairview
Montgomery, Alabama 36108
The New Camper City, Inc.
7320 First Avenue, North
Birmingham, Alabama 35206
Stockton Motor Car Co., Inc.
404 Washington Street
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
ARKANSAS
Fred & Jack Trailer Sales
10318 New Benton Highway (I-30W)
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
ARIZONA
Robert Crist & Company
2025 East Main Street
Mesa, Arizona 85201
Robert Crist & Company
8833 N. Black Canyon Hwy.
Phoenix, Arizona 85021
CALIFORNIA
Bob Belknap Trailer Sales, Inc.
420 South Harbor Boulevard
Santa Ana, California 92704
Caswell Trailer Sales
950 West F’oothill Boulevard
Claremont, California 91711
Coastline Trailer Sales
303 North Ventura Avenue
Ventura, California 93001
Haller Trailer Sales
15711 S. Lakewood Blvd.
Paramount, California 90723
Holiday Trailer Sales
770 East Baseline
San Bernardino, California 92410
Nelson’s Trailer Sales
28001 Mission Blvd.
Hayward, California 94544
Ralph’s Trailer Sales & Supply
1025 East Main
El Cajon, California 92021
Valley Trailer Sales, Inc.
1650 El Camino Avenue
Sacramento, California 95815
Western Motors Rec. Center
1900 Lakeville - Hwy. 116
Petaluma, California 94952
COLORADO
Chisman Trailer Sales
2500 East Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909
Leo Payne Recreational Plaza
4350 S. Federal Blvd.
Englewood, Colorado 80110
CONNECTICUT
Camperama, Inc.
Mill Plain, Rte. 6
Between Exit 1 & 3, 1-84
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
DELAWARE
Richard Rice Trailer Company, Inc.
2343 South Dupont Hwy.
Dover, Delaware 19901
FLORIDA
Bell’s Trailer Park & Sales
Highway 90, West
Tallahassee, Florida 32310
Camptown U.S.A., Inc.
16500 S. Dixie Highway
Miami, Florida 33157
Carpenter’s Campers, Inc.
8450 Pensacola Blvd.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
Pleasure World, Inc.
5408 San Juan Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32210
Kropf Eldorado, Inc.
6915 - 14th St. West
Bradenton, Florida SS^O?
Indian River Trailer Sales
5855 U.S. Highway No: 1
Cocoa, Florida 32922
Indian River Trailer Sales, Inc.
5001 Sand Lake Road
Route 528
Orlando, Florida 32809
C. J. Stoll, Inc.
5985 - 34th Street, North
U.S. 19
St. Petersburg, Florida 33714
GEORGIA
Airstream By Davis, Inc.
9726 Tara Boulevard
US 41-19
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
Biltmore Gardens Mobile Homes
4707 Ogeechee Road
US Highway 17 South
Savannah, Georgia 31405
Bud K’s Hamper Korral
4740 Pio Nono
4646 Houston Avenue
Macon, Georgia 31206
ILLINOIS
Robert Crist & Company
9100 South Stony Island Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60617
Crystal Valley, Inc.
4220 Northwest Highway
US 14 at Route 31
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
Mann’s Trailer Sales
1600 North Main Street
Normal, Illinois 61761
Rocket Trailer Sales
Route 30 and Sixth Avenue
Rock Falls, Illinois 61071
INDIANA
Berning Trailers Sales
5220 New Haven Avenue
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46803
Elkhart Travel Center, Inc.
3008 S. Nappanee Street
Elkhart, Indiana 46514
Four Seasons Trailer Sales Corp.
8225 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46231
IOWA
Bill Brown Trailer Sales
3700 - 3708 East 14th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50313
Ace Fogdall, Inc.
5324 University Avenue
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
ImperialSport-A-Rama, Inc.
1727 Ankeny Road
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
Bob La Veine Trailer Sales
890 West Mt. Pleasant Road
West Burlington, Iowa 52655
KANSAS
Scholfield Winnebago, Inc.
5617 West Kellogg
Wichita, Kansas 67209
KENTUCKY
Crouch Campers & Trailers
4450 Clarks River Drive
Hwys. 60 - 62 - 68 SE
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Murphy Sales Company, Inc.
Winchester Road (U. S. 60W)
Mt. Sterling, Kentucky 40353
Murphy Sales Company, Inc.
Benson Road
Shelbyville, Kentucky 40065
LOUISIANA
Camper Village
15838 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815
Travel Center, Inc.
3625 Industrial Drive
Bossier City, Louisiana 71010
MARYLAND
B & J Trailer Sales
113 South Philadelphia Blvd.
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
MASSACHUSETTS
Donahue’s Trailer Sales
88 Mountain Road, Box 126
Burlington, Massachusetts 01803
6

Mosher Travel Trailer Centers, Inc.
Blue Jay 4 Comers
Sutton, Massachusetts 01527
Mail to - P. O. Box 228
Milbury, Massachusetts 01527
MICHIGAN
Bob Frank Trailer Sales, Inc.
1416 West Columbia
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
Kolbe Trailer Sales
4401 East Eight Mile Road
Warren (Detroit) Michigan 48091
Mid-State Trailer Sales, Inc.
5103 Eastman Road
1/2 Mile South of 1-75 on U.S. 10
Midland, Michigan 48640
Northwoods Trailer Sales
G-6369 North Dort Highway
Mt. Morris, Michigan 48458
Osborne Camping Center
6939 South Cedar
Lansing, Michigan 48910
Bob Smith Inc.
3098 West Huron Street
Pontiac, Michigan 48054
Warner Trailer Sales, Inc.
3098 West Huron Street
Pontiac, Michigan 48054
Woodland Travel Center, Inc.
5190 Plainfield Road
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505
MINNESOTA
Benson’s Trailer Sales
3140 Miller Trunk Highway
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
Hart Trailer Sales, Inc.
Highway 71
Long Prairie, Minnesota 56347
Minnesota Trailer Sales, Inc.
11350 Highway 65,N.E.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55434
MISSOURI
Bill Thomas Camper Sales, Inc.
5217 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
Bridgeton (St. Louis), Missouri 63042
1-44 Recreational Vehicles, Inc.
S. Side Halltown Exit on 1-44
14 Mi. W. of Springfield, Mo.
Halltown, Missouri 65664
Kansas City Trailer Sales, Inc.
14817 South 71 Highway
Grandview, Missouri 64030
MONTANA
Northland Travel Center
5124 Laurel Road
Billings, Montana 59101
Modern Equipment Company, Inc.
4025 - 10th Avenue, South
Great Falls, Montana 59401
NEBRASKA
Autosport R V Center
6101 “L” Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68117
NEVADA
“95" Trailer Sales
4339 Tonopah Highway
Las Vegas, Nevada 89106
Webb’s Travel Trailers
295 Kietzke Lane
Reno, Nevada 89502
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Currier Travel Trailer Sales, Inc.
R.F.D.
Havehill, New Hampshire 03765
NEW JERSEY
South Jersey Travel Trailer Center, Inc.
Route 47
Franklinville, New Jersey 08322
NEW MEXICO
Gunn’s Recreational Vehicles, Inc.
12020 Central Avenue, S.E.
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123
NEW YORK
Atlantic Trailer Sales
1226 Fairport Road
Fairport, New York 14450
Callahan’s Trailer Sales
R. D. No. 1, Route 15
Lindley, New York 14858
Carson Rotary Service
321 Bridge Street
Vestal, New York 13850
Eddy’s Trailer Sales, Inc.
4005 Jericho Turnpike
East Northport, New York 11731
Maroone Family Travel Center, Inc.
2550 Walden Avenue
Exit 52, East N. Y. Thruway
Buffalo, New York 14225
Niblack Trailer Sales
691 McLean Avenue
Comer N.Y. Thru way
Yonkers, New York 10704
O’Malley Enterprises, Inc.
Traffic Circle, Rt. 9 & 7
Latham, New York 12110
NORTH CAROLINA
College Park
North Church Street Ext.
U.S. 301& 301 A, North
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27801
Faires, Inc.
3217 North Tryon Street
Box 5205, Routes 29 & 49
Charlotte, North Carolina 28206
Out Of Doors Mart, Inc.
1-40 at Sandy Ridge Road Exit
Kernersville, North Carolina 27284
OHIO
Avalon Travel Center, Inc.
11761 Portage Road
Canal Fulton, Ohio 44614
Buckeye Airstream Service & Sales, Inc.
Baltimore Road
North of East 1-70 on 310 at Route 40
Etna, Ohio 43018
Coachman Camping Center
410 East Sandusky Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840
Marine Mart Trailer Sales
3 mi. S. of 1-71 on U.S. 62 & 63
Harrisburg, Ohio 43126
Murphy Travel Trailers of Ohio, Inc.
11526 Chester Road
1-75 at Howard Johnson
Cincinnati, Ohio 45 246
Richland Travel Trailers
2607 Emma Lane
1-71 & Route 30
Mansfield, Ohio 44903
Frank B. Ricketts Travel Trailers
P.O.Box 583
Clark Street and Maple Road
Cambridge, Ohio 43725
OKLAHOMA
Brassfield Mobilhomes
7207 N.W. 39th Expressway
Bethany, Oklahoma 73008
OREGON
Cascade Trailer Sales
1876 Highway 99 North
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Spencer Mobile Homes
9341 S. E. 82nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97266
PENNSYLVANIA
Lyle W. Bennett Co. Inc.
Travel Trailer Division
3725 West 12th St.
Erie, Pennsylvania 16505
Farnsworth Camping Center
Route 54
Elysburg, Pennsylvania 17824
Walter H. Glasgow
1650 Lincoln Way, East
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 17201
Trav-L-Homes
Lewis Road
Royersford, Pennsylvania 19468
Turner A irstream Sales
412 Lincoln Highway, West
Jeannette, Pennsylvania 15644
Universal Motor Sales
1024 North Main Street
Butler, Pennsylvania 16001

Village Green Trailer Sales Company
M. R. 26 (Route 452)
Media, Pennsylvania 19063
Wise Trailer Sales
1501 Airstream Way
Clearfield, Pennsylvania 16830
RHODE ISLAND
Arlington Trailer Sales
966 Quaker Lane, Rte. 2
Warwick, Rhode Island 02818
SOUTH CAROLINA
Dixie Lee Trailer Sales
Highway U. S. 1 & 78
Clearwater, South Carolina 29822
Skyway Trailers
Box 262 - U.S. 25 at 276
4 Mi. N. of Greenville
Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690
Superior Travel Trailers
7660 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29209
SOUTH DAKOTA
Burt’s Trailer Sales
714 North Euclid Avenue
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Capital City Trailer Sales
2602 W. Main Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Milt's Camper Sales
26th Street and Sycamore Drive
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57103
TENNESSEE
Cullum & Maxey Sales & Servicenter
160 McGavock Pike
Donelson (Nashville), Tennessee 37214
Tri City Travel Trailer Sales
Route 1, East Stone Drive
Bristol-Kingsport Highway 11W
Kingsport, Tennessee 37660
TEXAS
Abbott Trailer Sales
408 Avenue Q
Lubbock, Texas 79401
Baker Travel Trailers
5301 Highway 121-A
Fort Worth, Texas 76117
D &M Trailer Sales
1720 South Nelson
Amarillo, Texas 79103
Otis Thomas Sales, Inc.
2606 Jacksboro Highway
Wichita Falls, Texas 76302
Finn’s Trailer Sales
118 Arnold Blvd.
Abilene, Texas 79605
Land Yacht Trailer Sales, Inc.
4616 Titanic Avenue
El Paso, Texas 79904
Lloyd’s Trailer Sales, Inc.
350 Twin City Highway
Port Neches, Texas 77651
South Texas Trailers & Supplies
P.O.Box 1051
Sinton, Texas 78387
Sportsman Travel Trailer, Inc.
7935 Gulf Freeway
Houston, Texas 77017
Stabmann Sales Company
3336 Austin Highway
San Antonio, Texas 78233
VIRGINIA
American Trailer Sales Co., Inc.
7904 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
Bay Camping, Inc.
3157 Bonney Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
Bay Camping of Richmond, Inc.
6200 W. Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23230
Travel Trailers of Va., Inc.
2211 South Main Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
WASHINGTON
Central Trailer Exchange, Inc.
1433 Pacific Highway, South
Seattle, Washington 98168
Don’s Trailer Sales
E. 7217 Sprague Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99206
Tveten Motor Company
45 th and Pacific Avenues
Tacoma, Washington 98408
WEST VIRGINIA
Don’s Travel Trailers
459 Winfield Road
U.S. 60 at 17
St. Albans, West Virginia 25177
WISCONSIN
Apache R. V. Center
2300 W. Beltline Hwy.
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
J & M Homes
1360 Velp Avenue
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303
Texas Travel Trailers
1715 N. Stemmons Freeway Mauston Home Sales, Inc.
Lewisville, Texas 75067,, 101 Prospect
Mauston, Wisconsin 53948
UTAH
Intermountain Trailer Sales
3776 Wall Avenue
Ogden, Utah 84401
Northside Trailer Sales, Inc.
N 56 - W 13180 Silver Spring Rd.
1 Mile W. of Highway 100
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051
Swee Trailer Sales
U.S. 51 and U.S. 2
Hurley, Wisconsin 54534
Wyoming'
Burman Airstream Company
158 North 3rd Street
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
CANADA
Can-Am Trailers, Ltd.
P.O. Box 370
Highway 4, % mile N. 401, Exit 19
Lambeth, Ontario, Canada
Clay nor Trailer Sales
4172 - 207th Street, R.R. #2
Langley, B.C., Canada
Totem Trailers, Ltd.
85 Plains Road, West
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Totem Trailers Ltd.
1701 Dundas Highway East
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Travel Trailers Western, Ltd.
6006 -104 Street
Edmonton 70, Alberta, Canada
Twin City Trailer Sales, Ltd.
P. O. Box 395
Dartmouth Highway
Bedford, Halifax Co., Nova Scotia
8

Wally Byaxn Stores
To make trailering more enjoyable, there are
Wally Byam Stores established at the majority
of Airstream dealers. All Airstream dealers
have the opportunity of purchasing for you
the necessary equipment which would enable
you to enjoy your new Airstream trailer to
the utmost. The Wally Byam Stores author¬
ized dealerships stretch from coast to coast,
and these dealers stock hundreds of items
which are tested and approved by travel
experts. Be sure and get a Wally Byam Stores
Catalog from your dealer or write to:
Wally Byam Stores
Ohio Building
Ohio Avenue
Sidney, Ohio 45365
The following is a list of equipment we
recommend:
1. First aid kit
2. Flashlight
3. Fire extinguisher (B:C-type)
4. Emergency road flares
5. Tool box of small hand tools such as:
screwdrivers, pliers, crescent wrench, etc,
6. Crosstype lug wrench for trailer wheels
7. Pop rivets and gun
8. Battery booster cables
9. Tire gauge (up to 100 lbs. P.S.I.)
10. Hitch ball lube
11. Small bi-directional spirit level
12. Heavy-duty turn signal flasher
13. Hydraulic jack for trailer axle
14. Four stabilizing jacks
15. Wheel chocks to fit against tires and
prevent the trailer from moving while
parked
16. Spare tire for single axle trailers
17. Two 50 ft. lengths of 5/8” high pressure
water hose spare rubber washers and a
“y” connection which enables two
trailers to be hooked up to one faucet
18. Two plastic pails for carrying fresh water
19. Quick disconnect garden hose coupling
20. One 6 ft. and one 10 ft. sewer hose and
coupler
21. Tote tank drain water and auxiliary waste
holding tank and drain hose.
22. Drain cap with hose fitting
23. Holding tank cleaner and deodorizer
24. 75 ft. electric cord with a 30 amp.
capacity
25. Cord adapter, 3-15 amp.
26. Spare 20 and 50 amp. cartridge fuses and
light bulbs.
27. Can of Spra-Kleeq
28. Short handled shovel (G.I. type. Army
surplus)
29. Cleaning equipment: broom, sponges,
mop, etc.
30. Bathtub stopper
9

Tow Car
Equipment
If you plan to buy a new ear to tow your
Airstream, we suggest that you include in
your purchase the trailer towing options
offered by most automobile manufacturers.
These include such things as an oversized
generator and radiator, heavy duty springs
and shock absorbers, automatic transmission
cooler, oversized fan, heavy duty flusher unit
and others, depending on the make of the
vehicle.
Transmissions may be manual or automatic,
but an automatic transmission will prolong
your car’s engine life and does a better job of
controlling engine loads than the average
driver using a manual shift.
Having adequate power is very important
when considering the purchase of a new car or
the trailer towing capability of your present
one. Emission controls that are required by
the Federal Government have reduced overall
engine power. To determine generally what
the tow capability of your car is, divide the
total weight of your trailer by the cubic inch
displacement of your automobile engine. This
ratio should be between 10 and 20 pounds of
trailer weight per cubic inch of engine dis¬
placement with 15 pounds per cubic inch
considered optimal. For example, with a 31’
Airstream weighing 6500 pounds totally
loaded for travel and a car with 400 cubic
inch displacement engine, divide 6500 by 400
giving a value of 16.25 pounds of trailer
weight per cubic inch engine displacement.
This is very close to the optimal value and the
automobile should have adequate power for
towing the trailer. Remember that engine
power is only one indication of the car’s
towing capabilities; the axle ratio and cooling
capabilities certainly must be considered. We
suggest you review the owner’s manual of
your present car and discuss your automobile
towing capabilities with your Airstream dealer
and your automobile dealer.
The majority of new trailerists carry more
food and other supplies than really needed.
Remember that every item you take along is
one more thing to stow and adds weight to
the total load you must pull. Consolidate
items in shelves, lockers, and in the refriger¬
ator. It is better to have one full and one
empty locker than two half empty ones.
Special care must be taken not to overload
the front and rear ends of the trailer.
See tire section for correct tire sizes and
pressures for your trailer and load on page 13.

Chassis
The Dura-Torque axle is designed to last the
life of your trailer without service, except for
lubrication of the wheel bearings. Under no
circumstances should welding be done on or
near the axle.
The Kelsey Hayes Brakes are operated by 12
volt current from your car and must be
hooked up so that you have an integral
system with your car brakes. To prevent
problems and insure satisfactory braking
action, install a Kelsey Hayes Controller (or
equivalent) and selective resistor in line with
the controller in your car.
A Kelsey Hayes Controller (or equivalent)
installed in your car will synchronize the
trailer brakes with your car brakes. It is
designed to apply the trailer brakes just
before your car brakes. To adjust, turn the
handle counterclockwise to apply trailer
brakes earlier and clockwise to apply trailer
brakes later. The controller will hold this
setting.
A selective resistor to match the weight of
your trailer to the controller should be
installed on the fire wall of your engine
compartment. It should be correctly adjusted
during installation. However if you wish to
change the action of your brakes proceed as
follows:
Check the initial trailer brake application with
Trailer Brake Controller
the controller fully applied (clockwise). If the
resistor setting is correct, the controller full
“on” position should provide firm braking
action just short of skidding on dry pavement.
Follow the chart below and change the setting
to achieve greater or less braking, as required.
The adjustment setting of the controller and
the selective resistor should be checked by
your dealer during regular maintenance
inspection.
Selective Resistor
Setting shown is for 12 volt tow car with 12 volt brakes, and
trailers with 2 axle-4 brake arrangement
Model
Trailer Wt. (lbs.) Setting
31 Ft. 6500 - 7000
31 Ft. 7000 - 7500
smm* 0,0
11

In the event of an accidental separation of the
tow car and trailer, the break-away switch is a
device which will set and lock the trailer
brakes for a sufficient length of time to stop
the trailer. The switch is activated when the
small pin in the front of the unit is pulled out
by the wire attached to it and to the car. This
pin should be pulled out, lubricated with light
household oil and replaced every 90 days.
When the trailer is connected to the tow car,
the break-away switch loop should be at¬
tached to the permanent frame of your hitch.
When disconnecting trailer from tow car,
remove wire loop from the frame, do not
remove pin from switch, because this will
apply the trailer brakes.
Airstream recommends that your brake
system be checked and adjusted by a Certified
Service Center. However, in emergencies, to
adjust brakes:
1. Remove the small rubber plug at the base
of the backing plate on the brake drum.
2. Jack the wheel up so that you can spin it
by hand. Tighten the brakes (using a brake
adjusting tool or a screwdriver that has
been bent to a 90° angle) until the wheel is
locked, then back off until you have a free
spinning wheel, which will be approximate:
ly 8 notches.
3. Repeat this operation with all trailer
wheels.
Break Away Switch
Brake Adjustment
•k
Adjusting hole.
To tighten, turn
clockwise.
To loosen, turn
counterclockwise.
12

Tires
Tire Changing
;J
r
lip
BilHi
i
i.'
MFD. BY AIRSTREAM INC.
-12_1
DATE OF MANUFACTURE | 5
GVWR: 7100 LBS
GAWR FRONT. 3 2 Q 0 L8S
REAR: 3 2 0 0 LBS
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE
FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT
ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE
'31 T ?
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
Your Airstream is equipped at the factory
with Michelin radial steel belted tires. Air¬
stream dealers cannot make adjustments to
tires. This must be done by a dealer who
handles that particular brand. If you ever have
tire problems, check the local telephone
directory for the nearest dealer.
To get the maximum performance from your
tires check the air pressure often, but only
when the tires are cool and never bleed out air
immediately after driving. Recommended tire
pressures vary with load conditions. For
specific pressures refer to the table below.
It is also important to periodically check on
the tightness of the lug nuts. They should be
tightened to a torque of 60 ft.-lbs. on the
forged aluminum wheel. If you do not have
your own torque wrench, this should be done
as tightly as possible with a cross type lug
wrench and then verified at a service station.
Care should be taken at all times when
handling the wheel because of possible dam¬
age to its appearance.
Park out of the sun in warm climate whenever
possible. In desert regions use tire covers to
prevent ultra-violet deterioration.
To change a tire with a jack, a 3” aluminum
pad is provided on all trailers just to the rear
of the wheels and beneath the frame to
indicate the proper jack placement position.
On tandem axle models a flat tire may be
changed without the aid of a jack. Drive the
unit up a ramp 8” wide, 6” high and about 3
feet long at the base (see photo).
All tire, wheel, hub and drum assemblies are
dynamically balanced at the factory. Be sure
to rebalance the tire, wheel, hub, and drum
assemblies each time a tire is changed or
rotated.
In an emergency remove the flat tire and the
independent suspension of the Dura-Torque
Axle allows a four wheel rmit to be safely
towed on three wheels for a short distance
(100 miles maximum) and only at a low speed
(30 MPH). Be especially cautious in crossing
holes or dips in the road. It is good practice to
set your rear view mirrors so that you can
observe your tires at all times.
Per Federal Regulations, your trailer is
placarded on the front roadside area with a
gross vehicle weight rating and a gross axle
weight rating. The gross vehicle weight rating
is the maximum the trailer can weigh when it
is being towed. The gross axle weight rating is
the maximum load that can be on each axle
when the trailer is being towed. Because of
the number of models and options available
please check with your dealer or the factory
for the amount of available capacity for
personal cargo in your Airstream.
Tire Pressure
7.00-15XC 6-ply 52 p.s.i.
steel radial
13

Hitching Up
Hitching your Airstream trailer is something
that will become almost second nature with
practice. However, there are a few tips, learned
from experience, which will help you.
The electric jack is strongly recommended for
anyone who, for any reason, should not
physically exert himself. Available as a
factory option or through the Wally Byam
Stores, the electric jack makes hitching and
unhitching a much easier operation.
Steps for Hitching Up
1. Jack up the trailer hitch until there is
clearance for the hitch ball to slide under,
remove safety pin and raise the locking lever.
2. Back the car straight back to the hitch.
This can best be accomplished through the
use of pre-arranged hand signals with the help
of another person, but if you are hitching up
by yourself we recommend the use of a
hook-up view mirror.
3. Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball;
then close the locking lever and insert safety
pin. Note the height of the hitch ball.
4. Now raise the trailer and car to the full
height of the hitch jack and then attach the
leveling bars. Lower the car and trailer and
note the height of the hitch ball. The object is
to adjust the tension on the load leveling bars
so that the car and trailer are held up about
1” higher at the hitch ball than before the
bars were attached. This will result in the best
balance for towing and steering control as the
weight equalizing hitch transmits the hitch
weight of the trailer via the load leveling bars
Hitch Installation Proper - Hitch ball slightly higher.
Hitch Low ~ Load on front wheels too light.
Need more tension on load equalizing bars.
Hitch High - Load on front wheels too heavy.
Too much tension on load equalizing bars.
Step 3.
Safety Chains
Electrical
Connector
Leveling Bars
Power Jack
(optional)
Break Away
Switch
Locking
Safety Pin
Coupler
Dolly Wheel
Break Away
Switch Cable
Hitching Up Equipment
onto all four wheels of the car. A little
practice with your rig will teach you how far
to pull up the bar, and you may wish to mark
the chain links that match your rig. Always
choose level ground for checking correct
hook-up. For further information see hitch
manufacturers’ literature.
Note: If your car is equipped with adjustable
load leveling air shocks, you must load the car
first with typical luggage and passengers and
bring it back to level. Then attach the trailer
and adjust the load leveling bars. Otherwise
the air shocks on your car will overload the
rear wheels.
14

L_i. :
The hitch ball on your car should be installed
at a height of 19-1/2” to the top of the hitch
ball, measured when the car is unloaded.
A low hitch ball increases tailwagging tenden¬
cies by lowering the nose of the trailer thus
changing the center of support for the trailer
and reducing the weight on the front wheels
of the car.
removable ball mount. Cross the safety chains
under the hitch.
7. Retract the hitch jack completely for
maximum ground clearance. Remove the
dolly wheel and jack pad, and stow them in
the car’s trunk, along with leveling jack and
other gear used when stopped. Never tow
your trailer with the jack down or the dolly
wheel on. Check that the fold-away step is up
and that the main door is completely closed
and locked for towing. If it is not locked the
constant vibration of travel may cause it to
open with possible damage.
8. Move the rig ahead about 50 feet and test
the trailer brakes, then check the ground for
forgotten objects. Regularly check the condi¬
tion of your tires, air pressure, and the
tightness of the lug-nuts. For specific tire
pressure refer to page 13.
5. Plug in the electrical connector cord and
check running, directional, and brake lights.
The electrical connector cord should be com¬
pletely removed and stored when not in use.
6. Attach the break-away switch cable and
the safety chains to the welded portion of the
hitch or the car’s frame, but never to the

Towing Tips
A few hours of towing practice in a large
empty supermarket parking lot will make
pulling your Airstream over the road much
easier. Line out two comers for both left and
right turns. You may also use these comers to
practice backing and parking. Observe that
the tracks made by the trailer wheels are
distinctly different from those made by your
car. Studying this will make it easier for you
to correct mistakes. Truck or trailer type
fender or door grip rear view mirrors are a
must for maximum visibility and in most
States they are required by law.
You are now ready to tow. After checking the
traffic, signal that you are about to pull away
and start slowly. Look often in your mirrors,
and observe the action of the trailer, then
carefully move into the proper lane of traffic.
Remember that the trailer wheels will not
follow the path of the car’s wheels, therefore,
wider turns are necessary when turning to the
left or to the right.
On freeways or expressways try to pick the
lane you want, and stay in it. Always main¬
tain plenty of space between you and the car
ahead, at least the length of the car plus
trailer, for every ten miles per hour. Remem¬
ber that in order to pass another vehicle, you
will need longer to accelerate. You must also
allow for the length of the trailer when
returning to the right hand lane. On a two
lane road, cars will be lining up behind you
because you travel at a lower speed. It is both
courteous and sensible to signal, pull onto the
shoulder, and let them pass. Your Airstream is
designed to be towed easily at any legal speed,
so if you are not careful you may be inclined
to forget it is there. Your car brakes will
automatically apply the trailer brakes first if
properly adjusted. This will make you stop as
if you were driving the car alone and keep
your car and trailer in a straight line.
When trailering, you might encounter a tem¬
porary cooling system overload during severe
conditions — such as hot days when pulling
on a long grade, when slowing down after
higher-speed driving, or driving long idle
periods in traffic jams. If the hot indicator
light comes on and you have your air condi¬
tioning turned on, turn it off. If the light
doesn’t go off in about a minute, pull over in
a safe place and put on your emergency
brake. Don’t turn off the engine. Increase the
engine idle speed. Lift the engine hood and
check for fluid leaks at the radiator hoses,
radiator or radiator overflow outlet. Check to
see that all drive belts are intact and the fan is
turning. Light should go off within one
minute. When the light is out, proceed on the
highway a little slower. Ten minutes later
resume normal driving. Caution: Never open a
radiator cap when the car is hot! Check the
car coolant level when the car is cool.
When going downhill in dry weather, down
shift so that engine compression will slow the
whole rig down. Take dips and depressions in
the road slowly and do not resume normal
driving speeds until you are sure that the
trailer wheels are clear of the dip.
On slippery pavement do not use engine drag
to help slow down as this may cause the rear
16