Schu's News - Article

Dave Schumann
General Manager, Customer Relations Group
Airstream, Inc.

ELECTRIC STABILIZERS

Well I hope everyone has their Airstream ready to hit the road for another summer of travel and adventure.
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Region 9 Rally in Glen Rose, Texas and I would say from the 200
plus units in attendance, that you are off and traveling. It was good seeing friends and having the opportunity
to answer questions. Airstream Parts and Service is in the planning phase for the International Rally in Salem,
Oregon. Our goal is to have our Parts store and our Service techs available starting on June 23rd and will be
available through noon on July 1st. We hope you can come join us!

An Airstreamer was at our Service Center in Jackson Center recently and indicated that a good topic to cover
in an article would be to discuss the electric stabilizers we use on the Limited and Classic trailers with slide-out
option. Airstream uses the Ultra 5000 Power Twin manufactured by Ultra Fab Products located in Elkhart, Indiana.

The Ultra 500 Power Twin is designed for leveling and stabilizing of your Airstream only. It is not intended to raise
the trailer off of the ground to change your tires.

Taking Care of your stabilizers

Your Power Twin leveling system is relative maintenance free, but there are several ways to help keep them
operating trouble free. Keep the leveler free of excess dirt and road chemicals by periodically hosing off
stabilizer and spraying entire system (including the jack screw assembly) with a light coat of WD40 or similar
product (do not use heavy grease or lubricant that will hold dirt).

Lubrication

The motor gear assembly should be re-greased periodically through the grease fitting which is located on the
clutch gear housing at the motor assembly. Fill the gear cavity with a heat resistant grease (the same type
used to lube cars) until the grease just begins to flow out of the grease cavity relief indicator hole. Wipe off
excess grease. Never use pneumatic-powered lube equipment as it can damage the leveler unit. Use hand
operated grease gun only.

Maintenance

Also you may want to check to make sure all bolts are tight on footpads or where stabilizers are attached
to frame, frequent use can cause bolts and nuts to loosen. You may want to also consider carrying some extra
30 amp slow blow fuses with you when traveling. (If you operate both leveling switches at the same time when
actually lifting your trailer you may overload the motor causing the fuse to fail). The fuse holder is located next
to the operating switches.

Always make sure you know where your emergency hand crank is so you are not left high and dry if the jack
motor should fail to operate.

Your leveling system should never be totally immersed in water and always remember to retract system before
moving your trailer.

Miscellaneous

Another question ask recently was, what size generator is needed to run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner? A roof
air conditioner draws approx.14 amps. Dometic says a 3500 watt generator is required in order properly operate
the AC. While a 2800 watt generator may the run AC a 3500 watt generator is recommended due to the initial
load during start up. Both Honda and Yamaha make good quiet generators in this category.

Have a good month and we'll see you down the road.