Propane and your Airstream

The LPG (Propane) System

Take a look at the big cover over the propane bottles on your Airstream. Open it up and you'll see two painted steel or Aluminum bottles connected to hoses, and a device that regulates the flow of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas), also known as propane. Each bottle has its own shutoff valve. When the trailer is stored, they should be closed. When the trailer is in use, they should both be open.

The reason for this is because you have an "automatic changeover regulator." The changeover regulator has a switch that points to one bottle. Try switching it from one bottle to the other. Propane gas will flow first from the bottle that the black switch is pointing to. We'll call that the "primary" bottle.

Here's the automatic part: if the primary bottle runs dry, the regulator starts to draw gas from the secondary bottle, giving the trailer an uninterrupted flow of gas. This means that you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to switch bottles—and believe me, that's the time propane bottles tend to run dry the most!

To be extra helpful, a small red indicator will appear on the regulator when the primary bottle is empty. It's a good idea to check the indicator on the regulator every day while you are camping. If it is red, move the black switch to point at the secondary tank, and you'll see the indicator become green again. Make a note to get the empty tank refilled at your next opportunity.

Take a moment to get down on the ground and see where those gas lines go. You'll find that they go underneath the belly pan, and disappear up into the body of the Airstream trailer at various points. The idea is that the propane gas is kept outside the living space until the last possible moment, when the lines go straight up to the refrigerator, stove, furnace, and water heater.

You may also see small valves mounted on the gas lines beneath the trailer or inside the appliance compartments. These are placed so you can shut off gas to part of the system, for example, when an appliance has to be removed for service.

In an emergency, during storage, or when traveling, always shut off the gas valves at the propane bottles. This can keep a small problem from becoming a big one!

Batteries on your Airstream

Batteries

Our next stop is the battery compartment. Usually the house batteries are stored in a big steel box that hangs between the main frame rails of the A-frame and behind the propane bottles. On some Airstreams, particularly Classics, the house batteries are inside little doors built into the front of the trailer body. For now, just be sure you know where the batteries live.

With Proper Maintenance your Batteries can keep your Airstream alive and functioning.

Lets talk about Maintaining the Batteries:

Always keep your batteries clean,charged and full of water.

1. Cleaning your batteries, There are products at many retail outlets that and made for keeping the batteries on your Airstream clean and also products that keep the Batteries on your Airstream protected this is a great start.

2. Keeping your batteries charged is probably the most important part of your Airstream electrical system if your Airstream Batteries are dead you will not be able to run most items in your Airstream so keep them charged the easiest way to keep your Airstream charged is keep it plugged in to 110 volt power and the system will keep them charged but remember the more charging and use the more the water in the batteries will deplete we will talk about the water next. Many problems in your Airstream are due to low 12 volt power most items need 12 volt power to operate even your AC system must have 12 volt power to activate the thermostat now that doesn’t mean that the AC doesn’t need 110 volts because it does. We will talk more on 110 volt system later in another article.

3. Keeping the water in your batteries is an important part of maintaining the battery life, Now don't use just any water, you need to use Distilled water by using Distilled water it keeps all the impurities out that will foul up the cells in your batteries, You should check the water in the batteries on your Airstream every month and if the temperature is hot and you are using the 12 volt system a lot it doesn’t take long for the batteries to lose water, to keep them full pop the caps on the top of the batteries (use eye protection and do not get the battery fluids on you or your clothes) check the level of the water in the batteries the level should be just below the caps approximately ½ of an inch, they do make a filler can for this and is available at most auto parts stores after filling replace caps and rinse batteries clean.

Well now that you know how to maintain your Airstream Batteries go have a look at yours and have fun camping and by the way when replacing your Airstream Batteries remember that you should replace them with a deep cycle style as they are made to be charged more often than regular batteries.

Check back soon for the next installment on Maintaining your Airstream

Airstream Avenue Van

Bates RV has the new Airstream Avenue Van

click the link above to see the new Airstream Avenue Van

Airstream Bambi

Check out our Airstream Bambi's in Stock

AIRSTREAM BAMBI SELECTION

Don't let the size of the Airstream Bambi fool you. The model descriptions below explain what happens when you take tried-and-true design and customize it for the needs of different travelers. Discover the mighty Bambi that's right for you and your travel dreams.

1) 75th Anniversary Edition - This Airstream Bambi is polished to a high gleam inside and out. Take the good old-fashioned simplicity of the original Airstream travel trailers, combine it with modern additions like lush wood, and you have a great mental picture of the highlights that nudge this classic toward perfection.

2) Quicksilver Edition - Quicksilver is a brand long-associated with the surfing lifestyle, and it brings a breezy, laid-back feel to this Bambi. External details include an awning to lounge underneath once you've reached your destination and the signature streamlined Airstream shape. Inside, the blue, white and silver interior conjured images of rolling waves and un-discovered beaches.

3) International CCD - Polished aluminum, hardy components and a satellite pre-wiring system ready to take you from nation to nation. This is the International Airstream, a travel trailer that shouts: Take me across borders, far into lands waiting to be discovered. Make your home anywhere the road takes you.

Safari Bambi - Imagine your traversing the Serengeti. The Safari Bambi trailer is rolling easily across the varied terrain, easily maneuverable, solid and yet still manageable. This small travel trailer exudes quiet strength and functionality, a solid Airstream Bambi with modern conveniences and versatile accoutrements.

Contact Bates RV today for more information about the Airstream Bambi. As Florida's largest Airstream dealer, we understand the nuances of this great American brand. Travel the road today! Call 1-888-228-3778.

THE AIRSTREAM BAMBI: A COMPACT FAVORITE FOR NO-FUSS ADVENTURERS

Those who pilot an Airstream Bambi on the open road are spur-of-the-moment adventurists. They wake up one morning, hear the rumblings of "Go West, young man," and gas up the Airstream for a trip to the California coast. A neighbor mentions the brilliant amber leaves falling from trees in Maine, and they're off for sightseeing and lobster, snug inside the reflective silver bullet they call a second home.

The economy and efficiency of the sturdy Airstream trailer makes it easy to give in to such sudden wanderlust. This classic camper trailer represents the epitome of function meets style; its no-fuss design trades length for livability. Not a single inch of the Airstream Bambi is wasted on superfluous flourish. It's a small travel trailer, but a completely adequate one for long travels.

The no-frills design doesn't over-tax a pulling car, but its superior shock absorption takes hills and highway in style. Add some slick style to your ride by selecting the Quicksilver edition, or travel the globe inside the International model, which is pre-wired for satellite hookup and boasts an optional solar package. Ride in secure comfort inside the security-rich Safari Bambi, an extraordinarily strong design.

Visit Bates RV for help selecting the Airstream Bambi that's right for you and your adventure plans. As Florida's largest Airstream Dealer, Bates RV keeps at least 100 models in stock year-round, allowing clients to experience the tangible allure that is the Airstream trailer.

Call Bates RV at 1-888-228-3778 today.

Airstream: Bates RV - Bob The Cow

click here to check out our web site

we have many Airstreams

Airstream Travel Trailer

Bates RV has many airstreams click here to see them

Airstream: International 2008 RV Dealer

click here to go to Bates RV and view our line of Airstream International's

Bob the Cow @ Bates RV

Bob the cow shows Airstreams at Bates RV

Airstream & Bates RV - Bob the Cow Video Vault - #5

Bates RV Announces Extended hours

Click here to check out our Airstreams

Bates RV Announces Extended hours

Looking for an RV and can't make it by 5:00 pm?

Too hot during the day to come look around?

Not to worry our sales department is open till
8:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
so come on by after work while it is cooler in the evenings and see the deals we have.

also let us know what you think of the extended hours and we just might open late every night.

Airstream Sport Available at Bates RV

Bates RV Presents the Airstream Sport

Lightweight Affordability. Travel trailers from 16-22'.

Lightweight and nimble, the Airstream Sport line sets a new standard for ease of use – perfect for those who want to just hitch-up and go. Airstream Sport travel trailers are true premium compact trailers that let you live large. Smart floorplans maximize space and minimize waste in three easy-to-handle lengths. Spacious and airy with its own lights, water, shower and fuel for cooking – plus more creature comforts than some trailers twice their size – the Airstream Sport offers the best travel trailer investment available.

When you're towing an Airstream Sport, getting there seems almost effortless. Its ultralight weight allows it to be towed efficiently by most smaller and midsize sport utility vehicles, or even the family car, with outstanding fuel efficiency.

So choose your floorplan, choose the styling, then choose a destination. Whether it's a week of canoeing in Minnesota's Boundary Waters or a night of music at California's Monterey Jazz Festival, you'll enjoy all the comforts of home no matter how far the road takes you. The Airstream Sport offers nothing less than a personal declaration of independence. So get out there – your adventure awaits!

Celebs downsize in style with Airstreams

Bates RV Airstreams largest dealer

Celebrities are downsizing and purchasing Airstreams and where better to buy your Airstream than Airstreams largest dealer http://www.batesrv.com so come on by and see what all the hype is all about.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Airstream Inventory

Airstream Inventory


looking for a new Airstream come by our web site and check out the inventory pages there are many Airstreams to choose from

20' Airstream Flying Cloud

20' Airstream Flying Cloud



Stock Number: B12970
Model: 20
Class: Travel Trailer
Condition: New
Status: Available
Dealership: Bates RV
MSRP: $54,132
Interior: Mocha Blue

2011 Airstream Classic Limited 27'

27' Airstream Classic Limited

Stock Number: B12965
Model: 27FB
Class: Travel Trailer
Condition: New
Status: Available
Dealership: Bates RV
MSRP: $86,302
Interior: Praline

Airstream Summer Fun

Airstream Summer Fun

Summer is here and what a better way to have fun than in your Airstream

now don't let the summer rains spoil your fun with leaks come on in to Bates RV and have an inspection of your Airstream roof at no cost with a copy of this post

Bring in a copy of this post and receive a free roof inspection


expires 10/1/2010

Airstreams... Silver is Green

airstream Silver is Green

Tired of companies trumpeting their new-found green-ness? Us too.

So we're happy to note that we're still taking the same environmentally friendly approach that has sustained us, and our planet, for nearly 80 years. Simply put, Airstream has been green as long as it has been silver.

Airstreams are designed to spend time on the road, not in the landfills. As such, nearly 70% of all Airstream trailers ever produced are still on the road! While other products are designed to wear out, Airstreams are designed to be handed down through the generations.

We also work with nature, not against it. Airstream's founder, Wally Byam, knew that a low profile and a rounded, slippery shape would make for better towing in every respect. As a result, Airstreams enjoy a 20% advantage in towing efficiency over standard "white box" trailers. And over the life of your Airstream, that's a lot of fuel saved.

And should your Airstream come to the end of its life after many decades of service, its primary components (aluminum, steel, and wood) are easily recycled.

So go ahead and enjoy your Airstream with a sense of global responsibility, and comfort in the fact that you are adventuring in one of the most environmentally friendly travel trailers in the world. And always remember that Airstreamers leave a place better than they found it. Silver is indeed Green.

airstream trailers

check out the airstream trailers at Bates RV

Cleaning your Airstream Curtains

looking for an Airstream

Cleaning Curtains

There are two different curtains in travel trailers: a loose-weave type for Classics and a polyester type for all other travel trailers.

Both types can be machine washed however we recommend you hang-dry the drapes in Safari, Bambi, and CCD models.
Safari, Bambi, and International CCD Curtains

Note: These curtains are manufactured by Dana Mills, Inc.

1. Remove the drapes.
2. Dry clean the curtains.
3. Hang drapes up to dry so they don’t shrink.


Classic Curtains
Note: These curtains are manufactured by Crestmont, Inc.
1. Remove the drapes.
2. Machine wash drapes using the gentle cycle. We
recommend using Woolite™.
3. Dry the drapes using a drier or hang them to dry.

Airstrean Victorinox

Airstream Victorinox

ICONIC DESIGN | Inspired Innovation

Airstream, the proud manufacturer of the world's finest travel trailers, has combined creative forces with Victorinox Swiss Army to produce the Victorinox 125th Anniversary Special Edition Airstream.

125 years ago, the first Swiss Army Knife was introduced. Since that time many things have changed, but the ingenuity, precision, and unwavering devotion to quality has remained consistent. With those attributes in mind, we are proud to announce an exciting collaboration with Victorinox Swiss Army whose values we share.

125 very fortunate adventurers will have the opportunity to

purchase one of these numbered Special Edition units.