Basic equipment checklist for Airstream owners

0 comments

The list of things you could travel with in your Airstream is endless. But only a few things are extremely handy or even essential.

Start with these basics and add to your traveling tool bag as you identify specific needs. Eventually you’ll end up with a tool kit that fits your style, skills, and Airstream.

Download as a PDF

Essentials for Every Trip

Airstream Owner’s Manual that came with your Airstream

For additional maintenance details and step-by-step instructions, we also recommend The (Nearly) Complete Guide to Airstream Maintenance

Leveling blocks
Wheel chocks
If you have a single-axle trailer, a bottle jack capable of lifting at least 6,000 lbs. (Only single-axle trailer owners need this.)
Two drinking water hoses, 25-50 feet in length each – we recommend the Ultimate RV Water Hose
Water filter – at the very least, you should have an in-line carbon filter, but we travel with and recommend the Blu Technology Filtration System
Sewer hose and 10-foot extension
Electric cord and adapters for 15-amp, 30-amp and 50-amp outlets
Electrical Management System (EMS) to protect your Airstream from electrical faults– we travel with and recommend Progressive EMS
Tire pressure gauge, high-visibility vest, breaker bar, extension, and appropriate socket, for changing an Airstream trailer tire – we travel with and recommend this Airstream trailer Tire Changing Kit
12v air compressor with power cord extension (or battery-powered)
½” drive torque wrench, rated for 150 ft-lbs., for tightening wheel lug nuts (included in the above-mentioned Tire Changing Kit)
Cordless drill with socket adapter (optional but very handy)
Mechanic’s gloves
Holding tank chemicals (found at Wal-Mart, Camping World, etc.)
Hitch ball lube and/or grease recommended by the manufacturer of your hitch
Large beach towel (handy for many uses)
Lubricants: silicone spray, and optionally Boeshield T-9 *
Flashlight and headlamp
First Aid kit

Basic Tool Bag – suggested items below

If you are mostly weekend travelers, you may not need a repair kit, but if you want to be able to fix small things while traveling, here are a few things to consider.

All the items noted with * are included in the AIR GEAR Maintenance Essentials Kit.

Screwdriver set
Assorted drill and screw bits
2.0 and 2.5 mm Allen wrenches *
Kitchen/utility shears
Tapes: electrical, masking, and Teflon (plumber’s tape)
Wood glue
Medium sized adjustable wrench
Open-end wrenches: 7/16”, 9/16” and 5/8” recommended
Retractable safety knife
Pliers
Fuse puller *
Small spray bottle with soapy water (to test for gas leaks) *
Small wire cutter/stripper tool
An electrical multimeter
Butt splices and a crimper
Rivet tool (for replacing loose or broken rivets)
Small tube of GE Silicone II sealant, colored to match your shower
Aerospace 303 Protectant (for lubricating window and vent fan seals) *
Half-sheet of emery cloth or fine grit sandpaper

Small Parts – stored in a small plastic “tackle box-type container, with internal compartments:

Spare 1141 bulbs for interior lights (if not LED)
12v automotive-style blade fuses (various amperages) single-sided razor blades *
A few #8 wood screws, 5/8” to 1” in length *
Rubber hose washers *
3/16” aluminum POP rivets (grip range 1/8-1/4”) for interior repairs
3/16” aluminum “large flange” POP rivets (grip range 1/8-1/4”) for belly pan repairs

The jobs you care to tackle on the road may be different, which will change the things you need to bring along.

Keep in mind that if you have a new Airstream, you’ve got a warranty, so little bugs can be handled by your dealer. Try to watch the technicians working on your Airstream so you can learn a little from them.