Out of the mud and into the Clinic...

Whatever I could fix with no power tools, I have fixed. Due to inclement weather and a muddy RV storage lot, I decided to bite the bullet and have the vents installed at the nearest Airstream dealer in Buda TX. So today was the fist time "Blue Bailout" (truck name) and the "Silver Whale" (trailer name) hooked-up for the first time. Hooking the Hensley Hitch was a bit of a dance.

With Jose's help, we got it done in about 15 minutes. Hopefully as I get more practice, Vicky and I will get proficient at this process. Once hitched, the Primus IQ brake controller worked as advertised, easy operation with no fuss. The Allison transmission in towing mode worked its magic, specially noticeable was the automatic downshifting in downhills to aid braking...nice.

The most unsettling aspect of hauling the 30' of aluminum is the gargantuan blind spots behind the trailer. Extended towing mirrors help a lot, but do not eliminate the blind spots near the rear areas of the trailer. Silver Whale will be in the Camper Clinic for a couple of days getting some repairs done:

• Rear and front roof factory vents are busted. I got a couple of MaxxFans to replace them. I liked this design better than the Fantastic Fan, because the Maxx design allows you to keep the vent open during rain, when condensation builds up inside the trailer.
• Also, they will check the stress crack issue that some owners have reported in this trailer model.
• And lastly, a contemptuous issue with a crack in the housing of the center vent, which happens to be a Fantastic Fan. It seems like the service department insists on changing (charging) for a full new unit when the only thing that needs replacement is the housing.

I am still waiting for the estimate call.