'71 Starcraft Wanderstar- "The Hilton"

MrSurly wrote:
Wow! Just Wow! I only recently found his thread and it has taken days to read it all!

I'm working on a repair of my old TT but not a full-on gut and restore as you've done here.
I think it would only be fair to call this a remanufacture. Except, of course, that you have manufactured this trailer far better than the manufacturer ever could have. I'd bet that the current manufacturers don't do that pressure test and would be amazed to see the leaks they would see. I am very very impressed with your skills. I have experience, I have the same tools, I could in no way duplicate your quality with these hands.
Hats off to you, WestEnd.

Mine also has the metal pressure tank. The compressor is bad and I decided to get a demand pump, but I'm not sure that's best. It is the way it's done now...but which is "better"?

I think I posted up my reasons for keeping the air pressure fresh water system in one of your threads but for convenience......
I decided to keep the little diaphragm air pump rather than go to a supply pump for basically two reasons: 1)If the compressor fails when I'm on the road, I will be carrying a backup air compressor that can pressurize the tank to deliver water. If the backup fails and we are camped in Mongolia, there is a Schrader valve on the fill spout that could be pumped with a bicycle pump. I won't be out of water because of a failed pump. 2) The air system pump is a much quieter pump (I've even done some mounting isolation) and it runs on quite a bit less of a duty cycle i.e. almost everytime water is demanded from a supply pump system, the pump will cycle. With an air pressure system the pump only cycles when pressure drops to a very low level.
I guess the biggest trade-off is the additional weight of a metal tank and maybe keeping it rust free. I'm guessing rust won't be to much of an issue. I sanitized the tank a couple of times and the water is clear. I did have to tinker a bit with the little Jabsco pump and the pressure switch, initially, but pumps like this are easy to fix.
I'll be following your rebuild, Mr Surly, and have already enjoyed what you've shared with the tanks and bathroom. That is some good work, don't disrespect your hands, you've got some gooduns'.:W

Hiltonwise (heh), I've been without AC power inside since I started the rebuild. I was stretching cords out for tools, lights, and heaters for monthes. Part of the procrastination was my own cheapness (a lot of sticker shock when pricing just 6AWG wire) and without a 240v receptacle other than my welder outlet. That outlet is the older 3 terminal that won't fit Nema 14-50, standard for RV AC plugs. All that is now in the wake of the Hilton (and pretty timely too).
The cord I purchased while shopping at CW, a couple of weeks ago. They had a new Marinco 50 amp cord on clearance and it was cheaper than I can make one by about $100. I installed a range receptacle in the garage and plugged in.



Threw the breakers and had no power, check cord, gave it a push and all is well. Gauges are reading 13.6 DC and 121 AC:



Didn't even know the GFCI's had an indicator light. That red light in a black receptacle is evil! :B:



Good thing that I was able to check this as the Polish Princess and I will be on the road, this coming weekend, and I'll drive easier knowing the power is all good and working. Time to get the TV inside, I guess.