Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

[67avion]

Without going into too much painful detail, we had a mishap several week-ends ago. While working with sand bag crews on the Mississippi River, the truck and camper fell into the flood waters as a road collapsed. Because of a number of issues dealing with the wrecker truck, we had to release the camper as the truck was reeled up over the bank. The good news is that the truck is as good as new after a thorough rinsing, inspection of brakes, etc. The bad news is that the camper was thoroughly drowned. A lot of people had far worse trouble than we did, so we consider ourselves lucky. The floods are ongoing as I write.

Our planned trip to Montana in June is called off. heh.

However, I have now convinced my dear Jane that its time to really update the TC. After drying for several days we pulled out the interior. Amazingly the Zolatone paint that I had applied last year is good as new after a cleaning.



Without burdening the TC family overmuch, I'd like to ask some advice other than don't park too near a flood :-).

My DW was overjoyed that I had a plan for the bathroom: a composting toilet developed by Nature's Head http://www.natureshead.net/. Our holding tank was practically unusable and there was no real grey water tank on the 67 Avion. Our plan is to rip out the bathroom and install one of these and converting the blackwater to a greywater tank. Any experience with this?

Finally, the roof. I admit that I have not really done the work I should have. Now, I need to remove the various sealants on the roof and repair it. We are also setting up for a solar installation. Any advice as to this?



Here's hoping I have posted the pictures correctly. And many thanks in advance for your advice.

[D1trout]

Silver, you have discovered the "every service station is a press conference" phenomenon. I drove mine down to a meeting with a CAD designer this AM and got a lots of long looks enroute.

[SilverPompadour]

I hope everyone had a good holiday and was able to avoid the rough weather.
67 Glad you're back up and running, sounds like not a moment too soon. Good luck down there.
With the exterior of my camper buttoned up, I made the mistake of driving it to work this morning. These beauties draw way too much attention to arrive at work on time, even if only partially finished.
Have a great New Year.

[67avion]

Thanks, D1. I posted a report on the main thread yesterday. We're not getting close to the water again ;-(

I can't say enough about the strength and resilience of these people. And I understand similar scenes are playing out all across the country. Our Avion is perfect for helping out in this situation. The new fridge holds at least twice as much as the old one - we can carry medicines in it - and the food lies on the floor or on the bench where we removed the mattress.

The crest is expected in 3 days, I understand. It looks like it will be a record. Hopefully preparations will mitigate the potential damage.

[D1trout]

D, delighted to hear things are in perfect working order after your visit to Chuck's.
Speaking of deja vu, just make sure you stay on solid ground if you take your Avion down to the river...

[67avion]

We drove back to Southern Illinois yesterday through whirling, blizzardy slush and ice. There were wrecks everywhere. We went off the freeway and took the back roads until we got far enough south to escape the ice. the good news is that the Avion camper is the best its ever been. Chuck Cayo went way beyond what I had expected. The top is repaired, the solar is back in place and the new refrigerator is very cool.

We couldn't be happier.

But, this afternoon we're going down to the Mississippi River Bottoms where evacuations are continuing as flooding spreads. Predictions are that it may reach the levels of the disastrous 1993 floods. We will make contact with all the volunteers while getting round in my Suzuki Samurai. If needed we'll take the Avion in tomorrow with food, water and other supplies.

Those of you who have been here from the beginning know this sounds like deja vu all over again.

D

[67avion]

Tonight we are in a brewpub in Benton Harbor, Michigan, escaping a massive winter storm. Tomorrow morning we pick up our Avion in nearby Watervliet. Facing an ice storm with our reconditioned coach, we're looking forward to hitting the road. First it's the Okefenokee in Georgia then down to Clearwater, Fla..

Here's to a Happy New Year to my fellow Avionistas from me and Sweet Jane.

We meet this year at Muley Point.

[D1trout]

Dave Pete, regarding your question about aluminum trim, ck out vintage airstream.com. They list a great number of sources for all manner of parts and accessories for our old rigs, not just Airstreams.

Happy Holidays to all you Avionistas. One of the best parts of this process is the many new friends. I really do hope we can meet up somewhere and compare rigs and notes and toast our mutual creativity and determination.

Onward into 2016!

[ticki2]

It's been a long time since we had bare ground for Christmas . Hope all the folks in the bad weather are OK . Have a Very Merry Day all .

[rastaman33609]

Second?……A very Merry Christmas to all,,,,and thanks for all thr great help and contribution of advice and ideas….


Merry Christmas Mon

[cajunavion]

Howdy!
May I be the first!
Joyeux Noël Y'all!

[Rolling_Condo]

For quality 12V compressors, Viair is the way to go.

[D1trout]

CA, I'm planning to put my tank under the frame, aft of the rear axle. I'd be circumspect about putting on the very front of the truck, even protected by the winch assembly. But it would certainly be convenient there!
67's suggestion is a good one. Ask the truck camper community at large. Us Avionistas are known to have contrary views...

[67avion]

Cajun, you might post that note on the main page. I'm thinking you may not get enough Avion folks who are familiar with the issue.

[Dave_Pete]

cajun I have air springs without the on board pump and switches. Been thinking about getting same, so I too could have on-board air for the reasons you state. I'll watch this thread. Have considered in bed where no camper door for access to mount a tank. Controls handy elsewhere.

[cajunavion]

Howdy!
Okay, I am all in for a full mobile air compressor setup. It just is too useful not to have it.
Why with air bags, tires, bikes, you name it, I need to blow it up from time to time. Yea, I have an inverter, but I do not want some more bulky hard to stow stuff to carry around. A 12v system with air tank and a hard plumbed manifold is what I desire. Where to mount the tank and compressor, is my first concern. Undercarrige seems the common solution, but would not mud and dirt ultimately
cause problems? My engine compartment is already overflowing. In bed along side the wheel well is interesting. Front bumper over the winch is the direction I am leaning. Next up, manifold, electric valves for air bags or simple manual values, guage and fittings. Interior mount vs exterior?
Any and all comments, ideas, or fantasies are greatly appreciated!