In this video, I share with you my Top 10 Critical Airstream Spare Parts that I recommend for every Airstream owner. These are the critical spare parts that will keep your Airstream operating (water, electric, sewer, HVAC) and keep you on the road. While it may not be an all inclusive list, it is a good starting point for the average Airstream owner. If you have a question, or think I missed a critical spare part please leave a comment.
Airstream trailers are synonymous with luxury and adventure. But even the most well-maintained Airstream can encounter a minor hiccup on the road. Being prepared with a few key spare parts can save you time, money, and frustration, ensuring your adventure continues uninterrupted.
Perhaps the most obvious critical spare you should carry is a spare tire. This one's a no-brainer. A flat tire is a common travel hurdle, and having a spare ensures you can get back on the road quickly. Double-check the size and compatibility with your specific Airstream model.
However, here are the top 10 critical Airstream spare parts that are perhaps less obvious and that you should consider keeping on hand. Additionally, we created an Airstream Spare Parts List in our Amazon store to make it easier for you to add them to your parts bin. So let’s dive in.
1. AC Capacitor: Over time, AC capacitors can wear out and cause your air conditioning to malfunction. A replacement capacitor is a relatively inexpensive fix you can potentially handle yourself. Even if you don’t feel comfortable replacing the capacitor, it is always a great idea to have one on hand if you need to call an RV technician. The odds are he won’t have the right capacitor in stock, but you will.
2. Water Heater Igniter Board: If your water heater fails to ignite, a faulty igniter board might be the culprit. Having a spare one hand can help you restore hot water access quickly. Same as the capacitor above, it’s always a good idea to carry a spare in the event you need an RV technician to install the part for you.
3. Spare Water Pump: A malfunctioning water pump can mean no running water in your Airstream. A spare ensures you can maintain basic functionality, like washing dishes or using the restroom. This is a simple DIY task and I have a video to show you how.
4. Spare RV Power Cord: Electrical issues can arise unexpectedly. Many RV power cord become worn and can short-out overtime. We carry a spare power cord just in the event our primary cord is damaged while traveling. It’s an inexpensive spare part and provides us with some peace of mind.
5. Assorted Fuses: We always carry a variety of fuses in different sizes and types. Blown fuses can cause a surprising number of minor electrical problems, and having replacements readily available can save you a trip to the repair shop. Besides they take up almost no space at all.
6. Spare Hitch Pins: Hitch pins are small but crucial components. A spare ensures you can securely connect your Airstream to your tow vehicle in case of a lost or damaged pin. These are easy to loose and a hard to replace spare parts so we ALWAYS keep some spares on hand.
7. Drinking Water Hose and Washers: Leaks in your drinking water hose can be a real hassle. Carrying a spare hose and washers allows you to address minor leaks and maintain a safe water supply.
8. Water Heater Plug: The water heater plug on most Airstreams is a small plastic plug that overtime can start to leak. We carry a few extras along with some teflon tape that we buy from Amazon. Another simple DIY repair for every Airstream owner.
9. Sewer Hose and Connectors: Even minor sewer hose mishaps can be unpleasant. A spare hose and assorted connectors allow you to address leaks or unexpected damage, preventing a messy situation.
10. Roof Sealant: We always carry a tube of Dicor self-leveling sealant and a caulk gun when we travel. There have been many times I have had to make repairs to the roof to stop a water leak.
Bonus Tip: We also carry an assortment of spare rivet and a rivet gun. This was critical when we accidentally damaged the deadbolt on the Airstream. By having these spares on hand we were able to make the needed repairs. Here is a link to the video if you’re interested knowing how to repair your Airstream deadbolt lock.
Conclusion: By keeping these essential spare parts on hand, you'll be well-equipped to handle most minor Airstream issues that might arise on your travels. If you're interested in everything that broke on our Airstream during our first year of full-time travel here is a link to a video (Reality Check) that may help you appreciate why we carry some many spare parts. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Airstream adventure!
Happy Camping and Safe Travels
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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