1970 18-foot Airstream Caravel (the model above the Bambi). Weighs about 4,500 pounds.

Modernizations

New axle with torsion-bar suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes

LED brake lights, tail lights, back-up lights, and turn-signal indicators

New electric tongue jack

Aluminum propane tanks with fuel gauges

New propane regulator that swaps between tanks automatically when needed

New sewer gate valves. Added water jet to black-water tank.

New thicker breakaway chains with spring clips to hold hooks in place

New stone guard over front windows

New lithium-ion battery to replace the old lead-acid unit

New power-converter transformer and fuse panel

Replaced several of the running lights with LED units

10-ply truck tires as well as a spare

Recently repacked wheel bearings

New front-door latch and lock

New rear leveling jacks

Electric tow motor for maneuvering into place. Runs on a new Dewalt drill motor.

Classic Zip Dee awning. Got small Astroturf ground cover for out front.

Flatscreen television that works well with content from a laptop computer

New refrigerator that operates on 110 V, 12 V, and propane

New accordion bedroom curtain

New kitchen countertop and stainless-steel refrigerator top

New washerless kitchen faucet

New porcelain toilet

New water heater that runs on both 110 V and propane at the same time

New furnace

New water pump

Added a rooftop air conditioner with small electric heater inside

New, thicker, mattress

Replace some overhead lights with LED bulbs

Replaced speakers with Acoustic Research (AR) units

New shades on all seven windows

Replace several cabinet latches with new brass units

New linoleum floor that is a single sheet

New, stiffer, table leg

Added knick-knack drawers under table

New upholstery on all six cushions in the gally

Rebuilt all of the window screens and latches



Could use work:

New locks on two exterior hatches

Adjust step (have portable step)

Refasten hinges on inside storage hatches

Replace a few cabinet latches (have new ones)

Replace a couple ceiling-light rotary switches (have new ones)

Replace front and rear running lights with LEDs (have new ones)

Shine up aluminum skin