Looking for answers to questions about your Airstream's systems, parts, or maintenance?
Here's a list of resources that we use and recommend. All of them use fact-based data and manufacturer's recommendations or specifications, and are–or are from–reliable sources.
Grab a few details first
To look up what you need in many of these resources, you'll need to know things about your Airstream such as its year, length, model, and floor plan.
You should also write down a few pieces of information from your Airstream's Federal certification label, located on the front street side corner of your Airstream:
- Factory manufactured weight
- Gross vehicle weight rating
- Gross axle weight rating
- Recommended tire pressure
With those details now in-hand, here's the list:
1. Airstream Owner’s Manual + product manual packet
The Owner’s Manual comes with your Airstream and contains more information than you might think. In addition to the standard liability statements you’d expect, the Owner’s Manual has answers to common questions such as:
- How many gallons does the fresh/gray/black water tank hold?
- What’s the size of my hitch ball?
- How do I level the trailer?
- How do I read the water or sewer tank level?
- How do I dump the black and gray water tanks?
- What size generator is needed to power my Airstream?
It also includes information about your specific year and model:
- List of replacement parts
- Diagrams of your floor plan
- Schematic drawings of the electrical system
If the salesperson didn’t review the Owner’s Manual with you during the walk-through at delivery, you’ll probably find it in the overhead compartment above the dinette. Along with it are product owner manuals for appliances and other products in the Airstream.
If the Airstream Owner’s Manual is missing, you’ve lost it, or you’ve purchased a pre-owned Airstream and the manual was not included by the owner, you can get a PDF here, by entering your year and model.
2. The (Nearly) Complete Guide to Maintaining an Airstream, 2nd edition
If it's detailed maintenance instructions in a step-by-step format you seek, this is the book you need. This detailed, 240-page guide dives much deeper than the Owner's Manual, and was written by veteran Airstreamer Rich Luhr.
Released in March 2023, the 2nd edition has been significantly enhanced from the 1st edition to address the many new things Airstream has added to its products over the last few years. It also includes 100+ illustrations.
3. The Airstream Parts Book
If you are looking for a specific replacement part, this book is a goldmine! For decades Airstream has put out a book of parts used in each Airstream product. It's well-organized and laid out by section, with drawings that indicate the location of the specific part, as well as the part number.
View or download Parts Books dating back to 1964 HERE.
4. support.airstream.com
This site has How to Videos made by Airstream service center staff, as well as answers to FAQs. It’s organized by product type (trailer or motorhome) and model, which makes it easy to find the videos and answers for your specific Airstream.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, click the blue “Support” button on the bottom right of the page and type in your question. You'll get a bunch of possible help topics. If none of those match, you can send a message to Airstream service staff.
5. Airstream factory customer support line: 937-596-6111
This is the phone number to reach Airstream-employed product experts and service technicians. We recommend adding it to your phone contacts so when you need it, you've got it.
In addition to an Airstream dealer service center, this is a handy support line for getting answers to questions to specific issues you are having with your Airstream.
6. Airstream’s Document Archive
This archive is both informative and historically interesting. Search or sort by model and year (back to 1930!) to find floor plans and specifications, as well as historic articles and photographs.
You'll find the Document Archive here.
7. Vintage Trailer Supply
When Airstreamers ask us about vintage parts, we send them to Vintage Trailer Supply, which specializes in hard to find parts and equipment for vintage trailers (Airstream as well as other brands). Friendly staff are trained and knowledgable about a variety of issues relative to vintage trailers.
Why didn't we include online forums, Facebook groups, or social media influencers on this list?
Simply put: it’s a crapshoot whether the information you get online is accurate or not. When we review conversation threads, we find about half of the advice being given is just plain wrong. And we're sticklers for accuracy–especially when it comes to maintenance and safety.
Instead of throwing out a question on social media, stick with advice from credible sources: Airstream, manufacturers, and RVers who are experts in their field. For example, Cherie Ve Ard and Chris Dunphy at RV Mobile Internet) have years of real-world experience and knowledge about everything related to getting internet on the road. Their resources can be trusted.
If you do use online forums, use caution and do some research about the information you receive. Don't take advice from some random Airstreamer as fact without verifying its accuracy. What you save by getting "free" advice could cost you a lot more in compromised safety or lost dollars down the road.
