You may have heard me mention in theVAP Episode 184 that I had the Ambassador on display at an Airstream dealer for their grand opening. All day there were people going in and out of the trailer to view the vintage greatness. With all of these people going in and out there were some who had questionable balance ability and various, shall we say, sizes. After watching several people have issues entering and exiting, I decided I needed a better step for these types of events.

After much research I found a platform step manufactured by Stromberg Carlson. I was familiar with their PA-100 Aluminum Platform Step, but during my research I found that they had designed a new step with adjustable legs. This new step is called the PA-250 and is also aluminum with adjustable heights of 6 3/4″ – 8 1/4″. Stromberg Carlson was kind enough to send me a step to review.

When you open the box, you’ll find the step in its folded travel position.

The legs fold out and lock into place. Each leg is individually adjustable which is great for leveling the platform on uneven ground. The legs are very simple and quick to adjust with the push of a button. Everything feels solid and locks into place. Very secure and heavy duty.

When the step is setup it’s very sturdy. It has a 1000 lb rating and it feels like it does. The rubber feet make it convenient to use the step indoors as it won’t scratch the floor. The platform size is large at 19″ x 14″.

My Ambassador sits pretty tall compared to most vintage Airstreams. It’s on purpose, because when I restored it I wanted it to ride high. The door entrance when the trailer is on level ground sets right about 20.5″.

With the PA-250 set to it’s highest adjustment at 8 1/4″, it makes the final step up into the trailer a little bit of a stretch. It would be nice if the legs had slightly more adjustment, but then that might make the first step too tall.

All in all, I will feel much better with people using this PA-250 Aluminum Platform Step during an open house. With it’s sturdy construction, slip resistant feet, and 1000lb rating, you can’t go wrong. Heck, we may just start using it on our family camping trips.

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When I took the Ambassador to the forums rally a few weeks ago, I discovered an unpleasant sight, a bubbling water damaged wall. Every year during hard rains I venture out to the trailer to check for leaks. This year for some reason, I failed to check. The street side vent pipe cover had cracked and let water into the trailer.

I’ve sealed the leak for now while waiting for new vent covers. So now I’m dealing with the wall.

I found the wood veneer separating from the wood in several spots.

After letting the wood complete dry out, I decided to add some wood glue to the affected areas. I used hobby blunt point needles to apply glue. I purchased the needles from amazon.

I filled the needle with glue and used a drilling motion to pierce the veneer layer and inject the glue.

After wiping the excess glue, I applied some wax paper to the area and placed a board to push the veneer flat, back into place. I secured it will some wood sandwiched between the bulkhead wall.

I’m waiting for the glue to setup overnight. It will be interesting to see how this works out.

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My setup at the dealership. It’s going to be a busy day! Even with all the new Airstreams, people love looking at the vintage ones.

It’s fun to see all the new trailers, especially inside!

For me, this is another reason to “Go Vintage” 🙂

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I’ll be doing a book signing event at the grand opening of the Bay Area Airstream Adventures new dealership in Fairfield, CA. Stop by and say hello! The address is 2400 Cordelia Rd.

I’ll have the Ambassador there as well. It’s an indoor showroom, so it should be interesting!

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Lot’s of fun this year at the NorCal Forum rally near the Russian River. There were over 50 trailers there, from the mid-50’s to a 2012, every era was represented.

Can’t have a rally without great food, and it was plentiful!

Fun time was had by all. So much aluminum, so little time….

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I decided to go with a 3″ Window Cling so it can fit on the jalousie windows. I also fixed the font a little bit so you can read it better.

3″ vs 4″

Applied to the inside of the window. Applicator not included. Use an old credit card.

Looks pretty good. I think I like this size better.

Order now!

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I was looking through some old photos and ran across this 1934 Thompson’s House Car that we saw at a museum in Sacramento back in 2007.

I thought it was pretty cool.

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I found a place that would make window cling decals instead of the stickers we’ve used in the past. I ordered a couple of samples to check them out. They look pretty nice. The only problem is they are more expensive than the stickers.

The decal didn’t come with the plastic applicator. I had one. You’d need to substitute an old credit card.

I think it turned out pretty well. Do you think we should offer them? It would be more than the stickers.

Of course you’ll need two. Can’t leave out the tow vehicle!

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Restoring a Dream Book. available on iBook and Kindle.

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This ‘Interactive’ iPad version offers videos, photo slides, and interactive photos. Check it out here and let me know what you think!

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