Listed below are the "Subject" lines of some of the most frequently asked question.  To read the entire text, just click on the tiny Aero Cruiser to the left of each line.  At the bottom of each FAQ is another tiny Aero Cruiser to return you to the list.  Just click and cruise on through the the list. 
 

Click on the to go to its FAQ:
	Manuals, Documentation and Maintenance tips for an Aero Cruiser
	How to use the Message "Search" function to get Help!
	Blue Book Value
	Aero Cruiser Insurance
	Aero Cruiser Derivability, Wandering and Towing
	Windshield Replacement
	Aero Cruiser Chassis, Front and Rear ends and Engine Year
	Aero Cruiser Headroom
	Drivers Seat Leg Room
	Where can I find a Used Aero Cruiser?
	Aero Cruiser Suspension and Tire size
	Aero Cruiser Vinyl Strip
	Aero Cruiser Pricing
	Passenger Capacity and Seat Belts

If you didn't find an Answer to your Question Click here to enter the Club's Help site.

Subject: Manuals, Documentation and Maintenance tips for an Aero Cruiser.

Question: I just purchased a Used Aero Cruiser and I don't have any documentation on anything! Help!!

Answer:  Even if you did have the original documentation, it would not help much. It basically tells you what every owner's manual tells you -- check the oil and change it every so often. The Engine on the 23 foot Aero Cruiser is a Chrysler 360 C.I.D. with an A727 Transmission. All of the front end, steering, wiring harness, computer, relays and dash equipment is supplied by the Industrial Engine division of Chrysler and comes from a full-size Dodge pick-up. Check the sticker on your air cleaner to find out what year the engine is. It is always a year or two older than the model year. For example my 1990 Aero Cruiser has a 1987/8 engine.

Everything in the front end is from a 1-ton Dodge Pickup that was extended 8 inches. It has coil springs and a lateral leaf stiffener-spring was added over the front axle. The rear suspension has leaf springs with airbags that are individually controlled from the front cab. The rear end is a Dana 60 by Spicer.

For wiring diagrams, engine repair, etc. go down to your local library and check out one of the Automotive repair manuals. The one I use covers Full-size Dodge Pick-ups from 1984 through 1992. It is by Hayden, ISBN 1 56392 032 X. There are other manuals available from other companies. If your library doesn't have one, check with the garage that services your rig. And the Internet is always there if you want to purchase one.

For the equipment inside the motor home: Refrigerator, Stove, A/C, Heater, water system there are many books on the subject. Check at you local Camping World, a Motor Home repair center or on the Internet. If you are a Do-It-Yourself'er this is a must have.

We also have lots of knowledgeable owners in the club. Join our Club and get access to our News Letters with Tech-Tips and access to our Private Club site for members. Go to -- http://aero-cruiser.fl-ink.com/ -- for details.

Here are some general guidelines that I use on my 1990, 23 footer. This is for my Aero Cruiser only and may not be good for your rig.

Tire Pressure: Front 60 lb., Rear 75 lb. Check with your tire manufacture. The proper tire pressure depends on the tires you purchase and the weight on the Front and Rear axles. Note: if you over-inflate the front tires the unit may tend to wander on the highway and you may have a tendency to over steer. If you under-inflate, you will get poor tire wear and you may blow a tire.

Air Bags: 40 pounds each. (I have been told that the air bags are not part of the suspension, they are there to help with body sway especially in high winds.) Use too much pressure and you risk turn the rear-end into a catapult .

Lug nuts: If you have Aluminum wheels it is imperative that you check the torque with a reliable torque wrench often. Check with the manufacturer of the wheels for the proper torque settings. Each manufacture is different and the torque is different for the different stud sizes used in the front and rear wheel drums. Aluminum wheels expand and contract more than steel wheels, and the lug nuts will loosen and you will lose a wheel if you don't check them often! If you over torque the lug-nuts you can damage Aluminum wheels. Steel wheels also need to be checked from time to time.

Fuel Injection: Aero Cruisers from 1990 on use a throttle body carburetor with two Fuel Injectors, one for each manifold. The injectors tend to clog up if your rig sits for a long time. You can keep this from becoming a problem if you run the proper amount of fuel injector cleaner (see instruction on the product) through them after the motor home has set for a few months or longer, and you should always run the engine a minimum of 25 miles with the cleaner added to the gas just before you have it smogged.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  How to use the Message "Search" function to get Help!

Tip:  Lots of problems have been discussed in the Aero Cruiser Help Group -- http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/aerocruiserhelp/ -- over the years. To search all of the old messages for a particular problem, go to the top of the messages on the club home page, fill in a "keyword" and click on "Search" to see if there are any answers to your question.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Blue Book Value
 
Tip:  The Aero Cruiser holds its value better than most coaches. According to Rick (the Club President), the Blue Book listing is under Sun Rader and does not include $17,000 or more worth of options.
 
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Subject: Aero Cruiser Insurance

Question: For Insurance purposes we would like to know what is the value of a 1990 - 23 foot Aero Cruiser?  Thank you, our best, Steve and Danielle

Answer: When you have a 17 year old rig, condition is everything. I have seen good ones sell in the 20K range. Basically you are talking about a restored antique. The important thing is what will the Insurance co. pay out if you total it.  If you want to insure it for more than you paid for it, you may need to get a written statement from the insurance company that they will cover it up to the value placed on it.  In this case they may require an inspection. Otherwise the agents 20K value they base your premium on may turn into the adjusters 1K pay out.

That said, I also have a 1990 23 footer with a standard insurance package. If I total it, all I expect is a fight from the insurance co.  My preference has been to go with an Insurance company that specializes in Motor Homes such as Good Sam or Camping World.  Their price was right and the package covered more motor home related items such as interior contents.  The packages change from time to time so check it out before putting bucks on the line. 

This is my personal opinion, you need to consult a lawyer for a definitive opinion.
Keep on Cruisin' -- Tom Heald
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Derivability, Wandering and Towing

Question:  Can you tell me how the Aero Cruiser drives? Are they hard to control at 60 - 70 mph? Do they tend to wander around on the road at all? Is there any adverse changes when towing something? Thanks again, and I'll try to let you know. Hoping to be cruising soon, Mark

Answer:  The biggest derivability / wander-around-the-road factor is the tire pressure. I keep the Tire Pressure at: Front 60 lb., Rear 75 lb. Check with your tire manufacture. The proper tire pressure depends on the tires you purchase and the weight on the Front and Rear axles.  Note: if you over-inflate the front tires the unit may tend to wander on the highway and you may have a tendency to over steer. If you under-inflate, you will get poor tire wear and you may blow a tire.

When my wife and I first started driving the Aero Cruiser it took a while to get use to it.  We had a tendency to over correct but soon got use to it.  No problem after the first hour or so.  I don't drive it at 60-70 mph but my wife says it's no problem.

I tow a car from time to time without any problems. It will cost you about 1 mile per gallon in extra fuel burned.
Keep on Cruisin' -- Tom Heald
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Subject:  Windshield Replacement

Question:  Where can I get a replacement windshield? Are they still being made?

Answer:  The windshields are still being made. Your insurance company will know of a distributor. There is also a "Link" on our private web site where you can get them.  It is -- http://www.coachglass.com/ -- but shop around, there may be other sources also.  I have replaced mine twice. In both cases my insurance covered it with a $100 deductible.
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Chassis, Front and Rear ends and Engine Year

Question:  Where is the chassis number, I need it to get the right parts for the suspension. How can I find out what year the engine is?

Answer:  The Aero Cruiser a custom chassis so a chassis number will not help you find parts. The 1988-89 models had a "Vironex" chassis and some had steering or front suspension problems, so have the front end checked before you buy. The 1990-92 models had a better "LGS" chassis. 

Everything in the front end is from a Dodge full size pickup that was extended 8 inches and has a helper spring mounted above the axle. All of the electronics and the components in the dashboard are also from Dodge full size pickup. The rear end is a Dana 60 by Spicer. Read through the information on our web site -- http://aero-cruiser.fl-ink.com/ac-29ft.htm -- for more details.

Look on the engine air filter housing to get the year of the engine manufacture. The Aero Cruiser itself may be listed as a year or two newer then the engine. My 1990 Aero Cruiser has a 1987-8 engine.
Keep on Cruisin' -- Tom Heald
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Headroom

Question:  I was looking for the interior height from the floor to ceiling. I have always liked the style of these units & now looking at a few of the smaller motorhomes to purchase. Could you tell me what is the headroom in the 23 foot model? Thanks, Mark

Answer:  The ceilings are only 6'2". I am 6'1" and have no trouble: I probably duck
slightly for the air conditioner shroud but I don't think about it if I do.
My shower is a good 6'3" due to the dome. --Frank DeRemer

Update:  The ceilings are the same hight in the 23 and 29 foot Aero Cruisers.
Keep on Cruisin' -- Tom Heald

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Subject:  Drivers Seat Leg Room

Question:  I'm looking for a rear bedroom model Aero Cruiser. I just looked at one today but found that the driver's seat would not go back far enough to accommodate my 6'3" frame. Can you tell me if other tall owners have modified the driver's seat or perhaps the one I tried was unique?
Thanks, John

Answer:  The drivers seat should slide all the way back to the couch. If not then you have some sort of an obstruction. However, depending on the year, even then the foot room can be a bit tight. Some owners have replaced the seats. One option is to move the seat up. You can replace the pedestal it mounts on or just try a cushion on top of the seat. I am 6 foot and my wife is 5 foot 10, so I normally put a cushion on the seat to let me sit higher and give me a bit more leg room. When my wife drives, we take the cushion out and never have to adjust the seat back and forth.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Where can I find a Used Aero Cruiser?

Question:  I'm looking for a rear bedroom model Aero Cruiser.  Do you know of any on the west coast?

Answer:  There are always some used Aero Cruisers on the market. Check out the Public Web Page for the Aero Cruiser Club at: http://aero-cruiser.fl-ink.com/ac-sale.htm

A second source is on  -- http://aero-cruiser.fl-ink.com/  -- the club's public web site.  On the home page there are links to Classified Ad pages where some members and non-members advertise their uses Aero Cruisers.  Just scroll down the page to the section titled "Looking for Used Aero Cruisers" and follow the instructions. 

The site is to let non members know we exist and how to get in touch with us. This site also has lots of information about the Aero Cruiser including its history, photos, specifications and information on our club.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Suspension and Tire size

Question:  I am thinking of buying one of these units and would appreciate a few answers. I would of course join your club if I find one. I was a member of the Cortez Club. I know the chassis is custom but what do they use for the front end (suspension)? Is there a problem with wheels and tires as they are single wheels? Is the rear axle coil or leaf sprung? Thanks

Answer:  Everything in the front end is from a 1-ton Dodge Pickup that was extended 8 inches. It has coil springs and a lateral leaf stiffener-spring was added over the front axle. The rear suspension has leaf springs with airbags that are individually controlled from the front cab.

I look at the single rear wheels as an advantage over the smaller dual-wheels. It all comes down to how much load each tire bears. I run 60 pounds of pressure in the front tires and 75 pounds in the rear which is the recommendation of the club's Techmaster. A common problem is over inflating the front tires which will cause the steering to wander around on the road a bit. A mechanic first guess will be the ball joints or the steering arms -- which could be true -- but before you open your wallet, check the tire pressure.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Vinyl Strip

Question:  Hello: I am looking at a 1989 23' Aero Cruiser and am quite impressed. The main thing that bother me is the vinyl band that encompasses the unit at the joint of the two halves has some bubbling in spots, especially where the strip stops and starts. The bubbling is such that if it was a metal body, as in a car or truck, I'd be running for all I'm worth. I know that the two body halves have a metal band that they are attached to, and am wondering if this could be a problem? What is the metal band made of, could it be stainless steel? Could this be just bad glue holding the vinyl, or am I hoping for too much?
Mark

Answer:  The vinyl strip is a week point. Almost every coach has had to reapply the strip after 5 to 10 years. It is applied with double backed tape and water can get in at the seams. When I purchased my 1990 coach in 96 the vinyl was falling off. I removed everything, cleaned it up and reapplied it with contact cement. That was a mistake. I should have replaced it but I could not find a source at the time.  It lasted for another 5 years, but was badly discolored so I located the manufacture and replaced the old vinyl strip with a new one.

After replacing the vinyl strip I added a bead of clear silicon sealant above and below to keep the moisture out. That worked ok and I did the same thing when I replaced it later. I check it every spring and seal any area where the sealant is coming loose.  For more information on replacing the vinyl strip, look it up in out "Technical Data Base" if you decide to join our club at: http://aero-cruiser.fl-ink.com/

There are two types of Body Side Molding used on our rigs. The older models -- up through 1990 I think -- use a 4.75 inch wide molding on the sides and a 3.25 inch molding on the front and rear. Newer models use a thinner, bumper-style molding on the sides.

The best source for the wide molding is JC Whitney's "Ultra-wide Body Molding". It is 8.12 inches wide by 15 foot long. You trim it into strips approximately 4.75 & 3.25 inches wide for the sides and ends. You only need to order enough for the sides, as the part you trim off is more than enough for the front and rear. Go to -- http://www.jcwhitney.com/ -- and search for "ultra-wide molding" or call (800) 603-4383.

The metal band is aluminum and it allows the two haves to flex. I don't know of any coaches that have had a problem in this area. In the last year or two of production they switched to a different attachment method that replaced the 4.75 inch vinyl with a 1 inch (or so) "bumper" like strip to seal the attachment joint. This is a much better solution, but there is no way to retrofit the change.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Aero Cruiser Pricing

Question:  I am looking at a 1989 23' Aero Cruiser and am quite impressed. However, he is asking $22,000.00 US for the unit and it seems awfully high to me for a unit of this age and size. Is this within the range or out of line?
Mark 

Answer:  The price sounds about right, especially if everything  is ok with the coach.  As with any used vehicle, it's all in the condition and mileage.  A well maintained or restored coach with low mileage can sell for much more.  One that needs work, a lot less.

Because they are unique, and small they have held their price very well. Like "Yoda" said in "Star Wars". "Judge me not by my size." They sold new for around $50,000 and up. And that is real dollars of the time. If you adjust the price to Today's dollars, well, you can do the math.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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Subject:  Passenger Capacity and Seat Belts

Question:  I am looking at purchasing a '89 - 23' with capacity for only two people. It has only two seat belts, and they are in the cab area. It has the two free standing chairs for a dinette area, and no way of belting anyone in there. We are moving into retirement and the kids are now on there own. This will be my first motorhome. My questions and concerns are: How much of a concern is it to be able to carry passengers? Do other Areo Cruiser owners have this situation and is it a concern for them? Thank you

Answer:  A standard Aero Cruiser has seat belts for 6: Each of the 3 seats has one, the model with a couch has 3 for it and if it has a dinette there are 3 for it. Check the configurations on out public web site. It sounds like the one you are looking at has been modified or the missing belts are tucked below the seats. Ask the owner.
Keep on Cruisin', Tom Heald
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