you need 12v for the starter, Once the genset is started, it will provide its own needs.

To change oil, you can get a big syringe at the auto store with a short plastic tube on the end. Stick the tube down the oil fill, suck up a load, spit it into a bottle, and repeat until you draw air.

I hope ...

A 2" hole for the gen's exhaust is all thats needed, rather than the big square hole that Airstream puts in.

That big square hole is the exhaust port for the genset cooling airflow. Your genset depends upon a good airflow to maintain proper cooling for both the cylinder head and the generator and ...

Also, one other thing - I have a flaky GFCI outlet in my house

only one is needed to protect an entire circuit. code requires that all outside circuits and any near faucets or other potential earth ground needs GFI protection.

Being that the GFI device is so sensitive and quick acting it can ...

at least its consistent -

now you can isolate things down to one item at a time to find out what it is that is tripping the GFI - once you get then genset going again.

The GFI is supposed to trip only when there is a mismatch between currents between the hot and neutral of only a few milliamps ...

the GFI in the rig shouldn't be causing any grief. If you reset it, does it immediately pop off again? If so, you need to start isolating segments to find out what is tripping it.

The neutral and ground should be bonded together and to the house main ground. This should happen at the transfer ...

one of the big drawbacks with the diesel was weight. The B190 is pushing weight limits even with the 460.

I think the limiting factor for the 15,000 lbs is the B-van's braking capability, so if you have decent brakes on the camper you should be okay.

Where are the weight police when you need them? ;-) Some folks go bonkers on these things.

Yes the Ambassador is a 29' Airstream. It has its own brakes ...

I am towing a 75 Ambassador with a 91 B - In the Sierra's.

With a full load, it is a bit over weight ratings. With the 3.73 rear, overdrive if often turned off as it is a bit weak kneed. A pass like Conway on US 395 is a first gear slog.

http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/destinations/395-north ...

the easiest replacement would be a standard 6 gallon propane water heater with DSI or direct spark ignition. Check camping world: Suburban Water Heaters or Atwood Water Heaters

Do check the measurements for the size of hole and depth to compare to what you have. These are fairly easy to do it ...

As for jump starting, it would be preferred to start up the genset first and allow the house battery side of things a few minutes to charge up the engine battery. Connect the jumper after the genset has settled down and is running.

A good battery charger hooked up the genset would be even better ...

On mine, you need a star driver bit and it is awkward to get something to it. The top side that the mirror is mounted on has a star washer to keep it from twisting. The screw is also in a counter sunk hole.

You can find replacement mirrors fairly easily but they usually aren't the convex type as ...

A major factor is probably going to be rust. This will depend upon where you keep the van and where and when you drive it.

Everything can be fixed or upgraded, often at less cost than buying new, but when the body starts to rust out and other stuff underneath starts to rust, it starts to get to the ...