Airstream Owners: Questions from a Newbie

[slo-ryde]

I'd like to hook up (phone, e-mail, etc) with people who own Airstream trailers so I can learn more about them and know what to look for when buying one.



I know from previous posts that there were some quality control issues during certain years of manufacture. I'm looking to buy something in the 25 to 28 foot range to start with so I can use it as my "training wheels" and move up to something bigger later on. I see Airstreams for sale on the Internet and one thing I've noticed is that they don't stay on the for sale list very long. The fact that they sell quickly really speaks for the product in my opinion.



Thanks!

 

[Steve Graham]

Go here http://www.airstreamforums.com/

You'll find all your answers there.

Steve

(former Airstream owner)

 

[HBarlow]

Slo-Ryde:



I've owned several Airstreams including a 1983 31', a 1984 31', and a 1993 34' triple axle. I still own a vintage 1966 Safari 22' although my primary TT is now an Avion. I'll be happy to answer your questions or discuss them with you.



Airstream builds high-quality, hand-crafted trailers. Thousands of older ones are still registered and in frequent service. I consider them a fine product.



Airstreams manufactured in the early 1970s, around 1973 if I remember correctly, were the first Airstreams equipped with gray water holding tanks as well as black water. All, or virtually all, Airstreams of that period had rear bathrooms. The additional weight of full gray and black water holding tanks hung on the rear of the trailer frame caused the rear portions of the frames to bend downward and separate from the rear of the trailer body. That problem was corrected with a field modification which added frame bracing behind the rear axle and brackets at the extreme rear to reconnect the body to the frame. The frames were modified in production to strengthen subsequent trailers.



Airstream essentially went out of business around 1979 and, I think, actually shut down for a brief period. Airstream was bought by Beatrice Foods, a food products retailer. Beatrice reportedly cut corners, probably in the interest of saving the company and making it profitable. One of the things that occurred during the Beatrice era was very thin frames were used for some years and models. Normal frame rail dimensions measured from top to bottom are about 5 1/2 inches. I think some longer Airstreams on the order of 29', 30', or 31' were built with something like 3 1/2" or 4" frames around 1979 or 1980. Those trailers flexed and sagged. Watch out for them.



Airstreams have had finish problems for many years. They use an aluminum skin which expands and contracts with temperature changes. The exterior finish is a specially blended clear coat. Automotive clear coat will not do. The Airstream finish must remain somewhat plyable or flexible in order to expand and contract with the skin. Airstreams that live in hot climates such as the south or southwest will experience finish failure. Period. It is not a matter of if, but when. What happens is the hot dry climates bake the polymers or whatever provides the flexibility out of the clear coat finish and then when ambient and skin temperatures change rapidly, the finish separates from the trailer's aluminum skin. This results first in chalky looking finish then later, corrosion of the aluminum skin which leaves ugly patches all over, like sunburned skin.



Airstream has experimented with various reformulated clear coat coatings over the years as well as trying precoated aluminum skin from their aluminum suppliers. The 1983 I owned had been stripped and recoated. The 1993 I owned experienced finish failure when the trailer was less than two years old. The 1984 which I owned last, had a very ugly splotched finish but was a good interim trailer after a hail storm damaged the 1993.



About 2000, Airstream began using Alcoa aluminum sheets which are precoated by Alcoa at the factory. Airstream built a body skin without frame, interior, windows, etc... ... just a trailer body and shipped it to Oasis RV, a longtime Airstream dealer in Tucson, AZ, for environmental testing. The trailer body has been sitting on the back lot at Oasis RV for about three years, baking in the sun. I examined it in January and it showed no sign of finish peeling. Airstream may, I emphasize may, have solved their problem.



Feel free to communicate direct with me if you desire. Send me a PM and I'll reply.



Harvey

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have one of the last 1995s, made in May 95 to my order. The 96s went to 8. 5' wide. Mine is 21' long, 8' wide.

As Harvey said, the clearcoat has been problematic. Mine sits in the Las Vegas sun year 'round and the clear coat has large patches essentially burned off. Not really a problem out here, as the air is dry and the main point of clear coat is to protect the aluminum from oxidizing excessively from salt, etc. I heard from Airstream that the 95 version of clear coat was pre-coated and didn't work out well. Mine has a 2x4" tubing frame (I think it is 1/8" wall) that has done just fine.



The Henschen independent suspension and rounded body have contributed to amazingly good road manners for about 50K miles for me. I use a tow ball, weight carrying mode. No spring bars or sway control. Tongue weight is around 650 lb, contributing to good handling but making the Draw Tite Ultra Frame hitch a good choice over the stock hitch which is rated for 500 lb tongue weight.



Many components are "industry standard" like Dometic, Shur Flo, etc. Thus, they are neither better nor worse than used by other trailer mfg. It does seem that Airstream tries to choose a good brand where different vendors make similar products.



Airstream seems to pay a lot of attention to weight distribution for good towing. My trailer is easy to work on, as I have checked out serviceability to a lot of the components to see how hard it would be to fix them.



Overall, I am very happy with it. Even though it cost double what some popular brands would have cost in that size, I'd buy it again and in fact would not want to change brands. A couple times its excellent handling have saved my bacon against the roadmorons when I had to change lanes abruptly, etc.

 

[Deezul1]

If you can find an "Argosy" its a Airstream also and they can be had quite a bit cheaper than the regular Airstreams and they have all the quality and goodies of the regular models. These were made from 86 to 89 and are painted a off white or light tan color that seems to hold up real well. These have no rivets showing and look much newer than they are.



http://www.calldon.com/air.htm



check this site out for a lot of info and a pic of the Argosy and its twin Airstream counterpart the "Landyacht"

 

[slo-ryde]

So, it looks like a 1996 or newer Airstream would probably be a good choice? I've already seen a lot of information on how the clear coat doesn't hold up. I'm prepared to live with that if I have to.



One of my big concerns would be the holding tanks. If they were neglected by a previous owner how would I know it? And what kind of damage would I expect? The worst case scenario would be to replace one or all of the tanks I guess. This sounds like a major expense but maybe it isn't?



I've also seen a lot of posts on the refrigerators going bad if left sitting for long periods without being used. Some people have mentioned turning it upside down to get the ammonia gel moving again. As I understand it, these RV refrigerators are on the expensive side.



I guess my main concerns are having to put a lot of extra money into the trailer after buying it. Anybody know how much it would cost to have an Airstream certified repair center do a complete inspection?

 

[HBarlow]

Slo-ryde,



Any Airstream that has been cared for, with the exception of the "Beatrice" models with thin frame rails, can be a good buy. There are hundreds of 1980s and 1990s era Airstreams that will turn up for sale somewhere. Most of them, even with peeling clearcoat finishes, can be good buys.



Even a trailer with recent finish failure can be a good buy if you negotiate the price of stripping and recoating in the purchase agreement. Strip and recoat will cost around $2500 - $3000 depending on trailer length and whether or not the bare patches of skin have already oxidized brown. If badly oxidized, refinishing requires that the oxidized patches be polished out which increases labor costs. A new finish, properly done, and maintained with frequent washing and waxing, should last approximately ten years.



I think your fear of neglected holding tanks is unwarranted. The only thing, other than wrecking the trailer, that can cause holding tank failure would be subjecting them to freezing temperatures when filled with liquid and without trailer forced air heat. It is easy to determine if the tanks are damaged. Fill them with water and look under the trailer for leaks. If none is visible, test the dump valves by opening them until the tanks are drained. Holding tanks are molded of slick poly material. Nothing really sticks to their inside walls regardless of all the products that are sold to prevent "terrible holding tank casualties. " Special RV bathroom paper is completely unnecessary. In 30+ years of trailer ownership and use I've never bought a roll. Chemical decomposition products are required only for odor control. Even if a tank is damaged it is easy and not terribly expensive to replace. I replaced the fresh water tank on the '93 I owned. You simply disconnect the fittings and drop the tank from between the frame rails. A couple hours of labor should cover it.



RV dealers may or may not be familiar with Airstreams. If I was seriously contemplating purchase of a good used Airstream and was not able to personally inspect and evaluate its condition, I would consider taking it to a franchised Airstream dealer or to the factory service department at Jackson Center, OH and paying the hourly labor rate to have a skilled tech go over the trailer. The hourly labor rate will be in the range of $50 to $70. Careful inspection and testing should require no more than two or three hours and should include a checklist of systems and items checked and results. Tell me where you live and I may be able to make a suggestion.



Harvey

 

[CKimball]

As Mr barlow said!!!. . I own a 31 footer(see sig) that I am restoring and everything that was preveiously written is true... My airstream satys out at the colorado river on a lot that I own and about every 2 years I have had the clearcoat sprayed (so far 4 times) and the last time I had a shop in Parker AZ do it with a urethane clearcoat and it seems to be holding up better than the others that have been sprayed on... it gets over 111 degrees out there all summer and it is a great place to test the paint!!... I love my airstream... it is old and well built... many people are grabbing them and putting late model stuff inside... I am in the process of doing such (just no time)... when this is done the price of them goes WAY up!!... ebay had one not too long ago go for OVER 60k with leather and suede corian counter tops etc... . very cool trailer

my two cents

Cameron

 

[Gene Arnold]

Slo-ryde-



I can’t add too much to what others have already said. I bought my first Airstream in 1983. It was a 1969, 31’ Sovereign and had no grey water tank. It was an inconvenience but, since I was still working and couldn’t do extensive travel, it wasn’t too hard to live with. During the more than sixteen years I owned it I had some trouble, but given the age of the trailer I don’t feel the troubles were excessive. Most were somewhat minor maintenance issues (rivets that worked loose, etc. ). The fridge went bad but I found a near new one to replace it with at quite a savings over the new price. My wife made new drapery just before we sold it in 1999 and it was an “eye-popper” inside. Mine had the genuine wood cabinetry (the seventies had a lot of plastic and used tambour doors that caused really bad problems.

One thing I’ve always had issues with is the atrocious décor of the seventies and eighties models. The first thing I did with mine was redo the interior with a less busy scheme (just my preference).

After I bought my newer Airstream, I sold the ’69 via the internet for more than I’d paid for it sixteen years earlier. When the California buyer came to pick it up, I offered a walkthrough before he wrote the check. He took a cursory look and wrote the check with no haggling at all. He was happy and I was happy.

If you buy an older unit just be prepared for some idiosyncrasies. This would also be true if you decided to buy an older car to drive. They are not without the need for TLC. However, all you have to do to appreciate an Airstream is to look over a really old Airstream and compare its structural integrity with other brands of the same age. I’ve never had significant leaks, rot, or looseness in mine.

In 1998 I got the chance to buy a built to order 1992 34’ft Limited with triple axles. The trailer had had very little use in its six years. The price was right (1/3 of new price), so I bought it, even though I’d not planned to replace the old one until 2001. The ’92 is a real “dreamboat!” Luxury to the max.

I’ve been losing large patches of the clear-coat, but since I’m in a mild climate I’m not greatly concerned. Someday soon I’m going to get around to checking out a special coating that I read about here on TDR. Sounds like an excellent alternative that will last indefinitely (developed for industrial, aircraft, and space usage). I just did the search and there are two mentioned by moderator, Barry (don’t know how to reference the thread, but it was in the Towing Forum, dated 12/13/2001). The web sites for the two are www.nyalic.com and www.vivilon.com (sorry I can't post link feature, I'm technically challenged.

My own preference would have been to stay with a newer tandem axle, 32’ model, but beggars can’t be choosers. Although it is only 3’ longer, my Limited seems huge by comparison. Both trailers have pulled like a dream. The low profile and streamlined design combine well for excellent pulling and superior fuel mileage (I consistently get over 14 mpg pulling with my 12 valve, 5speed Ram.

You’ll give up a few things in an Airstream. Headroom is an issue with some people (I’m 6’3” and have no problems, but it is a little close). Less storage room than many others. For many of us, those are worthwhile tradeoffs to attain the structural integrity and superior towing features (that’s subjective opinion of course).

Of course, there is one REALLY BIG problem you’ll have to deal with. Since Airstreams have the reputation of being preferred mostly by old people, you may be uncomfortable being viewed by fellow RVers as an OLD COOT! But, I got over it (smile).

 

[rcaldwel]

Airstream experience

We own a 2001 19' airstream. It is part of the new Safari line and is called a 'Bambi'. I took the Airstream factory tour in Jackson Center and was impressed as to the quality that has been re-established back into airstreams. the 90's definitely had quality problems. Especially the clear coat finish. Around 2000 Airstream started receiving Alcoa sheets that were treated with an Alcoa clear coat product. So far, as one reader noted, the finish appears to be standing up. One reason we bought an Airstream was all the stories about them lasting. Airstream documents that more than 60% of their trailers are still on the road. There are a number of Vintage Airstream groups that do nothing but restore older airstreams. you won't go wrong buying one. I would also suggest that you contact the Wally Byam Club at "http://www.wbcci.org". This sight gives all the regional information. I would contact some locals and ask them to help you in the hunting and inspecting of airstreams. These people are extremely knowledgable and will provide great assistance. You'll find this club and it history very interesting as Wally Byam was the inventor of the legendary Airstream. One thing you will find, most if not all airstreamers are more than willing to do whatever they can. Let us know how things go. There is also Airstream's Corporate site at "www.airstream.com".

 

[slo-ryde]

WOW



Thanks to everyone for all the excellent information! I feel much better about buying a used Airstream now. The clear-coat problem is a bummer but maybe there's a solution just around the corner. The aviation product mentioned earlier sounds like just the ticket.



I agree with Gene regarding the interior being just a little outdated for my tastes. Slip covers would be one of the first "bombs" for me. Drapes would be a close second. Anybody take out the carpet and put in something like Pergo? I have Pergo in my house and love the low maintenance aspect. It looks nice too.



Since they went to the wide-body in 1996 should I try to get into one of those? I'm new to towing and don't want to get something that's going to be a nightmare to use. Another thing comes to mind, just how difficult is it to maneuver one of these things into a campsite? I've seen the video from Hensley for their Arrow hitch and they claim it improves the turning radius and tracking in turns. I have visions of backing over a picnic table or taking out a power pole. I guess it's just something that requires practice and a good spotter.



I like hearing that people are getting 14mpg towing an Airstream. Anything to keep operating costs down gets a solid two thumbs up from me.



Harvey: I live in Santa Rosa, CA. That's about an hour north of San Francisco. I know of at least one authorized Airstream dealership in the area. Unfortunately, most of the trailers I see for sale on the Internet are not located in my area. I found a 1994 34' Excella in New York selling for $21,000 which sounds like a real nice price but it's just too far away. It would be a blast to take off for New York to pick up a trailer. There's a 1995 34' Limited in San Diego selling for $24,500 with some nice upgrades (solar panels, satellite dish, awnings, new tires, etc) that has caught my eye. It's more trailer than I originally wanted.



One last thing, how much does the rear of the trailer swing out when doing turns?



Once again, thanks for all the excellent info. I'll be pm'ing those who extended the invite to discuss these trailers more!

 

[HBarlow]

slo-ryde,



Go to http://www.airstream.com, the official Airstream website suggested by rcaldwel for a listing of dealers nationwide.



Go to http://www.vintage@airstream.net to search for Airstreams for sale. This is an excellent website for Airstream enthusiasts. The vintage site includes a classified ad section which always offers dozens of Airstreams for sale. RVTraderOnline and other classified listing websites can also be good sources.



The rear of trailers don't really swing out unless you drag the trailer through a very short right angle turn. The thing to watch out for is the trailer will always track inside the puller in turns. In other words, learn to make wide turns while watching the trailer's wheels in your mirrors. If you make short turns the trailer's inside wheels will travel over the inside curb.



I would avoid an Airstream longer than 30' or 31' and the 1996 and later "wide-body" trailers for my first Airstream. The 8. 5' wide units are easier to get in trouble with until you are an experienced trailer puller, unless your puller is a Dodge Ram 3500 with training wheels. Construction zones with barricades and cones, narrow old two-lane highway bridges when meeting 18 wheelers, and maneuvering on congested city streets between traffic in one lane and parked vehicles in the other could all present a situation which could easily cause you to hit something with the wider trailer.



As Joe Donnelly said, Airstreams are carefully engineered. Fore and aft and side to side weights are carefully engineered to provide balance. The trailer's aerodynamic shape allows them to slip through the wind requiring much less power and fuel to pull. The torque flex suspension systems on Airstreams is the smoothest riding and longest lasting system available. I pulled the '93 34'er over 50,000 miles with an electric coffee maker sitting, not attached in any way, simply sitting on the kitchen counter. They ride smoothly.



In my opinion, all you need is a good Reese dual-cam sway control hitch assembly or an Eaz-Lift weight distributing hitch with one sway control. Hensley hitches are fine if you have too much money and feel you need to spend some to keep your wallet from overflowing. I know, this comment will cause angry postings in defense of their choice of hitch. Note I'm not criticizing the Hensley, I'm just saying I consider them unnecessary additional expense and complexity if you will be towing with a Dodge Ram. If you plan to tow with a short wheelbase SUV, a Hensley hitch would probably be a good investment.



Harvey

 

[Deezul1]

The Hensley hitch is a great piece of equipment and they can be had a lot cheaper than new by watching the throw away papers. Thats where I got mine for $250. 00. I tried to make my 32' trailer sway by dropping the curb side wheels off the pavement and pulling back on again and other than the bump I felt nothing, almost as if it hadnt happened. Too much money for a new one though.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I also recommnd staying with 8' width. The 8. 5' width is not legal on all roads. Also if you go with a smaller trailer, like no more than 25' long, it is easier to learn, lots easier to tow due to lower weight, and less bulky to maneuver. As I posted above, my 21' tows fine with just the weight carrying ball. I use a 2500 Ram. Often the best deals are on the big ones as folks health declines and they get out of trailering, and their higher prices makes them harder to sell. The little ones seem real popular and lots of folks who travel a lot--as oppposed to staying in one park for long time periods--find the smaller units nicer to tow. I look on mine as closer to a hard shelled tent rather than a towable house Think hard about why you want the trailer before picking a size. I often tow a long distance and then stay in it just a couple days at my destination, like a TDR rally. I also use it for sleeping on the road. I just stop at a truck stop, buy a load of #2, and park with the big rigs for a free night's sleep.

 

[slo-ryde]

Thanks again for more excellent information!



Yes, I was thinking the 34 footer might be a wee bit too much for a first trailer. My truck is a quadcab longbed that already provides enough challenges in parking lots. I can't imagine what it would be like with a 34 foot trailer back there.



No argument from me on the price of the Hensley hitch. I've seen a few on ebay for about half of what they sell for new. It would probably be overkill with a 25 to 28 foot Airstream. I have the camper/tow package with all the extra springs , rear sway bar and "E" rated tires so it should be more than enough to keep the trailer under control. I've seen these things being pulled by full-sized cars so it's obvious they are very well-mannered from a towing perspective.



As Joseph put it: think about the application. My favorite type of camping is to find a quiet park with showers and restrooms. I generally stay put at one campground if possible. The one campground I spend most of my time at has really nice showers and large campsites with plenty of space between neighboring campsites. Each site has a covered picnic table, a fire ring, and a barbecue pit. No hookups but I get along fine without them.



Up until now I've been setting up a tent for my sleeping quarters. The only downside to tents is when it rains or when the temperatures start to drop. I wouldn't be using the toilet or shower very much if at all. The stove and refrigerator would be getting a fair amount of use and the furnace during the colder months. I like the idea of solar panels to keep the batteries topped off.



I also like the idea of being able to pull off at a truck stop and crawl in the trailer for a good night's sleep. I've been sleeping in the front seat of the truck on the last 3 trips and that's getting old!



My main reason for going with a TT instead of a 5'er is to allow the use of the bed for carrying other things. For me that would mean a motorcycle. It would become my main source of getting around when at the campground. I also like to fire up my GPS unit and go out and find interesting things that I come across on my Topo software like abandoned mines, hot springs, geologic features, etc. Having the motorcycle would certainly make that sweet.

 

[Josparkz]

I have a '66 Safari that I've owned for about 24 years. It has held together really well, and I've been known to do some really nice B. O. M. B. S. to it .

The only problem with it , is age discrimination. I call someone up (trailer park)and say I have a real cherry little Airstream and would like a spot for awhile, they freak when they hear the age of it and say that the park won't take anything over 10 years old . . :-{} Makes it kind of hard to find parking sometimes. That's mostly why it hasn't been out of my backyard for a few years. {I got trained right, take care of the old-timers } I was going to trade it in on one of the newer Safari's a few years ago and decided I liked my old classic with the oak interior and the oak and teak parquet floors and the freeze proofed interior plumbing and all the other really nice accoutrement's a lot better than the new ones. Oo.

A note on size: a lot of national forests don't allow anything over about a 22 footer. And some of the more remote areas are not really Airstream friendly. Bondo just doesn't look good on them after you hit a low hanging branch

 

[socal_rattler]

I recently bought a 2004 Airstream 25' Safari LS and I am very happy with it so far. It tows very well behind my CTD i



The flooring in 2004 was changed to a heavy vinyl with carpet only in front of the sofa..... I was much happier with this than the full carpet in the earlier models I looked at.