Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-04-2014, 04:10 AM   #2001
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
Now I finally see what it looks like...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-04-2014, 05:17 AM   #2002
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
Since this is only cosmetic, maybe a better deal can be had! Might be worth a bunch off the price. Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-06-2014, 02:23 PM   #2003
Rivet Master
 
interstateflyer's Avatar
 
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos , California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
Images: 7
We took delivery of a 2014 23D last week. I brought it home and immediately treated all of the cast and extruded exterior parts with Corrosion X.

There were even some filiform corrosion squiggles "pre-packaged" with the trailer, surprisingly on the sealed side panels. Those were treated with Corrosion X and sealed with an "Airstream" clear pen.

I then waxed everything with 2 applications of GLARE Professional Polish.

Corrosion X, Airstream Clear Acrylic Pens and GLARE are all available on Airstream.com.

Airstream Tech Support recommends these products to help avoid corrosion.

I only wish that I was made aware of this preventative regime for my last trailer. There should be a description of this process as a "before you plug it in" step.
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
interstateflyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-11-2014, 05:13 PM   #2004
Rivet Master
 
Howard L.'s Avatar
 
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 681
Smart man Interstate!


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
Howard L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2014, 08:48 PM   #2005
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Windermere , Florida
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 8
So if this is a known problem, then why would anyone buy an airstream ? I can't imagine my new car having a similar significant issues. So sad. I don't understand?!
407EBM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2014, 08:53 PM   #2006
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
And I have still never seen this corrosion...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2014, 08:54 PM   #2007
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by 407EBM View Post
So if this is a known problem, then why would anyone buy an airstream ? I can't imagine my new car having a similar significant issues. So sad. I don't understand?!
Aluminitus - there is no known cure. Yes, very sad, but true.
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2014, 09:05 PM   #2008
Rivet Master
 
Wayward's Avatar
 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Broadway , North Carolina
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 838
Quote:
Originally Posted by 407EBM View Post
So if this is a known problem, then why would anyone buy an airstream !
I bought an Airstream because it is aluminum.

It reflects the colors of the world around it.

It might find a teeny spot or two of the filaform because it is aluminum.

Can't have one without the other.

But its a whole lot shiney'er than it is anything else.
__________________
2006 Safari SE FB
2000 F150 4.2L (retired), 2011 F250 6.2L, 2010 ML550, 2000 Excursion 7.3L
Broadway, NC
Wayward is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2014, 09:14 PM   #2009
Rivet Master
 
interstateflyer's Avatar
 
2017 25' International
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Los Osos , California
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 916
Images: 7
34% of the US population lives within 10 miles of a body of salt water. Chances are that this demographic has more to spend on RVs than much of the other 66%. Apparently this fact is lost on Airstream/Thor.

From my experience, filiform corrosion definitely affects post 1984 Airstreams within that 10 mile zone. I just purchased a 2014 model from a dealer 40 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The trailer had been in their possession for 4 months. I had to treat side panels and cast parts for filiform.

I will do what I can to prevent filiform on my new trailer. I've already run the gambit of emotions tied to my 2013 International corroding.

Rumor has it that some people have reached legal settlements with Airstream/Thor. That's cool if you want to put your time and energy into pursuing that course of action.

Bottom line is do what you can, enjoy your trailer and have pleasant journeys.
__________________
2017 Airstream International Serenity 25FB
2016 RAM 2500 Crew Cab Cummins 6.7 Diesel
interstateflyer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 06:49 AM   #2010
Rivet Master
 
PharmGeek's Avatar
 
2014 30' FB FC Bunk
Hoover , Alabama
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,530
Mine was special ordered and picked up in Gulfport ms - pretty close to ocean I think

Luckily it did not set on lot but for like 1 week before I picked up - brought home - washed - waxed - applied corrosion X to all seams - no indications of corrosion except a small amount on the door handle

I live in Birmingham

Bought 1 year ago a 2014

I keep watching

We knew of this concern but believed if we special ordered - did not live near beach and we regularly applied the anti corrosives we could worst case limit the stuff as documented in this thread

Time will tell

So far so good and not regretting the purchase at all

Hitting hungry mothers state park near my hometown next weekend
__________________
“The atoms of our bodies are traceable to stars that manufactured them...We are not figuratively, but literally stardust.”


PharmGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 07:32 AM   #2011
2 Rivet Member
 
2006 Safari SE
Everson , Washington
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 41
It comes with the territory

I like my 19 foot 2006 Safari and make do with the several areas of corrosion which were noted early-on. We liked the style of the rig and assumed by paying about twice the amount of other 19 foot trailers that we were getting a quality product. We were wrong. In reality our Safari was poorly put together and when you think about it they change the interiors almost yearly with the main focus being looks rather than durability. So that things literally do fall apart (trip to Alaska was a real adventure) with heavy use--my experience with the 2006 Safari).


I view the Airstream as the result of the best in 1930's technology (the riveted aluminum shell) combined with middle of the road components (Safari line) put together in a haphazard fashion with little concern about durability. In Seattle, up till recently (I can't comment on the new dealer) the dealer was not focused on Airstream and did minimal preparation on delivery. So between a factory lacking quality control and a mediocre dealer support there was lots to be done the first few months of ownership. And yes my airstream was delivered with water levels in the running lights among other things.


Whether it's worth the Airstream premium in cost is a personal decision. I do like the look as noted by others but by buying one of these you also must accept the poor construction quality which I'm told is endemic in the RV industry and the tendency to corrosion (which the manufacturer essentially ignores). It's too bad.
pagoff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 08:41 AM   #2012
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Mantua , Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
Blog Entries: 2
Opinions vary! Jim
xrvr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 09:07 AM   #2013
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
My career was Navy aircraft maintenance. Airplanes constructed primarily of riveted aluminum and costing millions of dollars, each. Premium purchase price has nothing to do with it. Corrosion control was an ongoing program to keep them in good shape, and we did.

You cannot expect to expose cut, drilled and riveted aluminum panels and components to corrosive environments and not get corrosion. The aircraft builders never figured it out, nor the Navy who has been flying them for about 100 years, and I don't expect Airstream to either.

But the way to prevent much of it and minimize its effects is in this thread. Inspect and treat with corrosion preventive products regularly, and repair as needed. It's not that tough to do.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 09:24 AM   #2014
Rivet Master
 
2007 23' Safari SE
2016 23' International
Fernandina Beach , Florida
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 586
Its been noted before in other threads how thor concentrates on production numbers and not quality. The simple fact that they do not bother to vacuum out scraps and rivet holes during construction speaks to this focus on speed. I can attest, having just driven my trailer 3200 miles across the country, that all sorts of debris vibrated out from under the installed cabinets. The floor was spic and span when I left Florida and filthy when I got to California, including the appearance of a 6 by 18 inch aluminum plate that I searched long and hard to see if it had detached from something important... I concluded it had not, having no physical signs of attachment. It was simply scrap.

My point is that a simple preventive maintenance application of sealer immediately during construction could have eliminated this corrosion headache for many owners, and while they have gone back to using the beltline trim on the Flying Clouds to hide the problem, I'll bet dollars to donuts they still haven't sealed that seam and sooner or later the filiform will creep out from under that trim. Those with rotten floors, due to the same hurried construction techniques, can relate to this. There is no excuse for this shoddy construction technique. Its high time for a class action suit.
Tomzstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 09:34 AM   #2015
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
"Its high time for a class action suit."

The reality is it ain't gonna happen. Better to spend your time taking care of and enjoying what you have.

But if it does, could you throw in the rusty cars and trucks we've had over the years.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 10:17 AM   #2016
Rivet Master
 
2007 23' Safari SE
2016 23' International
Fernandina Beach , Florida
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 586
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
"Its high time for a class action suit."

The reality is it ain't gonna happen. Better to spend your time taking care of and enjoying what you have.

But if it does, could you throw in the rusty cars and trucks we've had over the years.
I have a feeling you'll be first in line when we do have a successful go at it. Your trailer is still somewhat new, but give it a few years... We'll be watching to see if the filiform creep prompts a post from you some 3 or 4 years from now, and while you may have the beltline trim, please tell me how you will "take care" of that inaccessible seam. Read what others have had to do to FIX their rotten floor issues. its not "routine maintenance" by any means.
Tomzstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 10:54 AM   #2017
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
Okay, here's my deal. Bought a 2007 Airstream new but two years on the dealers lot next to a busy road with winter road salt. Had filiform corrosion around a few rivets and on belt line.

Treated shell and underbody steel with corrosion products and it never progressed beyond that in two years, when we bought a new 2012 Airstream fresh from factory and delivered on summer roads.

Three years now, inspect and treat regularly with corrosion preventive products on shell and underbody steel. We have 20 months total on the road in the is Airstream so it gets used and nicked (which I touch up). No trace of corrosion or rust anywhere.

You can sue the company or maintain your Airstream, but it evident to me which will be most successful. Or sue and maintain, but then you will have little basis for a settlement.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 10:55 AM   #2018
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
How 'bout the standard white range vent cover painted silver?
The paint is peeling in just under 2 years of ownership.
Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1408208055.549810.jpg
Views:	265
Size:	657.8 KB
ID:	219135
It costs 2, 3, or 4 times what an sob costs, but is only marginally better.
Reality bites...
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 10:57 AM   #2019
Rivet Master
 
dkottum's Avatar
 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
Repaint it.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles

The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
dkottum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2014, 11:18 AM   #2020
Rivet Master
 
m.hony's Avatar
 
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood , Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
Why can't they source s silver/gray one or make one from stainless steel or aluminum?
Why should the owner of a hundred thousand dollar trailer have to paint a cheesy plastic piece of crap?
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
m.hony is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ralph Lauren Vintage Airstreams ($150,000) Andy R General Interior Topics 1 07-10-2019 08:45 AM
Stainless steel corrosion Dave-O Stoves, Ovens & Microwaves 21 04-05-2014 06:30 PM
How did you get into Airstreams & Airstreaming? 83Excella Our Community 102 03-15-2009 09:48 AM
Airstreams in winter?? Curtis-79MH Airstream Motorhome Forums 6 03-27-2006 12:58 PM
Black water problems Rob Waste Systems, Tanks & Totes 3 08-31-2002 07:34 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.