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07-13-2013, 01:17 PM
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#1381
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Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
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Thanks Doug and Hoonanea - I asked my Sales rep to look in to this before taking delivery based on what I had read here. Methinks his claim that the factory said it was fine is BS :-(
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07-13-2013, 02:10 PM
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#1382
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Rivet Master
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 682
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
Howard, Airstream has (unofficially) recognized that clearance light/corrosion problem on 2011/early 2012 models as they went from incandescent to LED light fixtures, and provided a thicker gasket for them as a fix. Contact Customer Service if you need more help with this.
These plastic frames and fixtures are not admirable. The Classic models use a heavier aluminum frame and fixture that is a good replacement, and the route we took.
doug k
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As you might see Doug, the lights on my 2012 are LED. The frames/bases are metal ( thin metal with sharp edges where it meets the outer skin. Horrible design unless backed up with full rubber gaskets). Airstream is sending me new gaskets, but I suspect they will be the foam teardrop shaped fillers that fit internally inside the base--I suppose they are meant to cushion and hold the edges off AL skin. These were on my stock lights and are of little help since, tightened down, the front and back snug down touching the trailer's sides anyway. If the gaskets are full size and insulate the complete metal base from the skin, that will be great. We'll soon see.
The only lights with skin corrosion are the concave based units mounted on flat sides. Top lights, front and rear are still filiform free--concave base mounted on convex skin producing a proper fit. Yes, Airstream should be ashamed. I bet your Classic aluminum bases are both flat and concave depending on mounting area.
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07-13-2013, 03:50 PM
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#1383
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Yes the aluminum Classic light frames are curved for curved surfaces and flat for flat surfaces. The FC/Int'l/Sport frames are one size fits all plastic with curve applied even on flat surfaces. It took 1 1/2 years of installing these before they took corrective action, which is the thicker gasket as used now.
doug k
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07-14-2013, 05:13 PM
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#1384
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Rivet Master
2015 28' Flying Cloud
2012 25' Flying Cloud
2007 20' Safari SE
Fuquay Varina
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 524
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
Yes the aluminum Classic light frames are curved for curved surfaces and flat for flat surfaces. The FC/Int'l/Sport frames are one size fits all plastic with curve applied even on flat surfaces. It took 1 1/2 years of installing these before they took corrective action, which is the thicker gasket as used now.
doug k
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Hi Doug. We picked up our 2012 FC in February 2102, so i suspect it may be susceptible. However, I don't see any filiform anywhere at this point. The only issue I have had is the lens on the lower curbside, rear had popped out. I snapped it back in. Do you think I should go ahead and start the repair process? I am really not excited about taking it back to the dealer but if I should, perhaps I can/should do that. Thanks for the input. We have followed the same course with the 2007 20ft Safari SE-then the 2012 25ft. FC.
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07-15-2013, 06:22 AM
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#1385
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Hi Silverbee. Your 2012 trailer may be the later model year where they put the "fat" gasket between the fixture and shell. If so the light frame does not touch the shell clear coat, wearing through and initiating corrosion where they are in contact. If the frame ends do touch the shell, it's will most surely wear through.
Your 2007 Airstream does not have the culprit LED fixtures discussed here, they have a incandescent bulb in them.
doug k
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07-16-2013, 12:45 PM
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#1386
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Rivet Master
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 682
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
Hi Silverbee. Your 2012 trailer may be the later model year where they put the "fat" gasket between the fixture and shell. If so the light frame does not touch the shell clear coat, wearing through and initiating corrosion where they are in contact. If the frame ends do touch the shell, it's will most surely wear through.
Your 2007 Airstream does not have the culprit LED fixtures discussed here, they have a incandescent bulb in them.
doug k
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Hi Doug aka all you corrosion experts out there. Talked to Airstream again yesterday, asked for Classic style lights. Reply, "send a email asking and let me see if I can get those for you". So will keep you informed as to whether I get the larger gaskets, Classic lights, or both. I did just ask for the lights and would put them on myself, saving them the service charge from dealer. Would like to keep it away from the dealer as much as possible as they keep the trailer forever and it always comes back with a new dent in it somewhere. Thanks for the info on this Doug.
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07-16-2013, 12:49 PM
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#1387
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Rivet Master
2012 27' Flying Cloud
W
, New England
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 7,402
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard L.
Hi Doug aka all you corrosion experts out there. Talked to Airstream again yesterday, asked for Classic style lights. Reply, "send a email asking and let me see if I can get those for you". So will keep you informed as to whether I get the larger gaskets, Classic lights, or both. I did just ask for the lights and would put them on myself, saving them the service charge from dealer. Would like to keep it away from the dealer as much as possible as they keep the trailer forever and it always comes back with a new dent in it somewhere. Thanks for the info on this Doug.
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Howard - did you talk with anyone in particular? Thx
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07-16-2013, 12:50 PM
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#1388
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Rivet Master
2012 30' International
Vintage Kin Owner
Bad Axe
, Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 564
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I sent an email to Airstream yesterday about our 2012 International purchased in August of 2012. This is the reply I got:
Debbie,
Hello, We have the same light but have a casting that can be put on around the running light after treating the area to help cover it. If you would like to take your trailer to one of our dealers I will help by sending the casting to them and a paper on how to treat the areas. Let me know which dealer you would like to take your trailer.
__________________
2012 30' International Serenity
1947 Spartan Manor
2005 28' Safari LS - traded
1977 31' International Sovereign - sold
2012 Ford F250 Superduty Crewcab
WBCCI# 1007 Air#2158
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07-16-2013, 02:55 PM
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#1389
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Rivet Master
2012 30' Flying Cloud
San Antonio
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 682
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveSueMac
Howard - did you talk with anyone in particular? Thx
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I've been dealing with a couple of reps. Let me get a reply and I'll send you all the info and results. I sent them photos of the double problem, as Doug called it, leaking lights and the filiform issue. Asked for the Classic lights to solve them both, did not want water filled LEDs even if bases no longer caused damage as would be the fix they offered Debbie.
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07-16-2013, 03:12 PM
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#1390
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Good to hear they are working with you; try to get the Classic lights if you can as they do solve both issues.
doug k
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07-17-2013, 12:36 PM
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#1391
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1 Rivet Member
2012 28' International
Eugene
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 12
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I got my marker light corrosion issue taken care of. Talked with my dealer service tech and he said AS has been standing behind the repairs that needed fixed. I then called JC customer service and they said they would send the parts, New classic covers, to the dealer of my choice and work would be done at no expense to me. Parts came in, set up an appointment, they had the trailer for 1 day and the finished result was excellent. Corrosion sanded, treated with corrosion x, re clearcoated, new fixtures, and everything sealed up nice. Thank you George M. Sutton Service for your work. It is top notch.
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07-17-2013, 12:55 PM
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#1392
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Kingfish, good to hear. They replaced mine at the Service Center in Jackson Center. Very pleased with the new fixtures.
Anyone with a 2011 or early 2012 model ought to watch for this problem, and take care of it.
doug k
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07-17-2013, 03:14 PM
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#1393
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 594
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Can someone post pics of the classic light assemblies?
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07-17-2013, 06:15 PM
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#1394
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4 Rivet Member
2011 27 FB International
East Coast
, Newfoundland
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 383
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Same issue with my 2011. Airstream sent me the castings, sealant, clear coat pen and instructions for installation. Seems to do a decent job, but you have to be careful removing the LED lights. We must have stretched the wires too much as after all was complete two lights no longer work. Haven't gotten around to fixing that yet.
__________________
[AIR# 55762 TAC# NFL-1
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07-18-2013, 04:14 AM
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#1395
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2020 Globetrotter 25 FBT
2020 25' Globetrotter
Wildwood
, Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,605
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainNecro
Can someone post pics of the classic light assemblies?
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The guys from The factory came into St Louis to do mine. They were working at the local dealer. I will take a picture of the new light assemblies and get it posted. They do look nice.
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07-19-2013, 02:09 PM
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#1396
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3 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
2011 30' International
mooresburg
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 206
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just returned from the factory, they said to do what has been said on this form and that is all, no mention of replacement of lights.
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07-19-2013, 04:24 PM
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#1397
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gtc6452
just returned from the factory, they said to do what has been said on this form and that is all, no mention of replacement of lights.
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Typical.... 2yr, out of warranty, JC statement.
Kind'a glad I have the old style incan, no problem with filiform, just took some time stopping the leaks.
Too much to ask to have no leaks and no corrosion.
Bob
New inner-tube lens gasket and an O-ring around the screw.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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07-19-2013, 10:46 PM
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#1398
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Rivet Master
2015 28' Flying Cloud
Durango
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 623
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The corrosion at every marker light suddenly appeared on our 2011 FC23FB within six weeks of my last polishing. This trailer is 27 months old and has been washed with ArmorAll products after every use, and polished with NuFinish twice per year. It is normally stored under cover in very low humidity in Colorado, but did spend five months at the Gulf Coast this year. The skin looks great, but there is the corrosion at the leading and trailing edges of each marker light. Upon my request, Airstream has offered a 'goodwill' clearcoat repair and replacement with the Classic castings by my dealer. That's good (except for the 500 mile roundtrip to the dealer) but I really want to understand the cause of this corrosion. If it was my sailboat I would say electrolysis, but I don't see that process with the trailer. Is this aluminum skin really so vulnerable to corrosion? What resonable care will prevent such?
__________________
Safe Travels,
Joe & Joan Donnaway
Durango, CO
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07-20-2013, 03:51 AM
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#1399
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4 Rivet Member
2011 27 FB International
East Coast
, Newfoundland
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 383
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The problem is not galvanic corrosion. Google "filiform corrosion".
__________________
[AIR# 55762 TAC# NFL-1
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07-20-2013, 06:47 AM
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#1400
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamuJoe
The corrosion at every marker light suddenly appeared on our 2011 FC23FB within six weeks of my last polishing. This trailer is 27 months old and has been washed with ArmorAll products after every use, and polished with NuFinish twice per year. It is normally stored under cover in very low humidity in Colorado, but did spend five months at the Gulf Coast this year. The skin looks great, but there is the corrosion at the leading and trailing edges of each marker light. Upon my request, Airstream has offered a 'goodwill' clearcoat repair and replacement with the Classic castings by my dealer. That's good (except for the 500 mile roundtrip to the dealer) but I really want to understand the cause of this corrosion. If it was my sailboat I would say electrolysis, but I don't see that process with the trailer. Is this aluminum skin really so vulnerable to corrosion? What resonable care will prevent such?
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Here is a pretty good description, (the far left column lists the different forms of corrosion).
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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