Metal Interior

[Beach Boy]

My wife and I looked at a new Airstream sometime in 2005 or 2006. It had a metal interior. I did a search on this forum about this subject but need further clarification. Is the interior stainless steel or aluminum? Which models and years offered the metal interior option? Thanks.

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums. The metal is aluminum. It was offered in CCD models originally, but since it was well-received, it now is offered in Safari Special Edition, and many Flying Cloud models.

[tkowalyk]

We have a 2006 25 Safari SS

We have aluminum behind our kitchen area (sink and stove), but have a padded covering over the aluminum in the rest of the trailer. The ceiling has a vinyl covering, the walls are covered in cloth.

I think that the covering helps quite a bit as insulation -- I say this because we were at a recent rally and our rig had no problem staying cool, while others with the metal (newer models) had trouble keeping the interior at a comfortable temperature.

It was 100+ that weekend.

[Ahab]

We have the same experience. In addition the sound absorbing qualities are also welcome.

[dwightdi]

Several models with the mouse fur interior have experienced headliner droop similar to what happens in a number of model cars. Long term high temperature exposure degrades the adhesive and foam backing of the headliner. It can be fixed by installing retaining screws or braces but does change the appearance. There is also the question of how to clean it if you use your trailer for more dusty camping.

[robandzoe]

If you have kids, their fingerprints show all over the place on that metal interior. Hard to keep it "non finger-proofed" in my opinion.

[Gringo]

hmm...that reminds me of an invention I once proposed. I wanted to put Velcro hook patches in restaurant chairs, and then build child size vests from the furry part of the Velcro. Then you could just zip the little blighters up in their soft cuddly vests and stick them to the chair, bench, wall.....

Someone in the legal aspect of it didn't think my idea would fly.

Did I mention airline seats? So that the little darling couldn't continuously cycle the tray table or kick the seat in front of him?

School buses...

[utee94]

Originally Posted by robandzoe

If you have kids, their fingerprints show all over the place on that metal interior. Hard to keep it "non finger-proofed" in my opinion.

Nothing a little MEK doesn't cure in 20 seconds.

[Gringo]

How do you get them to drink it?

[Phrunes]

Originally Posted by Gringo

How do you get them to drink it?

Haaaaharrrrrr!!!!

[Beach Boy]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Welcome to the forums. The metal is aluminum. It was offered in CCD models originally, but since it was well-received, it now is offered in Safari Special Edition, and many Flying Cloud models.

What years are/were the CCD models available? Are they rare (e.g., expensive)?

[blmitch5]

Originally Posted by Beach Boy

What years are/were the CCD models available? Are they rare (e.g., expensive)?

They still make them. They are more modern in design and have been around since 04? Could be earlier. I've got an 06 Bambi CCD and love it, they run higher than the FC or safari but by no means rare or overly expensive. The special editions such as the Swiss Army and the custom (75 made) with wood interior are harder to find and cost a lot more than a normal CCD but both are only 19'. Good luck on your search and look at the classified section on here. Lots to choose from.

[Scott J-24]

Our 2009 Ocean Breeze (27' FB) has an all aluminum interior. We like how bright and shiny it makes the AS look (yes, I am attracted to bright shiny objects....). As for keeping clean, no problems so far (but haven't taken a trip with our grandkids yet).

[dwightdi]

Do not use MEK on the interior or any other Airstream aluminum. It will attack the clear paint that is applied at the aluminum company. Use only non-abrasive detergent solution.

[Airtandem]

WE use the microfiber car window cleaner with the handle on it. A light spray of water and finish with the microfiber cloth. Easy and quick and no oily film. The Al now looks new.

[utee94]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Do not use MEK on the interior or any other Airstream aluminum. It will attack the clear paint that is applied at the aluminum company. Use only non-abrasive detergent solution.

Good point. I don't have that problem because my aluminum interior is bare ALCLAD. I installed it myself.

[Gene]

Our 2008 Safari SE has the aluminum interior. I don't know whether the Flying Cloud has an SE model or other model that included the aluminum interior.

Those with mouse fur say there's are better insulated and it is probably true, though I think all the windows in the SE make them harder to insulate.

We decided that if we were going aluminum, we'd go all the way. I don't believe they clear coat the interior, just the exterior.

Gene

[Ag&Au]

Originally Posted by Gringo

How do you get them to drink it?

You use one of the above mentioned vests to velcro them to the couch or dinette.

[TinCanLand]

Gringo, the concept lives on. You need to attend a (admittedly non-PC) midget toss.

[Gringo]

We've only spent two nights in our CCD, but we love the aluminum interior. I picked up a couple cheapo LED flashlights at an Academy store in Houston, you know, the little chinese gnurled,machined aluminum jobbies with an o-ring, rubber switch, and a strange three cell AAA battery pack? Pack of two for ten bucks.

I didn't realize they had red lasers built into them, too. What fun! The second night in the Airstream I had all the lights out and playing with the laser inside. It was fun to see how many beams I could get going. Almost made me wish I still smoked, to make the beams really stand out. Would have been fun to borrow someone's cat, too.

Then I was thinking....IF someone were say, showing entirely too much interest in the windows or tailgate of the truck at night, wouldn't it be interesting for them to look down and see the red laser dot? Might even be more effective than the flashlight.