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10-09-2013, 10:56 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1989 29' Excella
2018 30' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 229
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Technological Improvements lacking in Airstreams
It seems that Airstream is investing heavily in cutting edge design and technology attributes in their coaches. The quality of the technology is most often superior than the majority of their competitors. For example, Airstream uses SamSung TV’s instead of most manufactures who use TV brands I’ve never heard of.
What I don’t get is why Airstream hasn’t incorporated the new automatic electric awnings or outside entertainment features like outside speakers that have been well embraced by what seems to be the majority of their competitors from the smallest RV to the largest most expensive Class A’s.
In my opinion, such things are accepted RV improvements within the RV industry and well within the wheelhouse of, ‘Wally Byam’s credo, “Let’s not make changes, let’s make only improvements,” this fleet offers the latest technology advancements and conveniences in a way that is distinctly Airstream.
Thoughts?
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10-09-2013, 11:13 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1961 24' Tradewind
1969 29' Ambassador
1970 21' Globetrotter
Jamestown
, Tennessee
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,783
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Personally I would be a lot happier if the other guys "unincorporate" things like outside speakers and TV sets.
But then I guess that is why there is a thread on "why do you boondock"
__________________
Rick Davis 1602 K8DOC
61 tradewind, plus a few others
13 Ram 2500 TD
99 Dodge TD 577K miles
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10-09-2013, 11:19 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Are those things improvements or gadgets, that would be a question.
"Cutting edge" technology is often short-lived; that does not fit well with Airstream's reputation for generations of service in a design that does not become quickly outdated. I think they see their primary market as more traditional. Cutting edge technology comes in small, portable packages these days so buy those things to suit you.
Personally I would like my Airstream better without some of the electronic gadgets, something more basic, easier to use, and less quickly out-dated.
Airstreams are also intended to be self-contained. There is some simplicity and a need to conserve power with that. Many of us boondock frequently, no hookups, and Airstream knows it.
The electric awnings are an option on the new ones, but the manual awnings are easy to use.
__________________
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
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10-09-2013, 11:21 AM
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#4
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Home of Vortex tuning
2013 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Spearfish
, South Dakota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 614
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My Samsung tv & bluray will not "see" my ipod/pad USB plugged in, won't even charge.
The Sony radio runs them fine, just a little short on video, , ,
So, I load thumb drives as a work around.
Due to this corporate battle of formats, Samsung is a "miss" in my world.
The "hits", 16" wheels, tank level monitor, exclusive to the EB.
Beta testing the AS line one model at a time.
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"Chip Tank" is in Westwood Ca.
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10-09-2013, 11:41 AM
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#5
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Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davcarv
What I don’t get is why Airstream hasn’t incorporated the new automatic electric awnings or outside entertainment features like outside speakers that have been well embraced by what seems to be the majority of their competitors from the smallest RV to the largest most expensive Class A’s.
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They do put Fiamma F65 Eagle automatic electric awnings on their 2013 and 2014 Interstate class Bs. Some people like them, others don't. Before they tried the automatic ones, they used Fiamma F65 awnings that were electric but not automatic. That's what I've got, and I'm happy with that.
I suppose if there was enough demand, they would provide such features on their trailers. Simple fact, Airstream is a business, and they're in it for the money. If the folks at Jackson Center had enough reason to believe that people really want to pay extra for automatic electric awnings or outdoor speakers, they'd provide them. But in my case, I hope they don't provide outdoor speakers. There are already too many campers in parks that play their music way too loud, without consideration of whether their neighbors want to hear it. At least I can take comfort in the fact that the noise polluters aren't fellow Airstreamers!
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I thought getting old would take longer!
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10-09-2013, 11:49 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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Outside speakers? I have yet to "camp" in a park where that would not be a problem for neighbors. I tried to keep up with electronics in the boating world and that cost a small fortune in continual upgrades. I would not like to see the same challenge with my AS. I am happy with LED lighting, flat screen TV's and a Sony Bluetooth integrated sound system. I do not think more gadgets would improve the experience.
Larry
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10-09-2013, 11:55 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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Airstreams are not for everyone. If one wants outdoor kitchens and entertainment systems, perhaps they would be happier with something else.
I expect Airstream is selling about as many as they can make, without some major changes in the production methods without these options, so my guess is why rock the boat?
Regards,
JD
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Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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10-09-2013, 11:57 AM
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#8
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TinCan
2016 30' Classic
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 880
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Newer models seem a bit too techie. I vote no on the outside speakers. Electric awnings are nice but not necessary. Electric dinette table not necessary. All these things drive up the price of the trailer. I thought we were going camping?
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TinCan
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10-09-2013, 12:22 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1971 21' Globetrotter
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,527
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I like the KISS principle. I deal with all of the "Hi-Tech" upgrades daily on the aircraft I work on, and the up keep is out of this world expensive. On our Gulfstream V, the "G" stands for gold, just weigh the part and that's how much it is going to cost in bullion at the current market rate.
All of these gadgets that they are putting on the new SOB,s is staggering, and the cost to keep it up over the long term is going to be more then the couch is worth.
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10-09-2013, 12:51 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2014 25' FB International
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 594
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I'd like to see a bit more innovation....if you want to call it that.....with their battery monitors and converter. My batteries are shot after 1 year of ownership and after much research I've learned a few things. 1). The parallax 1 stage converters are terrible especially if you don't spend hours researching care of deep cycle batteries. How much more could it possibly cost to install a multiple stage converter/charger during manufacturer when it only costs $150 to replace after the fact? 2). I guess I should have known (even though it's not in the manual) that if the airstream is connected to shore power the battery monitor will read full.....it's reading the charger and not the battery.
Oh....and a big no vote to speakers on the outside. I personally don't go camping in nature to listen to music or watch tv......much less listen to someone else's music or tv.
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10-09-2013, 01:16 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
1989 29' Excella
2018 30' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 229
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um, ... I'd like to point out that I learned about the term, 'Glamping', on Airfourms.
they ought to be options for the early adopters.
Airstream's current model line up reflects a sensitivity to multiple socio economic demographics.
Like Tony what's his name from P90X says, 'Bring It'.
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10-09-2013, 01:48 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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I am an early adopter -- who else would get up at 3am to order a new iPhone (they are available at midnight PDT, 3 am EDT). NO external speakers, thanks. I've seen the gold plated awning ZipDee makes, but mega thousands don't make sense -- at least to me. The remotes on my two Samsung TV's interfere with each other, and I find the Sony overly complex and the documentation non-existent. I don't feel my Airstream's strong suit is electronic technology (AT ALL)...and if they decide to get with it, ought to invest in some solid research before going off willy nilly.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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10-09-2013, 02:03 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2012 28' International
Currently Looking...
New Orleans
, Louisiana
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,077
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Nice set of Blu-Ray speakers for external use, use with iPhone. Have a couple of old iPones loaded with music just pickup and move where you want them. I can see the TV mounted above the dinette from outside of the trailer. I just did a count and we own 9 Flat screens, plus one unit to turn our computer into a TV and we only have 2 people living in the house. This was not by design but just happened. To be fair one TV is with the son at college. Glad they are cheap.
__________________
Jim N5TJZ Air# 174
2012 International Serenity 28
2005 Safari 25 SS Traded
1968 Globetrotter Sold
2011 F150 Ecoboost
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10-09-2013, 02:04 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2002 19' Bambi
Northwestern Ontario
, - on the backside of the map and just above the big green spot
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 819
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Personally I'd rather they pay more attention to basic quality control and long-term durability with an expanded and well respected dealer network......
Jay
__________________
Bambi - 2002 (The Toaster)
Pathfinder - 2009 (The Buggy)
"I'm not young enough to know everything ....."
(Oscar Wilde)
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10-09-2013, 02:11 PM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
1989 29' Excella
2018 30' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 229
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I just like the idea of opening and closing an awning from a switch on the inside.
I do like the improments they've made on the tank monitors.
I wish Steve Jobs had lived long enough to get into the RV business.
I bet they'd look a lot like an Airstream.
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10-09-2013, 02:20 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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First: they can fix the problem of any leak potentially damaging/ruining the floor. Get rid of the damn plywood floors.
Second: they can work on the leak issue altogether. Also the corrosion issues.
Third: they can get rid of the mouse holes between the inside and outside of the trailer, especially the 3" holes for the 2" pipes with no sealing of the gap.
Forth: they can improve the converter/charger to a 3 stage unit.
Fifth: They can put a taller battery box on the front tongue and use a pair of 6 volt golf cart batteries, rather than the wimpy size 24's which are standard issue.
Sixth: They can make the TV/Radio/DVD electronics package an option. It is a standard feature which many of us do not use, and adds substantially to the price of at least all the higher end units, like the FC's.
And Seventh: Give us the option of clear glass windows please. My new FC is dark and gloomy inside, when it is anything but a clear sunny day outside, and you are not parked in the shade. I said an option, some want it and need it, I hate it.
That is my list of non cutting edge improvements that AS can and should make to their line of trailers.
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10-09-2013, 02:38 PM
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#17
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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 RangerJay
Personally I'd rather they pay more attention to basic quality control and long-term durability with an expanded and well respected dealer network......
Jay
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Jay whacked that rivet.....
Ditch the new "what's in vogue gizmo."
Bring back good old fashioned pride in what your building.
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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10-09-2013, 06:29 PM
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#18
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3 Rivet Member
1989 29' Excella
2018 30' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 229
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Heh heh love it
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10-09-2013, 06:33 PM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
1989 29' Excella
2018 30' Classic
Cumming
, Georgia
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 229
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Idroba, great ideas and true words thanks
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10-09-2013, 06:45 PM
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#20
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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I am a firm believer in "If It's Not There, It Can't Break".
I have never had a failure of my power stabilizers, power awning, or integrated 42 function audio-visual system in my Airstream. Of coure, I was a very late adoptee of power windows in my truck, as well...That didn't really happen until a very few years ago, and then the salesman had an uphill battle getting me to buy it...
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Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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