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craftsman · 11-14-2007, 07:07 PM

I've heard rumor that Airstream plan to incorporate the work done on the new motor home that never got built into a trailer. A really "up scale trailer". Also a 30' FB sometime this Winter or early Spring and something "different" for the 34' although I don't know exactly what, although I was told that it did inspire one of those "ahhh" " we've asked for that" responses when it was revealed. Anyone else able to add to this very limited and sketchy information?

Al - K4GLU · 11-14-2007, 07:29 PM

I was at a Airstream dealer a couple of weeks ago and overheard part of a phone conversation the manager was having with a perspective customer. He told the customer that Airstream was planning a luxury trailer that would be priced in 6 figures.

**azflycaster** · 11-14-2007, 07:33 PM

Airstream has been making luxury trailers for over 75 years.

wheel interested · 11-14-2007, 07:36 PM

A dealer over on the Yahoo AirstreamList has posted these comments.

"A/S has announced the 2008 30Ft FB Classic. It has a kingsize bed up front
(10" clearance on each side) and the bedroom is deeper to accomodate the 80"
long bed. The closet is a bit larger, but NOT hugely so. "

"The new 30FB Classic is being "officially" announced at RVIA in Louisville.
Dealers got notification several weeks ago and the unit became orderable at
that time, but none have shipped yet. There is also a new 23 Safari with
the rear bath design from the Safari Sports, but on a 8"6" shell. It has
the same sideways bed from the 25FB at the front. A/S will also debut the
new Interstate based on the wider, longer Sprinter chassis. Totally
different interior layout. Lastly, there will be another "VERY" interesting
A/S shown at Louisville. It is not yet approved for production (it is a
concept) but it is VERY, VERY interesting. Given that it will be pretty big
surprise, I will let the RVIA show be the official coming out party for the
concept (NO IT IS NOT A MOTORHOME)."

"The new 30FB should have no problems with either hitch weight or access to
the area under the bed. The added length is ALL forward of the axles, so
the rig will have MORE hitch weight than a comparable 30ft Classic. The
layout aft of the axles is identical to the current 27ft Classic. The
majority of the added footage is in the bedroom with some in the closet and
bathroom which is opposite the closet. The area under the bed will be
accessable from a full width front door, just like all the current FB models
and although I have not seen one to verify, I can't imagine A/S eliminating
the hydraulic strut assisted lift up bed (although it will take more than 2
struts to lift and hold the bed)"

cosmotini · 11-14-2007, 08:08 PM

I just listened to the latest VAP episode and Rickey Rockett (sp?) talked about A/S supposedly coming out with a toy hauler.

thecatsandi · 11-14-2007, 09:24 PM

I thought I already owned an upscale trailer. well under $100,000.

mrmossyone · 11-15-2007, 01:47 AM

Heck my upscale trailor (didn't have anything before) has only cost me about 4,000 dollars so far, I said so far.

Wayne&Sam · 11-15-2007, 03:53 AM

I was hoping to keep it a secret, but I guess they let it out. It's me. I'm having a custom Airstream built. The first thing you'd notice about it is the indoor agility ring I'm having installed for Luke. The factory told me it might be a little wider than my current Safari, but I'm planning on getting some good mirrors.

rickandsandi · 11-15-2007, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmotini

I just listened to the latest VAP episode and Rickey Rockett (sp?) talked about A/S supposedly coming out with a toy hauler.

Rikki Rocket and he was talking about his Basecamp.

TomR · 11-15-2007, 05:46 AM

Sounds like an interesting design? Essentially a 27FB with bigger closet, bath AND a king size bed! Do you think this is a full size king bed?

Wonder if it will have the split bath of the 27B...or a one room bath. Wife and I think it would be good to have a split bath...able to do "two things at one".

Bad part is that there will not be any used ones for a long time,

Thanks...Tom R

Frank's Trailer Works · 11-15-2007, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

I was hoping to keep it a secret, but I guess they let it out. It's me. I'm having a custom Airstream built. The first thing you'd notice about it is the indoor agility ring I'm having installed for Luke. The factory told me it might be a little wider than my current Safari, but I'm planning on getting some good mirrors.

Good one.... I have to confess, I too am having a custom luxury trailer built just for me. It will be based closely to an original Wally Byum design from 1962, but will include some very modern features. Some of the features will be dynatorque axles, electric trailer brakes. It will have all the modern conveniences, like gas hot water, gas only refrigerator, gas lighting. The boys in Jackson Center even threw in some 12v lighting to round it out.... for a big splurge, we went with a roof top AC unit. It will be 5th Avenue on wheels...

byamcaravanner · 11-15-2007, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Good one.... I have to confess, I too am having a custom luxury trailer built just for me. It will be based closely to an original Wally Byam design from 1962, but will include some very modern features. Some of the features will be duratorque axles, electric trailer brakes. It will have all the modern conveniences, like gas hot water, gas only refrigerator, gas lighting. The boys in Jackson Center even threw in some 12v lighting to round it out.... for a big splurge, we went with a roof top AC unit. It will be 5th Avenue on wheels...

I've heard that they are working on this one at their super secret Catonsville, Maryland prototype development center.

Silvertwinkie · 11-15-2007, 06:43 AM

It all sounds very interesting and I'll be looking forward to seeing the new ideas Airstream will be offering. I doubt however, that as long as the corrosion issue exists on a growing number of new and newer units, that I'd be willing to shell out the big bucks for one of these new offerings, let alone the current offering until there are some indications that the factory has found a root cause and either significantly improved the issue described in the link below or solved it altogether.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ams-31743.html

craftsman · 11-15-2007, 07:34 AM

That's a very good point. All the amenities in the world won't compensate for a poor or just adequate foundation. The frame is hidden but really is the most important part of the construction.The ideal would be galvanizing but hot dip galvanizing by it's very nature could cause warping to a long ladder frame. I bought a galvanized frame or chassis for my Land Rover from Marsland Chassis , so it can be done and it would add a few hundred at the most to the cost. Another alternative would be wax oil. I know you're probably talking about the corrosion on the wheels, tail light bezels etc. but I would feel a lot better know that the frame is not rusting out from under me.

Mrs_RedSHED · 11-15-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheel interested

"officially" announced at RVIA in Louisville.
"

Does anyone know if the RVIA in Lousiville (Trade Show) is open to the public, or is it just for dealers?

jimmickle · 11-15-2007, 08:51 AM

I am reasonably sure that it is a trade only show. BTW, registration is closed.
Jim

Mikethefixit · 11-15-2007, 09:05 AM

I just checked the RIVA show is November 27-29 Im reasonabily sure its a closed show.

rickandsandi · 11-15-2007, 09:51 AM

Yes, the RIVA Show is open only those individuals registered with the RIVA and in membership standing.

RVIA’s Sold-Out 45th National RV Trade Show Draws Thousands to Louisville

(Reston, Va. September, 2007) The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association’s (RVIA) sold-out 45th Annual National RV Trade Show will bring 2008’s new product lines and industry officials to the recently expanded Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) in Louisville, Nov. 27-29, 2007.
More than 14,000 RV dealers, warehouse distributors, accessory store owners, campground operators and exhibitors are expected to attend this year’s event, which will showcase innovative products and services across more than 920,000 square feet of exhibit space.

CanoeStream · 11-15-2007, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

It all sounds very interesting and I'll be looking forward to seeing the new ideas Airstream will be offering. I doubt however, that as long as the corrosion issue exists on a growing number of new and newer units, that I'd be willing to shell out the big bucks for one of these new offerings, let alone the current offering until there are some indications that the factory has found a root cause and either significantly improved the issue described in the link below or solved it altogether.

Eric, to me the root of the problem is in presuming they can have a clearcoat over bare aluminum. I agree with you fully that we could wish for having been treated better. Even without dings & scratches I can't conceive how they could assure 100% integrity. And any micro hole in the clearcoat will lead to undermining (filiform corrosion). Does presenting an all metal exterior to the world take the next step back to Alclad & polishing? Just thinking out loud...

Paint is a durable option. Ever seen a Lazy Daze moho? I've seen one in person and the finish will wow ya! I'm with you -- I suspect Airstream is looking at a bonded shell with an outer aluminum skin. We're not happy sitting in the $30K to $80K range. There's less joy to share when attempting to sell clearcoated aluminum above $200K. Maybe my Argosy just went up in value!

Silvertwinkie · 11-15-2007, 11:49 AM

Bob, I suppose it's an engineering problem. I have ideas, but don't feel I am very qualified to suggest what they can do. I am fairly certain though, that Airstream isn't the only company in the world to work with aluminum. Craftsman, I'm talking about all that you mentioned and more specifically, the body. The cast tails and rims can be worked on...the body however is a somewhat different story.

I don't want to hijack the thread talking about the corrosion issues here, I was simply sharing that I love to see the new models and offerings, and also sharing my concern that if they can't get their existing fleet to at least minimize the issue, then I can only imagine how the person that spends well into the hundred thousand mark might feel watching their body corrode all over the place, as I have and several others on this forum alone.

If anyone wants to talk more about corrosion, I'd invite you to move it over to the corrosion thread and we can talk more about it there.