|
|
02-08-2007, 04:25 PM
|
#1
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
Improvement Ideas for 2007 Dealer Meetings
I am with Airstream of Arkansas in Searcy, AR...I thought it would be good to get some fresh ideas for improvements to take to the dealer meetings coming up in June of 07...I was on the dealer council last year and Airstream Inc. really listened to what we had to say, and acted on some of our suggestions. So I just thought I would open it up to you guys and gals over the next few months to pitch in some of your ideas...after all, you are in these units using them most everyday.
Let's try to keep it positive as the Mothership seems to respond to that better.
Like I have said before..."Bend my ear...just don't break it off!!!"
Here we go!
Gene
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 04:31 PM
|
#2
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 34' Classic
Pecos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 124
|
We have owned four new Airstreams in the past two years or so. One thing we have found consistant in all of the trailers is that the documentation provided with the new trailer is not complete. Perhaps, the company should pay more attention to the manuals provided with new trailers and making sure that the manuals for all appliances, etc are included.
As far as things I would like to have had in my new 34' classic - how about a dock for my iPod? Would be nice!
Pecos Pete
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 04:37 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
Pecos Pete,
The idea for the MP3 players was brought up last year and from what I have heard they are making progress on that...don't think it would be to hard now-a-days to get that done at the factory. I to have had to order owner's manuals that were left out and to A/S Inc.'s credit, got them in before my customers left with their unit.
Thanks...keep it coming gang!!!
Gene
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 04:52 PM
|
#4
|
Classic 30
Sum Wear
, Ohio
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 594
|
Oh my, you are a brave soul Gene!
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 04:56 PM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
Brave or Just Plain Stupid! I just know what positive feedback can accomplish...I see it here everyday...people come in here and give us great ideas that we can use to make Airstream a better product! And after all, isn't that what we all want...dealer and owner both!
Gene
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 05:10 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Huntington Beach
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,293
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pecos Pete
We have owned four new Airstreams in the past two years or so. One thing we have found consistant in all of the trailers is that the documentation provided with the new trailer is not complete. Perhaps, the company should pay more attention to the manuals provided with new trailers and making sure that the manuals for all appliances, etc are included.
Pecos Pete
|
I agree with Pecos Pete, the documentation in the Airstream canvas bag is neither complete nor organized. It took us days to figure out what we did and didn't have in the bag. It is kind of just stuffed all together in a very untidy way, not representative of a quality company. This may be typical of the industry as a whole, but that is why we bought an Airstream, to not be typical. Presentation is important, when we pull out the bag to investigate our dream trailers pedigree, we shouldn't be let down.
The Airstream Corporate Website is very outdated. I am sure I don't have to tell you. The forum members rely on dealers with good websites for accurate details on Airstream products.
In general, it would be great to see Airstream follow the original path of not changing the product concept, just making it better. That should include not only better quality control, but also keeping up with technology trends. Most of us like the Iconic exterior, and the interiors have been somewhat trendy, especially the CCD and new SE models, but after 75 years, we would expect that AS would have the best of what is available on the market in terms of intelligent interior planning with an emphasis on new and creative life style products. I am sure my fellow owners and potential owners can add some detail to my general theme.
Thanks for taking a progressive position to listen.
John
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 05:18 PM
|
#7
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 34' Classic
Pecos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 124
|
I totally agree with you John. It is somewhat of a letdown to open the canvas bag to find a mess.
Interiors are coming around, but there is long way to go. I think the future of the company lies with people who are 50 are less now. Speaking for myself (in that category) I want a great interior that shouts creative and beautiful!
Pete
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 05:24 PM
|
#8
|
4 Rivet Member
2000 31' Land Yacht
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 497
|
It would be great if they were to get some help with quality control. They need someone from outside to show them how to build quality in, not try to inspect it in. See my post on quality in the 2007 quality thread. In the long run, doing it right the first time is cost effective.
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 06:24 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
|
Hi Gene,
I'm in the RV business....on the service end. I'm in and out of many hi-end motor coaches and 5th wheels every day. When I ask the owner for a manual on a problem appliance, or a wiring schematic, they usually pull out 1 (or 2!) large 4-5" briefcases full of manuals and information. They are ALL organized by product category and or alphabetically. This would be a huge benefit for Airstreamers as well.
I know that Airstream is trying to push out product at an ever accellerating rate, but they must keep their eye on the ball as far as build quality is concerned. This is a recurring theme I hear from my clients pertaining to just about every Motor home built, with the exception of the ultra hi-end Prevost conversions and Newells. The factory can and SHOULD do their best to present a product with the fit and finish that is worthy of the high dollar product that Airstream is AND has the reputation for.
I had several large issues when I boought my CCD and wound up correcting them myself. The deeper I delve into the trailer, the more things I put on my list to re-do or replace. At the cost of a new Airstream, this should NOT be the case.
There is a raging debate within the RV industry about quality vs. cost and the fact that quality doesn't sell on the dealer's lot. Airstream is proof positive that quality DOES sell, even at the elevated prices they command. The factory MUST NOT lose sight of this and should strive to put as much quality and craftsmanship into each unit as possible.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
|
|
|
02-08-2007, 06:25 PM
|
#10
|
More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
|
Airstream needs to inspect closely after each manufacturing station. I have found many things that could have been avioded if they just looked. Surface prep. I have had several thing come off. This is usually a problem with prep.
I have a very long letter in the works to the customer service manager.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:10 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
That's what I am looking for...thanks for the input...maybe we as dealers could also step up to the plate and arrange the owner's manual before delivery...I know it can be overwhelming when you open that big thing up...quality has been addressed and by the looks of some of the latest units that we have gotten in it appears to be getting better.
Keep it coming!!!
Gene
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:17 AM
|
#12
|
Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
|
What about more vintage trailer support?
Shari
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:19 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
Give me some ideas Shari.
Gene
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:36 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2005 25' International CCD
1954 22' Flying Cloud
1957 22' Flying Cloud
Simi Valley
, California
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,251
|
It's Just Me...
dear mothership,
i've ordered my new airstream.
please beam over all the parts.
i'll assemble my own self, as i'm so much better at it.
kevbo
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:39 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
|
For starters: - safety checks for new owners
- creative solutions modifying/fixing parts rather than just "replace with new"
- grey tank retrofit (1973 & older trailers don't have them)
- appreaciation of the vintage owner's desire to keep modernization "invisible"
Yes, alot of vintage owners are DIY'rs, but not always by choice...sometimes it's because they can't find anybody to do it for them. And you never know, they may become customers some day. Many vinatage owners have a second trailer...vintage trailers for some are like hot rods...you have them for the love of it - for what it is, not because you can't afford a new one. When I have more time in retirement, I will probably have a new one too...just not enough time to use two right now, and vintage is my first love. I'm sure I'm not alone ~
Our closest dealer is not vintage friendly...I will remember that when it comes time to buy that new one and seek out one that is - they are out there, just few and far between. Treat well now, we'll be back.
Shari
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 10:52 AM
|
#16
|
GStephens
1982 31' Limited
1953 25' Cruiser
Hamilton
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 563
|
Shari has a good point. One of the reasons Airstream is successful is the fact that the number of Vintage trailers still on the road and in use help sell new units. Longevity is one of the qualities that sells the brand. Much is made about the percentage of Airstreams ever built that are still on the road. No other trailer out there is capable of the longevity of the Airstream. Given that fact, there should be more assistance from the factory in helping owners of Vintage units obtain needed parts or replacement alternatives in their efforts to keep these icons on the road.
We just finished the Texas State Vintage Rally. We had a tremendous turnout of potential customers for new units drive out from the Houston and surrounding areas to view the Vintage Units, but most who expressed an interest in purchasing a trailer where interested in new or late models because even they are aware that replacement parts for the older units are hard to come by. Often, it is just a knob or something of the sort that is needed, but just doesn't exist any more or it is that a replacement appliance can not be obtained which will fit the previous application. Some of what we need is now being produced to some extent by a few brave souls in the aftermarket arena such as Airstream nameplates for a few of the older trailers.
The biggest thing Airstream could do; however, is to quit using plywood for the sub flooring. Charge what you will, but engineer the floor of these trailers to be as lasting as the rest of the structure.
GStephens
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 11:25 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
|
I guess alot of the "parts support" needs to come from the top down - and we all know that is limited to aftermarket vendors - some of which are better than others. If Airstream doesn't support the vintage trailers with parts...how could we expect the dealers to?
What I am talking about is more of the PR, marketing and a more creative service approach. Rather than "just replace it" - like 99% of the disposable society we live in.
GS is right - vintage trailers are a HUGE public draw...it's free marketing for the company. How many times have we all heard " They still make those? Cool!"
The logical return on the free marketing is a little owner support ~
Shari
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 12:07 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
kevbo,
I have an application coming from the mothership and they are looking for you some housing in Jackson Center as we speak!!!
Gene
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 12:08 PM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
1975 31' Sovereign
Searcy
, Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,714
|
Thanks Shari!!!
|
|
|
02-09-2007, 01:04 PM
|
#20
|
Guest
|
How about prewire for a TV in the bedroom in a place where you could actually use it.. In my 2007 25' Classic the cable hook up and outlet is behind the table between the twin beds. Now common sense would tell you if I put a TV on the table between the two beds how would we watch it? I plan to mount a small flat screen to the hanging wardrobe but will have to route the wires all the way around one of the beds. I don't wish to be insulting but it just seems so stupid as to defy belief.If you stand in the bedroom doorway and look at the connections against the back wall behind the curtains and table ,didn't anyone think " now how is this suppose to work??
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|