the definitive euro, asian and international model thread...

[2airishuman]

hello a/s world watchers...

we had considerable discussion about the 'euro' edition a/s earlier this year....

things like "i want that galvanized frame"

and "why can't we have those appliances or that floor plan"

or " that's the size we need here, and lighter so i can tow with my yugo..."

or "aren't the tongue weights lower in europe"

and "how wide are those puppies anyway"

and of course "what do they cost and can i get one here"...

a/s life may have done pieces in the last 2 issues on the euro units and japanese dealer too.

so it's time for a thread devoted just to these units...

i mentioned this thread was coming, oh, 20 hours ago here...

Airstream 2007 Production Statistics

wonder who's been reading these threads?

anyway lets start the tour de force...

there are basically two "international safari" models....

the 532 single axle and the 862 double axle....

here are the floor plans...

the actual specs are listed on several of the worldwide web sites.

cheers
2air'

[soldiermedic]

Have to admit...I am liking that 862 layout. I would have both the 23' CCD sig series if Gene had dropped the price about $10,000 more.

Steve

[2airishuman]

one of the first steps for those with any interest is to visit the appropriate websites....

in germany we've got this....

Home

it's a good site with an 'english' version and great interior photos of the two models available...

and the specs, features, service and financing issues.

also across the atlantic is the netherlands dealer site...

CampoWorld maakt vrije tijd tot een belevenis!

again good pics and info.

with a LOT of other brand info too...

it's not in english but the various towing combo pictures are well worth viewing at 'campoworld!'

the brits aren't too be out done.

they've got a great dealer website here...

Airstream Europe :: Home

the site has a great pdf file of the 'a/s euro tt brochure'

great pics, full specs, appliance info, the whole shebang in full color!

the website also has plenty of exterior shots of both models...

the u.k. website also has a really nice 'faq' section very practical questions and answers..

the brits also have an rv magazne that's done a very nice review and test camping trip it, caravan mag feb 07...

http://www.airstream.com/airstream/b...tureon5321.pdf

read it at the website, i tried to upload the pdf here but no go...

it is well worth reading!

great info and tips even for us stateside....

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

now moving way east (so far it's west) is the japanese a/s site...

Welcome to AIRSTREAM JAPAN

no english translation but just click on all the links....

models, service, photos and LOTS of pics of happy caravaners enjoying their a/s units....

i love these happy camper photos and it's just like here, LOTS of enthusiasm....

it's fun too see that 'thor' a/s and betsy ross decal in other lands....

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

ok,

onward toward how these puppies are built.

here is a rear shot of the longer model...

note the recessed jack bolts and street-side window arrangement.

also get a load of the high intensity rear fog lights....

one red and one white.

and the euro standard rv reflector triangles

from the curb rear view we can see both fog lights,

and the nifty license plate bracket, which hopefully will NOT corrode.

also notice the 'grab' rail just below the window....

there is a grab rail like this on the front AND back of these units...

cheers
2air'

click on pix for BIGGER VIEW!

[2airishuman]

how about the floors?

here is a close up view of the flooring material

laminated styro-styrene foam with wood ply outer layers....

this is the actual floor inside a unit during construction...

light? yes, insulated? yes...

but i'm not sure it would be up to fat american pounding...

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

rollin, rollin, rollin....

the wheels on these units are sort of a cross between the bcamp and a sports car....

195/75/15s vredesteins, a dutch tire...

the model is: vredestein transport steel p70...

and a brand name tire more known for snow tires and bicycles...

and a word that translates basically, into 'on the left' sort of...

a phrase one calls out when passing another bicycle on the left...

"vredestein!"

cheers
2air'

i wonder if they make a 'marathon' equivalent

[2airishuman]

the shells are basically the same size and construction as the new safari sports...

which has been posted elsewhere...

although it appeared there were backing plates of aluminum over many skin holes, not just sikaflex...

of course the appliances are international vendors common to the the destination countries...

and listed in the review article, the flyer and on the websites already posted

the axles and frames materials are produced by BPW....

a LARGE industrial manufacturer in germany/sa/internationa/worldwide ....

wonder what these frame look like...

mmmmm.

we've most all read or heard that the frames are galvanized...

well they are.

so are the axle housings.

think you might want these frame features on YOUR next trailer?

stay tuned....

cheers
2air'

do they use salt on the roadways of the u.k. or germany? it the same alcoa skin WE get

[2airishuman]

ok enough suspense,

lets take a look....

here is a shot of a completely assembled frame

for the 532 which is basically a shorter, single axle version of the 862...

how does it look?

notice any unusual features?

don't forget to click pic and zoommmmmmm

cheers
2air'

[soldiermedic]

Joe,

Do you mean the 684 as opposed to the 862? It reads 684 on the German product page.

Steve

[2airishuman]

here is a view from closer...

and the other side....

see anything unusual about it?

comeonfolks i'm waiting...!

is this thing on?

tap tap tap

cheers
2air'

enlarge'em gang!

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by soldiermedic

Joe,

Do you mean the 684 as opposed to the 862? It reads 684 on the German product page.

Steve

yes, yes, yes 684.

i knew those numbers was mixed up!!!!

532 and 684...

i'm going to the board now for practice...

684,684,684,864,532,862...woops!

[2airishuman]

ok don't read ahead

if you've not studied the pix and noticed ANY differences....

the frame is bolted together...

that is correct bolted together...

go back and enlarge those pix...

see ALL of the nuts/bolts along the main I beams...

notice where the tongue/a frame sections bolt to the longer side members and cross members?

BPW has pioneered a modular/bolt2gether frame...

want something longer? add a few pieces...

it's an ERECTOR SET folks!

i talked with the guy building these frames...

it went something like this...

me...."so these frames are bolted together"

him..."yep it's a pain in the arse"

me..."are you the only one building these frames"

him... "yep it's a pia"

me..."are every single one of these bolts torqued to some spec?"

him..."yep it's a pia"

me..."wow this looks like quite a process"

him... "yep, i told ya it is a pia!"

cheers
2air'

while the bolts did have gasket/seals of some sorts...

they aren't galvanized and aren't grade 8...

of course they are some high grade euro standard.

[2airishuman]

you might also notice a few other features...

like the small bolted on rear outriggers for the fenders...

'bicycle rack worthy?' i don' think so....

also notice the cables running from each hub/wheel to the center/front of the axle...

and then forward as a single cable.

this is (i think) the cable actuated hand/parking brake....

just like a typical bicycle brake design only the cable is just a tad larger...

and here is a view of the hand lever on the tongue for this brake...

and another handle for the coupler mechanism...

cool.

cheers
2air'