Airstream Frame Question...Follow-Up

[TomR]

Hi All...after probing this forum for info regarding the AS rear sag/separation issues AND when AS made "changes" and what those changes were???...we seemed to get lots of anecdotal opinions.

I called the AS Service Center to check on "fix" prices for the rear sag/sep issue and asked the question about frame design changes and when they were made...here is a copy from the e-mail I got from the individual that went and investigated and respoded later...

"Hello Tom,
Thank you for your call the other day. I have been checking on your
question. Airstream did change the frame two years ago. But up until then we used the same frame and added the brase kit to the frame. We have had no problems with units that have the kits installed, that we know of. I hpoe this has been helpful to you. Please let me know if I can help you with anything more.

Thank you,"

Note that I added the bold.

Sounds like they strengthened the frame by "brasing"(sp?) a "kit" to the frame...until they changed the frame "two years ago". I also spoke to another AS employee relative to some specific service costs and asked him the same question...he asked his boss who said the "thickened" the frame w/o saying when they did so.

Not sure this completely answers the question of what and when...nut it provides some more input...from the factor service staff...FWIW...Tom R in Two Harbors

P.S. The '78 I looked at has now been listed in the "For Sale" section yesterday...I think it is $8100? or so. Listed by AirstreamFan...who I believe is a neighbor to the owner. It appears I am no longer in the hunt for this unit...if anyone has an interest..I did look at it in person a couple of days ago and would be pleased to discuss...even though I am NOT an expert...at all! PM/or e-mail me...TMR

[CaddyGrn]

Hello,

I am no expert, a novice on this topic, actually. But I do know over the years several different types of "frames" were made. Tubular types in the 50's (maybe 40's...) Almost box frames later, then channel type metal for frames in the 60's. We have vintage stuff, so I can't comment on newer Airstreams. I think the style and design was also a bit different on models that were dual axels, etc.

Interesting email you received.... can't imagine he has been there long.

Mrs. NorCal Bambi (traveling in S Tardis)