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Johnco · 11-23-2008, 08:47 PM

I'd like some input on a situation. I recently had to repair a section of flooring under the door side dinette bench which was badly rotted (check out the photo). The trailer was purchased new in February of 2006 and never showed any signs of leakage above the floor surface. It appears that water has been leaking out of the filler hose where it connects to the water tank, traveling down the side of the tank and wicking into the plywood between the linoleum and the plywood. When I contacted the factory their response was that the unit was 10 months out of warranty and there was nothing they would do. The repair facility met with the same answer when they tried. I know that legally Airstream is correct, but for a situation that was obviously occurring during the warranty period you would think the factory would make some sort of offering. It really makes one wonder about Airstream's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

gail · 11-23-2008, 09:01 PM

Sorry to hear and see your dilemma. Good luck! Maybe Vintage next time!

53flyingcloud · 11-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Greeting Johnco,
Too bad they no longer offer that famous "lifetime warranty" for the original Airstream owners policy.
Good Luck
53FC

ROBERTSUNRUS · 11-23-2008, 10:44 PM

Hi, Johnco. I know it's a sad situation, but the factory has to draw the line somewhere. [warranty period] In the 70's I was a Lincoln mechanic and a customer brought in a five year old Town Car with electrical problems. I found and fixed a pinched wire loom that was obviously pinched when the dash board was installed at the factory. But since it wasn't found to be a problem until the vehicle was out of warranty, Ford would not touch it. On the other hand, I can't blame anyone from trying to get help from the factory. I have also seen many squeaky wheels get greased. Maybe a few nice love letters to the factory, you might get an AWA [After Warranty Adjustment] usually a 50/50 proposition. [you pay half] GOOD LUCK.

TBRich · 11-23-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

...>snip<...Maybe a few nice love letters to the factory, you might get an AWA [After Warranty Adjustment] usually a 50/50 proposition. [you pay half] GOOD LUCK.

That's what I was thinking Johnco might be able to swing if he can get the right person's atatention...it's happened before...and if AS feels like they are going to get some good press in the AS community, that's all the more reason to be gracious, step up, and at least share in the cost of repair...

Good luck, John...

Johnco · 11-24-2008, 10:16 AM

Thank you all for your insights, despite this "bump in the road" I'm still enthusiastic about the product but more so about the type of people it attracts.

53flyingcloud · 11-24-2008, 10:53 AM

I impressed with the grace and mannerism in which you have worked thru this..
It is after all, about having "fun camping"..
Hope to meet you one day soon, by the campfire..
ciao
53FC

nickcrowhurst · 11-24-2008, 07:54 PM

Johnco, once this has dried out, and the original leak fixed, you may not have a problem. When the plywood is completely dry right through, test to see if it has lost strength. If the dry plywood is disintegrating and will not support a person's weight, then I would do a plywood patch repair. If the ply is still strong enough, but the surface is softened, I would soak it in thinned epoxy. If the surface is sound and the area is strong enough I would just soak the area in wood preservative fluid to kill any rot spores, let it dry, ventilate, and put back the floor covering. I've done far too many repairs like this on the decks of plywood boats, and the repairs have always been successful. Chin up!
Nick.

Johnco · 11-25-2008, 09:33 AM

Thanks Nick, as evidenced by the photo the floor was rotted through, so once it was dried out we removed the section and replaced with new. It's really not as big a deal as I thought it was going to be. The trick is getting over the initial shock. Appreciate the input with the wood preservative, good tip!
John.

78GussyTX · 11-26-2008, 08:38 PM

John, I agree with the earlier comment that they have to draw the line somewhere, if they don't, katie bar the door. Do they sell extended warranties? Ours is a '78 and running strong so I don't know anything about the new ones ... except that they seem to have some neat features!

Johnco · 11-29-2008, 12:51 AM

Thanks for your input, an extended warranty would probably cost more than the repair I just had done. I can probably handle most things that will come up, I just didn't expect to have to pony-up for extensive repairs so close to the warranty period expiration (especially when the damage was occurring during the warranty period).

5cats · 12-07-2008, 08:31 AM

John,
I bet some folks (me, for one) would like any insights you have on inspecting and repairing the original leak from the water filler hose.

I recall a number of posts about filler hose kinks and separations on newer rigs, and I for one would like to check that area out on my 2007 Safari. Any hints how to go about such preventative maintenance ?

Cheers,
-jd.

purman · 12-07-2008, 08:54 AM

Yeah, it was out of warranty, but had been leaking for a long time.. They should have covered it! There are companies out there who do cover stuff.. REI has 100 % satisfaction guarantee. You could have it 5 years and still take it back..

I am willing to buy stuff that is backed up. Marmot coats for instance, I bought one in 1990, It started leaking years later. I sent it back to them in 2001. they gave me a $230 credit towards a new one.. That was more than i paid for it in the first place. Now when my wife needed a new rain coat I bought from Marmot.

I know times are tuff, but If AS wants to still be considered the BEST they better step up to the plate.

Johnco · 12-07-2008, 09:07 PM

In my case the leak was occurring where the filler hose connected with the water tank. There are two hose clamps on the hose, but water was still leaking out during transit. The final solution from C&G in Bellflower was to seal the end of the hose (between the hose clamps and the water tank inlet) with some sort of rubberized waterproof caulk. It's working and my floor is dry! As far as what to look for, after you fill your tank you should run your finger around the end of the hose where it meets the water tank and check for moisture. If you feel anything address it immediately!
And Purman, I couldn't agree more!

62bam · 12-11-2008, 10:03 AM

My 62 bambi has a lifetime warranty sticker still attached to the inside cupboard door, does that "really" mean anything?.....Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.