Would you pay more?

[53flyingcloud]

Lately, there's been numerous revelations and discussions about frame failure, frame rot, you name it.
I'd love to see the results of a poll taken on how many folks would be willing to pay extra for the frames to be POR15 treated prior to assembly. Also, if given a choice, would you consider a frame made from Aluminum instead of a Steel free?
So, my question is..."Would you pay more?? or, should you have to pay more?"

[craftsman]

I'd pay more for a galvanized frame.

[53flyingcloud]

Thanks...you are one fast gun slinger...lol

[wahoonc]

anything would be better than the black primer they used on the 1970's OEM frames. POR 15 or a similar 2 part epoxy, galvanized would be okay...if done properly.

Aaron

[ROBERT CROSS]

$80+k 2009 25' Classic...I don't feel we need pay more, just demand more for what we already give 'em.

[osolow]

why should it cost more? when your spending 50 + grand??

i would think in the evolution of these trailers an aluminum frame would be the next thing to do?, lighter, stronger, wont cause any corrosion due to dissimilar metals
the selling point alone would make up for the cost alone.

they know these trailers spend a good part of there life sitting and waiting for the next trip and then wait for the return trip home.
corrosion rust and any other kind of detraction should be top on there list.
Its not like there redesigning the body.

[ArtStream]

Galvanized Frame, like they use for all the export models.

[53flyingcloud]

Yea, looks like Airstream missed the call on properly addressing the frame rot issue.
A galvanized frame, interesting..I would rather have aluminum..if for no other reason than, just be done with it..
I agree, cost wise..you would expect that feature to, just be an integral part~!~
I would be interested in a seeing an estimate on what a aluminum frame would cost to produce~Even a retro-fit concept for existing units..hmmm

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

Yea, looks like Airstream missed the call on properly addressing the frame rot issue.
A galvanized frame, interesting..I would rather have aluminum..if for no other reason than, just be done with it..
I agree, cost wise..you would expect that feature to, just be an integral part~!~
I would be interested in a seeing an estimate on what a aluminum frame would cost to produce~Even a retro-fit concept for existing units..hmmm

Southwest Research in San Antonio, Texas, did a study on aluminum travel trailer frames, over 35 years ago.

The aluminum frame was an absolute flop.

Any form of vibration caused several fatigue cracks.

Conclusion was that unless the running gear was kept in near perfect balance, an aluminum frame would be nothing but a huge problem.

Andy

[ts8501]

Originally Posted by ArtStream

Galvanized Frame, like they use for all the export models.

I agree, galvanized steel is the way to go.

[safari62]

If you lived in Europe, Japan or down under a galvanzied frame is available. Americans have big roads and big trucks, and lots of money to buy extra fuel so our Trailers do not have to be light weight.

When they rust we can just buy another, right?

Airstream gets these from a German Company, bolts them together in Ohio, then ships them over there.

Sorry, you cannot have one.

[Silvertwinkie]

We're not talking about Fleetwoods here, we're talking about Airstreams.

Since they are a considered a premium product, I would expect the frames to last and be powder coated, or have some lasting protection on the frame.

I also expect the flooring to last and the exterior not to corrode....seems like we've all had answers to these two things.

So no, I would not pay a dime more considering the profit margins on these trailers are higher than the industry typically gets. My thought is a premium product should include all kinds of premium things over and beyond what you could get from any other non-premium builder.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

Lately, there's been numerous revelations and discussions about frame failure, frame rot, you name it.
I'd love to see the results of a poll taken on how many folks would be willing to pay extra for the frames to be POR15 treated prior to assembly. Also, if given a choice, would you consider a frame made from Aluminum instead of a Steel free?
So, my question is..."Would you pay more?? or, should you have to pay more?"

NO I would expect it from a premium product. I sprayed corrision proofing (LPS-3) in the front of the frame and sealed it up. If you look under the tongue you will see the the front of the frame is open.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Southwest Research in San Antonio, Texas, did a study on aluminum travel trailer frames, over 35 years ago.

The aluminum frame was an absolute flop.

Any form of vibration caused several fatigue cracks.

Conclusion was that unless the running gear was kept in near perfect balance, an aluminum frame would be nothing but a huge problem.

Andy

What alloy did they use?

[Aage]

Personally, I don't see how they get the kind of money they do. I mean, I can imagine that one of the most expensive things in a car is the motor. In an AS? No Motor.

Cars have heavy saftey standards and the related equipment to meet them (airbags, etc). TTs? Hmmm(n)...

Even a rowboat has to NOT leak. We'll say no more on that subject.

Cars have heavy design changes on a regular basis. Airstream uses the same basic look they had 50 years ago. It's a Big Deal if they change the toilet paper dispenser!

But you can have a car for under $20k. $60 buys you an exotic high-level one, with all the bells and whistles!

Don't get me wrong, I love Airstream TTs. I just don't get the costing...

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

What alloy did they use?

I wonder the same thing myself..
Consider this fact: The DC-3 and, B-52 (to name a few airframes) are still flying with no frame failures.. that I am aware of. They have taken off and, land thousands of times..
So, I am wondering what the answer might be, as well.

[zekethebear]

There's been a lot of changes in Metalurgy in the last 35 years. Maybe someone with that kind of 'smarts' should take a look at what's economically available in 2009 that would stand up under all the road, storage, vibration, etc. conditions an Airstream has to endure in its lifetime of ???? years.

[danalee]

Interesting discussion but the bottom line is I would expect the quality to be in realtionship to the price. It appears that Airstream has had some more recent QA problems that the vintage models weren't afflicted with.

[hampstead38]

We're doing POR-15 on the frame after repair. I recently used the stuff on a utility trailer... seems to be working well. I'm a "customer is always right" guy. If an undercoating system isn't standard... it should be. And if isn't, it should be available on custom basis. If folks are willing to pay, why not let them?

[Ganaraska]

If you really want a galvanized frame there is a small trailer manufacturer near me who has ALL his trailers galvanized!

His typical product is a box trailer about 10 feet long and 7 feet wide with sides about 1 1/2 feet high, all galvanized, frame box fenders wheels the works.

I'm sure he could build any style frame you want and have it galvanized. It would be cheap too, what with the low value of the Canadian dollar these days.

This is near Brighton Ontario Canada. What kind of blueprints he would need, what it would cost, shipping etc I do not know but if anyone is interested I could make enquiries.

I don't think you could have your existing frame galvanized, the metal has to be new clean and free from rust, paint, dirt and grease.