View Poll Results: Would you be in favor of these changes??
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Complete trailer frame treated with POR 15 before outer shell is attached.
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19 |
57.58% |
Complete trailer frame constructed out of Aluminum materials.
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15 |
45.45% |
Doesn't matter about the POR15 paint treatment prior to construction
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2 |
6.06% |
Doesn't matter about trailer frame Aluminum constructions
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0% |
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02-16-2009, 10:52 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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Would you pay more?
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?"
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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02-16-2009, 11:00 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 25' Classic
Hydes
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 713
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I'd pay more for a galvanized frame.
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02-16-2009, 11:03 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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Thanks...you are one fast gun slinger...lol
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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02-16-2009, 11:10 AM
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#4
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Rivet Monster
1975 31' Sovereign
1980 31' Excella II
Sprung Leak
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,172
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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
__________________
....so many Airstreams....so little time...
WBCCI #XXXX AIR #2495
Why are we in this basket...and where are we going
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02-16-2009, 12:48 PM
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#5
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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$80+k 2009 25' Classic...I don't feel we need pay more, just demand more for what we already give 'em.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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02-16-2009, 12:52 PM
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#6
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on the hunt
Currently Looking...
riverton
, Kansas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 373
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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.
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02-16-2009, 02:18 PM
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#7
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Tramp Streamer
Commercial Member
1995 28' Excella
Artist
, at Large
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
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Galvanized Frame, like they use for all the export models.
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02-16-2009, 02:46 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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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
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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02-16-2009, 02:56 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
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
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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
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02-16-2009, 03:08 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2022 25' International
Savage
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 753
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArtStream
Galvanized Frame, like they use for all the export models.
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I agree, galvanized steel is the way to go.
__________________
"I've got aluminum fever, and the only prescription, is more AIRSTREAM!!!"
'64 Safari Resoration Blog ("May"):
https://ts8501.blogspot.com/
TAC MN-6
WBCCI/VAC 11736
AIR 25979
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02-16-2009, 03:26 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
1957 22' Custom
1963 16' Bambi
Vacationland
, Maine
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 956
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galvanized frames
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.
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02-16-2009, 03:26 PM
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#12
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Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
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, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
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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.
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02-16-2009, 03:37 PM
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#13
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More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
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Quote:
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?"
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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.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
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02-16-2009, 03:38 PM
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#14
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More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
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Quote:
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
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What alloy did they use?
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
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02-16-2009, 03:44 PM
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#15
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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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...
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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02-16-2009, 05:23 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1984 29' Sovereign
Savannah
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,478
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Good point..
Quote:
Originally Posted by thecatsandi
What alloy did they use?
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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.
__________________
WBCCI 5292 AIR 807
NEU #64
New England Unit
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02-16-2009, 05:42 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Spring Hill
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 31
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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.
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02-16-2009, 05:59 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
1978 29' Ambassador
Walnut Cove
, North Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 519
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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.
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Dannie
The Silver Queen
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02-16-2009, 06:10 PM
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#19
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Rivet Master
1967 26' Overlander
Owings Mills
, MD
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,125
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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?
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02-16-2009, 06:39 PM
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#20
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1972 Travelux Princess 25
Cobourg
, Ontario
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,059
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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.
__________________
Living in the trailer park of sense, looking out the window at a tornado of stupidity.
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