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Silvertwinkie · 04-20-2005, 01:39 PM

Just had a tour of the plant today and had a few interesting finds that some may find interesting...keep in mind you should ask your dealer or call the factory for exact details as my info is just based on what I saw:

1) The 16' CCD now as the wrap around windows in the rear and front like the orig prototype had.

2) The 25' FB (rear door unit) has the door that does not open "suicide like" like the rest of the line....the rumor is that the wrap around windows will maybe be an option on the 25' FB for the rear.

3) The 25' Special Edition that has the CCD interior skin, windows with the standard Safari furnishings is now also avail as a 19' unit...they were working on the 2nd such unit built.

4) I notcied a unit that had an autotrack sat dome on it...it appears that there is an option now, but not sure on which models or cost, but I guess the price would be high.

5) Disc brakes are now on all the Classics, every one on the line had them.

6)2006s sound like they may be about 6 weeks away from starting.

7)Classic motorhome is slated to go into production in 2006 sometime, but the new addition to the factory for the motorhomes has yet to start.

I'll post some pics when I get back home. This time I also have a few shots of the axle plant as well.

Minnie's Mate · 04-20-2005, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Just had a tour of the plant today and had a few interesting finds that some may find interesting...keep in mind you should ask your dealer or call the factory for exact details as my info is just based on what I saw:

1) The 16' CCD now as the wrap around windows in the rear and front like the orig prototype had.

2) The 25' FB (rear door unit) has the door that does not open "suicide like" like the rest of the line....the rumor is that the wrap around windows will maybe be an option on the 25' FB for the rear.

3) The 25' Special Edition that has the CCD interior skin, windows with the standard Safari furnishings is now also avail as a 19' unit...they were working on the 2nd such unit built.

4) I notcied a unit that had an autotrack sat dome on it...it appears that there is an option now, but not sure on which models or cost, but I guess the price would be high.

5) Disc brakes are now on all the Classics, every one on the line had them.

6)2006s sound like they may be about 6 weeks away from starting.

7)Classic motorhome is slated to go into production in 2006 sometime, but the new addition to the factory for the motorhomes has yet to start.

I'll post some pics when I get back home. This time I also have a few shots of the axle plant as well.

Do you know if disc brakes will be an option on any of the non-Classics? Would also like to know if I could special order a Safari 30' Bunk with Classic windows and could they put the "portholes" in the bed areas and curbside saloon. I know the wrap around window wouldn't be available in front because of the shirt closets on either side, but I like the fact that there is a larger amount of ventalation area with the Classic style windows than the type they put in the Safaris.

Mike Lewis · 04-20-2005, 03:46 PM

Twinkie---you missed another big change----on our 25' Classic there is nearly a $4000. price increase!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Pieman

redeagle313 · 04-20-2005, 04:10 PM

Did you happen to get one of those cool Airstream pens?

dkekrksk · 04-20-2005, 07:24 PM

I was out in Jackson Center several week ago for service on my 2004 International CCD. During our factory tour I observered them putting a Sat dish on some travel trailers. I asked sevice if they could put one on my travel trailer and they advised me that they have never put one on a travel trailer (in service). I asked them if they would like to try putting one on my trailer and what would be the cost. They agreed to insstall one. I am glad they did it because it turned out to be a very detailed job and they did a great job! Cost was in the $1500 - 1800 range.

Porky Pig · 04-20-2005, 07:26 PM

Twink ..

I was on the phone with Jim Parrett at Airstream today ... he mentioned that you were STILL there.

He said that the disc brakes are Kodiaks and can be retrofitted to non-disc brake Classics. They have already done a few. He didn't have a firm price ... but figured at least a couple of grand.

Also, he believes the upgraded axles could be retrofitted ... but they haven't done any yet.

norbert · 04-20-2005, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

Twinkie---you missed another big change----on our 25' Classic there is nearly a $4000. price increase!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Pieman

ya hey! they be expensive brakes.......
norby

Silvertwinkie · 04-21-2005, 06:43 AM

I did get a few pens...I took the tour each of the three days I was here for service....

What was neat about going 3 days in a row was that I actually got to see how things progress a bit....the pens were just an added bonus.

I figured an annual price increase went without saying.

As for the windows, you'll have to call. I special ordered our Safari SS and asked the same question and was told....no.

I also asked for the Classic dual entry steps and was also told not possible ....Then about 11 months later the Special Edition Safari with the CCD interior panels, cool windows and standard Safari interior came out....that was only the 25'...now the 19' has it....my guess (and this is just my guess) is that it will be a matter of time before the 28' and maybe the 30' gets it. Add to the fact that a Safari line also got a dual step for 2005....I had one added to our Safari and it's a night and day difference....standard install for our model year (2004) was around $250 to retrofit the Safari (not the Classic) dual steps. Well worth it IMHO. Your rate could vary depending on year, condition, etc I would guess.

As of right now, it's my understanding (today) that the discs are only on the Classics, if you wanted to see if you could get them added to the non-Classics, you'd have to call. See on the Classics, the batteries are in the front of the coach, not like the Safaris that have the dual batteries in the battery box/storage box in the A frame. While I was on the line, I noticed that the Classics front A-Frame storage now has between 1/4 and 1/2 that storage area for the brake fluid tank. Since the Safaris have 2 batteries in that storage area, I am not sure where they would put that tank, but if it's important to you, call Airstream and I think you need to speak to Vicki.

One last thing I forgot to mention...Airstream bought 40 acres to the west. The property had a few buildings on it and Airstream is going to create a museum with all their old coaches inside for display.

Minnie's Mate · 04-21-2005, 06:53 AM

Thanks Silvertwinkie. We plan to place our order in early June with a delivery date around September 1. The main reason for the delayed delivery date is that of quality of production. I have read many times on this forum that during spring and summer quality goes down because so many orders are placed and production is ramped up to fill them.

One more question, I know you have been to the factory before this trip and I think I read you were there when they built your coach. Is this correct? If so, will they let you be there on the date they build it and watch them build your actual coach? I mean, can you be there to 1) kind of do your own quality control; 2) watch or even photo or video how things go in so you will have a record in case you ever want/need to take something out and replace it yourself, i.e. replace the hotwater heater, furnace, fridge, etc.?

redeagle313 · 04-21-2005, 11:50 AM

We have been on two plant tours, the second when our 28' International was on the production line. We were only allowed to take the regular tour that day, there are no special tours for people with a unit being built, and we were allowed to go into our unit for a brief period of time. Not enough time to really look at the total quality of the package. You could theoretically take the tour several days in a row as your unit progresses through the plant, but I do not think you will get to spend a whole lot of time with your trailer.

04-21-2005, 12:10 PM

My son and I are driving to the factory tomorrow (just under 500miles) to take the tour prior to ordering a 34 LTD. I just got off the phone with factory sales about a concern of mine regarding the kitchen layout of the 34. The range is situated right next to the credenza, where I would like to have a TV and the drapes at the window over the credenza. In the 34 slide it's next to the wardrobe, in the 30 non-slide it's next to the door. Only in the 16' Bambi is the range positioned as close to the actual living area. It just seems like if you like to cook, it's not the greatest location for the cook top in the trailer that has the most space and is the most popular for fulltiming. I don't consider either myself of my wife a messy cook, but would you hang your favorite suit or your wifes silk dress next to the stove? Any comments?

**jcanavera** · 04-21-2005, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craftsman

I don't consider either myself of my wife a messy cook, but would you hang your favorite suit or your wifes silk dress next to the stove? Any comments?

Our stove on our 30' SO is next to the wardrobe. This really isn't an issue as far as I'm concerned since even if you are messy you aren't going to hurt anything in the wardrobe. You have a hood to exhaust any cooking odors if you wish. Personally I really don't want the stove close to the door due to the potential of wind blowing through that door and affecting the flame on the burners.

Maybe the only down side is that since the wardrobe is on the right of the stove, your work space is all on the left and not on both sides. It might also affect the length of the handle you can use on a pot if you use the right rear burner.

Jack

Silvertwinkie · 04-21-2005, 05:27 PM

Hi again. I would not worry about the quality issue too much. They are busy, but they are down from peak production of 40 per week. If I were buying, I'd feel more than comfy ordering now, especially after having left the service center which not only met, but exceeded my expectations....but that's for another post when I get back home.

Bottom line, if you're gonna wait, then wait for the "Special Edition" if it's to your liking since that gets the special windows, but as for quality, everthing I saw on the line looked very good and it also "looked" as if they had several new QC steps since I was there last time-- not that I couldn't have missed it last time, but these looked different than last time. I noticed several sheets on each unit that appeared to require 2 sigs for issues and work in addition, I saw a status board at the end of the line.

As for visiting your coach while being built, it's been my understanding as well that you can only see it during the factory tour. You are welcome to take pictures of it at that time, go into it, etc, but that is about it unless you are able and they allow some sort of special arrangement, but to be honest, I'd be shocked if they did due to safety concerns and OSHA, etc....

We were not able to make the build week for our Safari, but it came out just right.

Silvertwinkie · 04-21-2005, 05:29 PM

Oh, one more thing...a lot (not all) the new coaches are getting larger stainless steel guards up front. These guards are up to the center rivet line now. A HUGE plus since a good number of my dings are lower than the center rivet line, but higher than the old style protectors. Not sure which coaches don't have them yet, but I do seem to recall the Safari and Internationals (and CCDs) seemed to all have them.

redeagle313 · 04-21-2005, 08:36 PM

I believe our tour guide said that all units were getting the larger front rock guards with the exception of the Bambi models. The idea of a higher guard was evidently suggested to them by their transport drivers, as they were noting damage to new units they were delivering that was "just above" the existing rock guards.

Minnie's Mate · 04-22-2005, 07:35 AM

"Bottom line, if you're gonna wait, then wait for the "Special Edition" if it's to your liking since that gets the special windowsBottom line, if you're gonna wait, then wait for the "Special Edition" if it's to your liking since that gets the special windows"

I would wait, but the Missus and I don't like the exposed aluminum skins on the interior. If they would make the "Special Edition" without the exposed skins inside, I would wait for that!

I don't like the little vents at the bottom of the windows in the Safari windows being the only part of the window that opens. In the Spring and Fall, and at shady sites in the cooler parts of the country, I want to be able to open the windows and get as much air circulation as possible. I will be odering an extra fantastic fan to help with the air circulation, but there will be times that I won't want to hear the fan running, like at night for example.

It seems to me that it wouldn't be that hard to put the Classic style windows in. Even the wrap around window could be put in the Safari 30' we want by using the same front bedroom configuration that the Safri 25' FB uses. I think that would be a real rocking coach to have the Safari 25' FB front bedroom, the rest of the Safari 30' floor plan including bunk beds, and Classic windows with the front wrap window, and Vistaview windows where ever locations would permit. We could name it after me...the Safari 30' TCE or just the Safari 30' Classic if Airstream didn't want share the glory thing.

**jcanavera** · 04-22-2005, 10:12 AM

It's going to be interesting to see the evalution of the Safari. As a former Safari owner I saw things that were on the Classics that I felt should have been on the Safari. As time has gone on we have seen the product creap towards the Classics but in some cases the end result isn't exactly the same. Things like spare tires, power jacks, double steps, heavier stabilizer jacks, were all things added to either the official option list or as standard equipment. Each has a penalty in weight and $$.

It comes down to whether the Safari will evolve to become a more stylized twin of the Classic, but unfortunately in doing so demands a higher price and requires you to choose a larger tow vehicle. I probably wouldn't have had my Classic today if it hadn't been that first step taken by buying the Safari. At the time weight was the most important factor and then the cost itself running a close second. Airstream needs to be careful here to watch price points and weight in reference to attracting first time buyers.

Jack

crazylev · 04-22-2005, 10:35 AM

Hey Twink.

Thanks for all the useful information. I'm glad that Airstream treated you and the coach better than expected. I am going to bring our unit in for a go-over next March or April, as that will bring me up to just under the two year under warranty expiration.

I have a few things on my list, but when I look it over, nothing at all serious.

I would really dig having the two-step entry as opposed to the one "giant leap for mankind...." step.

....and that Safari Special edition...don't get me goin' I am reminded by the Mrs. that we should keep the VW Eurovan, to keep my mind away from thoughts of that trailer!!! Saved by GVWR!

Jonathan

Minnie's Mate · 04-22-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcanavera

It comes down to whether the Safari will evolve to become a more stylized twin of the Classic, but unfortunately in doing so demands a higher price and requires you to choose a larger tow vehicle. I probably wouldn't have had my Classic today if it hadn't been that first step taken by buying the Safari. At the time weight was the most important factor and then the cost itself running a close second. Airstream needs to be careful here to watch price points and weight in reference to attracting first time buyers.

Jack

I understand that the Safari line is intended to be an entry level Airstream and think it should continue to be. However, we selected the 30' Safari for one reason: the Bunkhouse floor plan. We have two young boys, currently ages 5 and 8 and the bunk beds are perfect for them. They are perfect for the parents in that we don't have to convert something like a dinet or sofa into a bed for them every night and then convert it back every morning. In the future, as they get older they won't want to share a bed either. This is the reason we chose the Safari. If it had been a Classic it would have still been the trailer for us regardless. Unfortunately, the Classic line isn't available with the bunk beds and separate bedroom for the parents. We also do like the clean lines of the cabinets of the Safari, but would have like to see them in a better grade of materials. I'm sure Airstream has done a lot of market research and that is why they are coming out with new models, but I think they should look at more family friendly variations of each level of their line-up.

I realize for many families tow vehicle is an issue. Not everyone wants to drive a truck and especially one the size of a battleship. But for me, my choice of tow vehicle for the 30' is an F-250 Powerstroke Diesel Supercrew. So for me weight doesn't become an issue either. I know that I will have power to spare for the Safari and that's the way I want it to be. A half ton would have been sufficient for the 30' Safari, but I don't want to be in a bind on hills or in mountains.

It would be nice, though, if there was a "Special Edition" of the 30' Safari offered along with the regular 30' Safari and 30' Safari LS.

Silvertwinkie · 04-22-2005, 01:50 PM

It a hard call. I mean in one breath Airstream wants to give the customer what they want, yet at the same time, be careful of not to dilute the models to the point where the differences are nill. I think it's possible if they are careful.

With the added weight of the gear, I think it's a pretty safe bet that the axle upgrades could allow all the bells and whistles were talking about here.

My guess is that it would be eaiser for you to request the non CCD interior panels than it would be for you to get the wrap around windows in a standard Safari. Unless Airstream has changed their postition, the answer was no about a year ago for the windows in a plain jane Safari. But now, maybe there is a way to get both of what you want if they every offer a 30' special edition....which at this point, your guess is as good as mine.

The 25' also has the bunk as an option. I think the same as the 30', but the 25' does not have the queen size bed.

If I were going into a 25' Safari again, the dual step is standard. I agree about the interior alum skin, but I am torn, I like the recessed lights on the ceiling. I think I'd see if I could get a special edition, but only have the kitchen splashguard and ceiling with the CCD alum skin. Might bring down the cost a bit, plus I'd gain the cool windows. With a 7300 GVWR now, I think it would be more than possible.

Now if the do offer a 30' Safari Special edition, your half way there, but if they don't and Airstream won't offer a on the line custom job at this point, then you'll have some choices to make.

As for the Safari windows, I found that one fantastic vent does wonders, two can create a virtual tornado in the coach. I have two.

One last word of advice, if you get a 25' or a 30' any model, pay the extra money for the 15k BTU A/C unit and also get the second fantastic vent for the rear vent. These were two options I don't reget having used both with great success and satisfaction. I think I spent at or below $500 for both options and in retrospect, it's a no brainer after seeing first hand how they work in the areas I've needed them!