Damage from stairs tearing off

[blondie_t]

Hi Airforums! Looking for my first Airstream and ran into this issue on an otherwise perfect Airstream.

Stairs were torn off and resulted in damage to the belly beside the stairs on both sides. Any estimate on what it would take to fix this damage (especially a $$ estimate) would be helpful. I know there's not enough pictures to get a full understanding of the damage, but anything gleaned from the few images is more than I know.

Thanks!

PS: last image needs to be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[overlander63]

A set of steps would probably be around $450, the outriggers are about $60 each, and the belly pan wrap is sold by the square foot. Figure length between the edge of the steps and where the belly pan wrap ends, and double it to get the square footage needed.

[brick1]

My guess is $3K, depending on how much damage to the frame. For $100 or less, you can get a set of folding rv steps. Not as nice, but cheap and easy.
brick

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by overlander63

A set of steps would probably be around $450, the outriggers are about $60 each, and the belly pan wrap is sold by the square foot. Figure length between the edge of the steps and where the belly pan wrap ends, and double it to get the square footage needed.

The OP might not know that's material only cost.

How much $ for miscellaneous (rivets, caulk, screws. bolts, sales tax, etc)?
Welding the outriggers $ ?
Removal of the damaged and installation of new - labor $ ?

I don't know, but I'll guess 12 to 16 shop hours for labor. Though, I know I could not do it that fast.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

The OP might not know that's material only cost.

How much $ for miscellaneous (rivets, caulk, screws. bolts, sales tax, etc)?
Welding the outriggers $ ?
Removal of the damaged and installation of new - labor $ ?

I don't know, but I'll guess 12 to 16 shop hours for labor. Though, I know I could not do it that fast.

Forum rules don't allow me to give more than vague answers as to price, nor am I allowed to quote labor figures, because I work for a dealership.

[A W Warn]

I know you can't do that.
I posted that for the benefit of the OP. And, I sent a PM telling them how to contact ODM.
Just trying to be helpful.

[kpm]

If you decide to hold off repairing and use a set of folding RV steps, it would be worth sealing the exterior somehow. Especially with cooler weather coming, trailers can become a nice home for critters.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

I know you can't do that.
I posted that for the benefit of the OP. And, I sent a PM telling them how to contact ODM.
Just trying to be helpful.

I appreciate the assist. I do get tired of having to preface nearly every post with "forum rules prohibit me from", but it is what it is... Without getting into the "whys and howcomes", it was a necessary evil at the time the rule was implemented.

[TheParula]

Hi ��just wondering, are there rules about mentioning labor price per hourly?

[gklott]

Recommend repairing the belly to be weather tight. Also, replace the outriggers.
Forget replacing the steps. Our steps came down once while traveling, which scared us. Luckily we did not have the damage you do. We have since secured them shut, and we have not used them for more than 10 years.
Instead, we use the Cotterman aluminum step stand shown, which is much more sturdy and useful. It weighs less than 10 lbs, is rated to 500 lbs, and sits just inside the door as we travel. Deploying and recovering this stand is much easier than the built-in step unit. Step height shown is with our trailer level.

[75Bob]

When I first bought my 75 AS it was missing the second aluminum step. I bought a new one with all the nuts ,bolts,washers and support bars from Vintage AS Supply. Delivered cost was $400. Assembled by me. I went to Airstream in Milwaukee to see what it looked like while I was waiting for delivery. Surprise, the models under 23' now have the same cheap steel steps all other RV's have. Only the larger more expensive units have aluminum steps. Bite the bullet and cough up the dough for a new set of aluminum steps. You won't be sorry. It's the same reason you bought an Airstream.

[RamRider]

Repairing the body damage will be in the $2-3,000 range if you want to make your AS look like new. Your damage looks similar to what we had last spring after a tire failure and that did not include purchasing new steps. If you have not purchased this AS yet I would include that in your offer.

[DGJackson]

At the risk of violating the forum rules, I always look forward to your posts on these subject matters - over the years your perspective seems to be close to the mark. That's just my 2 cents worth.

thanks for the insight and service

[Torpedo Family]

Have the owner file a claim with his Insurance Company to have it fixed by Airstream in Jackson Center or a dealer close to you.

Originally Posted by blondie_t

Hi Airforums! Looking for my first Airstream and ran into this issue on an otherwise perfect Airstream.

Stairs were torn off and resulted in damage to the belly beside the stairs on both sides. Any estimate on what it would take to fix this damage (especially a $$ estimate) would be helpful. I know there's not enough pictures to get a full understanding of the damage, but anything gleaned from the few images is more than I know.

Thanks!

PS: last image needs to be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[Meganndavid]

I found a rock on day one of a 110 day trip last winter. We replaced 12 foot of skirt metal at JC and that was about $1000. I found the original steps to be $600-800 to replace. I work at MOR/Ryde and had them build me these custom aftermarket steps that bolt into the same holes the original were attached too. They attach to bars on the outside and when we travel we place them on the inside. If interested I can see if we can make another set for yours. It is our goal to take these to market by Memorial Day next year. Cost would be around $350ish. If you have any questions please let me know.