What Airstream Design Improvements are Needed?

[Silvertube34]

After reading all the posts with so many ideas humm i guess i was missing something my 97 34’ Clasic had battery shut off for both bateries my inverter had a switch on the wall to shut so you didnt have to listen to the hum or buzz of it my shower had a seat and was big enough im 6’ 250lb i didnt have an issue with that. I did have a mouse n squirrel problem that took alot of crawling around under neith while trailer was up on ramps i did win 3 squirrels n 6 mice we finnaly captured i felt like Bill Murray in Candy Shack trying to capture them. My dad had a 68 24’ and then up graded to a 72 31’ when i was a kid. As an adult my self i had a 86 28’ and then the 97 34’ i pulled them both with a F350 Dually with out any issues. I also lived full time in mine last winter in MI it took a little insulation in windows n a skirt around the bottom and loved the heat pump. We found it was geting close for my bride to be amd our dog so we traded it in on a larger fithwheel with 5 slides i do miss the nestelga of my AS but love the comfort of my new trailer i just thought i would add my 2 cents worth in i wish you all Happy Hollidays n safe travels.

[Pygmypoacher]

Originally Posted by Holy Grail

Airstream must not have enough competition to be able to rest on its laurels. Oddly, you could say that about the whole rv industry. With a few exceptions, most of what's out there is junk. How can consumers demand more when their options are limited.

https://youtu.be/9r1qBqflWyQ

[WhereStream]

A revision of the Airstream owner's manuals is overdue.

You can spend a lot of time tracking down simple information — what torque to apply to lug nuts, for example.

Especially frustrating if the manual covers a bunch of models.

[Smittyfan]

How about a Tiny Home version and the Design team with the CEO dry-camping for a week

[Holy Grail]

Originally Posted by Pygmypoacher

https://youtu.be/9r1qBqflWyQ

Now this is what I'm talking about! Very nice alternative to an AS (as long as all those windows, sliders, doors and hatches don't leak while underway in a driving rainstorm...(lol). Thanks.

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by bigfoot390

As far as winterizing goes. Arrange the plumbing so all water lines drain down to two central points. One for hot and one for cold. Open drains open all faucets and presto its winterized.

I have done this in my 66 Tradewind. The low point drain valves are in the bottom of the bumper trunk. The valves actually extend through the bottom so the water drains on the ground or connections can also be made for an outdoor shower. Just raise the front of the Airstream, open the drain valves and all the faucets, drain the water heater, put some antifreeze in the drains and winterization is done. No need for using high pressure air or antifreeze in the water lines.

Dan

[PSU1981]

How about a deadbolt lock that doesn’t break the 1st time you close the door with the pin out.

[GCinSC2]

The EXACT wiring diagram used to build your trailer with a general location guide and marked wiring codes on the cables.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Old owners probably have a better handle on what needs improvement than new owners who haven't needed to deal with the bugs (or as Microsoft says, "features") in their trailers and develop work-arounds.

Airstream should have sent out questionnaires to all owners that they know of, not just new owners.

I am an old owner also... I have sent in several suggestions to Customer service guys over the years. This is first time I saw a follow up request and I have purchased new last couple times...just saying they seem to be trying to get more customer feedback was my point. Anyone can suggest upgrades by filling out customer comment section on their sites.

[bigfoot390]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

I have done this in my 66 Tradewind. The low point drain valves are in the bottom of the bumper trunk. The valves actually extend through the bottom so the water drains on the ground or connections can also be made for an outdoor shower. Just raise the front of the Airstream, open the drain valves and all the faucets, drain the water heater, put some antifreeze in the drains and winterization is done. No need for using high pressure air or antifreeze in the water lines.

Dan

Dan the man![emoji106]

[stevenson748]

Airstream should offer Satellite Antenna that mounts on roof that works with either direct or dish TV with wiring all set for customer to just bring there receiver from home.
Upgrade Inverter/charger to 2000 hybrid whole trailer with Lithium batteries.
Offer a optional package for dry camping that includes better off road clearance, improved batteries and inverters, water storage, and insulation from hot or cold weather

[Poor Royal]

A desk area 'work station' for laptops, tablets and phone (charging), pens, paper, receipts, checkbook, wallet (purse) etc. One with comfortable desk chair that would double as a comfortable living room / dining chair. If I had a front bedroom / rear dinette model the 'booth' would be replaced with a desk, swivel around and BOOM TV time. I'm not a big TV watcher, especially when traveling. I get most of my information and entertainment from the Internet anyway.

I remember one of the early CCDs had a small desk in the rear corner and I think there was a Classic where you could get the whole front window area (where the sofa usually is) with a desk-- my DREAM TRAILER!

[HeadWest]

From reading so many posts on Airforums over the years, I really don't want Airstream to weigh too much of their future decisions on older, long term owners. Too many on Airforums have emphasis on recliners, twin beds, televisions, and how they can bring hundreds and hundreds of pounds of useless crap along with them.

I want to see good, forward thinking design that meets new buyers current needs such as great solar options and decent technology for those of those that work while traveling. Not bringing back a cassette player.

Keep the large windows and designs that are easy to live with both on travel days and when parked, i.e. no slides, and increase the quality. If Airstream is monitoring this thread, I know that some of us would be fine with an increase in price to get the quality and feature set improved.

I'm running for cover since I'm sure I've offended many.

[Acheron2010]

I agree with you, HeadWest. Just some state-of-the-art engineering on sealing the seams, better inverters and electric systems, better heat, better hot water heater, better, better. The tech exists, and can be found in other trailers for half the price.
I am torn.

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by Poor Royal

————-snip———-


I remember one of the early CCDs had a small desk in the rear corner and I think there was a Classic where you could get the whole front window area (where the sofa usually is) with a desk-- my DREAM TRAILER!

The 2007 International CCD 23’ we have has a nice desk next to the rear wet bath....that was the last year it was available.

[WhereStream]

Originally Posted by Randyf22

Keep it simple...all external access locking doors (storage locker, outside shower, fresh water fill) use same key with a quality lock

True this!

Crazy that Airstream puts different keys in the same trailer, and always a pain to get the right key.

Airstream could do this for no extra expense.

[Smittyfan]

A desk like this?!

[Smittyfan]

A desk like this? I Still need the toy hauling PanAmerican back. Anyone want to trade? [emoji847]

[Smittyfan]

And I like the versatility of being able to rearrange the front dinette area. Should be THE standard.t

[Smittyfan]

Dang! I want to drag it out of winterization now and go RV’ing