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07-08-2016, 12:47 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
Erie
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 22
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Door on 2017 Classic won't close!
Hi does anyone have any advice or tips? We picked up our 2017 Classic on June 21st and headed out on a 3 month trip starting July 4th. When we got to our first stop in Dubois WY our power jack stopped working and the door stopped closing.
We figured out that we had a bad ground wire for the jack, easy fix. The door on the other hand is still an issue. The best way I can describe it is to say it acts like a door that wasn't hung square. If I let it open all the way, it feels like it catches as I try to close it. I'm able to get it closed from the outside if I push up and in.
Airstream and the extended warranty company want me to drive it to SLC or Boise to have it looked at, neither of these stops are on my route. The dealer that is on my route can't see me until the end of the month at the earliest.
Oh and both my kitchen and bathroom sinks are leaking and the bathroom fan stopped working.
Is having this many issues normal? Is having such poor support from Airstream normal? I spent 200K on the Classic and new TV and feel like I may have made the biggest financial mistake of my life.
Any positive thoughts, ideas or suggestions are very welcome and much appreciated
Thank you,
__________________
Beth & Lori
Newbies with a 2017 Classic
Change = Opportunity
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07-08-2016, 12:53 AM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
Seattle
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 199
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Very, very sorry to hear of all your problems. But, sadly, that level of quality control is the norm with Airstream whether you buy their cheapest trailer or their most expensive. That's why before you spend that kind of money you should fully research what you're getting into. There are hours upon hours worth of reading on this forum regarding Airstream's lack of quality control.
One thing to check is to make sure you're not using your stabilizing jacks as levelers. They are NOT designed to level the trailer or carry any sort of weight. That WILL bend your frame and make your door no longer open or close properly. I've had my door act screwy with just a tiny bit of force on the stabilizers. These trailers are very flimsy in that way; they have very weak frames and use the shell to support the frame. Anything that distorts that will keep the door from working properly.
Have you tried to close the door when no jacks are on the ground?
Good luck!
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07-08-2016, 03:58 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
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I realize you don't want to hear this but so far your issues are fairly mild and YES normal with all RVs. As you stated jack issue, simple and easy.
Rarestream's suggestion on jacks is a good one. Lowering the jacks is simply a stabilization process not a leveling process. If that is not it, I think I'd divert and run over to Idaho, knowing it's a pain etc. But if that is where AS suggested you go, there is a reason. Is it the door frame that is the issue or the stops, the latches? We had a latch issue on this AS and all it needed was some lubricant.
Fan in bathroom is a vendor issue, supplied by AS true, but not their quality. I had both go out four years ago in a brand new unit and in two units since so far no issue. Not sure what is up with that one.
I don't think you've made a mistake. Prior to THIS AS of ours we had an expensive 38' motorhome, one of the best brands in the country. Drove it 7,000 miles all kinds of issues and sold it, bought another 30' AS. Yes we have had issues with our 2015, but don't consider it a mistake, a pain for sure. There are a limited number of AS owners on this forum and most of the posts surround problems which is common to forums - your answer to the door could lie in a thread on here.
Best of luck, enjoy
Bud
__________________
2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
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07-08-2016, 04:30 AM
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#4
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,837
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Airstream Main Door Adjustment Video
There is a good link to a video on YouTube demonstrating how to adjust the door. It is something you could do with the right tools (some customized), but would likely be best to have it fixed under warranty.
It will give you some insight into how the doors can get out of alignment and how they are made too. The method of adjustment starts at about 3:44 of the video.
Don't be discouraged by naysayers. If airstream trailers (or anything else for that matter) were always manufactured perfectly there would be no need for warranties.
__________________
Ray B.
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07-08-2016, 11:39 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
2015 27' FB International
Currently Looking...
mesquite
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 105
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Had same problem with door on our 2015 international signature. Check hinge pins for correct seating m they tend to work there way up and out of hinge . Solved my door problem. There is a proper way for them to be secured.
factory quality control leaves a lot to be desired. Almost as if it didn't exist . could give you a list of things they missed!
but in all fairness I have to give the warrenty dept. High marks for the quality of the work preformed by the tec. People at the factory. They go out of their way to fix the problem and make you a happy airstream owner. I've been there 3 times and left happy and satisfied every time .
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07-08-2016, 11:39 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
Erie
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 22
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Thanks for the advice and support, we truly appreciate it.
Cheers!
__________________
Beth & Lori
Newbies with a 2017 Classic
Change = Opportunity
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07-08-2016, 11:48 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2014 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Chelsea
, Michigan
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,792
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Others have already addressed the door issue so I won't repeat any advice on that point.
However, with respect to the leaky sink issues, we found that the drain lines under the sink will sometimes get loose and allow for leaks (this was an issue when we took delivery of our new trailer in 2014 as well.) The PVC connections under the sink can be hand tightened to stop any further leaking. Once properly hand tightened you may find that they will not need any further attention. I give mine a little twist every once and awhile for good measure. Since I "discovered" this, we have not had any leaks.
If you have leaks on the supply side, many of those connections are also hand tightened and thus you may want to give then a twist too.
Welcome to the club. You've got many years of happy Airstreaming ahead of you so don't worry too much about the start-up issues. If you had to do things over again, I might have suggested a few weeks of camping nearer your home base to work out the bugs, but no matter, you are where you are and you'll make it all work in the long run.
__________________
Bob Martel
WBCCI# 5766
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07-08-2016, 12:19 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2010 30' Flying Cloud
Sandy
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 41
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Checking sink leaks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eawotr
Hi does anyone have any advice or tips? We picked up our 2017 Classic on June 21st and headed out on a 3 month trip starting July 4th. When we got to our first stop in Dubois WY our power jack stopped working and the door stopped closing.
We figured out that we had a bad ground wire for the jack, easy fix. The door on the other hand is still an issue. The best way I can describe it is to say it acts like a door that wasn't hung square. If I let it open all the way, it feels like it catches as I try to close it. I'm able to get it closed from the outside if I push up and in.
Airstream and the extended warranty company want me to drive it to SLC or Boise to have it looked at, neither of these stops are on my route. The dealer that is on my route can't see me until the end of the month at the earliest.
Oh and both my kitchen and bathroom sinks are leaking and the bathroom fan stopped working.
Is having this many issues normal? Is having such poor support from Airstream normal? I spent 200K on the Classic and new TV and feel like I may have made the biggest financial mistake of my life.
Any positive thoughts, ideas or suggestions are very welcome and much appreciated
Thank you,
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I found water under my trailer on the bathroom sink side. However, not all the time. I noticed it only occurred after after using water in the sink. Started checking joints under the sink, turned water on and found the problem... the drain pipe from the trap to the pipe behind the wall that ran to grey tank, had not been glued. I was able to access the pipe and glued it properly, took awhile to find the problem...
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07-08-2016, 12:27 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
jackson center
, Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 159
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Could you take a picture standing back far enough to see how door fits in jamb? Also see if screen door maybe hitting frame on bottom.
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07-08-2016, 12:37 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Victoria
, BC
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 340
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Unfortunately, the lemon laws do not apply to RV's.
The truth is that Airstream's have cr@ppy quality control & the many defects coming out of the factory appear to be due to a 'couldn't give a damn' attitude at the factory. It's very disappointing.
During my 8 years of ownership, most of my many, many months of labor in fixing my unit were to correct installation defects or design flaws. It's quite disgusting & discouraging at first.
Once you fix the all the factory mistakes & oversights, they are very nice units to use & own but getting there is not easy.
Airstream deserves a big class-action whack up the back of their corporate heads.
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07-08-2016, 02:59 PM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
2016 30' Classic
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 145
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Yes, I agree, after spending $200K on a Classic and new RAM 2500, it's hard to encounter warrantee issues right after delivery. We've been back to the AS dealer once for about 5 minor warrantee issues. After traveling 5000 more miles, we have a few more non-major fixes for them to do. Never-the-less, we are ENJOYING THE HECK out of our Classic and I'm glad we spent the $$ to get it, and our new truck. Have faith, all will be well soon!
__________________
Happy Trails,
Phil
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07-08-2016, 03:06 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Friday Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 86
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A warning to me as well
Quote:
Originally Posted by eawotr
Hi does anyone have any advice or tips? We picked up our 2017 Classic on June 21st and headed out on a 3 month trip starting July 4th. When we got to our first stop in Dubois WY our power jack stopped working and the door stopped closing.
We figured out that we had a bad ground wire for the jack, easy fix. The door on the other hand is still an issue. The best way I can describe it is to say it acts like a door that wasn't hung square. If I let it open all the way, it feels like it catches as I try to close it. I'm able to get it closed from the outside if I push up and in.
Airstream and the extended warranty company want me to drive it to SLC or Boise to have it looked at, neither of these stops are on my route. The dealer that is on my route can't see me until the end of the month at the earliest.
Oh and both my kitchen and bathroom sinks are leaking and the bathroom fan stopped working.
Is having this many issues normal? Is having such poor support from Airstream normal? I spent 200K on the Classic and new TV and feel like I may have made the biggest financial mistake of my life.
Any positive thoughts, ideas or suggestions are very welcome and much appreciated
Thank you,
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Wah! Terrible experience and a valued warning to me who is nearly putting $$$$$$ on a new model. I am now seeing (more below) many warnings about in adequate quality standards and questionable dealer response. I may cancel my desire for an AS, but first will ask to camp in the intended purchase on the lot to test for defects before moving it to an off shore island as a permanent residence. Can you imagine, getting it back to the mainland for this or that defect in the first two years? Shame on AS. Best of luck. Wish I could offer more.
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07-08-2016, 06:47 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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I understand your frustration. I first encountered the door issue with my 2012 28' Intl CCD. My issue was that I'd jacked the stabilizers a bit too firmly. It is hard to believe how just a bit too much tension can make the door difficult (impossible?) to close. When you have the door closed and you look around the edges, you can see that it is a very tight tolerance to the trailer body. If a hinge is just a bit loose (had that problem), you'll know it by how the door closes. If the screen door is a bit off, you'll know it. If it's time to put silicone grease on the rubber insulation, you'll know it. While it IS frustrating to have any kind of problem with a brand new trailer....you are going to LOVE your new Classic once these irritants are taken care of.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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07-08-2016, 08:07 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
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Just goes to show you how weak the frame is. Granted the stabilizers are just that "stabilizers". NOT leveling jacks.
Raise all 4 stabilizers, then try the door.
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07-08-2016, 11:14 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
Erie
, Colorado
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 22
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Thank you again for all the suggestions. The leaky sinks, and power jack are all fixed. The door is closing, not properly, but we can get it closed. We use the stabilizers very gingerly and are hoping to get to a dealer in Seattle in August.
Overall we are loving our new AS. And thanks to all the support from the folks on the forum we are back on track and just enjoying our trip.
Thank you AS Community for all of your support! We really appreciate it.
__________________
Beth & Lori
Newbies with a 2017 Classic
Change = Opportunity
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07-09-2016, 12:15 AM
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#16
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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ose
Airstream bodies and frames are not weak, they are flexible and must be to prevent cracking at the many stress points, such as each rivet hole and weld points in the frame. Just ride in an empty large passenger plane and watch it flex. It will scare the delights out of you. Also, many larger aluminum trailers will get skin cracks around the entry doors. Usually the upper front corner. So you see the monocoque construction is a series of fasteners as well as stress risers. The only way to eliminate this is to build it out of solid aluminum stock. Which would not be feasible. You could add many more rivets between those already in place. But, the labor cost increase would be significant. Each rivet hole requires 8 steps: measure, placement, marking, drilling, install a Cleco, remove the Cleco, place the rivet, and finally buck it.
BTW, if you are replacing a panel you have the initial step of drilling out the old rivet and cleaning out the hole. Eleven steps total. I really never thought of this until a tech was ask by my insurance adjustor why sheet metal repair was so expensive. He had no more question and approved the re-skinning after a hail storm.
guskmg
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07-09-2016, 02:24 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2019 27' International
2014 25' International
2006 23' Safari SE
Boulder City
, Nevada
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,703
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On the 2016 Greenhorn Adventure a member had a new Airstream and the door would close, but appeared the need to be curved more for fitting the entry. The arc of the entry and the door were off, possibly from the heavy door gasket, hinges, curvature of the door... or a combination.
If you make a post under Boondocking and the 2016 Greenhorn Adventure, he may respond. I will try to find their email address and give them notice that someone has a similar issue. Although they may be not the same, it could help. They live in Oregon.
Added:
(PM NoResults if you are still looking for answers.)
__________________
Human Bean
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07-10-2016, 03:23 PM
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#18
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E Pluribus Aluminus
2008 34' Classic S/O
1967 22' Safari
2005 30' Classic
Land Of Enchantment
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,300
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RareStream
Very, very sorry to hear of all your problems. But, sadly, that level of quality control is the norm with Airstream whether you buy their cheapest trailer or their most expensive. There are hours upon hours worth of reading on this forum regarding Airstream's lack of quality control.
Good luck!
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When Airstream was Airstream, they had good quality control and pride in their product (thus a lifetime guarantee). Unfortunately, their current profit-driven business model is part of Thor's corporate culture. Their current owner, Thor is not known in any of their product lines for "quality control".
It is also true that the problems you've experienced, although disillusioning, are not all that serious. A trailer/ motorhome is really nothing more than a traveling house experiencing constant earthquakes while traveling down the road...
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07-10-2016, 04:27 PM
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#19
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Builder of Diesel Jeeps
2014 28' International
Sedona
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 226
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If you withstand the initial QC slop, the coach will be enjoyable. Yes, assembly quality out of the JC facility is par with, well, a Kazak shoe factory. Service will tell you "everything is to RIVA standards". Whatev.
Not what you want to hear, as much as it wasn't what I wanted to hear after dropping 90k...schedule a trip to OHIO. There's a decent Subway there, a cool hardware store, and the dive bar is a great place to talk to plant employees.
__________________
14 Serenity 28'
15 Grand Cherokee EcoD
#5261
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07-26-2016, 08:11 AM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
2000 34' Limited
1985 25' Sovereign
LaGrange Highlands
, Illinois
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 98
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Yep your door most likely is out of square. I have a 2000 34 limited that the door was out of squaire. I removed the door and had to use a dremel to grind the bolt holes. The top hole was ground down and toward the back 1/2 and the bottom hole was just ground 1/2 lower to get it right. If U check your trailer nothing is square or plumb. I level my trailer with shower door open. If the door stays half open then I know the trailer is level in the center. Put the level on floor in front and front is down, put level in back and back is down. As much as I hate to say airstream does not build any thing any better than other SOB's. Joined WBCCI in 1990 best part of an airstream is the people, Done 38 caravans with WBCCI. Loven it.
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