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Kistler · 09-10-2003, 04:09 PM

It is a little late

but I am beginning to think that we should not have purchased an Airstream....

We like our tt but apparently I backed into something and we got a dent....would you believe this is a biggy

I like everything perfect and so went to the dealer...they did what they could for $255 but it is not perfect-perfect would cost about $4000.

Psychologically I don't think Airstreams/dents are for everybody.

Somebody should have warned me... ha....I made this decision on my own....

It is very hard to keep an Airstream perfect.

Tinsel Loaf · 09-10-2003, 04:54 PM

Kistler
Hey, things could be worse. Take my AS for example. First time out, brand new and WHAM!! get's wacked by a truck. Cost thousands and I was pissed because like I told the dealer It's not my dent. Since than I have given it a couple dents but they don't bother me cause their MY dents. I think of them as beauty marks. So cheer up, ya did the right thing you got a AS the best on the road. There is not one rolling home on wheels that will not get mashed in one way or another, over time. Love that AS dent, cause it's yours.

Chas · 09-10-2003, 04:56 PM

Just like a new car, the first dent will always be the hardest to deal with. Now that you got her properly broke in your travels will be somewhat more worry-free.

That's another good thing about getting a vintage unit, most of the denting has already been done for you!!

Chas

rfield54 · 09-10-2003, 04:57 PM

Either you have a REALLY big dent, or (very possibly) a highly inflated estimate. The ballpark estimate for my single panel replacement (10" dent w/ crease) was between $600.00 and $800.00. That was from an A/S dealer. Did you damage more than one panel, or did the dent breach the interior shell? Wow, four grand is too much!
- Roy

Kistler · 09-10-2003, 05:07 PM

Thanks you people....feel better....at least not alone

....the estimate was not formal but it is not worth replacing panels...the rivet indentations are probably just as noticeable...

I just don't care for the fact that she is a jewel and I feel terribly responsible.

garry · 09-10-2003, 06:20 PM

Bought a new GMC PU. 30 min after leaving the dealers lot a typical Oklahoma hail storm left little dents all over my brand new truck.
That was 1996 now 160,000 miles later not a new dent or hardley a scratch !!!!
Some days it dosn't pay to get out of bed.

Garry

rfield54 · 09-10-2003, 06:24 PM

I can only hope the insurance $ helped ease the pain.

Kistler · 09-10-2003, 06:27 PM

yikes, Garry, may the Force be with you.....we also got hail...on the outing to WY at the second respite in NM we discovered the dent....then on the return out of UT near Flagstaff got hail...so we have a little of that.

I want a new trailer.

of course that is not one of my options (at the moment).

j54mark · 09-10-2003, 06:28 PM

I, too, was concerned about dents in the Airstream, so I bought mine with the dents pre-installed.

I never was able to buy a new pickup truck, either. There is just something about throwing in that first load of gravel....

Mark

Kistler · 09-10-2003, 06:50 PM

Goes to show you there is no fool like and old fool....I really did want an Excella from the late 80s.

hhuber · 09-10-2003, 07:08 PM

My trailer went 36 yrs and lots of miles with no dents! Thats right none. Not anymore though. I dont know how or when it happened but I know it's mine.

Still love her.

Heidi

**Stefrobrts** · 09-10-2003, 07:53 PM

Mine has one little dent, so I don't have to feel too bad someday if I add another (though I'm dreading the day). I happen to know however that the previous owner put a doozy in the back corner a couple years ago, but he had the whole panel replaced and you can't even tell. The receipt he left with the paperwork says it set him back about $1500.

Silvertwinky · 09-10-2003, 07:56 PM

Maybe you should read this thread I started once on "Little Boo Boo's." It should make you feel better after reading about other peoples mishaps!

B25guy · 09-10-2003, 08:14 PM

I bought mine with a small dent, figured I'd get it out of the way right off. The dealer took a few hundred off the price and offerd to fix it but I figure it would just be a matter of time before another. My tow rig was four months old when it got nailed by a TX hailstorm...Oh well.

muddy_hollow · 09-11-2003, 01:06 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...on/3101264.stm

Kistler · 09-11-2003, 01:13 PM

Gosh, and apparently the cow wasn't even "mad". I guess that I should feel lucky with having the small dent only.

Kistler

DMAYRES · 09-11-2003, 02:24 PM

One of the things that separates A/S from SOBs is that they can be repaired.

Try checking the estimate to repair the skin on a fiberglass trailer or M/H, especially one that's older than five years.

I only wish I had looked as good at age 30 as my A/S does.

overlander63 · 09-11-2003, 04:18 PM

Our Argosy has a few small "rock dings" on the front, below the belt line. All except one. A big one.
I wondered when I looked at the trailer why there was such a large gouge in the trailer, right where the folding step is, starting about 6" in front of the step, and ending about 1' behind the step. When I asked the PO's daughter about it, she told me her father had cut a corner too close at a service station, and hit a Chevrolet Chevette, pretty much destroying the front of the car. He left the dent there as a reminder to pay attention.
I think I will fix this dent, it is a little easier for me with a painted unit since all I have to do is pull it out and apply a little paint over it.
So far all I have managed to do with it is knock down a few tree limbs, but give me time...
Terry
(in Florida)