Airstream needs to update

[baylito99]

THis is my first airstream and the design is lacking a few things. 1. No hitch receiver on bumper so you can carry bikes, or but a carrier for tire,or you can put a storage box on the end.

We had to have a new bumper constructed so we could do these things.

Since they are so low to the ground cutting a hole in the underbelly to put a tire up there is not feasible,not only costly,but hard to get out.

I hope As reads these forms and starts to make things that are needed in this "modern world"

I agree with one of the posts, that a tankless water heater should be standard in these and all trailers.

[dznf0g]

Oh, Oh!

[overlander63]

A new bicycle carrier for the rear bumper has been announced by Airstream. I've seen a photo, and it looks like it will be attached to the body as well as the bumper. I'll try to find a photo and post it here.

[Al - K4GLU]

Originally Posted by overlander63

A new bicycle carrier for the rear bumper has been announced by Airstream. I've seen a photo, and it looks like it will be attached to the body as well as the bumper. I'll try to find a photo and post it here.

Bet I saw the prototype when I was in JC in Sept. Unfortunately being the last person in the world without a digital camera I wasn't able to get any pictures. The rack- which was mounted on the back of a 2012 25' Flying Cloud - is built like a tank - and I'll bet priced like one also!

[mutcth]

Common wisdom is that you shouldn't put a bike rack on the bumper as it can damage the frame - these longer 70s trailers are already prone to rear-end separation of the body and frame. The new bike rack that AS is offering also anchors to the rear shell of the trailer.

Likewise, 70s trailers had an available underfloor spare tire storage location at the front of the trailer. Brackets attach to threaded nuts that are already on the frame members near the A-frame. Not as easy to get to as hanging the thing off the body of the trailer maybe, but easier than putting it further back beneath the trailer.

A tankless water heater would be grand, but given that they retail at $1000 (compared to around $300 for a regular one), I don't imagine that they'll be standard anytime soon.

Tom

[Tim A.]

Airstream Needs to Update is your heading, then you say "THis is my first airstream and the design is lacking a few things. 1. No hitch receiver on bumper so you can carry bikes, or but a carrier for tire,or you can put a storage box on the end.....I hope As reads these forms and starts to make things that are needed in this "modern world."

Then I saw that your "new" Airstream is a 1973.

If there had been great market demand for your "updates" during the nearly 30 years since your trailer was built, I suspect Airstream would have long offered them, at least as options. Presumably, Airstream's development of a bike rack is a response to what people, today, want for their trailers.

Tim

[Rich of SCal]

The Sport 16 does have the spare mounted underneath and up front. I just saw it yesterday. As far as being too low to the ground to cut a hole...isn't low center of gravity one of the pluses of AS's?

[Tazameir]

Originally Posted by Al - K4GLU

Bet I saw the prototype when I was in JC in Sept. Unfortunately being the last person in the world without a digital camera I wasn't able to get any pictures. The rack- which was mounted on the back of a 2012 25' Flying Cloud - is built like a tank - and I'll bet priced like one also!

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C.

[JazzDad]

Originally Posted by rich of scal

... Isn't low center of gravity one of the pluses of as's?

+1.

[xrvr]

Post back later after you do more research. jim

[fmr.capt.evi]

Ditto, post #2!! LOL!!

[Sandra F]

We ordered the bike rack from Air Stream. My husband just installed the rack and came upon the same problem another fellow had....the rack doesn't fold up. The solution is to cut 1/2 inch off the bottom of the two brackets holding the frame together (facing the bikes). By doing this, it will allow the hinge enough room to fold up. Our bike rack sits upon a Bambi International.

[mguinn]

Originally Posted by Sandra F

We ordered the bike rack from Air Stream. My husband just installed the rack and came upon the same problem another fellow had....the rack doesn't fold up. The solution is to cut 1/2 inch off the bottom of the two brackets holding the frame together (facing the bikes). By doing this, it will allow the hinge enough room to fold up. Our bike rack sits upon a Bambi International.

We are in the process of installing the Fiamma bike rack on our 19' Bambi and have the same problem, rack doesn't fold up. Thanks for the solution. Also, the left side of our bumper lid would not close. We're in the process of shaving off some of the lid. I'm contacting Airstream to let them know the problems we've had so they can make adjustments to both the equipment and instruction video.