Done with Airstream.

[Ted S.]

Now my inverter is out. As I sit here to try and replace the fuse, I am dumbfounded as to why they mounted it so close to the bed framing that you can't possibly remove the fuse without taking apart the bed and unmounting the inverter. I can get the fuse unscrewed but I can't get it out of its socket because I need like a half inch more clearance. It would've been nothing for them to mount it a half inch back but they probably didn't even check clearance when they were slapping this thing together.

I'm done with fixing all these things, a severed wire to the water heater that was obviously never checked, a bent sail switch that left me without heat up in the mountains because it didn't function at higher altitude's, a leaking bath fan that was never sealed, windows under the awning that were never sealed obviously because they figured the awning covered it or it was too much work to get too, an entry door that never seems to open or close right and has locked me out a number of times, numerous leaks I found and fixed and some I haven't got around to it yet.

I know you people love these trailers but I can't understand how there can be so many defects. Sorry for the rant but I'm just getting tired of it and don't feel like should be dealing with it after shelling out almost $90,000 for a new trailer. I long for the day when I actually take my trailer out and everything works.

[SteveSueMac]

Sorry. Nothing to offer but a sympathetic ear. Good luck.

[cole3444]

I understand where your coming from, after reading the Forums I bought two older 70's models and rebuilt them so I could take care of problems like you are having. Good luck.

[Daquenzer]

I understand. I’ve had a few issues as well. Thankfully nothing big, but little annoyances like a bathroom vanity that didn’t stay shut on the road (had to put another latch on) and the Fantastic fan that doesn’t work all the time unless I mess with it (I’m about ready to take into dealer and get it replaced if it does it again.). I recently had a leak in one of the back closets. Hopefully got that fixed after I noticed the caulking wasn’t done correctly on a seam. I guess I’ll find out on the next big rain. But you would think that when a person spends 90,000 the quality control would be better.

Then again I wonder what other trailers are like.

This is one of the reasons why I’ve heard people say that if you buy an AS to buy a used one. The previous owner has gotten all the bugs worked out. Might be some truth to that

[polarlyse]

There seems to be a LOT of truth to that.

[GMFL]

Sorry for your problems. The RV industry is plagued with problems. Sad to say but Airstream is the cream of the crop on materials used but just part of the herd on craftsmanship.
Run of the mill assembly should not be apart of Airstream culture.
I think most of the workers care about the product they build. Company production expectations and Top down pressure creates a “just get it done.... next...environment”.
I love my Airstream, but it is far from perfection.

Too much Thor and not enough Wally.

[Daquenzer]

Too much Thor is probably the issue. But in the long run it’s going to kill the product. The fact is the word gets out. I didn’t like my buying experience. And I don’t like the fact there is typically one dealer in a state. That destroys competition between dealers to make sure they treat the customer fairly. Also getting warranty work done is a complete PITA since the nearest dealer is 3 hours from me. But then again when I walked into the other campers I can only think, “This will be crap in 10 years.” AS was the only camper my wife could tolerate since it was airy and light inside with all the windows. And it was the only one that wouldn’t look like ___ in 10 years. But they still have problems as with any product; except my Apple computers. They just keep going and going and going. I’ve never had hardware problems with my Apple computers, and their customer service if you have a question is top notch. AS could learn something from Apple, and that is “DONT GO THE WAY OF THOR.”

Apple costs more than typical PC’s. BUT I will pay for quality any and every day, because in the long run it’s actually cheaper.

Airstream needs to keep that in mind. Those of us who pay for an AS want quality. So Airstream, I know you look at these posts, DON’T SKIMP ON QUALITY TO GET “PROFIT.” Because in the long-run your profits will go down the tube.

[PaulnGina]

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I hope you can get the problems solved, one way or another, and get on with enjoying the experience!

(PM sent)

[RVDreamer]

I have the 2015 Serenity 27FB and have never had an issue with it in over 25,000 miles of travel. But I bought mine through a very good dealer who checks over, inspects, and repairs all the little common mistakes prior to selling.

A lot of the issues you site should have been caught by the purchasing dealer if not caught by Airstream at the factory.

[GCinSC2]

Please accept the apology in advance.

I read you have some issues but per your profile your TV is a Ford 6.0L diesel. That engines reputation almost ruined Ford’s Diesel engine pickup future.

Good luck and happy camping.

Gary

[PaulnGina]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Please accept the apology in advance.

I read you have some issues but per your profile your TV is a Ford 6.0L diesel. That engines reputation almost ruined Ford’s Diesel engine pickup future.

Good luck and happy camping.

Gary

Once the known problem sources are eliminated, the 6.0L PowerStroke is a fine engine ( head bolts, EGR delete)

[Ted S.]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

Please accept the apology in advance.

I read you have some issues but per your profile your TV is a Ford 6.0L diesel. That engines reputation almost ruined Ford’s Diesel engine pickup future.

Good luck and happy camping.

Gary

Wow. Just wow. I think not only am I done with Airstream but I'm done with Airforums. There is no need to kick somebody when they are down.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

But they still have problems as with any product; except my Apple computers. They just keep going and going and going. I’ve never had hardware problems with my Apple computers, and their customer service if you have a question is top notch.

Off topic, but I just got my Macbook Pro back from being almost totally replaced due to defective/bad hardware. The only thing still original is the screen. So, Apple stuff breaks just like everything else. For everybody that has a good experience with something, somebody has a bad one. And I'm not getting rid of either my Apple computer or my Airstream. Problems or not.

[Countryboy59]

Originally Posted by Ted S.

Wow. Just wow. I think not only am I done with Airstream but I'm done with Airforums. There is no need to kick somebody when they are down.

Well everyone on Airforums is perfect, don’t ya know? Personally I use the forum for entertainment only.

Hope you get your trailer fixed soon! Sorry to hear about the problems.

[AtomicNo13]

I agree, this is why I won't buy newer models.
Sorry for your trouble...

[GCinSC2]

I guess my analogy didn’t work.

I’ve gone thru multiple issues on my own airstream. I made a decision to buy it and I’ve taken some near ridicule w/o an advance apology for owning a slide and disc brakes too boot let alone my lack of airstream mastery.

You’ve made a tow vehicle with potential serious design issues into something that has worked well for you. It most likely too effort and $$$ if it followed the 6.0L course.

The airstream has its own set of quirks, who’s idea was this, expenses and more.

It takes some of the same determination, sweat, creativity and $$$ to make it your airstream.

I apologize again and wish you’d reconsider dropping this unique group of like minded owners.

Airforums has a wealth of knowledge and some other stuff.

Looks like tonight I fell into the other stuff.

Gary

[Paprika]

"Too much Thor is probably the issue."

Too true. First thing I did after taking delivery of my 2017 International Serenity 27FB was to peel off the Thor stickers. I didn't want to be reminded!

Ted, if you're still out there, my sympathies. I had some of the same problems you did, plus some others, and I wasn't happy about it--even though I knew going into the purchase that I was going to see typical RV industry sloppiness. But I have to say that now, a year later, I've fixed most of the problems, upgraded the weak electrical system, and I love my rig. Just sitting in it makes me smile.

Should we buyers have to put up with all these teething problems? Of course not. But if you can hang in there through the first year or so, I think you'll end up with a rig you can be proud of.

[brick1]

Just spent our first weekend in new 28 Serenity. No problems, no issues, everything works perfect...
brick

[DaveP]

Ted,

Hang in there! We all feel your pain. It all gets better as you fix the problems (and they do not reoccur). 2004 AS, and I think I am almost there!

[sheriff1]

With an Airstream you don’t just get an RV, you get a hobby!