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xrvr · 01-29-2016, 04:36 AM

We have storage under our sofa which we can use for bedding etc. lift up the sofa seat. Thus in our 30P Avion. Good luck.

Piggy Bank · 01-29-2016, 05:53 AM

Our 22 came with 4 large plastic bins that fit under the front bed storage area.

Of course you have to take 1 out at the start so you can put the folding chairs, folding table, coleman stove, and baby gate for the dog there. So that leaves 3 of them.

Last year was our first year, and I had unnecessary extra paper towels, bath towels, etc in one bin, still leaving 2 bins for other superfluous items.

When our daughter wants to come, I found that 1 bin perfectly hold her sleeping bag and pillow. And the other holds her duffle. Both of which can be shoved under the bed during the day. Beats keeping it all in the truck.

Our clothes store in the closet, and the other stuff that goes under the bed is out until we break camp.

So even in a "tiny" bambi we seem to have room for the extra bedding to store.

PS Also found that using that non-slip cabinet/shelf liner between the tabletop and the dinette cushions helped them stay still when using the dinette as a bed.

**Rocinante** · 01-29-2016, 08:00 AM

Now, *that's* topic drift. You did us proud.

BoldAdventure · 01-29-2016, 08:20 AM

I think it's on topic. Point being, Airstream needs whatever they bring to the market, to be just as stylish. For what it's worth, whatever they bring to market will still have cheaper competitors. And they can't sell on name alone. So if it's not as stylish and just some other box, what's the point?

J. Morgan · 01-29-2016, 08:31 AM

A little drift keeps the conversation from being sterile, boring, and dry.

Besides, thinking out loud is the boss!

Brevi tempore!

switz · 01-29-2016, 09:11 AM

This "new" unit could have the potential of being zero defects or it does not ship until there are no defects. Limited production to get it done correctly the first time is far less expensive long term than the bandaid approach Airstream currently uses.

Their curent dealer network has an extremely small percentage that care enough to have the new unit actually get a thorough PDI and fix everything so the customer experience is fantastic. The typical experience is far worse than that. They dealers get the wrong incentive. If they falsify the PDI, then the customer finds the 1" gap in the door, or the name missing on the trailer etc so then there is a warranty claim they get paid to fix.

If the customer finds the manufacturing issue within the first 90 days that would have been discovered if a PDI was actually done, the dealership should be required to make the repairs at their expense. They are given the franchise and are expected to take care of issues found during the PDI. If major issues are found, send it back to the factory and have them fix it.

This "new" smaller unit will flop, in my opinion, if the quality control is as bad as it is now with rest of the Airstream production.

DoublTrouble · 01-29-2016, 10:01 AM

Maybe not.... a lower price point might create a lower expectation. just sayin'

Jim & Susan · 01-29-2016, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Now, *that's* topic drift. You did us proud.

Can I get an Amen, Brothers and Sisters!

AMEN!

Jim

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 04:20 PM

Somebody mentioned the Camp Lite brand earlier in this thread. We had a chance to look at a couple of these today the local winter RV show. I wasn't all that impressed with the design (interior layout was "OK", but......) colors inside and out were blah, blah. Small, the longest trailer is 21 feet. In other words, it's never going to be the Airstream that we all own.

But structurally, oh my goodness. Hold on to your hats......

First picture is front view of the 21 footer. The words on the door say "It's all aluminum y'all". Hard to read some of the lettering.

These are being sold locally by the only Airstream dealer in the state (read the banner if can make it out). I was also impressed with the dealer, FWIW. They had four Airstreams on the floor and sales people that actually knew something about them. First time Airstream had an appearance at this show in years. Didn't try to sell you anything. Just provide information. Good experience. But that's another story for another thread.

More to come.

Jim

m.hony · 01-30-2016, 04:33 PM

I think Thor recently purchased Camp-Lite.
Still an SOB trailer.
A nice SOB that won't rot, but still lackluster.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 04:44 PM

So, I asked the sales guy, what do you mean by "all aluminum"?

The inner walls are aluminum, the outer shell is aluminum, the support ribs are aluminum. Sound familiar? The key difference is that the shell (mounted on a steel frame) is all glued together with some super adhesive. Didn't Wheeler say something about "no rivets" in his early statement? Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the one opening showing how this process is accomplished, a door opening to the storage area in the front of the camper.

Some of the interior components are steel and aluminum as well. The doors, for example for the bath. SOLID. Ever close a door on your Chevy/Ford/Dodge and then compare it to a Mercedes/BMW? Same comparison. It just feels solid, well built.

But here's kicker, for me anyway. There was a couple pieces of the sub-floor material on the galley table. This will blow you away......let me get the pictures ready to post.....

Jim

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 04:55 PM

Here's the pictures of the sub-floor material. You can drive a tank over this stuff.

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:09 PM

So, assuming the build quality is there, this is a very strongly built trailer. Prices around $25 to $30k for the (only) two examples at the show. Much cheaper than any Airstream currently in production. Well built. Camp Lite is owned by Thor. More expensive than the "entry level SOB" campers at the show, but much better made (again, in theory).

Could this be the base for our new, less expensive Airstream? I certainly hope so. I might even consider buying one of these, we could never afford the current "standard model" Airstreams (that's why we have a Vintage model).

Paint the outside silver, apply some of the Airstream Design elements to the interior, and you have a nice, really nice in my opinion, almost Airstream, aimed at the target buyer that Wheeler talked about.

So what say ye? I'm not a betting man, although I bought a lottery ticket once. I'll bet a bag of Snickers and 6 pack of Craft beer that this is where we're headed.

As always gang, just my 2 cents.

Live long and prosper.

Jim

m.hony · 01-30-2016, 05:11 PM

I wish Airstream would adopt that flooring.

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dkottum · 01-30-2016, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Here's the pictures of the sub-floor material. You can drive a tank over this stuff.

Our dock surface at the lake has that product, or similar. Sturdy, but oh boy is it ever cold on the feet. They probably insulate under it?

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:17 PM

Price of a new Camp Lite (hope you can read these).

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:20 PM

Prices on a couple of new Airstream on the floor today.

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.hony

I wish Airstream would adopt that flooring.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

It would change the game for Airstream. Mr. Wheeler, are you reading this? These wooden sub-floors are a dang nightmare.

Airstream actually used something like this back in the '70's on the Argosy line for a couple years. I'm no expert on the subject, but I think it was more of a honey comb structure. Every once in a while here on the forums one of those old Argosy's will surface from a new buyer. They are always bewildered by the one-of-a-kind sub-floor. The experts are always quick to tell them what a rare find they have.

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkottum

Our dock surface at the lake has that product, or similar. Sturdy, but oh boy is it ever cold on the feet. They probably insulate under it?

I assume they used something between the sub-floor and the floor covering, but I don't know what. Didn't think to ask. Floor was smooth under foot and I didn't notice any of the ridges apparent on the surface of the material shown in my pictures. Also didn't think to crawl under the camper and "look up". Dang, should've thought of that. Maybe their website can answer that. I'll go look.

Can you tell I'm a bit more that ho-hum on the subject?

Jim

Jim & Susan · 01-30-2016, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m.hony

I think Thor recently purchased Camp-Lite.
Still an SOB trailer.
A nice SOB that won't rot, but still lackluster.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Exactly, it ain't no Airstream. But it is in line with the pronouncements of Bob Wheeler, not exactly, but it fits. Agree that it is lackluster, but that can be fixed.

And Airstream could take a few lessons form these folks.

Jim