Beatrice Foods years

[Sue&Von]

Does any one know EXACTLY when Beatrice took control of Airstream. And when they actually gave up control?

I have heard plenty of guesses but am looking for documentable facts please.

I placed this question on this sub forum because I didn't know where to put it.

Moderators feel free to move this question.
Also will you open a section for the 1974 Excella 500 please.

$&V

[Pick]

My 1972 has a Beatrice plate on it. Not sure what all the hubbub is about. Some say lack of QC during those years. At this time, I do not any "issues" with mine, that I could say were due to lack of QC at the time it was mfg. Mine does have the "elephant ears" and the extra plates in the axle area, so the frame issue and "rear end separation" issue was thankfully addressed by a previous owner.

[JPAIRSTREAM]

Airstream was purchased totally by Beatrice Foods in December 1967 ushering in a new Airstream era.

I pulled this information form the Airstream webpage.

www.airstream.com

http://www.airstream.com/company/history_02.tea

http://www.airstream.com/company/history_03.html

[87MH]

1979 & 1981
1979 saw the change from the last Argosy motor homes to the first of the shiny aluminum motor homes. The Excella model was produced in 1979 and 1981. The Excella motor home is very similar to the Argosy units but with an all Aluminum skin and extra features. Airstream was in the process of being sold from Beatrice to Thor in 1980 and no units (that I know of) were produced.

The above was shamelessly copied from Fred Hind's "Airstream Class A Site".

Thanks and Karma to Fred.

Don't know what I would do without the info on his site and here on the forum.

On Edit

From Company Site:

+New manufacturing plant built 1971
+Argosy trailer put on the market 1971
(1972 Model)
+Argosy motorhome introduced 1973
(1974 Model)
+Service building built 1974
+Thor Industries purchased Airstream 1979

[Ken J]

Beatrice years were from 12/67 to 9/79


Ken J.

[dpligocki]

Hi there,

I am new to this forum and just starting looking for an Airstream or an Argosy. I read that when beatrice foods took over that there were some models in the 70s that had the interiors changed and were to heavy for the trailer causing a dip or some sort of damage over time b/c of the extra weight.

Does anyone know what years and models they were so I know what trailer to buy and what not to buy.

Dave...

[uwe]

Personally, I think this Beatrice scare is a hoax. Longer trailers, as well as those that suffered owner abuse and/or water leaks are very suspect to frame and floor damage. I am convinced that all the bad rap these trailers have gotten was avoidable by proper use, and by adhering to maintenance procedures. ( running gear balance, repair of plumbing leaks, resealing of defective window and door gaskets, vent covers, etc.)
My '63 is not a Beatrice trailer, and it has the same issues as the 71, which is a Beatrice trailer.
Just know that some of the most desirable and collectible Airstreams fall into these years, such as the late 60's Safaris and smaller trailers, such as the Globetrotter and Caravel.
My advice to you would be to buy as new as you can afford. Airstreams are not cheap to restore or repair, if done properly. My 1971 cost me as much as a comparable 1985 model, at least. My 1963 will be close to the price of a 2 year old bambi, by the time everything is said and done.

[Swanny]

Our AS also has a Beatrice Foods plate on it. What's interesting is our local AS dealer has commented to me about what good shape our trailer is in. Most everything was original in the trailer when we bought it and we've since replaced the carpet with wood flooring, replaced the stove and rebuilt the water pump.

So far there is no rear end sag and the trailer pulls beautifully. Thus I'd have to agree with a previous poster that there were not QC issues during these years.

Mitch

[Distantdrummer]

Where is this Beatrice plate located?
Anyone have a postable picture of one?
I have owned several 70 era trailers that I know were Beatrice's but do not recall ever seeing anything that said Beatrice on it.

[centennialman]

As a company, Beatrice was known for cutting corners and costs drastically when they took over a company. They were responsible for ruining many reputable companies and for shipping lots of jobs overseas in the 80's and 90's.

Thank goodness Airstream survived their ownership

[Distantdrummer]

"It ain't in the dishwasher"

Originally Posted by Distantdrummer

Where is this Beatrice plate located?
Anyone have a postable picture of one?
I have owned several 70 era trailers that I know were Beatrice's but do not recall ever seeing anything that said Beatrice on it.

I am still wondering about this.It's been 9 months since I first asked, so forgive this thread bump. But....

Could someone post a pic of the "Beatrice" plate?
Or at least describe it or its locale.

[PeeWee]

Wally passed away and left the company to Stella.

Stella basically sold the company to Art Costello, and Andy Charles, and a few others. (Not the Schwamborns)

The new owners took Airstream public.

The new owners sold it to Beatrice.

Money tracks.

[tphan]

Here's where the plaque is on my '72 OL, and what it says.