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Old 10-19-2014, 12:28 PM   #1
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Minor Surprise - Problem 2012 25' FC FB

I needed to get a few things out of the storage area under the bed today, and got a surprise when I lowered the bed back down to the platform. The lower wood block that the gas strut attaches to fell of the side of the platform.

The surprise was that it was attached by just a few wire staples, and I don't believe there was any glue. Not a big deal, but it was REALLY disappointing () to see that kind of cheap construction technique in an Airstream.

Next trip down to the trailer, I will take a drill, a few screws and some decent wood glue to repair the broken support, plus do a little preventive work on the other side.

It just makes one wonder what else might be that poorly done. Reminiscent of my Fleetwood truck camper (a Cariboo-boo ).
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Old 10-19-2014, 01:09 PM   #2
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I know, can relate. I had an Ang(er)ler, and while it was ok, I didn't hold it to very high regard because it was cheap.

Save for a new AS, then find the literal devil in the details; 😣

Let the factory know, pics and all.
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Old 10-19-2014, 01:34 PM   #3
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Such a minor problem in a used trailer, three years old. Wait til a real problem comes up. Jim
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Old 10-19-2014, 01:37 PM   #4
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Minor Surprise - Problem 2012 25' FC FB

It's neglect in the details that tell of a larger potential problem.

Sorry, sloppy workmanship is what it is, inside with a support, or otherwise.
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Old 10-19-2014, 11:55 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Such a minor problem in a used trailer, three years old. Wait til a real problem comes up. Jim
Jim, just between you and me... I have no problem waiting for something real to come up. In fact I could wait a long, long time.

Yes, it was truly a minor problem, but you wouldn't expect to see that type of shoddy workmanship on an Airstream. Or, at least I wouldn't expect to see it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by lgwaldrop View Post
It's neglect in the details that tell of a larger potential problem.

Sorry, sloppy workmanship is what it is, inside with a support, or otherwise.
LG, I just noticed you're pulling with an old cornbinder, cool! I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a nice old Travelall. Great old rigs! And YES, sloppy workmanship is sloppy workmanship.
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Old 10-20-2014, 04:13 AM   #6
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Minor Surprise - Problem 2012 25' FC FB

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Thanks! I had intended to use the 200 Camper Special as a vintage puller, however the ride quality is suitable for short trips only.

The T-all is my third; this one was built as an IH show truck demonstrator for trailer towing. It was an unplanned pregnancy, as it was about to be shredded.
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Old 10-20-2014, 06:10 AM   #7
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Some don't expect to see shoddy workmanship and are concerned, others expect it and shrug it off unless a major problem. This a result of the terrible work ethic for those under forty five instilled in them by the govt. until robots take over we better get used to it. Jim
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Old 10-20-2014, 09:33 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Some don't expect to see shoddy workmanship and are concerned, others expect it and shrug it off unless a major problem. This a result of the terrible work ethic for those under forty five instilled in them by the govt. until robots take over we better get used to it. Jim
Jim, we are going to have to agree to disagree. Uncle Sam has nothing to do with a terrible work ethic.

Unless I purchase something that I know falls in the 'trinkets and trash' category, I expect quality in what I buy. If anyone shrugs off shoddy workmanship, then they are part of the problem.

LG, I love your cornbinders, and the shop is to die for...!
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Old 10-20-2014, 09:54 AM   #9
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LG, I love your cornbinders, and the shop is to die for...!

I really appreciate the compliment. 😃

You had a Fleetwood, like me. They are what we expected, I suppose...mine was nearly new and was only $1500 for a wet bath model. So brads, loose screws, leaks...hey, it could've been bouncing around in the back of a Super Duty. But I paid my dough, took my chances. Perhaps I expect too much....

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It's brand new....haven't even used it yet. So I'm bummed...but I paid my money, now it's my baby. And before we hit the road for the first time, it'll be fixed right.
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Old 10-20-2014, 10:24 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi View Post
Some don't expect to see shoddy workmanship and are concerned, others expect it and shrug it off unless a major problem. This a result of the terrible work ethic for those under forty five instilled in them by the govt. until robots take over we better get used to it. Jim
Yes but... when you spend the money for a “premium” product, one would expect quality, not just another over-priced, run-of-the-mill Thor trailer. Airstream meant something...

I’ve had four Airstreams, 2 new, 2 vintage. My 30’ Classic, new in ‘05, had a few problems but nothing serious nor even that much of a hassle. However, my 24’ International (new in ’03), had one problem after another - from laminate peeling off the walls to leaky joints in the plumbing (huge mess) and loose screws falling out from god knows where. Funny thing, in the area under the dinette seat, I found a workers screwdriver, pair of pliers and 3 snickers wrappers all left in the various crevices.

At least with my vintage trailers, I know where my screwdriver & pliers are...

Yeah, agree with Drathaar, Uncle Sam has nothing to do with raising those “under 45”... that was mom & dads job.
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Old 10-20-2014, 10:27 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lgwaldrop View Post
It's neglect in the details that tell of a larger potential problem.

Sorry, sloppy workmanship is what it is, inside with a support, or otherwise.
Absolutely !!!
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Old 10-20-2014, 11:20 AM   #12
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Why not trade it for something you can be happy with. Or put a coupe of screws in it and go traveling.
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Old 10-20-2014, 11:38 AM   #13
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Why not trade it for something you can be happy with. Or put a coupe of screws in it and go traveling.
Friend, without feedback to the manufacturer, they will not know, aside from warranty claim metrics, what it is that's going wrong. As soon as I had documented the faults, I let them know, with pictures. I think that is fair.

As far as trading for something better, I welcome your suggestion.
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Old 10-20-2014, 12:24 PM   #14
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Why not trade it for something you can be happy with. Or put a coupe of screws in it and go traveling.
There may be a time when I sell the Airstream, but this is not it. The problem is minor, as I said in the beginning. It's just disappointing that a premium product would have an issue like this. I am not unhappy with the trailer, just unhappy with the accountability of the workers, and the quality assurance process in the factory. As I mentioned above, I will put a couple of screws in it, plus I will fix the other side before it comes off.

I had a solar panel added about a year after I bought the new trailer. When I inspected the work, I found a wire from the panel that was routed right over the sharp edge on the refrigerator vent. I took a photo, then asked the service manager if he thought that was a quality job. He was embarrassed, and repaired it immediately. Since that day, I've had good results out of that shop.

I guess the question is... Why can't they do right the first time, versus doing it over again. We should hold manufacturers and service organizations accountable.
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Old 10-20-2014, 12:37 PM   #15
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I can relate, just bought a new 23 FC and first 50 miles the pantry latch broke, food all over the interior and the hinges from two closet doors unsnapped and doors were hanging by one hinge banging around. One would expect quality in the details for a high end trailer. It has to do with factory QC management. It is minor and I'm waiting to see how the dealer handles it, as they have it back to fix. I'm not bummed yet, hopefully they did a better job on the important stuff. I could have bought trouble for half the price.
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Old 10-20-2014, 01:18 PM   #16
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drathaar,

I agree completely with you! Although you will find minor issues from time to time with your AS, there still by far the best TT on the road. They do require alot of care to keep them looking great but is well worth it, especially here in the NW where it rains alot!. I purchased a 2005 25' Safari a few years ago and even though the previous owner took really good care of it, I had to make some minor repairs and modifications to meet my standards. I will say my solar installations was done to prefection. Good luck and take care.

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Old 10-20-2014, 01:31 PM   #17
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Quote:
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Why not trade it for something you can be happy with. Or put a coupe of screws in it and go traveling.
I've already relegated my AS to guest house duty and use my Leisure van Unity for travel. At 15 months and almost 10,000 miles, I've had zero defects on the coach or drive train. This is a unit that I can sell tomorrow for more than I paid for it. Right now, there is a six month wait for a new Unity and discounts are almost non-existent. I drank the Airstream Kool-ade once. The AS is marketed as a premium quality RV at a premium price. For the life of me, I do not understand why the AS cheerleaders here think that it's acceptable to ignore poor quality and shoddy workmanship turned out in some Airstreams.
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Old 10-20-2014, 02:16 PM   #18
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If you are unhappy do like Denis, make it a guest house and get something else. He's happy with his new camper. If you need perfection get a Leisure Van.

I'm happy with our Airstream, if something breaks I fix it. Been doing that for 50 years of camping. I don't get the endless bellyaching over a couple of screws, Airstream workers are just like us. Some are good and some not so good. Overall it's a good product, not perfect but damn good.

Enjoy it.
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Old 10-20-2014, 07:29 PM   #19
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I must agree with Drathaar about the lack of quality and that Airstream needs to be made aware of the shoddy workmanship and poor quality accessories in a trailer that 40 years ago cost us more than what we ended up paying for a house! Three years ago we were finally able to afford a 25' Flying Cloud. Retired at about the same time we decided that a trip per month was the goal. Within 4 months the fresh water pump went out, three months later the electric jack, and a little over a year (and used maybe 5 times ),the air conditioner burned up. Luckily all this was under their warranty, but just a month ago and out of warranty, the fresh water tank leaked like a sieve and cost nearly $400. Now before you bring up the fact that the previous 3 items were not built by Airstream, I get that, but is that the best that's out there? But a fresh water tank leaking? Now we're talking lack of quality and poor installation. The cheap plastic fittings that were returned to me looked like junk aquarium fittings.


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Old 10-21-2014, 08:20 AM   #20
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Dkottum I like your chair set-up. Smart and comfy. We're getting ready to head out on our second trip, so we'll see how good our dealer is at fixing the minor issues our new trailer needed. And I do carry a tool case with me, I don't mind a few things coming loose after all you're bouncing a kitchen and bath down the road at 65 mph.
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