Noise when we walk - 2012

[Mike-Gloria]

We have a funny thing that happens and wonder if anyone has the same thing. Sometimes as we are parked we can hear what we think are the holding tanks make a thunder like noise, as we walk around. This noise can be heard from the outside. It doesn't happen every time. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Mike

[dznf0g]

The only thing I can think of that might be described as thunder is the belly skin "oil canning". I have only experienced it in the wind when it moves the skin around. I suppose it is possible that parked and differing stresses are in play with the stabilizers, etc. that it could cause this oil canning of the belly. Next time, try and lift the stabilizers and see if it goes away.

I'll get floor squeaks that come and go depending on frame flex by stabilizers.

[dkottum]

Yup, the side and under body panels can flex with the frame when walking about. Sometimes this can be improved by adjusting the stabilizers, but I never worry about it. I do worry about the door closing hard if the stabilizers are out of adjustment. The side panels also flex with expansion/contraction in the sun.

doug k

[AirEgger]

We have the same "oil canning" noise in the front of the unit. Not always, maybe 30-40% of the time. There's a spot a couple feet from the front door where you can stand and shift your weight from foot to foot and make it happen...if it's one of those days it's doing it. Has done it with stabilizers up and down.

[casarodante]

We get the same thing from the underbelly aluminum. We showed the service center one time. They heard it and tightened up and stopped it. Well at least for the way the jacks were down then. The next time the jacks were down the sound was back. It is a geometry issue. We also had the problem with our '92 25'.

[Mike-Gloria]

Thanks, It is good to know that we are not the only ones with the issue. I think you are right about the stabs and the way they are that day. I will adjust those and see if the sounds goes away. Not going to worry about it and now think it is just parting of owning an Airstream.

Thanks again,
Mike

[martian]

Mike, We used to hear the same tank noise when walking. On one of our trips through Ohio, we stopped at Jackson Center to have the factory techs look at the problem. This they did but I can't recall the cause of the sound. They opened the belly panels to make the repair. I don't think it took them long. Hope this helps some.

[BAB]

Very helpful to know that I'm not the only one who occasionally hears this sound. Incidentally, some years ago I was at Davis-Monthan AFB (which they affectionately call "The Boneyard"). As we toured this amazing rest home for retired military aircraft on a very hot afternoon you heard a LOT of noise from expanding aircraft.

[Uncle Bill]

This oil can popping has been with us ever since we have owned our trailer. It is worse in cooler weather. While at Jackson Center we had the tecks look at it and installed some additional metal lengthwise with additional fastening to the under belly. Made a difference, but not a complete fix. The noise can be heard inside and outside when it is there. Also, there does not seem to be any connection to the stabilizers up or down nor out of level.

Uncle Bill 2012 Classic Limited

[dkottum]

This is so common I am surprised Jackson Center attempted a fix. Metal panels certainly expand and contract as temperature changes. More specifically, how and where did they attach extra metal?

[murreywalker]

I too, experience the effect.

My thoughts are that the fresh water tank does this when close to empty.

Now with all the other observations, I'm not so sure. ;-)