What’s this, can I fix it, is it under warranty?

[djarrett]

perhaps consider having that clear peeling trimmed and do a protective clear 3M film over it like automobile manufacturers are using on newer vehicles. Supposedly it's some pretty tough stuff.

[Preligen]

Put that warranty into good use.

[Andrew T]

Can you send a picture from further out showing where it is on the side and relative size?

[Troutboy]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Can you send a picture from further out showing where it is on the side and relative size?

It’s located to the upper left of the oven vent. Here are a few pics.

[Andrew T]

Thankfully this is very rare on the newer Airstreams but I have seen the odd one. There must have been something on the metal that prevented the clear from adhering properly. Generally it is very localized and does not spread but we did have one where it did.

It is such a small area that I would not change the side sheet for it. Airstream has spray cans of RV Clear Acrylic. I would not try and spray it. Spray some into the lid and then paint that area with a small paint brush and just slightly overlap the good clear.

Record it with Airstream and ask them to extend your warranty on this panel. If more spots appear then the panel will need to be replaced.

I see you have very nice indoor storage. On a few hot summer days this year park it outside with that panel facing south. If any more is going to come off that should do it.

I hope this helps.

Andy

[Troutboy]

Thanks Andy. The mothership called me back and want to walk me through what it takes to remove the panel. They want me to drive from Denver to JC for this. I don’t trust my local dealer to do this work. I might ask them to do as you say. Not sure I want to drive to JC and have them redo the panel. That seems like a ton of work and also wouldn’t it then be done with Olympic rivets. To do buck rivets wouldn’t they also have to remove inside panels as well??

[OTRA15]

Will the company offer you a check for the damage [incl. possible future worsening of the problem], such that you might take the money and run?

At least it would be an option worth considering IMO.

Good luck with this very frustrating lack of quality control [IMO].



PS -- You might want to consult with an attorney, and consider "revoking your acceptance" of this possible lemon, under the relevant state's version of the Uniform Commercial Code ["UCC"]. UCC protection varies by the state, but if the damage shown is just the tip of an iceberg of what will be a life-long problem for this particular trailer, you might be entitled to return it, and seek a full return of your out-of-pocket costs.

This may seem like a drastic solution, but please measure it against years of dealing with more peeling on a random basis . . . no thanks! As Andy suggested, if the aluminum was unable to bond correctly with the clear-coat, does this defect exist only for this panel, or for your entire trailer? Did the same defect affect many Airstreams which were produced at the same time in the factory? Was there a bad batch of aluminum? Seems possible IMO.

Many Rivers to Cross . . .

[Troutboy]

UPDATE:

So I have been corresponding with AS factory folks. They have been very responsive and informative. Overall, I have been happy with their responses and flexibility they have provided.

It seems that this happens every so often. It’s a factory defect from Alcoa. It’s very rare (why couldn’t I have won the lottery instead&#129322. They stated that a small spot doesn’t mean that the entire panel is bad. And they have not seen it pop up all over if you have a defect like I do. It’s usually an isolated issue.

This new coating has been in use since 1999, and it’s still going strong, they told me they haven’t seen much breakdown like the old plasticoat, so the product has been in service for 20 years, with excellent longevity results.

So, now to my question. I have two options they provided:

Option 1: they will send me clear coat and corrosion x to treat the spot and coat it. This seal process will protect the spot and there should be no other issues. However, you will always be able to see the spot. It will look different. They will extend the warranty 1 year. I haven’t asked for more yet, but would ask for another year if I chose this.

Option 2. They will,put a new panel over the existing one. They cut about an inch of the old panel, away from edges so that the overpanel lines up and looks right. This also doesn’t mess with the ribs and structural components, so the trailer would look perfect and not have structural issues from trying to take it off and put a new one on in its place. It will add no more than 30 pounds to the trailer. The overpanel will be secured with Olympic rivets and shaved.

Option 2 would cost retail about $6000 if someone were to pay for it on their own. It will take 4-5 days to complete. I would have to drive to JC from Denver, and stay there for a week. I could do this and work from a few offices in Columbus or doc I no problem.

So those are my options, what would you do, or what do you suggest? What am I not thinking about? Other thoughts?

Thanks!

[SteveSueMac]

If it were me - I'd take option 1, put a patch over it and move on.

Option 2 is compelling and equally valuable.

Good luck!!

[rugjenkins]

It comes down to what your at peace with. If seeing the spot doesn't bother you, go for option 1. Option 2 is a good also. Personally, use option 2 that's why you have a warranty.

[GMFL]

What about option 3?
Which for me would be the products of option 1 ( corrosionX and clear coat) with some of the cash from option 2 ( say $4000.00 for having to deal with it)
Never hurts to ask?

[djarrett]

I would take number 1 - Ask them to extend the warranty on the entire trailer for another year (making it a 3-year coverage) and 5 years on that one panel. Get it in writing.

Then find a high-end auto detail/accessory shop and see if they can do a clear wrap on that spot/panel. (much like I mentioned before - they use this wrap on the front of newer vehicles today to protect against stone dings. It's much like the wrap used to graphic vehicles, except it's clear). Chances are if you find a good place that can do this, you'll never notice the spot and you'll have extended the warranty for peace of mind.

[Boxite]

Drive it thru the forest and camp in it for a couple years and you'll no longer find this the center-of-attention.
Do not use Corrosion X on anything you intend to spray paint (including clear-coat) as C-X will repel the adhesion. The aluminum is already AlClad and if there's no corrosion, C-X will only prevent the spray-on clear coat from adhering.
I don't know why we focus on small things like this and victimize ourselves with fear-mongering...but this does not change or damage the durability of the trailer. RE-clear-coat it in a competent paint-shop, send JC the bill, ...and get on down the road. IMO.

[VaTravelers]

Might want to call Alcoa and find out what they recommend for this product. Hard to understand why JC would recommend C-X if it will not allow clear coat to adhere. I’d take Opt 1, ask for a two year extension and enjoy the trailer. IMHO

[ROBERT CROSS]

...happened to us in 2005. At the time no Dealer in NYS.

Just re-coated it this past Spring.

Remember what Horace said.."Time will bring to light whatever is hidden; it will cover up and conceal what is now shining in splendor. “

FWIW...no one has ever said to us..."whats that ugly mark under the awning" 😏
It will bother you much less over time.👍😂

Bob
🇺🇸

[Troutboy]

Thanks Bob, we’ve been camping in it all year and it’s been fine with the clear coat we did ourselves. It isn’t pretty, but neither is the dent in my rear fender or the scratches from boon docking.

Since it didn’t happen anywhere else, I’m going to take the store credit and order all the stainless steel upgrades and that will be great!

Thanks