2008 Design Within Reach 16' Airstream

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by ljmiii

At this point the only Airstream that gets an OSB sub-floor is the 16' Bambi. When I went on the factory tour they said that they still used OSB on the 16'ers because they could get OSB sheets bigger than marine plywood and the structural advantage of using one piece of lumber outweighed the disadvantages.

Don't know if it is true - it's just what they said.

I seem to recall the exact same thing being said and/or saw myself as I went through the tour.

As for the plan, I suppose it's nice...anything different is nice. If yer in the market for a 16' I could see some appeal to it, but if I read a post here right $50k? If Airstreams weren't so much like Ferraris, I could justify it somehow, but given the issues I've seen from having owned 2 back to back model years, and the vast postings to this forum alone, I'd be hard pressed to recommend a new Airstream to anyone, let alone this one.

If Airstream spent as much time getting the issues with these RVs fixed rather than spend all this time with the artsy fartsy stuff, they'd have a great product, one that many of us could support. However, one simply has to use the search engine here on this forum to read the multitude of threads and posts dedicated to both QC and corrosion issues these expensive NEW RVs put their owners through. Granted they are not all bad posts, but, are you gonna put down a min of $31k retail on one or even a heck of a lot more $$$ and take that chance? I'm with what was posted earlier...I too would stick to vintage. Might cost a bit more than one would hope, but at least you know what you're in for.......

BTW, thanks GMorris for posting this and keeping us all up to date on what's out there and being looked at......

[CanoeStream]

A recent comment from Colin Hyde, owner of GSM Vehicles and a contributor to theVAP podcast: http://www.airforums.com/forums/389469-post6.html

[safari62]

Sounds like we have two different opinions about the interior design concept clashing with Airstream Companies use of questionable flooring material in this tread.
It is a relief to hear the OSB is just being used in just the 16' foot trailers. (unless you own one) If the OSB flooring was waterproofed first would that be enough? Or is this just a way to insure future work for trailer rebuilders?
If so,, there should be a groundswell of negative feedback directed toward Jackson Center to change the use of this material. There....all you new trailer buyers get together to make sure this is addressed!
I happen to really like the design of this DWR model and would not connect the new product introductions to the quality issues. I doubt the same people are responsible for sub flooring choices and leaking problems. It does seem extremely obivious that the platform the trailer is connected to should be very strong, moisture proof, corrosion proof,etc. Even plywood rots as we all know.
Most vintage rebuilders are using marine plywood and sealing the end grain at least in their restorations. At least one Argosy used an aluminium floor I believe. How about recycled composite plastics or fiberglass. Lightweight and strong. Expensive? Airstream already has that covered.
Gary

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by safari62

I happen to really like the design of this DWR model and would not connect the new product introductions to the quality issues. I doubt the same people are responsible for sub flooring choices and leaking problems. It does seem extremely obivious that the platform the trailer is connected to should be very strong, moisture proof, corrosion proof,etc. Even plywood rots as we all know.

Gary

I wouldn't say connect, but I could easily aruge, that lately, Airstream has spent too much time bringing the fluffy stuff, like this into production, rather than deal with just getting it right initially on what they already have out there. It's not simply limited to Airstream either, it's the whole industry, but comparable RVs cost significantly less. For example, if I buy a Mercedes, I'd expect a bit better QC than that for a Ford for the premuim price paid....that's not to say I expect perfection. I personally feel that change is good and it freshens up the lines a bit rather than the same old thing. I see that as a big positive, but what folks don't talk about at dealerships or the factory when you are there, are some of the widespread issues that continue and that the day that the warranty runs out, you are totally on your own (and lucky to even get a reply), regarless if the issue, widespread or not. Paying an additional premium for something like this, though cool, does beg the question further IMHO because this proposed unit will most likely have the same issues the other units do if it's constructed, because it's constructed with the same core materials the "other" units use and are assembled by the same folks that assemble the current line, and this unit from what I've read would come at an even higher price than the others.

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by safari62

At least one Argosy used an aluminium floor I believe. How about recycled composite plastics or fiberglass. Lightweight and strong. Expensive? Airstream already has that covered.
Gary

This is what I'm saying. There are so many composite materials available to be used these days. There is no need for Airstream to still use OSB or even Plywood for their floors. They need to keep up to date with the materials available to them to improve their product. A floor of honeycombed aluminum panel or composite plastics would be a huge step in the right direction.

[Silvertwinkie]

I don't believe the Argosy line used an aluminum floor. As for composites, they too I believe add significant costs compared to their counterparts.

Additionally, someone even brought up the issue of galvanized frames that are put in EuroAirstreams, but not here in the states. If they company isn't gonna even do this, which is simply an extension of what they are already doing, I can't see them doing the green thing and being able to sell enough to justify it, because I see it as a significant cost and as folks pointed out to me before, adding $50 per trailer isn't such a big deal, but when that $50 is added in production costs to every trailer made, it adds up pretty quickly and the bean counters start loosing sleep at night.

Don't get me wrong, it's a great concept, just unfortunate that the almighty dollar may as usual have the final say.

[CanoeStream]

Only part of the production of Minuets had an aluminum composite floor. Kevin Allen has posted on it in more than just the following thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...loor-4865.html

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Only part of the production of Minuets had an aluminum composite floor. Kevin Allen has posted on it in more than just the following thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f227...loor-4865.html

Bob, you never cease to amaze me....talk about unearthing one from the disposal, dusting it off and bringing it back. I'm just in awe at how you do it.....I participated in that thread and forgot all about it!

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I participated in that thread and forgot all about it!

So many posts, hard to keep 'em all straight, huh Eric?

Shari

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by InsideOut

So many posts, hard to keep 'em all straight, huh Eric?

Shari

Yeah, they all tend to run together after a while...
I guess I was going for the C Deam look, I just didn't know it, in our former trailer with the clock:

[yukionna]

What a cool retro-looking trailer! I like the front and rear panaramic windows too. The interior is much "warmer" looking than the all-aluminum clad interiors.