Bates RV buries seven Airstreams!

[LJH]

That is just wrong.

[overlander63]

Okay, they aren't that good, but getting to the trailers without a 4x4 or crane is next to impossible, and stopping on the Interstate is tantamount to suicide, so here are photos we snapped from the car @70mph:
Also, Frank has a mid-1950's 22'-24' single axle center twin, and a 1976 Sovereign, rear twin on the lot....

[overlander63]

Here's a photo of the interior of the Sovereign. It's kind of rough, with some wierd awnings on it, but the body is straight, and the floor is solid. The tambours are all there, and they work. The 1950's trailer has a window a/c in the front window, and now rear window, and the floor is soft by the door, but the body is very straight. serial number of the 50's unit is 0 7111

[safari57]

Thanks Terry. Appreciate the photo's and the information.

My '51 Flying Cloud is 7173, others with 51's are earlier 71xx's and according to RJ Dial's site it would be a '51. They are fun trailers. Thank heavens he didn't bury that puppy.

Barry

[razorback]

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

IMPO this stunt is unworthy of an Airstream Dealer. We are all working so hard to promote and preserve this great American Icon and to see a dealer treating old AS's in this fashion is criminal. I am so happy that I don't live in the area. You would never see Colonial Airstream do something so destructive to an Airstream! This could really backfire on Mr. Bates.

I agree with Rick and Sandi. In my opinion, no self respecting AS cult memeber would even pull into the parking lot of a dealer that would treat AS's in this manner.

I just keep thinking that these silver tubes sticking out of the ground once had new owners who were proud of them, loved them, and babied and enjoyed them. In return the AS's gave them many years of trouble free camping and many hundreds of hours of precious family memories.

How could this dealer treat these babies like common Cadillacs?! If I were him I would be worried that some BAD Karma might be coming his way!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by safari57

Thanks Terry. Appreciate the photo's and the information.

My '51 Flying Cloud is 7173, others with 51's are earlier 71xx's and according to RJ Dial's site it would be a '51. They are fun trailers. Thank heavens he didn't bury that puppy.

Barry

I thought he said "O 7111". If so then it would be an Ohio built 1955 26' Overlander, which would most likely be a single axle and could be mistaken for a 22 footer.

In any case, neither a '51 or a '55 is listed as part of Used Inventory on the Bates RV web site, so he must be keeping them for himself.

[safari57]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

I thought he said "O 7111". If so then it would be an Ohio built 1955 26' Overlander, which would most likely be a single axle and could be mistaken for a 22 footer.

In any case, neither a '51 or a '55 is listed as part of Used Inventory on the Bates RV web site, so he must be keeping them for himself.

I think you are right, it's likely an Overlander given it's twins. I also looked on his inventory. He sure does have a swack of Airstreams though.

Oh well, it's his "stuff" so I guess he gets to do with it what he will.

Barry

[Sean Woodruff]

The views of this thread alone are over 1300 so it IS stirring up some Bates RV attention.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

I thought he said "O 7111". If so then it would be an Ohio built 1955 26' Overlander, which would most likely be a single axle and could be mistaken for a 22 footer.

I didn't bring a tape measure along, which is why I posted the serial number. It looked like about 24', the layout was like our 26' Overlander inside, but has a smaller bathroom area.

[Royce]

Originally Posted by Sean Woodruff

The views of this thread alone are over 1300 so it IS stirring up some Bates RV attention.

Getting attention for sure. Good decision? May not prove to be the kind of attention he wanted, the response hasn't been overly positive. Maybe some sort of contest involving using the units for restoration or parts to restorers would have gained better enthusiasts following. Good contests thought require a lot of thought and follow up. And the results are usually only temporary while that billboard will be there for a long time.

[jamesardis]

CHILL dudes, its a form of art!

[toastie]

Sidebar Video

[higgy116]

Well I guess thats what can happen when someone has more Airstreams than they can appriciate the value of.

[silverhawk]

Hi, everyone
It's been a long time since my last post, but this topic has spurred me into action. Whether this stunt is art or not is in the eye of the beholder.
To me, it is a sad attempt. I think with a small amount of forethought the one creating this display should have planted these trailers hitch end up. As they are they seem to have taken some meteoric plunge into the Earth. With the hitch or front end up, there would be a sense of emergence to the scene instead of an ending. Kind of like the legendary Phoenix rising up to a new beginning. Anyway it has rekindled that pesky Haiku bug that I thought I had finally shaken a while back. So here goes.

Airstreams plunge to Earth
A sad unfitting ending,
instead of rebirth.

[azflycaster]

Does anyone else wonder why they are putting a layer of plastic sheeting between the trailers and the ground? Is it to prevent moisture / corrosion? Seems like these units might fill with water during a rain storm.

[craftsman]

Originally Posted by silverhawk

Hi, everyone
It's been a long time since my last post, but this topic has spurred me into action. Whether this stunt is art or not is in the eye of the beholder.
To me, it is a sad attempt. I think with a small amount of forethought the one creating this display should have planted these trailers hitch end up. As they are they seem to have taken some meteoric plunge into the Earth. With the hitch or front end up, there would be a sense of emergence to the scene instead of an ending. Kind of like the legendary Phoenix rising up to a new beginning. Anyway it has rekindled that pesky Haiku bug that I thought I had finally shaken a while back. So here goes.

Airstreams plunge to Earth
A sad unfitting ending,
instead of rebirth.

You must mean "Whether it's art or not is in the eye of the "beer holder"

[pmclemore]

As a holder of the lowly BS, I nevertheless like it.

Pat

[overlander63]

The plastic sheets are supposed to limit contamination in the ground. Florida's soil is very sandy and porous, and the water table is very close to the surface.
Also, I know this is a tender subject for many of us, but try to "be nice", some comments are perilously close to having to be moderated.

and on edit, it seems while I was posting that note, some posts were. Let's all take a deep breath, and go from there...

[Frank's Trailer Works]

real nice.... my post was removed. How was what I said offensive? What I am now thinking is offensive, but I am keeping it to myself. If you look at the top of the banner you will see Bates RV. My post supported them and discouraged the abuse of going to them and buying it on the internet from someone else. I feel someone has over stepped their authority here, and I am deeply offended. I will continue to keep my true thoughts to myself. However IF we were having this discussion around a campfire I would look who ever censored me right in the eye and tell you exactly how I feel.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

IMPO this stunt is unworthy of an Airstream Dealer. We are all working so hard to promote and preserve this great American Icon and to see a dealer treating old AS's in this fashion is criminal. I am so happy that I don't live in the area. You would never see Colonial Airstream do something so destructive to an Airstream! This could really backfire on Mr. Bates.

Couldn't agree more!!!




sorry moderators