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crazeevw · 04-17-2011, 10:50 AM

I'm looking at 1985 345 Airstream motorhome. I noticed yesterday that it seems just behind the tag axle, along the wood-grain trim area, the aluminum skin seemed to be 'buckled'. Is it possible for these unit to have 'sagging' from behind the axle due to rust or other problems? Anyone seen the Classic motorhome with this sort of problem? Thanks, Derek

ScrapIrony-2 · 04-18-2011, 12:08 AM

Derek,
As the 345 is on a P30 chassis, I would question chassis failure...the most likely is the composite sub-flooring being crumpled(or crumbled) by moisture...granted it's only 3/4", but that could present a sag...do you have sag on both sides? Do you have twin beds or the double? Have you or the previous owner(PO) been over really rough roads with your tanks filled? Has the unit been backed up over an incline that caused your skids to bear a large brunt? The P30 chassis is a solid constuction, so I would recommend looking for external causes. mike

crazeevw · 04-18-2011, 03:30 AM

Michael, the 345 has the rear double bed. Not really sure about the PO, seems that he really didn't use the AS much, maybe 2 to 3 times over the last 7 years. Most of the use was in Florida, so don't know if there was much chance of too many inclines. Thinking I'm going to go back and look at the unit one more time before making a final decision on whether to purchase.

Keyair · 04-18-2011, 12:06 PM

I have an 84, and it has some body damage...
Some thoughts...

On the one you are looking at, pass side panel damage is almost similar to mine.
See you have a dent behind the awning leg and a hard crease that almost matches the awning thumb screw?
Look at mine....
Caused by the PO hitting a tree branch or post that put a crease down the body from the Entrance door to the awning leg, which it pulled off, and spanked the upper body and damaged that too... yours looks similar.

If the Chassis is bent, Its difficult to see the sag from the angle of the pic...
Mine does have a very gentle wave in the drivers side panel between the bedroom and bathroom windows, but it looks very minor.
FWIW, that pass side panel might tease out, but the sheet of metal to repair it goes from the entrance door to the end cap joint... its over $1000 for the bare sheet.... food for thought.

PM me and I maybe can give you some more insight of what I paid for mine....

Keyair · 04-18-2011, 12:23 PM

Drivers side pic...
I took this pic with the sun low and almost behind the M/H so it really made any faults jump out... you can see the tweak that comes up and forward from the fwd lower corner of the bedroom window, but also you can read that the belt line is pretty straight.

If you want I can post a direct rearward pic that shows how straight it should be?

elbundi · 04-18-2011, 12:58 PM

I dont think the rear end of the P30 chassis is going to sag like a 70's trailer. It may be more to do with the compressor and airbags on the duals.

I'm beefing up my hitch and the rear end is quite naked at the moment. In the attached picture you can see that some previous owner had hitched up something quite heavy and bent the cross member, but not the rear end of the main chassis. I've been at it with the angle grinder this weekend and have that piece off ready for the new one.

If this is the one in Albany I've done a basic inspection on that unit and can send you a link to the video if you like.

Keyair · 04-18-2011, 01:09 PM

Elbundi!
Please take lots of pics and do a thread for what you are up to... I am gonna be doing the same, as others have, and others will too!

ScrapIrony-2 · 04-19-2011, 10:15 AM

We had our hitch upgraded to 10K for load, based on the forums recommendation, and it has done well(hauling a '95 Nissan Maxima) at about 4,800 lbs with the seats crammed full of...well...stuff...ya know...'portant stuff...like flamingos, horseshoes, chairs. propane tank, fire-dancer...and other 'portant stuff...had it done in Austin by Spillar...m