2005 Airstream Skydeck

[unifreck]

Thank you gentlemen for the great honest open discussion about your great purchases. Very seldom do we see such frank openness. I hope you both truly enjoy your new homes ( toys, projects, and mistresses).

[israndy]

I posted this in a PM to an enthusiastic member but it occurred to me it may be of general interest too so:

The RV is only this week going to start getting worked on, despite his initial confidence that the windows could be easily fixed, my dealer fears it will not be so nice if he does it. There is a place in Arkansas that is famous for the fix (RVfogDr.com) so I will likely take it there. I did find a product from 3M for removing the bus wrap so I will be the one doing the finishing touches. The dealer is fixing the really wrong things and adding the dishwasher and I will have to do the rest.

Thanks for the enthusiasm. I too am excited, already bought new umbrellas for the roof and contacted a place that puts artificial turf on balconies, trying to get them to outfit the Skydeck with grass to keep the roof comfortable enough to stretch out on, and for the dogs to play and pee on, then just hose it off. The dogs can even come and go on warm days using the little door under the Skydeck hatch. Just hang screen material to keep the bugs out.

Also got a solar panel and controller to keep the batts up when I am not with the coach. Thinking I will outfit the whole rows of benches with panels, that way they can, in winter, be angled to the sun by slightly raising the bench seats. So fun.

-Randy

[xrvr]

Wow, when these things are sorted out you will be so fortunate. A real home on the road. Good luck and be careful.

[PSchw]

Hi Randy, I already contacted the place in RVfogDr. as mine are bad too. In the moment I have several projects:
- front air conditioner not working. Pain in the but to get too under the sink.
- Entertainment center not working. Need complete replacement what a mess?
- Need new mattress and found bed support is busted too.
- Shower need new shower head and connection.
- Radio in dash does not turn on.
- Water heater need to be replace. Comes within the week.
I got new outside carpet on the roof which I guess for now is OK and I doubt that my dog would take a leak up there.
I guess retirement turns in to a full time job fixing the Motorhome.
As they say it is an adventure.
Peter

[israndy]

Where did you make it to? If you are going thru Arkansas like I am to hit up RVFogDr.com you can let me know how their service is. If your windows are fogged did you find any leaks that caused staining on the interior cloth? My guy is caulking the windows but I am concerned that isn't the root of the cause.

How did you attached the outside carpet? How will you get to the roof if there is a problem under the carpet? How did the tires turn out? Expensive? Are you still registered in Missouri or did you get to TX and register there?

-Randy

[PSchw]

I am in Livingston TX. I hope within the next 2 weeks I get everything done here registration insurance and so one than heading back to Chicago and hopefully stop at the RVfogDr. The leak is between the 2 panels and moister get into it which discolors the inside. I have some small stains on the walls right on the door and in the bedroom passenger side window. Not sure where it is coming from or if it still exists. We had some good rains and I did not see any leaks.
Found also out that mine is a 2006 at least according to the Title anything else says 2005. But I believe it is 2006 as mine has already flat screen TV's and the TV in front is right in the center if I remember right on earlier models it was more over the driver side. The outside carpet is clued on and looks ok I guess something to improve down the line.

[israndy]

Mine also has the TV in the center, but is missing. How many inches is it and how much bigger should I buy? My TV is no longer in the picture. I guess one of the footballers wanted to take it home. I have a 49" that I could just drop in but they are so cheap now I was thinking I might go bigger.

I didn't look at my title, it's at home and I am at the cabin this long weekend. Perhaps it says 2006, but the ad said 2005. My vin is 4UZAAHDC85CV07752. Not sure if that is the vin of the chassis or the completed RV. So it may not matter when the chassis was built it may only matter when that chassis made it down the assembly line at Airstream.

I am really glad to have someone to discover the new RV with. My other one is very popular and they are still made today. If I wanted to see the assembly process it hasn't changed since mine was built, but the Airstream, they have not had a Class A assembly line in almost a decade, so questions on "How" or even "Why" things happened can only be guessed at.

I will probably glue my grass down but to be sure I will seal the roof with eternabond first. Don't wanna have to go back under for many years to come.

-Randy

[israndy]

Originally Posted by PSchw

I am working hard getting it livable. No TV for a week now try to figure out where the TV antenna is and how the antenna cable are all routed.
Got the new water heater installed today and works ok. Many little water leaks from the shower to the kitchen faucet to the out side faucet.
Peter

I am happy you are blazing this trail. Today was the day they were supposed to get back with me with a quote for the repairs we have been talking about, no news is good news, yes?

Sorry to hear about all the leaks. I am pretty sure all my water systems were working, the dealer took the Skydeck on two weekend trips and used all the features except the microwave, which is broken. I don't think he has tried the washer and he says the ice machine is bust too, but I would be interested in trying to fix that.

I was curious about the TV antenna, on all the Skydecks that I have posted photos of here I have yet to see a picture of a TV antenna. Perhaps it is under the front cover with the front A/C, but that would seem like it would block the signal. I think I will be getting a satellite as there is NO TV signal where it will live. Plus I can move the box to our cabin when we are up for there an extended period. I think basic satellite is cheaper than my netflix and hulu subscriptions and I don't need high-speed internet, which is hard to find on the road.

-Randy

[israndy]

Still not taking possession. Spoke to my dealer. Missouri is RAINcity, so no windshield repair, no repainting the silver, and no furniture re-upholstery. Went to the DMV to register the RV and they can't do it until it is physically here. Spoke to the loan people as I was freakin' out, their paperwork said I had 30 days to get it to the DMV. Turns out they just don't want people to be lazy, but actually they give 150 days. Crazy, now I need a countdown so I don't go past 150 days before I go and get the RV…

-Randy

[PSchw]

Here some pictures of mine. Leave TX tomorrow to get to the RVfogDr.

[israndy]

Nice! I like your outdoor carpet. And your patio furniture looks primo. Is that a screen door on the deck access door? I don't think mine came with one... But its been almost 2 months since I saw it.

So you are a texan now? Is that that club I read about in Texas that helps you register your RV and forwards your mail? Did you bring a lot of stuff with you to populate the RV or are you going to slowly buy stuff for it. I remember you said you would be heading back home, perhaps all your "stuff" is back there. The RV still looks so clean and empty.

Is that a Shar Pei? How does he like living in the camper? Any fear it might jump off the patio?

-Randy

[PSchw]

Yes on my way "home" yo Chicago. Stopped at the RVfogDr tonight.
Here is what is saw on a rest stop in AR.
Another Skydeck. What are the odds of this? Now I saw 4 and know of 2 more for sale but did not see.
This on was a business with 2 doors.
His windows looked bad too I hope mine gone be fixed by tomorrow then I am on my way to IH to get a quote on redoing the interior at least the floor. Still fighting some water leaks but again it is all part of the adventure.
Max is a BullyPei I mixture of a English bulldog and a Sharpei and he likes living in the Skydeck he even goes upstairs looking down.
He is used to travel in a Motorhome I had him in the Interstate.
Yes our stuff is still in Chicago another mistake should have loaded up first before going to TX.
Peter

[israndy]

Got to get you to upload higher rez pics to the forum. All your pics have been interesting but too small to really see much detail, other than wrinkles on your pooch's face.

In my internet travels I have seen LOTS of those two door models, hard to believe there are only 28 Skydecks ever. Perhaps all of the 2 door models are just one constantly repainted model:


Original


Painted


Highlighted with custom deck awning, I want that awning!


Repainted?

And this is the layout of the two door model


Not that any of my pics show that huge satellite dish taking over the sun bed...


I have seen youtube videos for McDonalds and some other corporate rental that showed that same RV layout. I know at least one of these (likely only one) is from the UK, so they may have made two. Unfortunately today I cannot find those videos. All I can find today are these:

https://youtu.be/eBWvAj4h7JE Corporate Intro for Skydeck

https://youtu.be/bakVWKGh2sE Tour of a couples Skydeck

https://youtu.be/bFTtNDzhLlI Tour of the Trinity Rental Skydeck

https://youtu.be/DoyZDktqOIQ Walk around of same seen parked

https://youtu.be/6Wf9HoFWRiY Demo of the UK rental?

If anyone sees other videos or 2 door pics, please add

-Randy

[PSchw]

Wow, you did some research on Skydeck's
Here my pictures again if you interest goes behind Max wrinkles.

[PSchw]

Hit reply to early.
Here pictures at the RVfogDr.

Windows turned out great.
Still have a wet basement and need to investigate.
Peter

[israndy]

Very nice. Are those the only three windows that you're having done at RVFogDr? I seem to remember one of my bedroom windows also needing attention.

-Randy

[PSchw]

Yes I think one in the bedroom and one in the living room start fogging up too but for now I can live with it as I don't need to lookout of them constant. Drive with fogged window was a paint.
You gone remove your washer/dryer?
I am thinking of getting one.
Peter

[israndy]

OK, found the guys that own the two door Skydeck. Right on the front page is that McDonald's video, they took it on tour all painted for greasymacs and this video shows the inside and some out. I knew I had seen it before. Not a YouTube video so I canna post the direct link.

-Randy

[israndy]

Oh, I was reading the manual and found the TV antenna is the Winegard RS-3460. I did not see it when I was looking at mine, perhaps it is under the space above the cab next to the front AC. Peter, did you ever find yours?

It looks like this:



Different part number but they share a manual:

http://www.winegard.com/kbase/uploads/2451806.pdf

-Randy

[PSchw]

Yes it is under the cover direct above the driver seat.