How does the AS warranty operate

[John1048]

Recently retired and ready to purchase an AS trailer in the range of 25 - 27 feet. I've researched this forum thoroughly, as well as other information sources, and feel I want to purchase new for the sake of warranty and minimized repair/maintenance. I've had a lifetime of fix up projects.

However, I have never owned a trailer/RV and do not have experience with utilizing warranties for such. My questions are: (1) is all warranty work required to be performed by an authorized AS dealer or the Ohio service center; (2) is there any resource that provides feedback/experience on AS dealers warranty/service; and I know this is broad and general, but is there any guidance as to what problems/issues normally arise with a new AS trailers?

I will greatly appreciate any help.

John1048

[azflycaster]

It depends.

Airstream would prefer you have an authorized service center perform the work, but I know of situations where they have approved and payed for service at non service centers.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question about warranty work, we have always tried to have any repair and upgrade work that we could not handle ourselves done at the Airstream Factory Service Center in Jackson Center, Ohio.

W are somewhat experienced Airstreamers with almost 1,900 nights and 180,000 miles over the past twelve years. We have had three Airstreams. Two were purchased new and one was preowned. It has been our experience that many Airstream Dealers have service technicians that are barely competent. On several occasions, we have had these "professionals" do more harm than they did good. We have learned to do most maintenance and repair items ourselves. When we fix something, we know it is done right.

Please don't let my comments scare you off. Most of the issues that you will encounter are well within the abilities of a "Certified YouTube Mechanic". Airstreaming is so much fun that it is worth the minor difficulties.

Brian

[KelloggKid]

Welcome to the forum and the Airstream life. I do not know of any central source of dealer ratings but I'm fairly certain that if, at any given time you have a choice of dealers to do service work, the fine folks on this forum will be more than happy to provide feedback for you.

[Oregonboy]

Best of luck as I just bought a 2018 Airstream International serenity 27FB. Setting up various trips right now for Northwest this summer. One RV site said because I have an Airstream, I don't need to confirm the year of my RV because they are the best. I like that as well as the 2-year warranty.

[cazual6]

I go to AS L.A., I've been happy overall with their service.

I would have on your contract to include a drop off and pick up for a number of times as part of YOUR deal.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by cazual6

I would have on your contract to include a drop off and pick up for a number of times as part of YOUR deal.

I think that comment needs some clarification. Exactly what and where are you picking up or dropping off?

[truffies]

Have Sport 16 2017, I have minor problems as AS have. Like a car have it in writing, dealers sell you but service is key 90%. Purchased in Ohio as to custom made extras and pricing saved $1500. Have problems ref. new main broad not auto switching to gas or AC. A/C unit thermostat will not cycle back on for compressor. All issues by third party makers. Call dealers all Four need to look at get approval and get parts. (4 to 6 mths to look at than come back).
Setup appointment at factory going and all be solved (g-d's hands). THey have the knowledge and the parts. Still the best AS trailers you will be happy. Just learn to repair and it has 2 years, others 1yr. and 90 days good lock. Walk though do not rush and write down, sleep their at dealer 24 hours for problems. Water pressure, hot and cold, pumps on and all values open and close, flush, AC all fuses and sockets, heat, A/C cycle full and set lower temps for cycling, etc.

GOOD LUCK still the best made. Like a house on wheels always a problem. PS leave the mother-law at dealer they will repair fast to pick her up. hahaha

[switz]

One also learns where the best service shops are and they are often independent shops that were former dealers that gave up on the corporate shenigans

[pt.reyesfan]

Originally Posted by switz

One also learns where the best service shops are and they are often independent shops that were former dealers that gave up on the corporate shenigans

Has anyone had service work done at Airstream of Chicago? Verdict?

[rwsjms7]

Originally Posted by moosetags

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question about warranty work, we have always tried to have any repair and upgrade work that we could not handle ourselves done at the Airstream Factory Service Center in Jackson Center, Ohio.

W are somewhat experienced Airstreamers with almost 1,900 nights and 180,000 miles over the past twelve years. We have had three Airstreams. Two were purchased new and one was preowned. It has been our experience that many Airstream Dealers have service technicians that are barely competent. On several occasions, we have had these "professionals" do more harm than they did good. We have learned to do most maintenance and repair items ourselves. When we fix something, we know it is done right.

Please don't let my comments scare you off. Most of the issues that you will encounter are well within the abilities of a "Certified YouTube Mechanic". Airstreaming is so much fun that it is worth the minor difficulties.

Brian

That was an excellent response!!

[rjack]

We bought a new trailer a year ago...two previous were used...and, on caravans, have had occasional issues away from home. I am reliably told the mother company has changed their policy making reimbursement and rates paid to non-seller dealers who do warranty work much better....thus incentivizing them to be more attentive and thorough. This has been our positive experience. We always check the forum for recommendations.

[Al and Missy]

It is my understanding from reading on here that the warranty for appliances, etc. is from the appliance manufacturer and work can be done by any RV shop authorized for that item, not necessarily an Airstream dealer.

I have no experience in this area, having bought both of our trailers used. Had to replace water pump on my Safari 25, and the furnace igniter on my Classic 30. No other issues, although I did replace axles on the Classic recently (after 16 years of prior owners) and converted to disc brakes in the process. I didn't consider this a failure, but an upgrade.

Al