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lbdesign · 09-13-2015, 01:07 PM

I have an agreement to buy a remaindered 2015 Airstream from an AS dealer in AZ (Desert Autoplex). The dealer in CA I was also talking to, in trying to win my business back, has told me the AZ rv will have "lot rot" from being in that warm desert climate (compared to LA summer??).

How concerned should I be about deterioration on a reputable AS dealer's lot in a warm climate? The AS in question is probably 9 months old, being a 2015 that's for sale in September 2015.

The LA dealer says it's "all over the blogs" that lot rot in the sun belt is a common thing. Is this just sales talk, or truth?

Thanks!

PaulnGina · 09-13-2015, 01:17 PM

My B.S.-o'meter just pegged.

(If it's such a horrible climate for trailers, makes you wonder why the military stores so many aircraft in the desert. The sun is hard on tires, other than that, can't imagine a legitimate argument for "lot rot".)

cwf · 09-13-2015, 01:28 PM

yeah... "lot rot" should reduce value by 50%!!! Keep the BS meter pegged during negotiations..

DHart · 09-13-2015, 01:46 PM

The LA dealer is trying to instill fear in you, to his advantage.

It is interesting to note so many airplanes and RVs being stored here. They seem to last forever in this dry climate.

(Side note: I read somewhere that a modern wood frame house would last almost forever if it was never subjected to water. Dry climates have an advantage in that respect.)

And, it isn't uncommon to see really old, vintage RVs here that would have long since rotted away in wet regions, like the pacific northwest.

I would be more concerned about "lot rot" on a rig that has been sitting in the wet pacific northwest for an extended period of time. All RVs tend to have leaks. Undetected leaks can easily lead to wood rot and mold. I wouldn't worry near as much about such things on a new Airstream that's been in Mesa for a year.

(We bought our 2016 30' Serenity from Desert Autoplex, but it wasn't on their lot for more than three days, as we custom ordered it.)

I wouldn't be concerned about "lot rot" on an Airstream that's been on a dealers lot here for a year.

What I would expect, though, is that the batteries would likely be in poor condition.

Tires do suffer in this hot sun, as well, but one season here isn't going to kill a set of new tires.

You can use these factors, in addition to the rig being "last year's model", to your advantage in negociations.

lbdesign · 09-13-2015, 01:52 PM

:-) Thanks everyone! I was suspicious of this claim —*aside from obviously yes the sun is harsh, but between LA and AZ...

Are there specific things you'd look at on a remaindered item, aside from tire sun damage? Like dried-out seals or roof sealing around skylights and vents?

DHart · 09-13-2015, 01:56 PM

As mentioned earlier.. batteries. The rig is too new to suffer other environmental damage.

Protagonist · 09-13-2015, 01:57 PM

UV degradation will affect tires and paint. But that process takes years. A 2015 Airstream will not be affected at all.

AWCHIEF · 09-13-2015, 02:14 PM

Be happy you are not buying from the lying kalifornia salesman.

mojo · 09-13-2015, 03:31 PM

Ask the CA dealer about the salt air corrosion and its affect on aluminum.

KJRitchie · 09-13-2015, 03:42 PM

The DOD stores aircraft in Arizona because it keeps the airframes intact. The only thing to worry about is tire damage due to the sun but since its a 2015 its not been exposed long.

Kelvin

rmkrum · 09-13-2015, 04:42 PM

Yup. I store my 2007 AS in the high desert in CA. The tire covers have deteriorated but it's taken 3 years. I'd call BS on this one as well.

There's more deterioration in this AS from being stored in Seattle a few years ago, like a bit of rust. Remember that sales droids only lie when their mouth is moving 😀😀😀😀

Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

mimiandrews · 09-13-2015, 05:15 PM

Our 1966 Airstream spent more than 40 years in the desert (West Texas) with it's first two owners. Only thing "rotten" was a bit of upholstery fabric that had been left exposed to the sun through a window. Desert climates are good for aluminum.

We did have a leaking water system and a burned-out cooling unit in the fridge, but that's not climate-related. Of course, he said it was "ready to camp."

aluminitus · 09-13-2015, 05:32 PM

I work at an Airstream dealership in Tucson and got a kick out of "lot rot". Unless it has been setting on the lot for three years, I think you are pretty safe. Over a couple of years' time, tires exposed to the sun can develop cracking on the sidewalls, and a SOB can delaminate and the decals can fade, but that is why Airstreams are so awesome. None of that to worry about. It is true that setting out on the lot can affect the batteries. I don't know what desert autoplex does, but at my dealership we don't put batteries on until delivery so they are brand new when the customer takes delivery.

Enjoy your new Arizona Airstream!

RamblinManGa · 09-13-2015, 05:33 PM

Hi from AZ. . . you know what they say about used car / used RV salesmen. . . " if their lips are moving. . . " We keep our AS in covered storage in AZ, leave a bucket of water inside to ADD moisture, always keep tires covered and use the Girl every chance we get. p.s., Those Desert Autoplex guys seem like straight shooters to me. When you come pick it up, I'll buy y'all a taco & a beer. . . regards, Craig

Jaxon · 09-13-2015, 05:54 PM

I’m just curious.... did the salesman in LA hear that gem of a sales technique from Elvis or was that prior to his alien abduction?

I mean, seriously... "lot rot”?

DHart · 09-13-2015, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aluminitus

I work at an Airstream dealership in Tucson and got a kick out of "lot rot". Unless it has been setting on the lot for three years, I think you are pretty safe. Over a couple of years' time, tires exposed to the sun can develop cracking on the sidewalls, and a SOB can delaminate and the decals can fade, but that is why Airstreams are so awesome. None of that to worry about. It is true that setting out on the lot can affect the batteries. I don't know what desert autoplex does, but at my dealership we don't put batteries on until delivery so they are brand new when the customer takes delivery.

Enjoy your new Arizona Airstream!

Hi Laura... we met you last spring at LD. Nice to see you here. That's great how you guys deal with your batteries!

Don

dkottum · 09-13-2015, 08:49 PM

I would be more concerned about customer traffic, trying things out every day for months on end.

lbdesign · 09-14-2015, 02:12 AM

Thank you all! I wish there were "Like" buttons here. The salesman is justifiably upset, but honesty is the best way to earn a customer.

Yes, definitely there could be wear from customers checking it out. They swear it's in good shape. We'll see. And thanks to all for your suggestions on what to check. I have a fantastic list from Lou, and will keep adding to it.

DHart · 09-14-2015, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbdesign

Thank you all! I wish there were "Like" buttons here. The salesman is justifiably upset, but honesty is the best way to earn a customer.

Yes, definitely there could be wear from customers checking it out. They swear it's in good shape. We'll see. And thanks to all for your suggestions on what to check. I have a fantastic list from Lou, and will keep adding to it.

lb... which model are you looking at? Are you going to visit DAP to see the coach first hand?

Hittenstiehl · 09-14-2015, 08:53 AM

Would be glad to go out and look at it for you. Not an inspector but an avid forum reader. About 3 miles from the house. And several people on here have bought from them recently.