Airstreams in Classifieds with Frame-Body Separation. What to do?

[Genebuilder]

Have started seeing used, recently built Airstreams advertised for sale on this forum that have obvious frame-body separation wrinkling at the front storage door lower corner(s).
Whats a person who is shopping for a used Airstream to do?
Go to the next ad?
Inform the advertiser he might have a problem selling?
Use the defect as a tool in negotiations?
Caveat Emptor?

[jeffmc306]

You’re certainly within your right to question them about it and see if they’ve had Airstream repair the issue. It’s a pretty common occurrence and not a death sentence especially if the repair was done right. JC now has a “new” version of the fix noted on Ray Eklund’s thread (see post# 323).

I’ve got an appointment in June at JC to have ours repaired with the latest fix. Ours was done the first time back in October of 2020 before they came up with the more permanent repair.

Good luck with your search!

[kscherzi]

I'm not convinced this is even a problem. Two years ago noticed a dimple and a broken rivet on one side. Soon thereafter a short 1/2" crack appeared in the dimple. I removed the broken rivet and replaced it with a stout stainless steel screw. I placed a small piece of clear packing tape over the crack to prevent water intrusion and to monitor movement. Two years later, and about 10,000 miles, the tape is still intact and no more problems.

[BayouBiker]

I was made aware of the issue very early on back in 2018 by other folks posting about panel creasing. Took a close look at ours and noticed very slight distortions beginning to appear. Over then next couple months it slightly increased so I switched to a much more forgiving weight distribution hitch design and setting and altered tire pressures. 25,000 miles later and the slight distortion has not changed.

Buyers do somehow need to be aware to look for this issue when purchasing trailers with the large front hatch openings for the years where this is a problem. Information is difficult to disseminate.....

[GettinAway]

I have a dimple the same as described by BB above. You have to get the light just right to see it. It hasn’t changed in two years. I’ve decided no to pursue it with AS. I’m not convinced it’s going to get worse, or even be a problem.

[tjdonahoe]

Fix the problem …there several posts on thid

[Starlight Mike]

I recommend Colin Hyde in Plattsburgh, NY for at least a call if not for a repair. He is very familar with this problem and very capable at most repairs as i have personally found out.

[Mikebrady62]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

You’re certainly within your right to question them about it and see if they’ve had Airstream repair the issue. It’s a pretty common occurrence and not a death sentence especially if the repair was done right. JC now has a “new” version of the fix noted on Ray Eklund’s thread (see post# 323).

I’ve got an appointment in June at JC to have ours repaired with the latest fix. Ours was done the first time back in October of 2020 before they came up with the more permanent repair.

Good luck with your search!

JC will be repairing mine in June as well. I do not see it as a major problem, I just thought I might as well since it was still under warranty.

[LNBright]

Not on the wrinkling/ frame-separation issue, but when I was still searching for an AS, I was aware of the possibility of a soft-floor at the rear where the bumper is attached. I'd contact the seller, and inquire about the flooring: quite a few responded back, they weren't aware but would go check, and would then find a soft spot there. Several at that point would remove their ads, so they could have them repaired before selling. Others, I'd simply wish them luck and would continue my search.

SO, yes: strike up a conversation w/ the seller. Sometimes they're not aware of a problem, and would appreciate knowing. I've found almost everyone in the community, selling an AS, to be pretty affable and straight-forward.

[sheriff1]

Just had my 27FBQ fixed by Vinnie’s Airstream in Northern California. These are the brackets he has custom made. Added more verticals as well. Not inexpensive but I’m confident I will never have another problem.

[PC Conner]

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Attachment 426376
Just had my 27FBQ fixed by Vinnie’s Airstream in Northern California. These are the brackets he has custom made. Added more verticals as well. Not inexpensive but I’m confident I will never have another problem.

Does he sell the brackets? If, "Yes" then how?