Help please! Questions re new 28RBQ.

[Doug5]

Hi all,
My wife and I are very close to purchasing our first AS, so I apologize for a wee bit of deception in signing on to the Forums. However, I have been trying to get some answers to a number of questions and I wanted to hear from people with a lot of Airstream experience. We are looking at the Flying Cloud 28RBQ model and have a number of queries. Any help would be very much appreciated!

Here we go:

1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper...

2. I have read all sorts of stories re popped rivets. Is this very common and how many years into ownership would one expect to encounter this issue?

3. How long would the dinette cushions typically last (assuming usage of about 2 months annually)?

4. Our current model has a demand water heater. It takes a good 45 seconds to get hot water to the shower. Would this be the same experience that we could expect in an Airstream?

5. I've read a lot about the aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Not sure if I trust the source of the information. What are people's experiences? Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks?

6. How often do you need to "wax" the exterior? How do you do the roof?

7. Are there any repair issues that we should know about going into this purchase?

Thanks very much for any and all feedback and advice. It's always best to talk to folks that have experience!

Doug H

4.

[FMSports]

1. Depends on the model but it does on the 2019/ 2023 and 2021 we've had
2. Had a few last year, after 2 months on the road. Alum interior rivets are pretty easy to replace
3. Nice materials
4. The demand HW in the 2023 was OK, I have a kettle outside and we use the resort showers.
5. Same as a car, & it's a clear coat. You can wax with spray ceramic.
Have a few scratches on this 2021, doesn't affect how it works! But they could be polished out
6
7 Take a look at the twin bed. The AS is a bit of tunnel space so the twin opens things up. They tow great and look great!

[DCPAS]

My take:

1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper...

Not so much. The curtains do reasonably well. The shades on the sides are flat covering a curved wall so light gets in on the sides. You can make a simple cover to fit in the window space if it bothers you.

2. I have read all sorts of stories re popped rivets. Is this very common and how many years into ownership would one expect to encounter this issue?

We got quite a few at first, but only interior ones. We now get them rarely. Very easy to replace. It's just because things get well shaken when traveling. I don't view it as a concern.

3. How long would the dinette cushions typically last (assuming usage of about 2 months annually)?

Our trailer is almost 5 years old and then are holding up well.

4. Our current model has a demand water heater. It takes a good 45 seconds to get hot water to the shower. Would this be the same experience that we could expect in an Airstream?

I can't give any good comment on this because we have a tank model. We spend at least two weeks a year dry camping. I really really wouldn't want the one Airstream is using. If I had to buy a newer trailer, I would probably replace it with the Truma version that has a small tank.

5. I've read a lot about the aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Not sure if I trust the source of the information. What are people's experiences? Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks?

Sites are typically used by many types of RV's, most of which are a good bit taller than an Airstream. This hasn't been a problem.

6. How often do you need to "wax" the exterior? How do you do the roof?

I use cheap Turtle Wax Seal N Shine Hybrid spray wax. Dead simple to use and works well. I apply maybe three times a year. Don't bother with the roof.

7. Are there any repair issues that we should know about going into this purchase?

Every new RV has issues when put in use. Despite the price, Airstream is no exception. Once you get past the initial use, things will still fail from being rattled all the time. Our local dealer had pretty poor service when we were in warranty, but we found a local shop which is really good and so we are happy. We did one trip to Jackson Center while still in warranty to get things corrected. Well worth it.

[kb0zke]

We don't own an Airstream - yet. Good possibility of it within the next 30 days.


6. I don't climb ladders any more than a step or two, but there is NO WAY I'd get on an Airstream roof that had been waxed! That's a really good way to do some serious damage to your body!


7. "You own an RV. Therefore you have a problem. You just don't know what it is yet." A new Newell is about $2.5M. It is all hand-built. When you buy one you get an 800 number to call when you have a problem. Within 30 minutes someone who actually knows what to do will call you back with some good help. Why would you need that service? Like an Airstream, it is mostly hand-made. By people. People make mistakes.


Sometimes it is cheaper to just fix a small item yourself than take it back to the dealer for warranty work. The more you can do yourself the happier you will be. The work will be done to your standards on your schedule and you will know more about how your trailer works.

[JeffKim]

Welcome! You've come to the right place for opinions, no apology needed. We have a 2023 Globetrotter 25FBT. In general we really like the twins (as mentioned above) it opens up the floor plan a lot and we like having two separate storage areas. So if you're not set on the queen, try looking at a model with the twins and see what you think. Also, we like the beds in the front. Most of the time the view is out the back and it's very pleasant sitting in the seating area with a view. I thought noise might be an issue sleeping in the front but not so far.

Otherwise,
Blackout curtains work well, maybe a little light in gaps, but it's dark.

The Globetrotter which has an upholstery upgrade, after two years looks like new. If you can swing the GT, we love the upgrades and think they are well worth the money, but then there isn't rear bed in the 27'.

We have had a number of interior rivets come out. Reducing the tire pressure has helped some. As others have noted it's not a big deal.

Lots of people complain about the on-demand water heater. We're used to it and doesn't bother me to wait a bit for hot water. If you boondock a lot there is a certain amount of water waste.

We've hit a number of branches and haven't noticed any scratches.

I use a polish, Glare, on ours. It takes a long day to wax the whole trailer, but it's holding up well. Many people Walbernize once or twice a year. It's a labor of love.

As mentioned, we expected our million-dollar camper to be more or less perfect, but there were a lot of things that needed corrected. So plan on some dissatisfaction and maybe a trip to Jackson Center.

One thing to consider, the electric refrigerator in particular uses a lot of electricity. I don't know if yours will come with lithium batteries but it's almost a mandatory upgrade if you camp unplugged a lot.

One of the best things about owning an Airstream is that for no other reason than you have an Airstream you are part of the community and there's a very active and robust group to help you out and welcome you. There are tons of Airstream activities through clubs if you like the social aspect. It's not like owning any other RV.

[BGClassic]

OP - To answer a few of your concerns:

1. Curtains are pretty good, but we just made the trip to Alaska, and my wife found a sleep mask to be helpful. Depends on how much it bothers you.

2. Get a pop rivet gun and rivets, it happens. Also depends on your hitch setup, tire pressure, etc.

3. Our Classic cushions are great, with high quality foam.

4. No data, we have an Alde.

5. We do have our racing stripes from a tight campground. I guess that's the tradeoff. We also had a walnut hit our roof before we got to Jackson Center for our recent warranty repair visit. Fortunately, the tech (Brian) that is there on Mondays and Fridays successfully pulled the dent out. Not cheap, but we still like our Airstream.

6. Walbernize every six months. This Fall I used the last bit of Walbernize and also used a good spray ceramic as a second coat. Will just use the ceramic going forward.

7. Just know that it's going to cost more to repair an Airstream than a SOB trailer. We knew that going into this decision, and are not going to live this lifestyle forever, as we are getting older.

Good luck!

[sfranklin]

See answers below in bold. Hope this helps!


1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper...

For the most part, but not 100%.


2. I have read all sorts of stories re popped rivets. Is this very common and how many years into ownership would one expect to encounter this issue?

Yes. How it's hitched, loaded and tire inflation can play a role in this. Mostly interior, but not uncommon for exterior too.


3. How long would the dinette cushions typically last (assuming usage of about 2 months annually)?

My last cushions lasted over 20 years under similar use with pets and kids. I did cover them and at the time, the fabric I selected was a more robust option back in the day. Today it's one size fits all, but I would expect at least 10-15 years out of set of cushions, provided they are cared for and not abused.


4. Our current model has a demand water heater. It takes a good 45 seconds to get hot water to the shower. Would this be the same experience that we could expect in an Airstream?

With the Girrard the factory installs, yes. Most move to a Truma and report much better results. If you are always connected to city water, then this really is a non-issue, but if you camp off-grid, it can be an issue where the Truma sits head and shoulders above the factory offering.


5. I've read a lot about the aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Not sure if I trust the source of the information. What are people's experiences? Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks?

Branches can scuff the trailer if the branches are small, but can be cleared up using a good cleaner wax. A bit more that pea sized hail can leave marks. Most owners hear severe weather an cringe. Been cringing for over 20 years. Got a new to me 2021 and it went through a tornado and was totaled. Carry good insurance. I did and was made whole. The point is do what you enjoy, don't worry about what might happen, that's what insurance is for.


6. How often do you need to "wax" the exterior? How do you do the roof?

I'm a bit OCD, root 1x every year or two. 1-2 washed and waxes a year. Typically fall and spring. It's a labor of love.


7. Are there any repair issues that we should know about going into this purchase?

Many new trailers have a year or so to get the gremlins shaken out, some have no issues at all. You will find them as you go, or you may find none at all. One suggestions is that you should have the trailer water leak tested using pressure like what a SealTech machine can do. My 2021 I had them do this at the factory last fall and sure enough, they found a spot that needed some love. With composite flooring, leaks not as big of a concern, but if left to its own devices, water entry can damage the finished floor and cabinetry.

[dbj216]

Welcome from Colorado: I think you are wise to consider an Airstream travel trailer. I believe they are very well built. I base this on my ownership experiences. I own a 1969 Globetrotter 21', a 1975 Overlander 27', and my wife owns a 1986 Limited 34'. I have renovated the 69 as well as the 75, and I helped a friend renovate his 76 Sovereign 31'. I have seen first hand how these Airstreams are built. I have also enjoyed a factory tour and watched the trailers being built. I think they are much better now then they were. The founder of Airstream, Wally Byam, first worked in the aviation industry in California. He learned all about light weight aluminum structures and then put axles and wheels under an "airplane fuselage" for light weight and low air resistance while towing.

Bottom line, an Airstream travel trailer will last a very long time. Yes, don't back into a tree limb, hopefully avoid a hail storm, and avoid a traffic accident. Airstreams are semi-monocoque construction designed to "flex" just like an aircraft. Thus a failed rivet inside now and then. Can be replaced in less than 2 minutes.

Most folks are happy with their Airstream travel trailers. We certainly are. Some photos of our oldies.

David

[PlanoRick]

The 28' FC RBQ has been perfect for us and tows like a dream. We bought it new off the showroom in 2019. Similar to a new car you may experience a few rattles and squeaks after taking it out a few times. We did but the dealer took care of them quickly. As with any travel trailer, things occasionally shake loose (hinges, latches, etc.) but most are quickly and inexpensively repaired.

1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper... We have a 2019 model and do not have the blackout curtains all around (shades on the sides) but the blackout on the rear work great keeping out light.

2. I have read all sorts of stories re popped rivets. Is this very common and how many years into ownership would one expect to encounter this issue? In five years of fairly heavy use we've had maybe 3-4 popped rivets on the interior. These pop rivets are very easy to replace with an inexpensive rivet tool.

3. How long would the dinette cushions typically last (assuming usage of about 2 months annually)? Ours (cream colored) still look great after five years. They are quite easy to clean.

4. Our current model has a demand water heater. It takes a good 45 seconds to get hot water to the shower. Would this be the same experience that we could expect in an Airstream? Can't answer this - ours has a tank water heater.

5. I've read a lot about the aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Not sure if I trust the source of the information. What are people's experiences? Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks? We have not experienced a problem with brushing against foliage but be careful about larger branches (pencil-sized). The exterior panels are somewhat vulnerable to things thrown up off the road - ours has a few minor dings after five years, but nothing major.

6. How often do you need to "wax" the exterior? How do you do the roof? I use Walbernize polish annually. I usually don't polish the white part of the roof, as it's a different material (I'm not sure if this is recommended).

7. Are there any repair issues that we should know about going into this purchase? If you are buying your FC brand new there may be a few "shakedown" repairs needed once you get it on the road and bounce it around a bit; but other than that can't think of any.

[Cyclist]

1. We have the queen size bed with hanging lockers. The side window blinds are pretty good but the curtain on the rear window lets in light. It doesn't bother either of us.

2. Popped rivets (interior only) - there were several over the first few years (including full timing for three and a half years). Easily replaced by dealer (must learn to replace by myself).

3. Our dinette cushions are still in excellent condition after 12 years including 3 1/2 years of full timing.

4. No idea.We have a hot water tank and I seldom use the shower.

5. It can be scratched easily but we've been careful and haven't had a problem. One surface scratch done when in storage (not by us) was nicely buffed out by Can-Am when we took it in for service (Can-Am didn't do the scratch). Tree branches would definitely leave a scratch but just be careful. We have a few small dents in the front cap from stones kicked up by traffic ahead of us. Much to my annoyance, we have small flecks on the front of the trailer from a newly chip sealed road in Saskatchewan. We have learned to be careful of chip sealing as it's the work of the devil.

6. I try to wax the trailer twice a year using Walbernize. The roof is painted white and hasn't been waxed but I do clean it periodically as needed.

7. No major repair issues after 12 years and 103,000 km. Most were taken care of during our 2 years warranty. We have been satisfied with our purchase.

[Piggy Bank]

1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper...?

While they do block the light, there will still be light at the edges. Furthermore if you want to sleep with open windows you will want the curtains open too. Proabably should consider eye mask if you think it would ease your mind.

2. re popped rivets?

We have owned 3 different airstreams over 10 years and replaced 3 or 4 total.

3. dinette cushions ?

Our current rig is from 2019 and seems brand new.

4. current model demand water heater-- same experience?
Airstream uses 3rd party appliances so it's probably the same one.

5. Aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks?

Firm branches can scratch the clear coat. Basically anything that would scratch a car would scratch your trailer

6. Re "wax" the exterior?
Personal preference. We do ours maybe once a year, maybe less.

How do you do the roof? We only wash it

7. any repair issues?
Typical AS issues are cabinet hinges popping loose during travel, doors/cabinets coming open. Figure out how to deal with this before travel like using wire ties or gaffers tape.

Other issue is to not get locked out.

[O-side Jimmy]

Put a Showermiser in for your hot water. We've been using one for the last five months and can't imagine not having it.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Doug5

Hi all,
My wife and I are very close to purchasing our first AS, so I apologize for a wee bit of deception in signing on to the Forums. However, I have been trying to get some answers to a number of questions and I wanted to hear from people with a lot of Airstream experience. We are looking at the Flying Cloud 28RBQ model and have a number of queries. Any help would be very much appreciated!

Here we go:

1. Do the bedroom blackout curtains truly block all the light? I am a very light sleeper...

2. I have read all sorts of stories re popped rivets. Is this very common and how many years into ownership would one expect to encounter this issue?

3. How long would the dinette cushions typically last (assuming usage of about 2 months annually)?

4. Our current model has a demand water heater. It takes a good 45 seconds to get hot water to the shower. Would this be the same experience that we could expect in an Airstream?

5. I've read a lot about the aluminum exterior being easily damaged. Not sure if I trust the source of the information. What are people's experiences? Would brushing up against some small tree branches getting out a site leave scratch marks?

6. How often do you need to "wax" the exterior? How do you do the roof?

7. Are there any repair issues that we should know about going into this purchase?

Thanks very much for any and all feedback and advice. It's always best to talk to folks that have experience!

Doug H

4.

Good advice/answers above to your questions. We wash our AS 2-3 times a year and keep in covered parking, when possible to avoid any possible hail damage. We are on our 4th Airstream and travel around 10K each year. Cushions are not an issue with the new AS's and will last a long time; however, the "slick" cover material in some models is an issue...

Scratches- yes, easily obtained brushing up against anything; branches for sure will scratch. Not easily buffed out, unless you know what your doing. But, as mentioned, they don't affect the "use" model of your AS.

Popped rivets, and broken latches/hinges....watch your Tire Pressure, and be sure to get a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) so you can stay on top of pressure status while traveling. Suggest you keep your tire pressure around 15-20PSI lower than "MAX Pressure" stamp on side of your tires, to allow for smother ride and less issues with the above mentioned.

What are you towing "with" and which WDH and Sway Control are you planning on using? Lots of important questions after purchase to think about...which type of chocks, which fresh water hose and water filter, which tank conditioner/cleaners...the fun's just starting!

[Doug5]

Hi folks,

First off, many thanks to all the very kind people who replied and provided us with some very good guidance - much appreciated.

We ended up going with the FC 30RBQ as it turns out. It was a close race between it and the 28RBQ, but in the end the extra space was tipped the scales. And coincidentally, it is within a couple of inches of our current GD unit when you take into account the ProPride3 vs an EAZ-Lift setup.

We're already well into plans to head to Newfoundland on our inaugural "trip" after a few retiree weekends (Mon to Thurs) to shake the new one down a bit.

So thanks again to everyone for helping us along with this decision. Very much looking forward to the delivery date in early April!!

Cheers!!

Doug

[Daquenzer]

You got most of your answers, but I may like to shed some light on #7.
1. You will have stuff go wrong that will need repairing. Yes, get a rivet gun and learn how to use it. You will eventually get an exterior rivet that will pop, and you can replace them with an exterior olympic rivet that will need to be shaved. Look on line about how to deal with them. Best to go to dealer shave it. Shavers are expensive. As to interior rivets, they are simple to replace. Replaced 6 this year. First time I had to do that since 2017, but we hit a really bad road in Indiana.

2. Plan on taking your AS to the dealer on a regular basis for fixing numerous things that will happen as well as regular maintenance. Just like anything going up and down the road bouncing around things will happen. Appliances need to be checked and repaired on a regular basis. Seals need to be redone (I had a ceiling window replaced this year which was not cheap) and had some places on the roof and around the door, etc. that needed resealing. Figure on getting seals checked on a regular basis. Brakes inspected and probably at about 25,000 miles should be replaced. Tires every 5 to 6 years. Hinges and latches will need replacing or repairing every so often. Screws will come loose and need to be replaced and/or wood filler put in so the screws hold better. And if you are lucky and hit a bird (not really), I had to have an entire panel on the top replaced ($4500). Get good insurance. Batteries will go bad and need to be maintained and cared for. My rear camera had to be replaced (I did it, but a hassle) due to condensation in the lens. LP alarm will need to be replaced about every 4 to 5 years.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance. Figure on it. And figure on it costing you. I will not get on the roof. There are some things at 70 (and I’m in good shape) that are simply not worth it. And if you can afford to buy an AS you can probably afford to fix it. But many things (small things) will happen, so figure on a tool kit with some replacement parts (like hinges, latches, rivets).

Anyway enjoy the camper. Trust nothing really bad will happen, but you can expect the unexpected. Seems like every year it’s something different. It’s the challenge of camping.

The beauty of the AS is they will last a long time if maintained.

[Gene]

I just saw this and remember our troubles with our 2008 Airstream. We had around 60 issues to fix and because the nearest dealer was 250 miles away and pretty incompetent, we took it to the factory service center and they did a very good job on all the warranty items. I have read the service center is not as good as it used to be though.

Some people have many problems with new Airstreams and some don't. I hope you are one of the lucky ones. I agree they tow much easier than other trailers. All RV's have problems because industry standards are very low and there are few US gov't regs—you will have gotten a Canadian version which should be a little better made. Best to get books that tell how to fix RV's—Woodall's used to have a good one. Hopefully you are good with fixing things and have a lot of tools. Bring the tools! Best to be prepared with any RV.

I saw many people liked the cushions. We didn't. They were made at the factory years ago and may still be. We had them recovered because the cloth covers were loose and had no liners and would rotate around the poor quality foam. You can put something on the bedroom windows—Reflectix adds some insulation and blocks out light better than the curtains. You can get a small roll at some RV stores and big rolls at Big Box stores like Lowe's and Home Depot. I attach them with heavy duty Velcro.

I too have read about problems with the on demand water heater and all electric fridge. These trailers are now meant for short travels (to keep the fridge cold) and campgrounds and not so much for boondocking. Airstream insulation is not good and in very hot weather, the A/C is not enough. Putting out awnings, hiding from the sun next to giant MH, parking next to large trees, are ways to get it fairly cool. Bets to avoid very hot places and mid summer. Because a lot of heat escapes too, winter or mud season camping takes a lot of propane so keep the tanks full.

I hope this works for you. We had many great adventures with ours, but also many problems. We towed it 62,000 miles from Key West to Alaska over ten years. We overcame many problems and after a few years, I had everything working well, but those years were hard at times.

After a while the kitchen area was too cramped for two people to prepare food and we got a bigger trailer. Note that Thor has purchased a high quality brand, Newmar, and will probably turn it into low quality in a few years—the company is buying up many brands and then cheapens them. RV's are not for people who get frustrated quickly.

[Cyclist]

Doug: I recommend this book on Airstream maintenance by Rich Luhr (publisher of Airstream Life magazine). I met Rich many years ago at Organ Pipe Cactus N.M. - nice guy and got him to sign my copy. You can try ordering directly from the Airstream Life store but I don't know if they ship to Canada.

https://airstreamlife.store/products...ce-2nd-edition

https://www.amazon.com/Airstream-Lif.../dp/098334583X

[Silver Bud]

I think I'm replying to a thread comment, but all I really wanted to do was post a question about outdoor rv-rated, non-regulated LPG stoves. I'm obviously a NEWBIE and don't even know where to post a question on this forum. Sorry if I'm out of line, but would someone please steer me in the right direction?? Thanks!

[Cyclist]

Originally Posted by Gene

Note that Thor has purchased a high quality brand, Newmar, and will probably turn it into low quality in a few years—the company is buying up many brands and then cheapens them. RV's are not for people who get frustrated quickly.

Nice observation about Thor but I believe they acquired Tiffin, Winnebago acquired Newmar. What this means for Newmar I can't say.

https://rvbusiness.com/winnebago-com...f-newmar-corp/

[kb0zke]

"Brakes inspected and probably at about 25,000 miles should be replaced." This is easily tracked on your OWN trailer, but what about when I buy a used trailer? Specifically, I'm looking at a 2021 FC 30 RBQ. The tires have a 2622 date code, so they probably aren't original. How many miles do the brakes have on them now? Can't tell. Too bad trailers don't have odometers on them. That would make live easier.