I finally got one

[Landrum]

I've been researching airstreams and this forum for a few years. After much research and debate (with myself) I finally made the plunge. I brought home a 'new' 2011 International 23fb yesterday. After spending so much time on the forum I simply felt the need to post.

For me it was airstream or nothing. I almost talked myself out of a purchase by researching and reading about the issues with airstreams. At least I can't say I wasn't informed about my purchase, and now I will attempt to be vigilant in guarding against leaks and corrosion.

[DKB_SATX]

Congrats on the purchase!

When you put new in quotes, do you mean new-to-you? Or a never-titled new unit from a dealer lot that just happens to be a previous model year?

[Aage]

Yay, and congratulations, Cap'n! Glad to hear your voyage was fruitful!

Now, we need to see some photos of your new baby!

[Landrum]

It was a never-titled unit. I realize there is much debate on the use/abuse of campers that sit on the lot. I figured it isn't any more used than if it had been camped in and trailered, it was a good deal, it was an even better deal when compared to the cost of a 2013, and I got a 2 year warranty.

[vswingfield]

Good for you!!!

Did you buy it at Crain here in Little Rock?

[dkottum]

Congratulations Cap'n! I'm with you, nothing gives as much satisfaction and we have enjoyed ours immensely. Heading out for 6 month coast to coast trip next month, can't imagine having anything else.

They like regular maintenance and can last your lifetime. We set up a fairly thorough quarterly inspection routine that includes leak inspection by probing through the vinyl to the subfloor with a moisture detection meter, and treatment of all exterior cut edges, rivets, and fittings with CorrosionX. Also sprayed the underbody steel with Boeshield T9 (or Boeshield T9) as soon as we brought it home from the dealer. Check the exterior sealants and seals, tires, pests inside, batteries, keep it clean. Makes a big difference in keeping you and your trailer happy.

doug k

[Landrum]

I actually bought it at Reliable RV in Springfield. I wish I could have purchased locally. Crain had a 2012 Sport 22fb, and they (Andy) made me a very fair offer without/before negotiating. Based on that first offer I had a good 'feeling' about Crain and would liked to have worked with them, but I really preferred the 23fb. My 2011 was manufactured in February 2011. I don't know how long Reliable had the airstream, but no doubt they needed to sell it to get new models.

Have you used Crain for any service work? I know they are new to airstreams, but I will eventually need someone for maintenance issues (winterizing, etc).

[Landrum]

I already have those items on my shopping list: moisture meter, Bioshield, etc. I'm hoping to start treating the seams, etc this weekend. I will also start building a carport in the next few weeks for some weather protection. One item I need to research a bit more is sealing around lights and whether I should 'caulk' between the light housings and the body, etc. I guess that's my homework for tonight. I'll try to stay ahead of filiform which would be disappointing, but I've already decided I can live with it if it happens. Leaks are my bigger concern. Again....I'm informed.

Our maiden voyage is this weekend, and we (wife and 3 kids) are very excited.

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by CaptainNecro

I actually bought it at Reliable RV in Springfield. I wish I could have purchased locally. Crain had a 2012 Sport 22fb, and they (Andy) made me a very fair offer without/before negotiating. Based on that first offer I had a good 'feeling' about Crain and would liked to have worked with them, but I really preferred the 23fb. My 2011 was manufactured in February 2011. I don't know how long Reliable had the airstream, but no doubt they needed to sell it to get new models.

Have you used Crain for any service work? I know they are new to airstreams, but I will eventually need someone for maintenance issues (winterizing, etc).

I haven't used Crain, or anybody else for that matter, for service work. I live in my Excella, so I don't winterize it, but keep it warm through the winter. Not that difficult in LR.

I have gotten the occasional part and bought supplies there. I've been shopping at that location for quite some time. Before Crain started carrying Airstreams, even before it was Crain. It was a family owned RV shop before. It's the closest RV dealership to me. I live in Landmark, down towards East End.

Everyone seems like they are nice people. I've talked to the service people, too. They seem knowledgeable and helpful, but it's from conversations, not from actually having them do stuff.

Great looking Airstream! Enjoy your camping trip this weekend. I know you'll have fun.

[murreywalker]

Originally Posted by CaptainNecro

I actually bought it at Reliable RV in Springfield. I wish I could have purchased locally. Crain had a 2012 Sport 22fb, and they (Andy) made me a very fair offer without/before negotiating. Based on that first offer I had a good 'feeling' about Crain and would liked to have worked with them, but I really preferred the 23fb. My 2011 was manufactured in February 2011. I don't know how long Reliable had the airstream, but no doubt they needed to sell it to get new models.

Have you used Crain for any service work? I know they are new to airstreams, but I will eventually need someone for maintenance issues (winterizing, etc).

I know that Reliable has had the unit since they've had the franchise. Around Feb of 2011.

When we bought ours from Reliable (April of last year), your trailer was the other option we considered, but decided on the Flying Cloud.

Did you buy from Blair?

[Landrum]

I worked with Lance. Bates RV near Tampa had an identical unit, and I had actually negotiated a better price on that one. They sold it while I was trying to negotiate with Reliable. I really didn't want to drive to Florida to get it anyway, and I couldn't lay eyes on it. It all worked out.

[Travel Bird]

Congratulations!!! We close on ours on the 11th of this month. Do you happen to have any kind of list of things we might need for our "maiden voyage"?? I'm pretty nervous about this!!! But, excited. Safe travels.

[Landrum]

Not really. I have seen a few posts about that subject on the forum. Our dealer told us to use our camper two or three times before we bought anything beyond the starter kit they ( the dealer) supplied. We have only used ours three times, and we are still learning (wish we could use it more but it's hard with two working parents and small kids) . After every trip we discover something to pick up before the next trip.