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OceanGirl · 05-31-2014, 12:48 PM

We've been looking for a little 16 but are thoroughly terrified after browsing through this thread. Just wondering if the leak issues/ quality has been addressed in trailers post 2010?

DoubleNickel · 06-01-2014, 01:02 PM

Leaks, maybe.
Quality, no.

featherbedder · 06-01-2014, 03:39 PM

I found on my 76 31 AS the banana wrap was not under side skins but over lapped w/no sealer under rub rail, no wonder they leak. Maybe why they stopped lifetime warranty in 1974 because of shoddy work & to many repairs at there cost. For the cost of new AS would expect better coach. I purchased my AS new in 1977 still repairing factory boo boos.

sequoyah101 · 06-01-2014, 03:46 PM

I am of the view that they all leak somewhere sometime. Just a question of when and where not if. The water spray testing is a gimmick. They would be much better off with positive inside air pressure and soap on the outside or paraffin smoke from the inside. I bet if they did the positive inside pressure and the paraffin smoke from the inside it would look like the things were on fire!

It is really a shame isn't it?

Don.44 · 06-02-2014, 11:19 AM

It would seem to me that a very inexpensive preventive would be to treat the plywood floor ( Before assembly )with some type of wood presertive . Cost would be minimal and it might prevent the rot ... Add a little caulking and there you have it . What would it add to the cost of the A.S. ??

You would keep a happy customer

Don.44 · 06-02-2014, 11:21 AM

Do you think Air Stream has a 5 th wheel in the companies future ?

gmw photos · 06-02-2014, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don.44

It would seem to me that a very inexpensive preventive would be to treat the plywood floor ( Before assembly )with some type of wood presertive . Cost would be minimal and it might prevent the rot ... Add a little caulking and there you have it . What would it add to the cost of the A.S. ??

You would keep a happy customer

I have wondered how well rumber would work for the floor substrate. Used in some horse trailers. Rot proof, etc. Made from recycled rubber and plastics. Kinda heavy though.

As to A/S making fifth wheels, I can't see that happening as long as Thor owns them. Thor has several other brands that fill that need to the market.

SilverCottage · 06-03-2014, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don.44

It would seem to me that a very inexpensive preventive would be to treat the plywood floor ( Before assembly )with some type of wood presertive . Cost would be minimal and it might prevent the rot ... Add a little caulking and there you have it . What would it add to the cost of the A.S. ??

You would keep a happy customer

If I am not mistaken I believe the European models have a treated floor. We just get the crappy biodegradable floor

0557 · 06-03-2014, 11:11 PM

Because here in America, were a bunch of suckers who tolerate mediocre products

KJRitchie · 06-05-2014, 08:41 PM

I'm falling out of love with my AS. Just discovered the vinyl floor is buckling. No evidence of water links according to my moisture meter. Just a cold winter causing it I guess according to threads about this issue.

Kelvin

TXMYTX · 06-19-2014, 09:41 AM

Found the problem while vacationing in FL...Called Airstream, started the line that it had to be proven it was their fault, and it would have to be brought to the factory. Found a guy while in Melbourne, FL who found the leak (Yes, no sealant around the base of the rear). Beautifully repaired for $1000...Would have cost much more for trip to OH, and time...

Doug2009FC · 06-20-2014, 03:49 PM

Got the same "bring it in and we'll see whose fault it is." Still waiting for the Owner Relations Rep.--Mike Goetz--to get back to me; ten weeks later. There is no doubt after removing the rear rub-rail that the unsealed joint allowed the water to enter my 09 27FB. It would have cost me $1,500 in diesel plus traveling expenses to bring it to the factory. Then what? I spent $100 on marine grade plywood and incidentals to fix it myself. And about 70 hours of labor. Every time I am out camping--like last week--I get asked from every passer-by-er, "how do you like your Airstream?" Don't think anyone would buy one after my ten minute rant on the floor and other problems.

Doug2009FC · 06-20-2014, 04:20 PM

A little over $100 in materials and about 70 hours of labor fixed my floor problem. It was a tough job, but helped by those who came before me and posted their method of repair. Removing the rotten wood from the C-channel was the hardest part followed by cutting around 20 notches into the replacement pieces so then would fit around all the bolts and screws. Used marine grade plywood with two coats of exterior varnish. Had to cut my replacement floor into three pieces in order to get the wood into the C-channel. The 1/2 replacement plywood is about 1/8" thinner than the original floor, so I can notice a slight deference when sitting at the table. The next time the floor rots out, it should be a breeze to fix since I will have a template for the wood and carpet.

DoubleNickel · 06-21-2014, 12:37 AM

I'm done.
Took my 27FB to a dealer to consign for sale.
Bought a new Class A-and it sure as hell wasn't a Thor product.
I'll lose over $10K on my one-year Airstream misadventure; Thor lost a customer for life.

xrvr · 06-21-2014, 05:57 AM

I understand and good luck. Not everything works out as one wishes. Enjoy. Jim

mdh · 06-21-2014, 07:07 AM

We have the same year and model as you and went through the same problems. I do understand your frustration. Just curious, what did you get in a Class A? Thanks for all your input in dealing with this issue. Safe travels.

Mike

HCR · 06-21-2014, 08:12 AM

I make it a point to stop and ask AS owners if they are aware of the rotten floor issue. Most I have talked with over last three years are not and are horrified. If interested, I refer them to this thread.

When folks ask me how I like my AS, I answer that it's built as poorly as the rest of the RVs made in the USA. If they own any type of RV, they immediately understand. Ah, if only the Japanese had entered the market, quality standards would have changed forever.

DoubleNickel · 06-21-2014, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdh

We have the same year and model as you and went through the same problems. I do understand your frustration. Just curious, what did you get in a Class A? Thanks for all your input in dealing with this issue. Safe travels.

Mike

2014 Tiffin Allegro 31SA

Don.44 · 06-22-2014, 09:38 AM

Was the little bit of money saved , by not applying calking in critical places worth loosing a customer over ? My As stays in a garage most of the time and I'm leary of taking it out on rainy days .