Should we buy trailer or pass

[moeski]

My husband and I looked at a trailer that was perfect for our first airstream. A 2015 25ft twin Flying Cloud that was immaculate inside. The outside has some damage I believe the clear coat is peeling and and in some areas the exposure is possibly oxidizing/corroding. We are unsure if its worth repairing, what the possible costs and where would you recommend the repair be done.

Thanks so much for your advice.We have learned a great deal while trying to find the right trailer for us.

[wulfraat]

Pass or negotiate a lower price to accommodate the repair. The only way to repair that issue on a 2015 is a full panned replacement. Just the long upper side sheet is a ~$10k replacement, before expenses to get the trailer to someone who knows how to replace it correctly.

You can also call airstream headquarters and select the option for the service center. They are great and can give you a quote.

[Peter417]

I thought this couldn't happen in post 2007 Airstreams.



Can a late model finish expert please chime in?

[wulfraat]

Yes the new formulation of Alcoa impregnated clear code can fail on late model trailers. It does not happen that often but it can happen.

No you cannot refinish this to look like factory. you must replace if you want a panel to match the rest of the trailer.

There has been at least one owner I know of that has gone through the time and expense to sand off the Alcoa protective coating on a late model trailer to get to the bare aluminum, which can then be re-clear coated or polished maintained like a vintage trailer.

[Silvr_Bullet]

What looks interesting here is that the adjacent areas don’t look like any definite parts of peeling, I wonder if someone tried to apply some sort of finish that didn’t adhere.

[RamRider]

Well, on one account this does not affect the utility of this unit - but specifically what is causing this lack of or failure of adhesion to the AL panel? Fifty years ago I was a research chemist developing synthetic polymers for this type of usage and what I am observing in these photos is probably poor application of the coating or maybe coating applied to a contaminated panel. It appears that the failure follows a parallel line across the top. I think you would be well served to request assistance from the original manufacture of the panel who applied the coating.

[moeski]

Thank you all for your insight into this unusual problem. The pattern of the peeling is so unusual and according to the dealer the owner stored the trailer indoors.
We are going to pass on this trailer as the price of $67000 is not reflective of the cost to repair and is not negotiable with the dealer. I fear for the unsuspecting buyer that listens to the salesperson say their body shop(not an airstream dealer) could take care it.

We will continue our search for a 25ft rear bed twin. After 39 years of tent camping we are ready for a change!

[guskmg]

If everything else on the trailer is good. Take an Airstream Factory estimate to the dealer and tell him you will pay asking price less Panel R & R cost. Airstream will give you an estimate based on pictures of the damage. Clean late model Airstreams are getting scarce. I would not hesitate on this deal.
guskmg