Annual warranty maintenance $$ ??

[Tabelmann]

Hi, we are new to Airstream having purchased our 25 FBT Flying Cloud last summer. I recently contacted the dealer that sold us the unit to schedule our first maintenance visit (to keep the warranty in force) and was surprised by their quote for their service (essentially he assured me that they would replicate the inspection they did when they took delivery and do a full cleaning of A/C, check the axles and wheels, lube everything that needs lubing, wash and wax etc. Can I get feedback on what others have experienced for this sort of thorough annual maintenance? I am being quoted $3,100. I know Airstream is the Cadillac of travel trailers but really??

[Ginophiles]

Good Lord!! $3100 to wash it? I can do that myself, thank you. We bought slightly used from an Airstream only reseller, so don't have experience with dealers, though the expression "stealership" has roots somewhere.

The catch with trailers is understanding what's warrantied and by who. Trailers are frames and shells made by someone like Airstream, then filled with aftermarket products like cook tops, microwaves, AC units, refrigerators, TVs and so on. I would assume a good dealer would handle all the intertwined warranties for you, not make you deal with Dometic for a faulty refrigerator.

I would find out EXACTLY what needs to be done to uphold EXACTLY what warranty. For example, they are going to "lube everything that needs lubing". Which means what exactly? The hitch ball? Pretty easy to do yourself in 30 seconds. I believe most Airstreams of the last 10 years or so have Nev-R-Lube wheel bearings, that just need an inspection. Lots of people here don't trust them and you may want to have them lubed at some point, but if they are essentially no-lube hubs, the dealer isn't going to spend time lubing them.

If having the dealer do a service makes you more comfortable, by all means have them do it. But I would want a detailed breakdown of what NEEDS to be done for your warranty. Good luck and happy travels!

[Lafitte]

Dealer(stealer) rip off

[AgBullet]

Very surprised to hear that you would have to schedule upkeep maintenance to keep your warranty in force. I never did that on the two new rigs I've owned, and had major warranty work done at Jackson Center this last December. Beyond that, the upkeep items you mentioned are all very easily done by yourself. Save your money for something else!

[CBWELL]

Are you able to do any mechanical yourself is the first question? Can you check air in the tires, but a little grease on the ball before hitching up, look to see if there is any oily leakage on the axles behind the tires? Can you spray a little silicone lube on the door hinges and the step hinge points? Can you check to make sure that all the appliances work? If you have conventional batteries can you check the water level? Can you take the trailer to a shop that washes and waxes highway tractors? If you can do the above, then you are doing what the dealer (stealer) is going to do! Mobile was guys charge very little to wash units as well. Paying a dealer that kind of money is taking their bait, hook line and sinker!

[mixolydian12]

This is an insane amount of money. Airstreams aren’t complicated machines that require significant annual maintenance like an internal combustion engine.

I’d take a look at the actual maintenance items listed in your manual. Most of them are pretty superficial, but if you find ones you aren’t comfortable doing (maybe inspecting brakes, for example), pay someone to do those specific things.

Unless the warranty terms have changed, they may not be being truthful with you about this to keep the warranty intact.

[Wazbro]

Do you have an extended warranty?
Some extended warranty's do require a maintenance visit.
I've never heard of a standard warranty requiring a maintenance visit.

[Fungus]

First thing I did after towing my rig home after purchase (1500 miles) was cancel the extended warranty (30-day window) we were sold. As previously stated, it is not a complicated machine.

[PaulBristol]

I have a 2025 Trade Wind. I have read the manual. There is nothing required to maintain the manufacturers warranty except possibly waxing twice each year.

Each appliance has its own warranty through its manufacturer. Each is different. Nothing I can find is required annually to maintain warranty.

My unit is clear coated just like a car or truck. No waxing required. The dealer did say it would cost in excess of $1000 to get it waxed. I don't plan to do that.

Winterizing when temperatures are likely to drop below freezing is a requirement, but freeze damage in not covered in any case.

Maintenance listed is a good idea. Like wheel torque after the first 50 miles.

I don't think anyone gets a professional furnace or water heater disassembly inspection every year as recommended by propane appliance manufacturer. Warranty is still in force.

[Daquenzer]

? Never heard of such a thing, unless it is new from Airstream. Seems very very excessive. Most of the things on an Airstream that would probably break (stove, refrigerator, furnace) have a separate warranty from the manufacturer.

I had a complete seal inspection, some resealing, ceiling window replaced, battery shut off switch installed, and it was less than half that amount.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Do you have an extended warranty?
Some extended warranty's do require a maintenance visit.
I've never heard of a standard warranty requiring a maintenance visit.

Please answer question.

[Tabelmann]

Originally Posted by Tabelmann

Hi, we are new to Airstream having purchased our 25 FBT Flying Cloud last summer. I recently contacted the dealer that sold us the unit to schedule our first maintenance visit (to keep the warranty in force) and was surprised by their quote for their service (essentially he assured me that they would replicate the inspection they did when they took delivery and do a full cleaning of A/C, check the axles and wheels, lube everything that needs lubing, wash and wax etc. Can I get feedback on what others have experienced for this sort of thorough annual maintenance? I am being quoted $3,100. I know Airstream is the Cadillac of travel trailers but really??

Thanks to all who responded. Confirmed what my gut was telling me - I.e. ripoff. Cancelled my appointment and will find more ethical people to deal with

[pboomerx]

Originally Posted by Tabelmann

Hi, we are new to Airstream having purchased our 25 FBT Flying Cloud last summer. I recently contacted the dealer that sold us the unit to schedule our first maintenance visit (to keep the warranty in force) and was surprised by their quote for their service (essentially he assured me that they would replicate the inspection they did when they took delivery and do a full cleaning of A/C, check the axles and wheels, lube everything that needs lubing, wash and wax etc. Can I get feedback on what others have experienced for this sort of thorough annual maintenance? I am being quoted $3,100. I know Airstream is the Cadillac of travel trailers but really??

They are trying to screw u

Should be half of that or less

Find another dealer

[akarakos]

I’ll come to you and do the maintenance for $2000. Haha
Actually, if you’re new to Airstreams I recommend that you join Airstream Club International (ACI) online. ACI has local clubs, almost everywhere.. the clubs have monthly campgrounds people can meet at. They also have maintenance rallies where you can learn how to do certain things. More importantly, it’s got a lot of experience in each airstream club that live close to you and can come help you out or answer questions over the phone. I am on my third airstream and I’ve never paid the excessive cost they’ve quoted you for anything. ..

[Campin Man]

It seems Airstream trailer service and repairs are overly expensive. I had my Classic 30 at Jackson Center a few years ago to have some simple work & inspections done. One the inspections was to rotate the tires and check the brakes. Airstream charged me 4 hours labor = $556. Since then I used a local trailer shop for the same work. They allowed me in their shop to watch them. It only took them 1 hour to do the same work at a cost of $100.

I also, had Airstream at Jackson Center repair my Alde Hotwater/heating system. I was very disappointed with the quality of work they did on the replacement and it has not worked correctly since.