Major water leaks on new trailer

[Roxy59]

We have 2 major water leaks on our new airstream trailer. Mixed reviews on how the dealership is handling it. Any suggestions on how and whom to deal with at airstream directly?

[Zybane]

Originally Posted by Roxy59

We have 2 major water leaks on our new airstream trailer. Mixed reviews on how the dealership is handling it. Any suggestions on how and whom to deal with at airstream directly?

Where are the leaks, and are they affecting any wood components?

[Roxy59]

Two areas on the floor. Has stained the vinyl floor badly.

[HiJoeSilver]

Wow are you seeing the water on top or is that seeping up from underneath?

See if the dealer can find the leaks to stop them then schedule a trip to JC for repairs if you can.

[Roxy59]

The water is coming from underneath the vinyl floor. Have found one of the two leaks. The whole floor has to be replaced (gutting/removing the kitchen, bathroom, closets bedroom etc on a new trailer) on warranty. Problem is the trailer will never be the same after this. I need to talk to someone at airstream. We bought a new trailer and after this it won't be a new trailer.

[TravlinMan]

Ya just call em.
https://www.airstream.com/company/contact/

Ask for customer service. Explain your issue. Sorry that you're going through this.

[HiJoeSilver]

Yeah, this is definitely Major Work! Reports seem to indicate Jackson Center work is top notch. But it's not necessarily convenient and could take a while.
Absolutely sucks, can't imagine how you're feeling.

Second one I've seen reporting major leaks in less than a week. I'm putting my purchase plans on hold.

[Harvey Dowd]

[QUOTE=HiJoeSilver;2017122]Yeah, this is definitely Major Work! Reports seem to indicate Jackson Center work is top notch. But it's not necessarily convenient and could take a while.

I had a question about this concept. It's an honest question, not trying to be snarky.

I have repeatedly seen posts about the low quality of new Airstream trailers.

I have also repeatedly seen posts about the great service done on repairs at Airstream's "Jackson Center"

Are these just different folks with different experiences? Or is the repair part of AS staffed with different, potentially more attentive folks than the assembly staff?

Thanks.

[m.hony]

Do you have time to take it back to Jackson Center?

[Roxy59]

4600 mile return trip and nowhere to stay while the work is done which would probably take a month to do. The other option would be for airstream to trailer it back and forth for the repair. This would probably take 3 months (we have plans on going south for 2 months so we need it). The third option is to give the trailer back and they give us a new one.

[RickP]

Water leaking out or leaking in?

[sallye]

Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver

Yeah, this is definitely Major Work! Reports seem to indicate Jackson Center work is top notch. But it's not necessarily convenient and could take a while.
Absolutely sucks, can't imagine how you're feeling.

Second one I've seen reporting major leaks in less than a week. I'm putting my purchase plans on hold.

Wow! I wonder if AS monitors this site. Their quality issues are costing sales!

Roxy59 - I think you should take the trailer to Jackson Center and leave it there. They should give you a new trailer, fix this one at their leisure and sell it as used once it's fixed. Does BC have a "lemon law"?

[m.hony]

In your current scenario:
Option 3.
Yes, Airstream monitors this sight as well as Facebook Airstream Addicts.

[Roxy59]

Unfortunately no lemon law in BC but it is a lemon.
Having a meeting at the dealership today and telling them to take this flawed trailer back and giving us a new on.
Water is coming in at the beltline and at a threaded valve connection. This is the 4th time bringing it to the dealership in 2 months trying to get the leaks fixed.

[gklott]

Originally Posted by Roxy59

Problem is the trailer will never be the same after this. I need to talk to someone at airstream. We bought a new trailer and after this it won't be a new trailer.

First, ensure you have done nothing to cause this - a dent, hit, or something.

Continue documenting the issue fully. You cannot take enough pictures! Also document all out of pocket costs you incur, such as travel to your dealer.

Then, recommend contacting Airstream directly. Get a name of the person with authority to make decisions concerning your trailer. After this initial phone call to get your point of contact, keep ALL communications in writing.

If Airstream does not immediately offer a 100% trailer replacement, contact an attorney who specializes in "lemons". Accept nothing less.

73/gus

[Roxy59]

We have many emails and photos documenting all the problems. Have tried the nice approach with no luck.

[franklyfrank]

[QUOTE=Harvey Dowd;2017255][QUOTE=HiJoeSilver;2017122]Yeah, this is definitely Major Work! Reports seem to indicate Jackson Center work is top notch. But it's not necessarily convenient and could take a while.

I had a question about this concept. It's an honest question, not trying to be snarky.

I have repeatedly seen posts about the low quality of new Airstream trailers.

I have also repeatedly seen posts about the great service done on repairs at Airstream's "Jackson Center"

Are these just different folks with different experiences? Or is the repair part of AS staffed with different, potentially more attentive folks than the assembly staff?
Thanks:QUOTE



Here is my two cents worth earned through experience.

I have had 3 new Airstreams the last 5 years. ( don't ask, my wife can't make up her mind and I am an easy touch) They all had some minor issues accept the current one a 2017 30' Classic. The floor was flexing around the lav area. They had to drop both gray and black tanks and in the process the lav walls facing the bedroom had to to be removed as well. Aside from this 12 hour 2 man job we had a few very minor items. The flexing in the floor was simply due to a few missing shims and caulking. No more than a 15 minute job as the floor gets installed. Why is it that this was ignored throughout the interior build out process ? Zombie workers in my opinion.

Over all my experience tells me that the JC service department is the quality control for AS. The only problem is that they only have one facility in Ohio and if you have major warranty issues AS is unwilling to fairly compensate the dealers so you have to take the trailer to JC.

In a nutshell, these RVs are basically stick built by various teams. Air Stream is completely lacking in quality control of this most important process. To fully justify the pricing of these trailers they should have a full throated inspection and shake down after it leaves the factory floor. As it is the buyer is stuck between a rock and a hard place after finding major problems and is forced to waste serious time and money to drag the trailer to JC.
And they also count on the fact that a great many lesser issues are taken care of by the buyer and the dealers.
The advice to potential purchasers often repeated on this forum, to buy a relatively newer used AS is spot on. The two we sold did make the pilgrimage to JC and I had everything else taken care of so they were trouble free.

[gklott]

Originally Posted by Roxy59

We have many emails and photos documenting all the problems. Have tried the nice approach with no luck.

Still recommend due diligence by making the contact yourself, dealer and Airstream, in writing. Everything must be in writing.

Get in writing exactly how Airstream proposes to remedy the leak and subsequent damage.

Post all Airstream correspondence and the official repair offer on the forum for all to see. All Airstream owners and those considering ownership should see real life Airstream service.

Be sure to carefully track all the time you are not able to use your new trailer.

After this, you should contact an attorney. This is a lesson learned from our axle issues.

73/gus

[Roxy59]

Randy from Airstream has just called us (after monitoring the forum). He says he is somewhat aware of our situation. We are now providing him all of the correspondence and pictures.

[1Boyscout]

Check inside, where the black tank connection flush valve goes in the TT