Soft spots in floor

[wordgirl]

We have started talking to someone whose 2002 Safari is listed in the Airstream Classifieds at around $25k. It looks good in photos, (of course), and it has been kept up, according to the listing. But he acknowledged there are a couple of soft spots in the floor under the beds. Is this something to run away from or worth taking the 3-hour drive to take a look?

[EZTOO]

I personally wouldn't go there... I am sure the owner means well, but I worry about the damage he/she is unaware of. Our trailer (1989) didn't have any soft spots (rear 4' of floor replaced by PO). However, the floor under the fridge was trashed, the fridges condensation tube was never routed out of the trailer and drained on the OSB sub-flooring... : ( I repaired it, but it was a surprise!! Unfortunately, AS units leak (if not kept sealed) and where they leak may be far away from where damage shows up. We paid $12k for our unit and it was 40 minutes from home in upstate N.Y. I would recommend that you keep looking, there are plenty out there. Look for one closer to home as many people tend to accept some "issues" since they drove so far to look at it (done it myself)!! Good luck!! Jim

[KJRitchie]

Read up on all the threads of Airstream leaking. Lots of posts of owners having to replace sections of their floors especially adjacent to the rear bumper on Safaris and Internationals. We were lucky with our 2008 Classic 25fb. We had our vinyl floor replaced with Marmoleum and the installer found no evidence of floor rot anywhere. Apparently the Classics in the 2000 decade had fewer issues with this bumper seal problem. I did have a leak at the rear window, dripping down the bug screen. It ended up being a couple of bad rivets in the end cap. Get a moisture meter to test. I and many on these forums use this
https://www.amazon.com/Sonin-50211-R.../dp/B0000224DA

Kelvin