What is wrong with YOUR Trailer?

[m.hony]

The a/c does not work!
For at least a year it has worked intermittently.Now the thermostat will not illuminate or turn on.
When it began to fail, it would shut off and display an E1 error on the thermostat.
The reset procedure would not work, but then the system would start working again on its own randomly.
Someone suggested on Facebook Airstream Addicts that there may be condensation on the thermostat, but there is no condensation on the thermostat.
The service department at Foley RV suggested there may be condensation on the telephone line coupler inside the front unit. There was condensation there, but drying everything out and replacing the telephone line coupler did not change anything.
I got on top of the trailer and looked at both mother boards in both units. I can't see any corrosion or loose connections or anything out of order. I guess if a computer board goes out I can't necessarily see it.
Strange thing is it seems no one else has ever had this problem. No one has been able to say "I had this problem and this is what was wrong."
So now my options are take the trailer to Foley RV 5 hours away or Jackson Center 12 hours away.
Before I make an appointment I will remove the cover from the inside of the bedroom unit and look for loose connections or corrosion.
A mobile RV tech suggested that maybe a nail, screw, or staple was put through a wire during the manufacture of the trailer. If this is the case, why would it take 5 years to cause trouble?

[Ray Eklund]

There is a new Airstream Dealer in Henderson, Nevada. The lot full of new Airstreams caught our attention, while driving to the Casino for a lunch buffet, two for one, and play. I plan to stop today and take a look around.

Some of you have found reliable dealers and reliable service. If I cannot do it myself... the move from Denver, Colorado and the local dealer there will have more time to take care of another local owner.

Selling is easy at a dealership. The product sells itself off the lot. Everyone looking for a trailer considers Airstream the Flagship of the trailer industry and only price is the deterrent of purchasing.

Service takes much more training, commitment and dedication of their employees to make a major service issue #1, after sales. Eventually a lousy dealer will ruin a brand. Some, I must say are and there are some new comers of fiberglass that just might take some of that business.

We have been unable to use our 2014 25 International as much as we did the 2006 23 foot Safari. Other than the small stuff, we worked out of pocket. It would cost more for time and fuel to drive back and forth from a dealership... and wait. Now we have made the 100% move to Nevada and no 'Adventure' commitments... July is the beginning of our Boondocking travels until we are unable to load the trailer and tow vehicle. Which should be another twenty years if our Blue Heelers keep us in shape.

Had an automobile dealership operate in this fashion concerning SERVICE, I would never go back to that dealer, nor that brand. I had a 1978 3/4 ton 4x4 Chevrolet pickup that was a lemon. I did the repairs after the 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty... when everything began to fall apart. I am the street mechanic with a tool box and out of pocket parts and my labor.

I went to Toyota in 1981 and traded in our 2012 Tundra Crew Max for a Ford F350 diesel. I just needed the extra suspension and the diesel is remarkable for mileage per gallon towing or not. IF this expensive F350 does not preform even close to my Toyotas... I will do like most of you and just watch my weight and buy Toyota. The loss of a dedicated Chevrolet owner was their loss, not mine.

I had a pinhole radiator leak in the 2014 Tundra... and that was the ONLY warranty, or any repair that was not regular maintenance since 1978. If Toyota comes out with a 3/4 gas or diesel 4x4... if my F350 is not preforming... Ford is going to lose me forever.

Somewhere there is inflation, as the prices of new Airstreams are getting out of reach. Used is going to be the new Airstream owners best option. If you have to repair the NEW trailer yourself... what is the difference? Maybe 40% to 50% of the cost of New.

Switz and I work the same. I upgrade my hardware myself to avoid the small stuff. The rest I will do what I can, but if quality and reliability becomes chronic... there is another brand of fiberglass Boondocking trailer available... and hope this is not my last option in trailer travel.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by TravlinMan

I keep shoutin 'do the dishes!' and the dang microphone just stares at me. I even pounded on the counter and the dishes moved but they were still dirty.

If airstream had pointed the microphone up instead of down none of this would be happenin.

Hi

I've always thought that a floor mounted microphone would be more effective for the "trailer get me another beer" requests.

Bob

[TravlinMan]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

I've always thought that a floor mounted microphone would be more effective for the "trailer get me another beer" requests.

Bob

[emoji1] [emoji1] [emoji1]

[OldVwHunters]

Premature fading of Caravel cushions. The cushions are starting to fade after a short 48 years, one would think they should stay bright for a least 50.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The a/c does not work!
For at least a year it has worked intermittently.Now the thermostat will not illuminate or turn on.
When it began to fail, it would shut off and display an E1 error on the thermostat.
The reset procedure would not work, but then the system would start working again on its own randomly.
Someone suggested on Facebook Airstream Addicts that there may be condensation on the thermostat, but there is no condensation on the thermostat.
The service department at Foley RV suggested there may be condensation on the telephone line coupler inside the front unit. There was condensation there, but drying everything out and replacing the telephone line coupler did not change anything.
I got on top of the trailer and looked at both mother boards in both units. I can't see any corrosion or loose connections or anything out of order. I guess if a computer board goes out I can't necessarily see it.
Strange thing is it seems no one else has ever had this problem. No one has been able to say "I had this problem and this is what was wrong."
So now my options are take the trailer to Foley RV 5 hours away or Jackson Center 12 hours away.
Before I make an appointment I will remove the cover from the inside of the bedroom unit and look for loose connections or corrosion.
A mobile RV tech suggested that maybe a nail, screw, or staple was put through a wire during the manufacture of the trailer. If this is the case, why would it take 5 years to cause trouble?

Also, TV antenna does not work- I suspect the cable that goes from the antenna down through the hole in the roof is rotten. The shot black rubber FM radio antenna seems to be pretty deteriorated, too.

[Ray Eklund]

Fading???? The proper term is 'Antiqued Interior Patina'. MSRP- $425 Lucky you.

Airstream AM/FM antenna's are great within the City Limits. Otherwise are questionable value. I put a car antenna on our 23 foot and it worked much better. Just a few quirks. The threads are different and the length does 'whip things'. Spanish stations come in loud and clear. I do like the Folk Song Spanish songs a lot. I know some Spanish, but the music beats most AM / FM stations playing current artists.

Buying new trailers in the desert Southwest? Check the formica surfaces closely. If you are in a RV Garage or shaded from the Sun... great. Otherwise look for formica curl...