if I were in designing Airstreams, I would ...

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by cameront120

I want to see a non-organic sub-floor material (read permanent) used for all models! No more plywood to deteriorate!

This has been a major thorn in the side of Airstream for almost forever. What gives? You spend upwards of $100k for many models and the floor rots. Get a clue Airstream! This is an issue that certainly should be high on any product improvement list.

Lucius

[ianrjam]

The space inside the Airstream shell is not just large, it is beautiful. Across the world designers of trailers think it is clever to occupy every available corner with lockers and other various cabinets which add weight. But worse, it obscures the Airstream shape, removes the feeling of space and gives an almost claustrophobic feel. I took the overhead lockers out and other owners think mine is bigger! I sometimes have to point out their's is bigger. There is loads of storage space around at lower levels.

OK. If I was an Airstream designer, I would make the high level storage lockers an optional extra. If people viewed the new model without them, would they order them? To remove them from a new Airstream, it is hard to fix the scars. And Airstream might sell more units!

[bobfowler]

Originally Posted by ianrjam

The space inside the Airstream shell is not just large, it is beautiful. Across the world designers of trailers think it is clever to occupy every available corner with lockers and other various cabinets which add weight. But worse, it obscures the Airstream shape, removes the feeling of space and gives an almost claustrophobic feel. I took the overhead lockers out and other owners think mine is bigger! I sometimes have to point out their's is bigger. There is loads of storage space around at lower levels.

OK. If I was an Airstream designer, I would make the high level storage lockers an optional extra. If people viewed the new model without them, would they order them? To remove them from a new Airstream, it is hard to fix the scars. And Airstream might sell more units!

Not to mention the addition of all that weight up towards the roof moves the center of gravity higher. Having said that, we spent the weekend rebuilding the cabinet above our sink.

As I mentioned in this post, we lost that cabinet to the wonderful condition of Interstate 78 back on June 22nd. Fortunately, the stove hood and sink light survived the crash intact, they pretty much pivoted down and just pulled some wires from their connectors. We were able to reuse the cabinet front, but needed to make a new end panel (trailer front) and bottom. On the positive side, all of the aluminum parts were fine and we made the new wood parts from 1/4 birch plywood which is a LOT stronger and about the same weight as the original materials. Also, the underside of the cabinet is now a bright, gloss white which does wonders for the lighting in the kitchen area.

The next project will be to make a new lower cabinet/countertop to replace the sagging mess that currently resides in that location. Oh yes, and a new cover for the fridge vent...

[qdp]

It's all It is more about doing, not talking, as Wally did. My point is, go beyond improving, constantly question, learn and adapt. Out-of-the-box thinking brought us A/S, why stop now? While art is in the beholder's eye, functionality is how it applies and works.
See: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f160...tml#post596888
Great ideas you guys, love the commitment!

Quentin

[HiHoAgRV]

I'd start with this 29'-31' floorplan and tweek the interior finishes to suit. The layout is designed for a grumpy ole fulltimer wanna be...me!

(Kinda lookin' for a donor shell to give it a shot with)

[Pick]

I'll have to play around with a "floor model" 10K BTU air conditioning unit I bought a few years ago, when our main house A/C unit went out. I know the SEER rating is about 9 or so, Coleman unit is probably 5, if that. Thinking of putting it where the fridge is now, so I could use the vent as the hot air exaust and going with a small electric apartment fridge, instead of the large one that is there now. Maybe even build a shelf for the mini fridge to set on, above the A/C unit.

[Grad67]

Originally Posted by uwe

Paula, no need for 2 water heaters - the system as you describe it already exists. Twin Temp jr. by precision temp.
We have been installing these in client projects, with fantastic results. Your imagination is the limit, just about any surface can be a radiant heat surface, especially in an all metal trailer. The heat exchangers ( radiators as you call them) have computer muffin type fans behind them, and resemble an automotive heater core. The fans require very very little from the batteries or electrical system, and are ultra quiet. The heater doubles as an instant water heater, and is about the size of a 6gal water heater. It does not require a cutout in the skin, but rhather vents through the floor. Placement therefore is very flexible, like it could easily be underneath a center queen bed, for example. I think that the units are worth every penny, even thought hey cost many many pennies....

I am gutting my 67 Safari. And would like one of these heating units. Have toyed with looping a line around the perimiter of the coach tied into the water heater. and a solinoid valve to Isolate the loop in warm months ect. Of course the loop would have to equal the presure of the water heater.

[ROBERT CROSS]

STUDY A LITTLE HISTORY