Newbie Disappointed in AS Quality

[rodsterinfl]

My two cents:

The weight distribution of the hitch is one element as others have shared. Another is the tire pressure. I know that many put the maximum air pressure in their tires but I do not and if you have the E rated tires they are VERY stiff. Check that too. My older unit has lost a few screws but nothing to the extent you shared. I have some stripped screws though.

If I were in your situation, I would cover myself by writing a certified letter to Airstream and make some claims for repair at the dealer- certainly. Then I would seek their advice for repair on current issues. That way there is a record at least of an issue. Then, if you have any critical issues you can deal with it. I met a couple camping with a Keystone trailer of some sort - think it was a Premier that were sick- slide not working, door slammed to close- didn't match, etc. They eyeballed my Airstream saying we probably needed to pay more. RVs are massed produced products that can have issues- some more than others. I am not convinced that better materials= better build. I shared before that at a show here in FL I went into an International Serenity that the floor popped up and down on the bedroom left side making a metal pop sound when walking around the bed- in a show model! Airstream's biggest advantage, IMO, is their shell and modern style.

[Moflash]

Owning a Airstream is a work in progress.


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[idroba]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Good explanation and info here,


Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 - Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system

Thanks AWCHIEF, I have never seen any full explanation of how the system works, and that one certainly tells it all. Apparently written by Jeep too. I wish they would publish it in their manual, which I have but it does not really explain how the system operates like the reference you supplied.

I like the system, it is very comfortable and although sometimes it seems to have a mind of it's own, it has not given me any problems in 32,000 miles of solo and towing driving. You do need to know how to shut it off to change a tire and to set up a WD hitch. Without it being shut off, it will try to compensate for ride height and normal WD setup is impossible.

It is also funny to watch it self level after you stop and shut down, so it "looks pretty" and is nice and level. I wish my 2012 had automatic height reduction for ease of entrance and exit when parked, rather than manual. Apparently that was added sometime in 2013-14.

I expect it will be expensive to repair when/if it ever needs it now that it is out of warrantee. But at this point, I would certainly recommend it if you are buying a new Grand Cherokee (or used).

I think it is the same, or very similar to the air suspension now offered on the RAM 1500 series of trucks, but someone else may know more about that.

[mefly2]

We have had major issues with screws (especially those holding D-rings to the floor) being over torqued in our AS...chalk it up to poor training of employees at AS!
For the wooden areas, try the broken off toothpick, but add a tiny bit of oil to the threads and partially fill the hole with epoxy. The oil will prevent the threads from sticking and allow easy removal when needed. Snug the screws only moderately and wait for the epoxy to set (the slow setting is stronger); then finish snugging the screw and that should end your difficulty.
For stripped out screws in aluminum, we have had good success with stainless wool - only add a small bit to see if the screw bites. If not, then either a larger screw or drill a new hole...or try the epoxy route - which has not proven effective for us.
Good luck.

[cwf]

I have used the 'Steel Epoxy'... it is a 'putty' which you cut into the volume you need, then you mix by smashing it around... usually with your fingers... until it is uniform in color.. smash and press it into the hole using a broken toothpick as a 'ramrod'... build to the level you want, run the 'oiled'/greased screw into the spot. Let cure. Remove screw.. attach device and redrive screw.

This is some TOUGH stuff! I rebuilt broken tabs on auto dashboards with the stuff!!

And, it stays put... doesn't run.. no drips.. etc..

[AtomicNo13]

I personally feel this is a old vs new quality issue. I have always used Reese dual can hitches.... older Airstreams seem not to rattle apart, newer builds are simply awful!
Just my experience!

[Tim A.]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

I personally feel this is a old vs new quality issue. I have always used Reese dual can hitches.... older Airstreams seem not to rattle apart, newer builds are simply awful!
Just my experience!

Well, ours is sort of old (2002), but we bought it new. During the years we have practiced the boat/aircraft maintenance people have suggested. Were there problems initially and along the way? Of course, but now everything hangs together very well and our maintenance effort has diminished. As others have mentioned, the apparent higher quality of older Airstreams may be due more to owners doing as we have done rather than original work at the factory.

Perhaps I should add that we have done all maintenance ourselves. The trailer has never been in a workshop since it was new. Being able to carry out the work surely has made it less annoying than having to schedule dealer and shop time.

Tim

[DHart]

Originally Posted by ckottum

We have been towing extensively with a Ram 1500 and 1400 ProPride hitch and everything has stayed tight.


cheryl

Cheryl... didn't you guys run an Andersen hitch for a while, happily? Why the switch.

Also, with the Andersen hitch, did you switch out the Atwood coupler for one that was more compatible with the Andersen?

[ckottum]

DHart, we were naive early adopters and learned the hard way. Also, the coupler incompatibility was not announced when we bought it but that was finally the end of the misadventure.

cheryl

[Moflash]

I run Airsafe hitch on my 2015 F350 and my Airstream rides smooth.


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[AWCHIEF]

Doug, do you still have the Andersen? I am in the market for one.

[Wayne Clamp]

All rv trailers have fleas, just AS has a few less

[polarlyse]

We see lots of QC issues here. I think the worst AS has to offer is better than the rest. Besides, with units old enough to be out of warranty it gives US reasons to dig in and learn to fix them

[chevl66]

We have had a problem with lots of our doors not staying closed, we also lost the wood slat under one side of the dinette, and the drawer under the microwave came completely out and was in pieces on the floor. The drawer incident was after traveling through the Mojave desert on the worst road we have been on (so far). These things were within 3 months of purchase last year. Fortunately, we have a local dealer. I write the problems on the white board as we go and drop it off as soon as we get back in town and unload. Could I fix it myself? Yes. Should I? I don't think so as long as it's under warranty. I put the drawer back together during our trip and they ordered a new one for us. I've read on here that people use "lock-tite" when fixing loosened screws. I bought some, but until the warranty runs out, I will keep taking it to the dealer. They ended up replacing all my cabinet latches with 10 pound latches so the don't open during travel. We use an equalizer hitch, installed and adjusted by the dealer on our GMC Sierra.

[Drathaar]

Originally Posted by DHart

I thought I read somewhere that Airstream does not use particle board, just good quality plywood.

Were there times when they did/didn't use particle board?

Do they use any particle board on current model production (2015/2016)?

I haven't noticed any particle board on my FC. Either I am not observant, or there ain't any. Very few screws backing out, did break one of the plastic latches on an under seat access. The screws in the bathroom door are the usual suspects if one is going to back out.

I had trouble with one of the under sink cabinet door latches on our first trip. Ended up removing the door and taking it to the dealer for resolution.

When we bought the new F350, I did add an Airsafe to the EQ hitch. It's heavy, but seems to do a good job.

[jtwind]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

We see lots of QC issues here. I think the worst AS has to offer is better than the rest. Besides, with units old enough to be out of warranty it gives US reasons to dig in and learn to fix them

This just isn't true! But good on you for trying to put a happy face on the issues. I had a small tab trailer, too small but love it and not one issue!! Guess who made it, Thor, same outfit as airstream. Between that and my Bambi, had a small Spree Escape, for the money a nice little unit and NO ISSUES! My list when I took the bambi in for warranty things was over 20 and a third weren't taken care of and I've just given up and doing it myself. I think they are just trying to make too many trailers too fast. But the price paid is poor quality control and too many trips to dealers. It's really a shame.

[m.hony]

Livin' Lite/Camp Lite are good little trailers now owned by Thor, too.
Casita/Scamp/Escape/Oliver are good little trailers.
My 2009 Forest River Wildwood 28RLSS- not so much-


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[gmw photos]

Thor is buying up lots of RV companies. They recently bought Cruiser/Funfinder also.

[rodsterinfl]

I would not be surprised if many of the screws were over torqued. CWF gave some good advice.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by gmw photos

Thor is buying up lots of RV companies. They recently bought Cruiser/Funfinder also.

Thor owned Crossroads (Cruiser) several years ago. The salesmen love to say, "This trailer is made by Thor, the same people who make Airstream."