Any Years or Models to Avoid?

[Bonzai30b]

I read with interest a different thread that mentioned that the type of flooring in some models of Airstream trailers (I think it was the 2004 22' Internationals) had issues with absorbing moisture. As someone who is trying to gather information in advance of making a purchase, it got me wondering whether there were some years/models that should be avoided.

So - What does the forum think? Are there specific model years to be avoided because Airstream's quality declined during a certain period? Similarly, are there certain models during certain years to be avoided because of design or construction issues?

From my somewhat limited knowledge so far, I think a 25FB model that's a few years old and lightly used would work best all things considered, including budget, but I would also consider models in the 23 - 27 foot range as I explore options. I'm not mechanically inclined so I can't personally refurbish a vintage model but might also think about a vintage model that's been redone.

[2airishuman]

hi bonzai' and welcome to shopping 'streams...

and the forums.

here are just a couple of threads on this topic...

one of which has other thread links contained therein.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...oid-36858.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f187...oid-31944.html

on the fit/finish issue there are MANY threads related to the "q" word...

try the advanced search feature with just one word like 'quality' and LIMIT the search to TITLES only...

and 36 semi useful threads appear...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/sear...earchid=982239

as for what specifically to a-void, think about what matters to YOU...

mauve upholstery, dark woodwork, shag carpet, asbestos, old suburban furnaces, ciggy smoke, cat pee, and avoocado formica...

and LONG new units with rear doors only, http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...afe-39545.html

are on my short list

cheers
2air'

IF you are shopping new/nearly new these threads may not apply but will be worth reading for others, perhaps.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f141...ears-8242.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f156...void-2283.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ons-26374.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...sed-25737.html

[FishByFly]

For me, the bad years are the years I dreamed of an aristream but didn't have one...

[Silvertwinkie]

I wasn't particularly thrilled with out 2003.

But 2Air is right, if you do a search with using the words model year quality, you'll find lots of data to extrapolate your own conclusions. The threads start from 04 through 08, with 09 right around the corner.

[Gene]

Bonzai,

After you read some of the threads, you may want to avoid every year and model. Don't let we complainers scare you off. Buy some books on RVing and learn about how the systems work in the books and on the forum. As you learn more and more it'll get more understandable and less confusing. It's like buying a house—lots to look at, lots to learn and good to find a dealer you can trust. No RV (or house) is perfect but many of us expect it anyway. Hard way to live. Good luck.

Gene