2021 model updates

[Nicdem79]

Anyone know when the info on the 2021 models will be released? Other than the conformation of the composite sub-floor, is there any other information out there on the '21 updates?

[matthewk]

Flying Cloud gets a tankless water heater, upgraded inverter/charging, interior finish/hardware updates, and a $1000 price increase. Mine goes into production in two weeks.

I've not seen conformation of the composite subfloor. Is that 100%?

[Warpath]

I'm also interested. Wonder if there will be any special editions and any changes to the different model trims.

[Nicdem79]

Originally Posted by matthewk

Flying Cloud gets a tankless water heater, upgraded inverter/charging, interior finish/hardware updates, and a $1000 price increase. Mine goes into production in two weeks.

I've not seen conformation of the composite subfloor. Is that 100%?

A tech posted about it on the Airstream Addicts page. He was doing a custom upgrade on a 2020, when he cut into the floor, he saw the composite. He called Airstream to confirm, and they told him they started to transition to the composite subfloor on the 2020's, but do not want to advertise it until the dealers sell down their current stock. If given the choice, who would want to buy the plywood one.

Can you please give me some additional info on the interior finish / hardware updates?

[JunkYard]

I wonder how you know If you have a composite floor? Color maybe?

[TravisH]

Originally Posted by Nicdem79

A tech posted about it on the Airstream Addicts page. He was doing a custom upgrade on a 2020, when he cut into the floor, he saw the composite. He called Airstream to confirm, and they told him they started to transition to the composite subfloor on the 2020's, but do not want to advertise it until the dealers sell down their current stock. If given the choice, who would want to buy the plywood one.

Can you please give me some additional info on the interior finish / hardware updates?

I wonder what kind of composite...

Like that "plastic" wood decking at Home Depot? That stuff is not very strong in thin sections...I'd much rather have a good plywood and make sure I don't get leaks!

[Nicdem79]

Its supposed to be light grey and blue inside. Some dealers have started to advertise it on their websites, and they say its one continuous piece.

[gypsydad]

Guess the real question is, "does it squeek" like plywood does? LOL We are taking our's back this fall to get that fixed...didn't have time last year under warranty to get this fixed, but they noted it on our paperwork, so still will be covered when we get there. Understand thats a day operation to fix? Anyone else have this fixed in JC?

[The Boot]

Originally Posted by matthewk

Flying Cloud gets a tankless water heater, upgraded inverter/charging, interior finish/hardware updates, and a $1000 price increase. Mine goes into production in two weeks.

I've not seen conformation of the composite subfloor. Is that 100%?

just spoke to airstream factory
i am pickiing up a 2020 internationl 27fbq
on friday
they said it had the new subfloor it came off the line on june 1

they also said 2021 getting a tankless water heater but only runs on propane

[Hans627]

Following the discussion!

[panamerican]

A composite subfloor is significant. Wonder how good of a product it is. Regardless, the hidden leaks that tear up the floor that you don't catch until it's too late are history!

[JunkYard]

I poked around on mine, even pulled a screw but couldnt see anything. I picked it up in late February. It had been on the lot a while but is a 2020. Im wondering if some of those stickers have the build date on em. Ill have to check when i get home.

[mtbmitch]

Several manufactures having been using composite sub floors for many years. Save 40% on weight and no mold. Our Lance has a composite subfloor. Now that AS is going with new subfloor, AS just moved up the list a bit.

Originally Posted by TravisH

I wonder what kind of composite...

Like that "plastic" wood decking at Home Depot? That stuff is not very strong in thin sections...I'd much rather have a good plywood and make sure I don't get leaks!

[skyguyscott]

It would be nice to know the exact supplier of the composite floor and if it’s Bluewater 26 or some other brand of Coosa board, or some generic composite flooring.

Coosa board is supposed to be the equivalent strength of plywood of the same thickness, but 30 or 40% lighter in addition to all the other many benefits.

This long overdue upgrade instantly makes all other past airstreams drop in value on the resale market. Conversely it makes buying a new airstream with the composite floor much more compelling and is a smart move for airstream once they start advertising it. Obviously they are not yet advertising it because there are probably many of the plywood floor trailers still on dealer lots that they have to move first

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by skyguyscott

It would be nice to know the exact supplier of the composite floor and if it’s Bluewater 26 or some other brand of Coosa board, or some generic composite flooring.

Coosa board is supposed to be the equivalent strength of plywood of the same thickness, but 30 or 40% lighter in addition to all the other many benefits.

This long overdue upgrade instantly makes all other past airstreams drop in value on the resale market. Conversely it makes buying a new airstream with the composite floor much more compelling and is a smart move for airstream once they start advertising it. Obviously they are not yet advertising it because there are probably many of the plywood floor trailers still on dealer lots that they have to move first

Say what?? Not sure I agree with your theory here....how many folks do YOU know that are asking about the floor when they buy an AS?? I know I never asked and I have owned 4 now over 15 years... Most folks purchasing an AS are looking at the overall AS offering including towing, livability, and cost. Purchasing new always brings some features, but at the price for new today, either your going to go for it or your not! Don't see the "overall value" of a used or older "new" model going down because of a new floor in the 2021... I know when they added ducted AC, that was/is a big deal; still, I know folks who purchased 2014 models without who said it did not impact their decision...but LED lighting was a big deal, but older units just modified and resale with upgrades like LED are not much different then without.

[chrispe]

Changes for Flying Cloud and International are already out anyways now.
To my knowledge the Globetrotter gets a new 2-way fridge (no more propane) and changes on the rear dinette area for 25 and 27s.
Also without solar package the trailer comes with no batteries installed! Those would need to be installed by the dealer for extra costs...

[skyguyscott]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Say what?? Not sure I agree with your theory here....how many folks do YOU know that are asking about the floor when they buy an AS?? I know I never asked and I have owned 4 now over 15 years... Most folks purchasing an AS are looking at the overall AS offering including towing, livability, and cost. Purchasing new always brings some features, but at the price for new today, either your going to go for it or your not! Don't see the "overall value" of a used or older "new" model going down because of a new floor in the 2021... I know when they added ducted AC, that was/is a big deal; still, I know folks who purchased 2014 models without who said it did not impact their decision...but LED lighting was a big deal, but older units just modified and resale with upgrades like LED are not much different then without.

Well, you raise some interesting points. I think current or former airstream owners who know about the susceptibility of rot in the existing plywood floors would be more interested in getting a new model with a composite rot proof floor than investing in an older model. And I think certainly down the road in a few years used composite floor trailers will be worth more then used plywood floor models.

Having had to replace sections of my plywood floor twice already, I can tell you that airstream putting in composite floors in new trailers is a much much more substantial improvement then ducted air conditioning. I can camp in a camper with a loud air conditioner, but it’s really hard to camp in a camper with a moldy rotten floor disintegrating under your feet. It cost thousands of dollars and/or many man hours of hard labor to replace the floor or portions of the floor.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by chrispe

Also without solar package the trailer comes with no batteries installed! Those would need to be installed by the dealer for extra costs...

Look at it as your big chance to not get those 'horrible Interstate batteries", and install the ones you really want.

[ghaynes755]

Chrispe we've had batteries and even indoor plumbing for years before AS started adding small solar panels for battery charging. Next we'll hear that tires are optional

[chrispe]

@overlander: will do, will do...

@gary: what should I say? The main argument (which is actually true) seems to be, that the warranty with lead acid batteries starts right with delivery from the supplier not when the trailer finally finds a new home...