Airstream Disaster

[John&Vicki]

Owning an Airstream requires a handiness apprenticeship. In my case I spent 20 years restoring vintage Porsches and parts (I still restore parts). Being used to and knowing how to carry out preventive maintenance and do most repairs makes a huge difference. My 30 year old Excella has been surprisingly reliable over the past seven years but I enjoy fixing things so much that I’m almost glad for the opportunity when something breaks. It’s often an opportunity to improve it.

Just an attitude thing I guess. I grew up in the country and if I didn’t fix it it didn’t get fixed.

I digress, but if something causes you more frustration than pleasure, get rid of it. That’s the easiest fix of all!

[Alumalemon]

Originally Posted by drairstream

My guess is your bolts at the end came loose and weren’t seen, then tore the other out from the wobble. Airstreams do require watching closely. I’ve rehabbed a 99 Safari and had very few issues, though I came close to having your issue. Seems like boats, RV’s all require diligence to keep in one piece

Nope, bolts have always been tight.

[Alumalemon]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

Owning an Airstream requires a handiness apprenticeship. In my case I spent 20 years restoring vintage Porsches and parts (I still restore parts). Being used to and knowing how to carry out preventive maintenance and do most repairs makes a huge difference. My 30 year old Excella has been surprisingly reliable over the past seven years but I enjoy fixing things so much that I’m almost glad for the opportunity when something breaks. It’s often an opportunity to improve it.

Just an attitude thing I guess. I grew up in the country and if I didn’t fix it it didn’t get fixed.

I digress, but if something causes you more frustration than pleasure, get rid of it. That’s the easiest fix of all!

Many of the repairs on this unit I have done myself. This one stumps me though. Any suggestions?? I’ve never done any aluminum body work, however I have restored a 61 Chevy truck from the ground up.

[panamerican]

Originally Posted by Alumalemon

Attachment 371187
Here is a picture of the issue I am most upset with. This is happening on both sides of the unit. Several people have requested a picture of this issue. Here it is. Any ideas on what I did or didn’t do that caused this problem to arise??

I would look at your hitch setup. The front of the rig can take some abuse if hitched improperly. I see you have 2020 RAM. What were you towing with before the 2020?

I have not had these issues with my rock guards and they are for sure the old version. I put on one of those air safe hitches with the airbag to soften the connection between the 3/4 ton and the Airstream. If the nuts were tight, then the only thing that comes to mind is your hitch setup. Do you use WD? If so how many links do you chain up? What size weight bars are you using (1200lb, 800lb, 600lb)? How are you loading the rig? Front bedroom being filled up? Could also be a combo of things, but my money is on the hitch/connection. It's long been a point of contention. When Airstream used square front storage doors, the skin at the corners was known to split/tear at the corner. From what I understand, Airstream went to a rounded edge after a number of failures. I also seem to recall that there was some discussion on how Airstream bolts the front of the RV to the chassis. If there is play and you have a rigid connection, could be contributing.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

Owning an Airstream requires a handiness apprenticeship. In my case I spent 20 years restoring vintage Porsches and parts (I still restore parts). Being used to and knowing how to carry out preventive maintenance and do most repairs makes a huge difference. My 30 year old Excella has been surprisingly reliable over the past seven years but I enjoy fixing things so much that I’m almost glad for the opportunity when something breaks. It’s often an opportunity to improve it.

Just an attitude thing I guess. I grew up in the country and if I didn’t fix it it didn’t get fixed.

I digress, but if something causes you more frustration than pleasure, get rid of it. That’s the easiest fix of all!

Well said, John.

[Alumalemon]

Originally Posted by panamerican

I would look at your hitch setup. The front of the rig can take some abuse if hitched improperly. I see you have 2020 RAM. What were you towing with before the 2020?

I have not had these issues with my rock guards and they are for sure the old version. I put on one of those air safe hitches with the airbag to soften the connection between the 3/4 ton and the Airstream. If the nuts were tight, then the only thing that comes to mind is your hitch setup. Do you use WD? If so how many links do you chain up? What size weight bars are you using (1200lb, 800lb, 600lb)? How are you loading the rig? Front bedroom being filled up? Could also be a combo of things, but my money is on the hitch/connection. It's long been a point of contention. When Airstream used square front storage doors, the skin at the corners was known to split/tear at the corner. From what I understand, Airstream went to a rounded edge after a number of failures. I also seem to recall that there was some discussion on how Airstream bolts the front of the RV to the chassis. If there is play and you have a rigid connection, could be contributing.

Before this I towed with an F150. My hitch does not have chains, but does have the 1200lb bars that are held in place by L-shaped pins. Only thing in front bedroom is the bed. Not real sure about how the RV is bolted to the chassis. Was never told I needed to evaluate the bolts holding the RV to the chassis on a regular basis.