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07-19-2020, 10:31 AM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Pala
, California
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 295
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AS Weak Points. What's Gonna Fail First....
Hi,
I stumbled upon a thread elsewhere where AS quality was called into question. I think my 2019 FC 25FB has survived the shake down cruise with high marks. 2000 miles, ~10 campsite hookups, some extreme weather and only a bad propane regulator reared up.
But "entropy" will catch up and certain failures occur.
To stem that tide what are the week points that have been noted. Things we should be more vigilant about?
I've read more about floors rotting out with hidden leaks and figure that something to watch for but what are the weak points of the plumbing system that tend to fail in such a manner as to cause hidden leaks?
What are you experts watching for most closely or have seen heard about failing most often that can be avoided?
Thanks!
Trav
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07-19-2020, 10:41 AM
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#2
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Site Team
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,651
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Our GT has been pretty good with minimal failures. But one thing I have noticed is screws in cabinets and doors coming loose. So one thing I did (and continue doing from time to time) is check tightness and replace those that have stripped. In some cases I used a slightly bigger screw and sometimes I have used the toothpick/glue solution.
Also I have had screws come loose in the fold out steps. I keep them tight as well.
YMMV!
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07-19-2020, 10:56 AM
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#3
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Our first 'failure' was on our first extended outing in the Adirondacks.
Water pump and converter charger.
Oh...I forgot the battery was shot at delivery.
I could add more...but it seems it's a bit of a poop shoot,
spin the wheel, cross your chains & hope.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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07-19-2020, 03:04 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2018 30' Classic
Thousand Oaks
, California
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,637
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Yeah, I was under the impression that most things that fail end up being third party. The shell and construction of the unit in general holds up as long as you maintain it. IE wet floor equals leak somewhere, when was the last time you resealed your unit?
Just my experience. 2018 classic. Full time since day 1. 30k miles on the airstream. Only failures have been third party here like the water pump.
__________________
BigSxyWhtGuy
Follow our adventures!
@airstreamvagabond on Instagram and YouTube
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07-19-2020, 03:22 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2019 22' Sport
Port Coquitlam
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 1,313
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We are seeing some things like popped interior rivets and loose plex-glas FB separators. Ours is about 2 months old last years stock so new to us.
There was a show door leak potential but I was told about it by another owner so I had a look at the accordion shower door and the frame wasn't caulked on the rear vertical so I took care of that. I wouldn't have that insight if is wasn't for Boxite.
I am currently installing a new battery inside and under the front bed, and found that the bed framing is crap so I am fixing that up while I am there. It does seem that Airstream is on a limited budget for screws and wood that isn't pre-cracked or split. But most of the cabinetry is third party as well.
There are many separate threads usually dealing with specific trailers and they are full of pointers to deal with as far as small upgrades and earlier failure items.
__________________
--------------------
Peter.
"Live Long and Prosper \\//" - Spock
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07-19-2020, 03:39 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
North Central Texas
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,003
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If you're worried about leaks have your A/S 'bubble' tested with positive air pressure. Not sure of current pricing but we had a small leak in one of our vista windows and when J.C. repaired it they did the pressure test as part of the warranty repair. Found a couple of leaks on the bottom of the front wrap-around window and they fixed those.
It is nice to have the peace of mind it's been done.
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07-20-2020, 09:28 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2018 25' Flying Cloud
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,316
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Many folks, myself included, have had the water heater control board fail. Usually it results in the water heater not working on gas. The Dinosaur control board solves those issues.
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07-20-2020, 09:56 AM
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#8
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Stay CazuaL
2018 25' Flying Cloud
2014 19' Flying Cloud
Reseda
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 958
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That's A LOT of factors to consider.
For example, having a high PSI on your tires will likely contribute many more things to fail due to a rougher ride, rivets popping out, etc. Just remember, your rig is being violently shaken during the tow, your speed, driving habits, etc
Neglect will likely be a bigger contributor, again more variables to be added into the equation.
Then there are out of control failures/defects. Electronic failure, etc.
I've owned two, and both had issues. Once sorted out, it has been great.
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07-20-2020, 01:16 PM
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#9
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,165
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First failure will likely be that you have locked yourself out.
Unless you prepare against it now.
Enjoy your new rig. Pat
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.
AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
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07-20-2020, 02:48 PM
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#10
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:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
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Airstream's weakest leak over all is leaks beginning at the cutouts in the shell, i.e., windows ,vents, doors, A/C)s), skylights, and vents. Having said that, the basic shell water test during assembly is an effective. However, after the holes are cut, the accessories installed and sealed weather, mainly the sun and road vibrations take their toll. Airstream recommends resealing all joints every 5 years with AdSeal. At that time I highly recommend a Sealtec pressurization test to make sure all the holes are closed. One other item(s) is/are all the door and compartment seals. The get weather worn and need replacing. In the Texas sun I have not noticed the window seal deteriorating. But, I regularly rub them with a cloth with silicone sprayed on it. The rest off the Airstream problems are mostly due to different manufacturer design and QC standards. If all manufacturers, including Airstream had the same standards all the components would fail simultaneously. Now that would be a disastrous camping trip!
guskmg
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07-20-2020, 03:19 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
2017 30' Flying Cloud
Highland
, California
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 431
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisH
Hi,
I stumbled upon a thread elsewhere where AS quality was called into question. I think my 2019 FC 25FB has survived the shake down cruise with high marks. 2000 miles, ~10 campsite hookups, some extreme weather and only a bad propane regulator reared up.
But "entropy" will catch up and certain failures occur.
To stem that tide what are the week points that have been noted. Things we should be more vigilant about?
I've read more about floors rotting out with hidden leaks and figure that something to watch for but what are the weak points of the plumbing system that tend to fail in such a manner as to cause hidden leaks?
What are you experts watching for most closely or have seen heard about failing most often that can be avoided?
Thanks!
Trav
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30' Rear AC unit failed twice. Dometic water heater electronics died. New board has annoying midnight sounds when on shore power,(relay clicking rapidly for five minutes when temp reached) will replace board. Shower leak near bottom hinge. Fixed with silicone seal. Lost left rear wheel on freeway. (not AS fault).
25' hard to know where to begin. AC failed 3 times in 10 years. Water leaks around upper port lights. Water leaks over bed. (Not AS fault dealer installed satellite dish not properly sealed. Domectic Refer died. Domectic waterpump died. Dinette table would collapse while underway. Cabinet drawer under dinette seat always launched itself into middle of entryway. Had to use bungee chord to keep closed while traveling. Replaced all latch hardware. Goodyear Marathon tires all four failed and even their replacements failed. Overhead cabinets beginning to separate from wall anchors when sold. Sheared screws and popped rivets(Noticed that the 30' now has support beams for the load) In 19 degree snow storm main door refused to close and latch. Door frame shrunk. Annoying. Replaced both axles.
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07-20-2020, 06:40 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1976 24' Argosy 24
1999 30' Excella 1000
White Haven
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 402
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My God, just about everything on our 24 has failed at one time or another.
I thought these things were supposed to be top quality. But I guess not.
Hell, our trailer is only 44 years old for crying out loud.
I don't get it. I just don't.
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07-20-2020, 07:46 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
North Central Texas
, USA
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,003
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gkiesel
My God, just about everything on our 24 has failed at one time or another.
I thought these things were supposed to be top quality. But I guess not.
Hell, our trailer is only 44 years old for crying out loud.
I don't get it. I just don't.
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Did you get the exxxxtended warranty?
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07-20-2020, 08:11 PM
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#14
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4 Rivet Member
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Pala
, California
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RivetED
Did you get the exxxxtended warranty?
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What's the extended warranty?
I was not offered any such option on my 2019. I most likely would have rolled it into financing..or like with my Tundra can you still buy before the standard runs out?
Thanks,
Trav
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07-20-2020, 08:55 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2019 22' Sport
Port Coquitlam
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 1,313
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisH
What's the extended warranty?
I was not offered any such option on my 2019. I most likely would have rolled it into financing..or like with my Tundra can you still buy before the standard runs out?
Thanks,
Trav
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Hi Trav, I think this was supposed to be humorous. The trailer that was referred to is 44 years old and would have been rebuilt anyway.
Our 2019 was bought new about 2 months ago and it came with a 3 year warranty. Your's should have at least that. We didn't enquire about extending it as we figured 3 years would be enough to work out the bugs.
If you read through all those little warranty cards, that came in your package, you will see warranty time frames all over the place. Some are only a year.
__________________
--------------------
Peter.
"Live Long and Prosper \\//" - Spock
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07-22-2020, 05:18 PM
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#16
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Toaster Life
2010 23' International
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 245
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Electrical systems, practically every first time owner has battery/electrical issues, eventually we all learn work-arounds and make our own upgrades. All sorts of "vampire appliances" sucking power even when the battery disconnect switch is on. Ours has a battery box on the outside behind the gas tank - zero insulation when the temperature drops, so does the voltage.... so only dreams of running the furnace...
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08-05-2020, 11:51 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2019 25' International
Colorado Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisH
Hi,
I stumbled upon a thread elsewhere where AS quality was called into question. I think my 2019 FC 25FB has survived the shake down cruise with high marks. 2000 miles, ~10 campsite hookups, some extreme weather and only a bad propane regulator reared up.
But "entropy" will catch up and certain failures occur.
To stem that tide what are the week points that have been noted. Things we should be more vigilant about?
I've read more about floors rotting out with hidden leaks and figure that something to watch for but what are the weak points of the plumbing system that tend to fail in such a manner as to cause hidden leaks?
What are you experts watching for most closely or have seen heard about failing most often that can be avoided?
Thanks!
Trav
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We have a 2019 25' RBT International. In the first 6 months we had an A/C fail (Dometic problem, took a while to resolve). Then we did several small trips with no issues. We just did a 3000+ mile trip from Houston to South Dakota and back, and thanks to some really rough roads along the way, we popped one inside rivet and the microwave seems to be coming loose. Also developed a leak under the sink that I haven't had time to troubleshoot (I suspect some connections have just worked loose, but not sure yet). Those have been our only issues so far.
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08-05-2020, 02:32 PM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
2017 30' Flying Cloud
Highland
, California
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 431
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A follow-up on my post above. On the positive side 95% of all problems that I have had with my AS have been with third part appliances. The remaining 5% of the problems I've had with the coach itself (internal wiring, cabinet work, fiberglass shower, plumbing) were with the 2006 25' FB Safari. Some of these problems were due to a learning curve to know where AS is different from the SOB. One example is AS is more technical to set up for towing correctly than SOB's. To be fair it's hard to generalize about a specific failures that carry across all models and years. Each year and model tend to have it's own unique problems or not. AS does make small improvements to the coachwork from year to year, most are not noticeable unless you are looking for them. I saw improvements in the structural rigidity of the kitchen cabinet supports in my 30' FC as compared to my 25' for an example. It's like any fine thing you own, you either really like it or you don't. I really like my AS and would buy another.
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08-05-2020, 04:35 PM
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#19
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1 Rivet Member
2016 20' Flying Cloud
Lawrenceville
, Georgia
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 17
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Converter. OG is a POS.
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08-05-2020, 05:22 PM
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#20
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1 Rivet Member
2018 25' Flying Cloud
Durham
, North Carolina
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 16
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+1 for the water heater board and proactively replacing with a Dinosaur board.
+1 for the cabinet latches. We use a bungie cord to keep our kitchen sink cabinets shut during travel.
We also put a shower curtain in since the shower door design isn't great at keeping water in the shower.
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