Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-25-2016, 08:50 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,390
Skin difference?

I've been told that Airstream used a different alloy for the skin beginning in 2000. True?
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
kb0zke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2016, 09:03 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Belegedhel's Avatar
 
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
Not according to a document Airstream published in 2007. Try searching for "history of aluminum at airstream," and you should be able to find the document--I have seen it posted on the forums several times.

The last change to the alloy/thickness was in 1994. Their comment: Airstream widened the body, requiring stronger aluminum for the weight. Side and end panels remained 3003 or 3004-H18 but thickness increased to 0.040 “.

The only changes since then have been in the plasticoat supplier.
Belegedhel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2016, 09:13 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,390
Thanks. Is there, then, no real difference between late 90's and early 2000's coaches as far as the exterior is concerned? We'll be looking for a 34' coach soon, and think we might be able to go as new as early 2000's, but the late 90's are easily in our budget.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
kb0zke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2016, 09:26 AM   #4
Moderator
 
jcanavera's Avatar

 
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,467
Images: 143
Send a message via AIM to jcanavera Send a message via Skype™ to jcanavera
I think the difference in 2000 was the fact that Airstream started using pre-finished aluminum panels from Alcoa. The EPA played havoc with the emissions from the coatings that Airstream used at the plant in the 90's. There were revisions made through the decade and you will find some 90's models that displayed various forms of premature clear coat peal as Airstream attempted to meet EPA guidelines by changing the formulas that were applied at Jackson Center. I think the later 90's trailers had the most issues. With all the problems, they finally threw in the towel and bought pre-finished aluminum from Alcoa, which if I remember correctly, began with the 2000 models.

Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
jcanavera is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2016, 10:19 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,390
Thanks. That's what we need to know.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
kb0zke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2016, 01:15 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Belegedhel's Avatar
 
1973 21' Globetrotter
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,351
I wouldn't make the type of clear coat that is on the trailer a critical decision factor. I have seen trailers as new as 2007 with peeling clear coat. Eventually they will all fail, some sooner than others.

good luck!
Belegedhel is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

« jrank3 | Top | NaCl + Al »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Skin difference? kb0zke 1997 -2001 Excella 3 11-23-2016 10:10 PM
interior skin scrap for exterior skin patch? whatsherface Ribs, Skins & Rivets 1 06-12-2010 07:56 AM
Sealing exterior skin panels with Lizard Skin BB 55 Bubble Leaks - Weatherstrips, Gaskets, Caulks & Sealants 15 11-21-2006 04:50 PM
What's the difference? IceKing02 1981 - 1983 Excella 0 08-27-2004 11:22 PM
the Airstream Difference Big Dee Our Community 5 01-29-2004 06:47 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:10 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.