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vintageracer · 07-10-2019, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintageracer

Without reading all 10 pages my question is this:

Has there every been any customer appointments and an actual meeting of this Thor/Airstream "New Advisory Board"?

Apparently all the Hipe from Airstream about the "Advisory Board" and with all the expectations from the members of this Airforums board the reality is a whole lot of NOTHING has happened on Thor/Airstreams part.

Surprise Surprise!!!

**Rocinante** · 07-10-2019, 05:37 PM

My advice is to keep calm and Airstream on. Not hearing anything here about the program means nothing. There would be no communications about the program until they have something to say.

vintageracer · 07-10-2019, 05:50 PM

I have no real interest either way as I am not interested in new Airstreams although many posters are very interested as we have 10 pages of discussion yet no action, updates or correspondence from Thor/Airstream. So much for "Engaging" their customers!

As far as you comment "There would be no communications about the program until they have something to say".

The answer to your comment could also be they will NEVER have anything to say!

Is anybody surprised?

turk123 · 07-10-2019, 07:46 PM

My wife posed the question on Facebook’s airstream addicts. One person chimed in that she was chosen!

**Rocinante** · 07-11-2019, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turk123

My wife posed the question on Facebook’s airstream addicts. One person chimed in that she was chosen!

Only until Airstream sees that they are violating NDA's by posting about being on the council.

Ray Eklund · 07-11-2019, 11:57 AM

I was not aware such a 'movement' was being suggested. The CAB... I suppose.

If the group is selected by Airstream member organizations, you will get the lip service that everything is well and just... peachy. Hug, hug...

I could suggest a couple, maybe four that could give Airstream an earful... but this is not really what a corporation wants to hear. Much like adding another sticker next to the front door of our Airstream.

The Airstream can be compared to a Sausage.

The skin is what is perfected and sells the product. The Airstream comes to mind.

It is the Grind and Mix of Products within the Sausage to fill the Contents that are just as important.

I was a 21 year old OSHA 'courtesy inspector' in 1970 to 1972. The OSHA Board was appointed by State Officials... and was full of self interest groups that were watching out for their... members. After two years... I quit the job. I probably could have retired and had a pension by the time I was 42 years old. I was honest.

We use to call them 'boot lickers' in the military. Same results.

Those who really know their Airstreams, also have more negative feedback that they know needs to be improved. Staff the group with self interest, boot lickers and corporate oversight and you have the makings of a great greasy sausage.

Maybe add promoters of former 14" Marathon Tires are just 'wonderful' and Dexter Brakes that could use some attention.

turk123 · 07-11-2019, 12:24 PM

I love your analogy about being like a sausage. You forgot to say "If people found out how the sausage was made . . . ."!!

Before passing any judgment on the board, lets see who makes up the board and what their going to be ask to do! Fair enough? I don't believe Airstream is going to give us names unless the board gives them permission. Of course the board members are not there to represent us. They are there to represent themselves. Big difference.

It will be sometime before we learn much more than we know now.

Ray Eklund · 07-12-2019, 09:16 AM

A great solution to many Airstream 'warranty issues' and repairs would be having Regional Airstream Centers. Rather than everyone bombarding Jackson Center and the mediocre Airstream RV outlets that are more concerned with fixing $300,000 diesel pushers over 30 feet and under 35 feet... cash machine.

That would settle much of the 'quality issues' in repairs and quality service technicans at competent AIRSTREAM orientated operations.

There already are some Airstream Dealerships out there. Las Vegas, Nevada. Tucson, Arizona that I am aware in our region.

The lots at RV generic operations are overflowing with big bus looking RV's, fifth wheels and fiberglass shelled trailers. The Henderson, Nevada Casino parking lots regularly have 'sales' and a hundred trailers and RV's parked in the lot. I see very little public interest... unless they offered video poker and some table games in some of the larger diesel pushers.... You know, what I mean.

Not one single Airstream to be seen at the Casino Sales. The Las Vegas Dealer has a great location and plenty of space to display their Airstreams.

After 13 years of Airstream ownership and one week having our 2006 23 foot taken care of properly at Jackson Center for warranty work... regional AIRSTREAM Service Centers. I know nothing about numbers of Airstreams in various areas, but could imagine easily where they are concentrated and where they would not be. Common sense. Build it and they will come.

I have a suspicion that Airstream JC, Ohio pay a flat rate to those operations that sell and provide some kinds of service at their operation. It seems that the owners are left holding the parts and service bag... I sure was not happy about a Dexter Supplier wanting $100 to check the black powder coming from one drum... for warranty possible needs. I would just do my own wheel bearings, press seals and adjustments. My trucks and SUV's go 200,000 miles and are cheaper to have work performed.

Push for Regional Airstream Service Centers. And even region Airstream Dealerships... Interstates, as well.

My neighbor has a 34 foot diesel pusher. What a nightmare for service and they rob him without blinking for repairs to repairs. He bought a used one.... from a little old lady who only took it out several days a month... kind of sales pitch. A big eye opener.

I cannot wait for Airstream to develop a supplier with a functioning DISC BRAKE system. Brake shoes were out when Horses were no longer the dominant form of transportation in the USA. OK, I am done. Ahhh.....

BigSxyWhtGuy · 07-13-2019, 08:16 AM

Wow. That was a rant and a half. Everyone’s got choice of where they buy an Airstream. I chose a Airstream specific dealer as I knew they would have more knowledgeable staff and techs working exclusively on airstreams.
As a whole it would be convenient to have more JC style accommodations across the country but I believe you can find similar experiences in the 5 rivet dealers. They are ranked high for a reason. I have one in Mississippi that I go to now, I drive past two other RV dealers that sell and work on airstreams to get to MS.
My experience living full time on the road for 1.5 years has been nothing but positive — every time a visit has been made to a dealer, they have fit me in last minute and got me back on the road assuming the repair was quick. I suppose an attitude of gratitude and appreciation has always helped.

**GCinSC2** · 07-13-2019, 08:40 AM

Ray

The Dexter disc brakes are a functioning disc brake system. Airstream had two issues the actuator they chose and hoses that were too short.

Once those are resolved those four piston brakes are very strong.

If you have Nev-R-Lube axles the conversion is $$$$ for parts lined labor and actuator they are a direct swap with matching hubs. All of the drum brake parts are not reused.

Gary

**Hans627** · 07-22-2019, 11:18 AM

At the presentation this morning (at the International Rally) by Justin Humphreys he stated that the Customer Council has had their first meeting. The selection of members was done by an independent third party and tried to include as many varied demographics as possible.

What was presented is a multifaceted approach to elevate the customer experience. Both thru quality improvements and better service after the sale. It was an excellent presentation and, based on my many years of experience in manufacturing, I really think he/they understand what needs to be done and they are taking the correct steps.