28RB Not ready for prime time?

[RWC]

Anyone else out there have a 2025 28RB? Are you having any issues?

We picked ours up yesterday - while it was being prepared for us the dealer found the tank sensor panel was not installed (under microwaver and communicates to the my airstream pabel....)

We set up camp for the night to find all the glycol leaking out of the alde - I found the towel bar clamps were not installed - there was 2 clamps on each hose but on one sde of the hose only, not on the bar side. (Bar screws on counter top also partially backed out?) Corrected that at the campground and clened up a big mess....

Then - no hot water....I found that there was a bypass around the mixing valve left open, so what was easy.

We are now on day one and thought I was making progress except now the my airstream panel has a no communication error and asks for a key reset. Did that, no help so it's out of commission now.

I know all RV's have issues, but this is a very disapointing start to our ownership - we had trips planned and may now have to cancel. I am actually wondering if I am better off getting back to dealer and picking up my old sob so I can make the trips we have planned

[jeffb831]

Since almost all the tech and systems are common with the other Classics, the issues are probably related to the assembly of your trailer, not the underlying architecture and integration of the systems.

[Rich Jenkins]

To be honest this sounds par for the course.

You'd think by this point, Airstream would have this figured out, but it doesn't seem to be the case. Buying used lets others work out the "teething problems" that some have with brand new Trailers.

Sorry.

[sfranklin]

I tend to agree. These systems are not unique to the 28 footer and most likely due to poor workmanship and QC. What is more surprising to me is that the dealer didn't do a dry run with all the systems well in advance of your arrival.

[Bearstream01]

Sorry this is your first impression! Hopefully someone can comment about the communication system. Use the search bar at the top, under the picture of the airstreams. You may have to contact your dealer or JC service. Remember, it WILL be fixed, and you WILL have fun! Welcome to the forum!

[RWC]

I would think the system is "proven" - its the build quality that is very poor.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by RWC

Anyone else out there have a 2025 28RB? Are you having any issues?

We picked ours up yesterday - while it was being prepared for us the dealer found the tank sensor panel was not installed (under microwaver and communicates to the my airstream pabel....)

We set up camp for the night to find all the glycol leaking out of the alde - I found the towel bar clamps were not installed - there was 2 clamps on each hose but on one sde of the hose only, not on the bar side. (Bar screws on counter top also partially backed out?) Corrected that at the campground and clened up a big mess....

Then - no hot water....I found that there was a bypass around the mixing valve left open, so what was easy.

We are now on day one and thought I was making progress except now the my airstream panel has a no communication error and asks for a key reset. Did that, no help so it's out of commission now.

I know all RV's have issues, but this is a very disapointing start to our ownership - we had trips planned and may now have to cancel. I am actually wondering if I am better off getting back to dealer and picking up my old sob so I can make the trips we have planned

Your dealership did a terrible job preparing it. All those systems should be checked before taking possession. A shake down is only to learn the systems, not to find out all the stuff that is wrong. I bought a 2017 new and had practically zero problems. The only "problem" I had was in learning the systems. That was on me. That doesn't mean I didn't make some minor improvements and adjustments. Clearly did. But to have problems with major systems is inexcusable.

[Mike G]

Cars, boats, trailers- It's rare to get one that is totally problem free. The real test is how the brand and their dealers deal with them. To reiterate the comment about buying used- The person who buys my 2018 27' Flying Cloud FB will be getting a trailer that is worry free. Hitch it up and go. It is SO NICE once the deficiencies have been dealt with . . .

[JeffKim]

If it's any comfort another poster has had a lot of issues with their spanking new 28' Classic. Sounds like the same sort of QC problems. So you might be right - NRFPT. But I agree the dealer needs to test everything and apparently didn't. I've read a lot of posts describing crappy dealers. I think Airstream needs to do some QC on dealers as well.

I think most everyone has had issues which you'd think wouldn't happen with a million-dollar camper. With our 2023 GT I fixed most of the minor problems then we hauled it to Airstream Jackson Center Service after the camping season and had them fix everything I didn't. Our dealer (Woodland) was great sending any parts I needed (e.g., fan vents). We have another appointment with the Service Center this fall for a countertop they messed up, so sigh. But they are the best and I give them credit for standing behind their product. We had a lengthy punch list and they fixed everything under warranty (or tried).

[Escape_Plan]

The obvious problem is that Airstreams do not cost enough. I can't believe anyone thinks that a $170,000+ camper would actually be ready to take camping day one after the factory inspection AND dealer prep.

[SunchaserV]

Originally Posted by Escape_Plan

The obvious problem is that Airstreams do not cost enough. I can't believe anyone thinks that a $170,000+ camper would actually be ready to take camping day one after the factory inspection AND dealer prep.

Really!

Our 2025 Nash KT was problem free and remains so. The selling dealer had everything all checked out before hand and in the initial walk through with us -smooth sailing is the phrase. Will it remain so? I doubt it but the way our dealer and Northwoods design execute and prep I'm optimistic.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by SunchaserV

Really!

Our 2025 Nash KT was problem free and remains so. The selling dealer had everything all checked out before hand and in the initial walk through with us -smooth sailing is the phrase. Will it remain so? I doubt it but the way our dealer and Northwoods design execute and prep I'm optimistic.

One thing I have learned is there is always stuff to fix.
1) Bad cabinet latches (or broken)
2) Batteries, tires, brakes.
3) Popped rivets (inside and out)
4) Seals that need to be resealed.
5) Back up camera needs to be replaced.
6) LP detector, CO/smoke detectors
7) mixing valves
8) leaky faucets
9) And of course regular waxing and cleaning..
10) etc.

Anyone that buys an Airstream (or any camper) needs to figure regular maintenance costs and hassles. I have yet to go a year without doing something (sometimes major, sometimes minor). It’s constant.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

Your dealership did a terrible job preparing it. All those systems should be checked before taking possession. A shake down is only to learn the systems, not to find out all the stuff that is wrong. I bought a 2017 new and had practically zero problems. The only "problem" I had was in learning the systems. That was on me. That doesn't mean I didn't make some minor improvements and adjustments. Clearly did. But to have problems with major systems is inexcusable.

I agree. Most of these issues should have been addressed by your dealer prior to you taking possession. That doesn't excuse poor build quality but you should never see leaks and towel bars not installed.

[Turkeybaster]

Those sound like things that should have been caught at the factory, before ever getting to a dealer.

[Mickhanna73]

I guess I one of the fortunate ones. I picked up my 2024 30 ft Classic (fall 2023 actually) and have had only one issue since. The Czone controller experienced an issue connecting to one of the light switches. Airstream eventually sent a replacement for Airstream of Tampa to install. Since then I’ve had no issues.

[AlbertF]

The last two cars I purchased (one new with warranty, one 8 years old without warranty) had no issues that needed resolving for at least a year.

Unlike cars, Airstreams are hand built in low volumes. It's like a new house; most have warranty issues that need resolving. Also, assembly and QC really seems to be completed at the dealer level. I've seen Airstreams right after delivery, and I'm of the view you never want to see your new trailer before the dealer PDI.

Having said that, the thoroughness of the PDI is a critical factor in your initial satisfaction. My sense is that there are relatively few service departments that find all the issues.

[bsdaly]

We have the 28 Classic. It’s been the typical new airstream battle to correct the build issues.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Nothing new...24 pages.


Welcome to the club.

Sweet Streams
Bob
🇺🇸

[G8trwood]

I would chalk it up to a lack of quality control at the factory. Missing hose clamps, missing screws in drawer slides, aluminum shavings and saw dust, wiring rats, all are factory issues. Quality is job 1, unless their is high demand and we don’t care.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Turkeybaster

Those sound like things that should have been caught at the factory, before ever getting to a dealer.

Yes, but Thor is simply pushing units out the door with a "let the dealer fix it" attitude.

Thankfully, my 26 was (knock on formica) trouble free, but my next Airstream I guarantee I'll be doing a 8 hr. walk through. "I want to feel hot water come out of each faucet." "Show me how to get the TV to play through the stereo." "Let's put the awning out and back." "Show me the low point drains."