Thoughts/ experiences with NEST

[PureMI]

I’m curious if anyone has an experience or info on the build quality of the Airstream Nest. I know they were discontinued in 2020. I have an opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2020 Airstream Nest, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve heard of some issues with its gel coat cracking, fiberglass structure not done correctly. Also concerned about resale value dropping dramatically.

I do love the way it looks, and I’m happy with the specs.

Thanks!

[Lily&Me]

Might use the blue Google box at the top of this page to do a search here.

I believe there was a lot of discussion about these when they first came out.

Good luck!

Maggie

[Tamarack]

Originally Posted by PureMI

I’m curious if anyone has an experience or info on the build quality of the Airstream Nest. I know they were discontinued in 2020. I have an opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2020 Airstream Nest, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve heard of some issues with its gel coat cracking, fiberglass structure not done correctly. Also concerned about resale value dropping dramatically.

I do love the way it looks, and I’m happy with the specs.

Thanks!

Yes, there's loads of information on this forum. The Facebook Nest group might also be worth a look. I enjoy both! We love our Nest and have had very few issues with it. https://www.facebook.com/groups/372975559973384

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by PureMI

I’m curious if anyone has an experience or info on the build quality of the Airstream Nest. I know they were discontinued in 2020. I have an opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2020 Airstream Nest, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve heard of some issues with its gel coat cracking, fiberglass structure not done correctly. Also concerned about resale value dropping dramatically.

I do love the way it looks, and I’m happy with the specs.

Thanks!

So I guess you have read the longest thread in this Nest sub-forum?

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...ts-183330.html

FYI the forum thread list -- sorted by "Reply Count" -- https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...ort=replycount

Per Maggie's suggestion . . . "Nest build quality" posts on AirForums.com:

https://www.google.com/search?q=Nest...=airforums.com

"Nest gel coat" -- https://www.google.com/search?q=Nest...=airforums.com

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...ed-208631.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f36...es-195445.html
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...em-197156.html

Good luck.

[love nest]

Originally Posted by PureMI

I’m curious if anyone has an experience or info on the build quality of the Airstream Nest. I know they were discontinued in 2020. I have an opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2020 Airstream Nest, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve heard of some issues with its gel coat cracking, fiberglass structure not done correctly. Also concerned about resale value dropping dramatically.

I do love the way it looks, and I’m happy with the specs.

Thanks!

I think it will become a classic and maintain its value very well. If you look at the forum you will see that all the problems have been addressed. Most can be DIY fixes and you have 3yrs to bug a dealer for the rest.

[janesnest]

We love our Nest! We had the issue with the leaking front window and the entrance door lost a hinge pin on our second trip. A few other minor issues on inside, but all have been fixed by Albuquerque Airstream. ABQ Airstream is wonderful, by the way, if you live in the southwest. Join the Facebook group and you'll see lots of info and there are others like you looking to buy. From discussions there, it doesn't sound like it's losing value. Ours is the FB. We chose it as bed comfort was a must for us. We have ours parked in the drive and our adult children use it as their bedroom when they visit. Everyone loves how cosy it is. Good luck. You won't regret it!

[Allu2]

Originally Posted by PureMI

I’m curious if anyone has an experience or info on the build quality of the Airstream Nest. I know they were discontinued in 2020. I have an opportunity to purchase a very lightly used 2020 Airstream Nest, but I’m a little nervous. I’ve heard of some issues with its gel coat cracking, fiberglass structure not done correctly. Also concerned about resale value dropping dramatically.

I do love the way it looks, and I’m happy with the specs.

Thanks!

I owned a NEST for two camping seasons - through summer 2020. Only problem I had with it were a few build-quality issues that I fixed myself with minor expense. Otherwise this little gem was a rock-solid camper. Liked the durability of the fiberglass shell! FYI, the wife and I bought the NEST during a 'downsizing' move from an old class-A unit, but found the space in the little Airstreamer was a bit too cramped for us. So, we upgraded to a bit larger Airstream - a new 27FB. But it had some "build issues" as well; again I was able to work through them with little expense and now have a very nice, roomy, comfortable camper. But if the NEXT has enough room for you, it would likely serve you well. It really is a neat looking RV - and tows easily and is extremely stable with no towbar extras needed.

[emelaich01]

Watch carefully for tiny, hairline cracks at stress points like corners, bends and any place where the fiberglass was cut to install entry/exit points for vents and appliances. This will be noticed first in the gel coat and may be harbinger of problems deeper down.

As some long-time boat owners know, the quality of the lay-up process can have markedly different effects on how long any fiberglass product will last. Too fast a cure time (pushing out product to meet a deadline) results in a brittle structure; too little, strength and resiliency problems. Inexperience in building anything fiberglass may show up right away and some problems may take a few years to make themselves known. Did AS keep the same processes in place throughout Nests' production run or did they strive for continual improvement?

If you have access to covered storage, opt for that or if not, a good quality cover for your Nest as UV rays will dull the gelcoat finish. Regular washing/waxing will help as well. If you do see any minor cracks in the gelcoat, repair these immediately to prevent their escalation.

As with any RV, watching for and immediately remedying any problems will be your best defense. Given the same care, your Nest should be set for the long-term!

[PureMI]

I really appreciate everyone’s input. I was going to be paying 36,500 for a 2020. Is that a good price?

[janesnest]

36,500 is a steal! I’ve not seen one for under 40,000.

[Clarke318]

I've owned this is since new and Airstream has been fabulous to work with. I also want to compliment WeAre Airstream, the dealer in Phoenix. I've had some minor issues and all have been addressed to my satisfaction. I love the trailer and Airstream is a quality organization that stands behind their products. Our trailer has traveled cross country, is so easy to tow with an SUV and is so comfortable.