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Welcome to Airstream Up-engineering; Intro
Topic Started: Jul 2 2012, 08:51 AM (241 Views)
redwoodguy
Administrator
The goal of this group is to find solutions to the quality problems with late model Airstreams, and publish them in a collected and organized fashion such that new owners can easily find the solutions and understand how to implement them as a DIY project if possible. If it is not feasible as a DIY, then at least the component information can be supplied to take to a professional installer or mechanic.

Although the group is informal, I think there should be some minimal organizational order just to prevent total chaos. As a start, I'd like to propose the following general methodology.

IDENTIFY
Describe known problems with specific trailer models. An example would be "failing transfer switches" on all 2011 and 2012 25 an up trailers.

PRIORITIZE
Group will prioritize and grab the problems which are most pressing, or easiest to solve. Work will be assigned.

SOLVE
A specific solution will be sought which incorporates best practices, and restores the reliability and quality people expect. The solution has to be very specific. Part number 123 from vendor XYZ available at these sources and these prices.

DOCUMENT AND PUBLISH
The goal is to create an instructable, so that this can be done by the owner whenever possible or feasible. When done, this will be added to a data base of solutions made available to the user community.

I think that is enough organization to get a few things accomplished and demonstrate the value of this group. If we move beyond that in the future - great. But I think this will get us going in the right direction.

I think it is important to demonstrate some early success with this concept, so let's tackle some low hanging fruit!

Mark
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lewster

Sounds like a great way to address most of what we see as the failures of Airstream (for whatever reason) to:

1. not provide the quality components that many owners would prefer

2. not design systems in the most beneficial way for serviceability and owners' benefit

3. rely more on the cost of a component than it's reliability, function and and performance

Airstreams have a reputation (deserved or not) of being the best travel trailer available. Given the competition, this is not that hard to accomplish but also given the price of new Airstream products, more emphasis should be put into the inclusion of better quality components. A premiun trailer should have premium components!

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redwoodguy
Administrator
Welcome Lew!

There is at least one more who will join us shortly, and I have some other PMs to look at. In this time we have, let's look at some problem areas that we know about, and begin making a list. I'd like to find a couple cherries we can pick and solve quickly to show the use of this kind of group.

To begin, I know of these:

Transfer Switch
AirCon failures
Ad hoc "Refer cooling fan" haphazardly installed in outside vent area
Nearly useless Radio/Stereo unit
Tank Gauges that don't indicate anything beside empty and full
Leaks in roof (I understand this is a monster, but let's have it on the list)

Ok, please add to the list. I think we should focus on newer trailers first, like maybe 2005 to 2012? I don't know really, but I am most worried about the lemons new buyers are getting stuck with. We can go back in time as we move on.

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Deleted User
Deleted User

OK, let me add some simple ones.....

- Retro fitting older AS with the new sweepout threshold.
- Affordable replacements for day/night shades
- Entry step adjustment and repair.
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redwoodguy
Administrator
And from Tom on the forum, we just got this list of changes he made:

New three phase converter
Quieter water pump
New wheels and LT tires
LED lights
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redwoodguy
Administrator
dbihary
Jul 2 2012, 10:23 AM
OK, let me add some simple ones.....

- Retro fitting older AS with the new sweepout threshold.
- Affordable replacements for day/night shades
- Entry step adjustment and repair.
This is great! I wasn't aware of these things. What is the sweepout threshold?
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Deleted User
Deleted User

New Airsteams have a sharp angled metal threshold at the entry door that allows you to broom out the floor debris. This eliminates the need to try to get all the crap into a dust pan.

Simple, effective solution.
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redwoodguy
Administrator
dbihary
Jul 2 2012, 10:40 AM
New Airsteams have a sharp angled metal threshold at the entry door that allows you to broom out the floor debris. This eliminates the need to try to get all the crap into a dust pan.

Simple, effective solution.
I have a 2012 and it has a typical wood threshold whose contour prohibits a "clean sweep" and man, do I get frustrated! So, is this a part we can all buy?
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Deleted User
Deleted User

This was on the trailers in the factory while I toured during Alumapauza.

I can't imagine they won't sell them. I'll call and check.
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redwoodguy
Administrator
We have another new member coming soon - Welcome David! He has a lot of QA experience. I think we're really gaining some momentum fast here! If you fellas know of a specific person who you think should be asked to join us, perhaps let me know their handle on AirForums and I can approach them.

Based on recent messages sent to me from the Mods, I want to be careful not to upset the standing of any of YOU folks on AirForums. I have no gripe with them, other than their determination not to allow meaningful dissent of this kind. I don't want anyone getting kicked out for something I am doing.
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