Mysterious Failure in Airstream - Part 1

[@sldoyel]

So sorry you are dealing with this damage to your Airstream. Stand firm on warranty grounds. Praying for positive outcomes.

[@barbapke766]

WD 40

[@JenniferVotodian]

Oh no! I hope you can get it settled.

[@airstreamer]

That looks like a really bad situation. Have you contacted Airstream directly about this?

[@MsAdriano7777]

Omg. I can't believe this happened to you guys and I can't believe they are asking yall to file it as insurance. Absolutly not!. They better take care of this. Hope everything turns out okay.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Absolutely ridiculous, right?!?!!

[@barbaraghylin1594]

Hello from central Washington State. We have a 5th wheel. We keep gorilla tape in it at all times because you just never know

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Hey there, Washington! We love gorilla tape! We also keep Eternabond (we used it on our fifth wheel roof) Duct Tape, Gaffers Tape (leaves no residue) and good old Flex Seal for waterproof areas. It worked like a charm! RVlife = Lots of tape. 🤣. And patience!

[@walterrafolski5662]

That’s a design flaw, insurance is not the answer. Airstream needs to make it right!

[@camrodger8638]

I’m so sorry to watch you go through this issue. We were Airstream 30 Classic owners and our experience with the quality of the coach was less than encouraging. Our ZipDee Relax awning was anything but relaxing. We could never count on it to open or close properly, even after having ZipDee check it out at an Alumapalooza rally. It just rode along as dead weight. We had a Dexter sealed bearing disintegrate in northern BC. It would have been covered under Dexters warranty, but only if serviced by a Dexter approved service facility, of which there were none in the wilds of Northern BC. A design defect in the shower door ensured that it never opened or closed properly, despite the installation of a small piece of plastic to raise the hinge side. And please, never look at the wiring at the front of the unit under the couch….an absolute rats nest. We observe the wiring in a Leisure Travel Van as an example of what proper RV construction can be. The wiring is loomed and fixed to walls and cabinetry. Overall, the quality was not what is expected of a high end coach. I hope your issues are handled to your expectations .

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

We are so sorry to see this. That had to be very disappointing. We were happy with our Airstream overall. This was a major shock to the system because it was so odd and inexplicable in that moment. We are hopeful that some of the newer companies out there combined with slower sales will elevate the entire industry to higher standards. 🤞

[@Swimbikerunpdx]

We just noticed that ours has a crack on the skin behind the same bracket on starboard side. Ours is out of warranty, so I’m going to attempt to fix with a thicker piece of aluminum and rivet it. I also believe I need to drill a hole at the top of the crack to keep it from spreading. I think Mark and Trish @KeepYourDaydream had the same issue on their 30 flying cloud bunk. Sorry to hear that happened to you, that sucks! Yet I’m glad to know we are not alone in this misery 😅

[@alanwyatt9588]

Been there, done that, twice. Same bracket you had problems with, on both sides. Those rock guards cause more trouble than they prevent. And don't get me started on how many of those brackets i've replaced when they give out before the aluminum skin.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Both sides?!?! Yikes! We will be grateful it was just than one.

[@jillimpink8198]

We just had this happen to us , ironically on our way to Jackson Center for other repairs. We added it to the list of things we need fixed.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Yikes! They did an amazing job for us and fully replaced everything. Hope your experience was also positive!

[@LaraLeeStrickler]

Please post part 2. We are looking at purchasing a 24 Globetrotter 30RBT. Your advice???

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Our advice is always deal with the manufacturer directly and skip the dealership service departments. We are sure there are some great service departments at dealers out there somewhere but we’ve yet to find one. Congratulations on your new purchase!! Safe travels and happy adventures!

[@tdvegas760]

When you are paying so much extra for Airstreams, there should be an expectation of high quality construction. This is an odd situation that it ripped a hole in the airstream skin.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

It was very odd and shocking in the moment. But ALL price points of RVs should be built at a better standard.

[@jm2521]

It's a problem from Airstream. They put the bracket in the wrong place. Check 13 Adventures they had the same problem on a brand new International.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

Love Brad and Blair!

[@timf6916]

Just SAD, call your insurance. That will be a big deal to fix. Airstream needs to get on this.

[@hawkeyetec]

Dammage is to the body, not the rock shield. This is a manufacturing issue... Focus and go back to airstream on this.

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

The dealers were all awful but Airstream went above and beyond and fully replaced everything. Couldn’t have been more satisfied with the service.

[@kimberleytaulbee9440]

😮wow….

[@evolu9660]

I can’t understand what you’re saying at about 2:21. Checked the transcript and it said you were low on death!?!? I think they got that wrong. Please explain. What needs to be filled up?

[@cjmi52]

DEF, not death. Diesel Exhaust Fluid

[@evolu9660]

@@cjmi52 thanks

[@chrisslater1936]

Time for a Brinkley ;)

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

We are so impressed with Brinkley and a few other newcomers. We hope this will force other manufacturers to step up their game. They’ve had several years to enjoy record breaking sales and profit margins. We’d love to see the well built rigs dominate the market. Overall we’ve been very happy with the quality of the Airstream. This was a rare fluke type thing but it sure did stun us as we were standing there trying to figure it out!

[@geoffreywalker7308]

Little duct tape and it should be fine

[@sheilaEdwards-tj6co]

Duck tape

[@craig-n1f]

First???

[@craig-n1f]

I have a 2023 and I’m worried ! how does this keep happening this is the third utuber I have seen this happen to

[@lifebetweentheditches1307]

More answers to come! We’ve owned several RVs and yet to own one without a major issue at some point. Our best advice is always deal directly with the manufacturer and not the dealerships.