I visited the Airstream factory today - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #1 02-29-2008, 10:10 PM

I am getting ready to sell my Airstream and decided it would be good to get the massive dent fixed that I put in it the first time I took it out.

After trying to get a price locally I decided, to seeki advice on the airstream forum (nice group there, reminds me of sf).... They suggested the mother base which is located in Jackson Center about 50 miles north of Dayton. I emailed the estimator there a couple of photos and he shot back a very reasonable estimate.

So I took it over today, taking the most direct route (you can't get there from here applies) was on the non interstate roads. (I averaged between 60 and 65 and got about 14 mpg according to the computer, my best ever towing the AS.)

After dropping off the trailer I took the factory tour. It was led by a semi retired employee who knew a lot about them. They are built one at a time and the production is mixed up with 16' 19, 20, 24 27, 30, 31 and 35' rigs being built all at the same time. The production is a bit over 800 per year at present. It is in a building that seems to be about the size of a Maier or Target store or smaller. It is in a very rural area much like the area of INdiana where they build all the trailers (Elkhart). The folks are low key and friendly.

The workmanship is most impressive. In looking at the process it was very difficult to see anything that I would do differently. It reminded me of the quality of the old 123 benzes.

The trailers are very very similar in the construction to my 97 excella. A few minor details are different, all improvments, or mostly all. A few things were noted that might be cost saving ideas and a few things were noted that are improvments. Most differences were technology improvments. (They come with flat screen TV now. They even have a thing which allows you to take the flat screen off the inside and sit it outside under the awning). Slide outs are offered too.

A good time for anybody interested in Airstream trailers....The mercedes benz of travel trailers.

If anybody should be in the market for a good used 35' pm me and I will point you to the info.

Tom W

kerry · #2 02-29-2008, 10:28 PM

Before I bought my Wanderlodge I looked at an early 80's Airstream motorhome that had had its original Isuzu diesel replaced with a Cummins. The interior was junk. It had been built with vinyl covered particle board and despite the fact that the chassis and engine were great the whole interior needed to be replaced. I was surprised that Airstream had built with such low quality materials.

LaRondo · #3 03-01-2008, 02:45 AM

I love Airstreams. I wish I had the freedom once again, to live on wheels and on the road ...

Here is an MKP (stock photo) I used to call my home ...

That's the back yard view ....

Unlike the Airstream models those a fiberglass, very light, easy towing with passenger car. The streamline shape is somewhat similar to Airstream trailers.

I used to tow this model with my Scout II or alternatively with a Volvo 265 GLE.

I spent subzero temperatures with shorts inside the trailer ...

t walgamuth · #4 03-01-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaRondo

I love Airstreams. I wish I had the freedom once again, to live on wheels and on the road ...

Here is an MKP (stock photo) I used to call my home ...

That's the back yard view ....

Unlike the Airstream models those a fiberglass, very light, easy towing with passenger car. The streamline shape is somewhat similar to Airstream trailers.

I used to tow this model with my Scout II or alternatively with a Volvo 265 GLE.

I spent subzero temperatures with shorts inside the trailer ...

Is that a european made trailer?

Tom W

t walgamuth · #5 03-01-2008, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Before I bought my Wanderlodge I looked at an early 80's Airstream motorhome that had had its original Isuzu diesel replaced with a Cummins. The interior was junk. It had been built with vinyl covered particle board and despite the fact that the chassis and engine were great the whole interior needed to be replaced. I was surprised that Airstream had built with such low quality materials.

There was a while back in the eighties that they cheapened the interiors to lower the price. Before and after that period the cabinets were and are very good quality. One thing I noted was that I did not see any particle or osb board in the factory....all high quality plywood cores. I was impressed. Before I bought ours I looked at an eightysomething as and the cabinets in it were not impressive at all.

Tom W

Chad300tdt · #6 03-01-2008, 08:27 AM

I've always loved the way the Airstreams look. That tour through the factory sounds like it was very cool. This thread inspired me to check out their website. The interiors look very comfortable and well designed. I've always been intrigued by the way interiors of boats and campers utilize space.

The "Base Camp" is very interesting, but I love the ones that look like a foil wrapped twinkie.

http://www.airstream.com/products/index.html

SwampYankee · #7 03-01-2008, 08:33 AM

That must have been quite an experience! I've always loved Airstreams and have longed for a rolling toaster for a long time. Someday I hope to find a 20-24 as a father & kid project to restore and polish (take advantage of that child labor!

). One of those towed behind an old restored Winnebago D18 and I'd be a happy camper. I'd really like a Winnie F17 but there wouldn't even be enough room for all of us to sit and I'm not sure how much towing that straight 6 could do while pushing a brick.

I wish I had the means for a 35, or even something to tow it with. Maybe in a few years.

LaRondo · #8 03-01-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Is that a european made trailer?

Tom W

Yes. MKP if the manufacturer. I'm not sure if they still produce. It's a one piece shell fiberglass/epoxy. If you see the roof, it looks like a railroad car. They used to insulate with PU foam, but that got outlawed because of bad emmisions during production.

I tried to find a website, only clubs out there. I think the went out of production. Used to be made in Denmark.

Larry Delor · #9 03-01-2008, 03:16 PM

Just like with the GMC motorhomes, having a curved roof, took away storage space, in the compartments above your head.
Then again, I think 77 or 78 was the last year for the GMC. The GMC had potential, but seems nobody at GM cared enough to make the kind of improvements wanted by RV'ers.

t walgamuth · #10 03-01-2008, 05:45 PM

It was killed by the first arab oil embargo, IIRC.

I worked up in the detroit area and used to drive by where they were built. When the oil embargo hit there were thousands of them sitting outside it.

Tom W

kerry · #11 03-01-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

Just like with the GMC motorhomes, having a curved roof, took away storage space, in the compartments above your head.
Then again, I think 77 or 78 was the last year for the GMC. The GMC had potential, but seems nobody at GM cared enough to make the kind of improvements wanted by RV'ers.

Lots of people restore them There are very active owner's groups. One thing I definitely disliked about some of them is that all appliances were electric, no propane at all. Puts a real dent in one's ability to boondock.

I owned a Travco which was produced for many years by Dodge. Two piece fiberglass construction, seamed down the middle with a steel frame. Sold my pristine 22' 1971 with 40k miles to a guy from Atlanta a few years ago. He flew out to pick it up here in Denver. Just a couple of hundred miles from Denver, he ran off the road and rolled it. He was fine but he had no insurance on it. What a bummer. He was too embarrassed to call me and tell me about it. I only learned what had happened when I called him to see how his trip home was going.

t walgamuth · #12 03-01-2008, 07:02 PM

I have from time to time considered the old travcos. I love the shape of them.

Tom W

Larry Delor · #13 03-01-2008, 09:55 PM

The '74 that my folks owned, had a propane stove, water heater, and furnace. The 455 was also equipped with a propane fuel system, and the PO had a larger tank stuffed in place of the original. This was the Glacier 26' model. The Generator was a Onan 4k - too small for more than 1 A/C unit - and with the insulation that these had (nil) you needed 2 A/C units to stay cool.
The '83 33' Rambler on the other hand, was a dream compared to the rather spartan GMC.

123c · #14 03-03-2008, 12:47 AM

I lived in a 1977 Airstream for part of a summer, and I loved it, the only thing that would have made it better, is if it didn't have carpet, and the built in stereo was a little better quality, but this was also in the late 1990s...

MS Fowler · #15 03-03-2008, 06:35 AM

Tom,
Airstreams are way cool!
However, I could never get to the factory. As you said its 50 miles N of Dayton. I am afraid the attraction of the Air Force Musem at Wright-Patt would overpower me if I were that close.