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

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.