1 year Airstream owner here! I had the same error with the hot water while hooked up to city water. After over 6 months of filling my fresh water tank in order to get consistent hot water (using the pump) and looking at all of the Airstream forums, I realized the issue. I unscrewed the city water connection port on the ‘outside’ (4 screws) and replaced the Shurflow unit to an identical higher pressure (65 PSI) one I purchased on Amazon for under $30. Easy peasy and now it works perfectly all the time. The factory installed Shurflow unit, although 50 PSI, was not getting that consistent pressure to the water heater for some reason. I have the Caravel with the same sink and mine doesn’t rust so that is a wierd one. You need to have a can of spray Silicone in your trailer for everything outside. That Zip Dee Awning needs silicone sprayed on most parts pretty regularly. I had the same issue pulling on that knob and with a little silicone spray anytime it sticks, it then works immediately. You DEFINITELY need to get the door repaired by Airstream ASAP! It looks like it is rusting inside from a pretty bad leak….that is a big issue 😬
Hi, thanks for the insight on the water heater issue. Any recommendations on the silicone can to get? We are definitely pointing out the door to Airstream and will post an update video once we get feedback from Airstream. Thanks for watching.
Erica, hi our sink does same. 2021 Gt 23 (got it brand new in Aug 2022) We have found it is from the hard water with a lot of iron in it. Seems to depend on campground. To avoid the rust I have to dry after use. Only happens at some camp grounds. Can u let me know what AS says? We also have the shower door and handle issue. I am hoping they replace it with a better seal strip at bottom of show door? We also had the error code on the controller for the hot water. Would love to hear how ur issues are fixed. Thanks lori
Hi Lori! Thanks for sharing. In someways it is good to know that someone else is experiencing the same problems and we’re not the crazy ones! We are actually going to pick up our Airstream very soon and we’ll have a video to follow up on all the items. Stay tuned! Thanks so much for watching, we promise to update you in the next video. Erica
We have a 2021 FC23FB. Ours is in now for service. We have the same sink rust issue and one of our fans only works on high. Other then that everything else was good. I did have water heater issues but it was the way I was turning it off and on. I didn’t know there was an outside switch that has to be turned off before the gas or it gives an error. My awning also sticks but I use some silicone every time we go out.
Hi, thanks for sharing that you have the sink rust issue too. Glad to know we are not the only ones. Please let us know what the dealer says. Also thanks for the feedback on the other issues.
You are very lucky to only encounter minor issues. I have a 2019 off the showroom floor and have encountered many big issues. If you used it more, you may see more issues. It is good to learn how to fix most of the issues yourself as you may be camping and run into problems where you cannot get an appointment for a month or longer for repairs. Thank you for the video. Safe travels!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I am sorry that you have run into major issues with your RV. I totally agree it’s best if you can learn how to fix the issues yourself as we are learning through experience that Airstream is not always available for appointments as soon as we would have hoped. This is definitely been a learning experience for us. Thanks for watching!
Air stream is supposed to be a Cadillac amongst the trailers but what you experience after one year it means the quality control department isn't very stringent about the products that go in it, like the sink that is rusting it is worst than the stainless in my kitchen that never rusted with heavy use. Imagine if you live in it for the whole year or two would things start to fall apart? Not good?
@@ExactlyErica Pandemic RV, huge influx of RV buyers combined with supply chain issues & parts availability meant things were assembled very quickly with lowered quality control and not exactly the right parts in some cases.
Glad to see that most of your issues were really minor. The only one that we would raise to slightly more than the "minor" level would be the rust stains on the door. The rusty screw certainly indicates water ingress which you definitely do not want.
Okay, the rust on the sink can be easily cleaned off with Liquid Barkeepers Friend available at Hone Depot, a little water and fine steel wool; always agitate with the “grain” of the stainless steel pattern. Dry off with microfiber towel and apply a quality petroleum-based stainless steel polish-protectant, again, working in with grain, then put it away for storage…. The oxidation occurring is also as a result of “hard water” you are using in your clean water tank; so make sure before stowage you’re draining that really good, and maybe even look into that as being a contributing cause…. Imagine what goes on in that tank sitting a month or two, then you just fill up before next trip and away you go, and everything accumulating in downtime goes out the shower/faucet? Great video, thanks!
We have a 2020 Flying Cloud 27 FBT. Some of the same minor issues: shower door sweep, bathroom latch, entry door & screen not quite square in the opening. The most serious was a defective backflow preventer for the black tank flush. The dealer sent us a replacement and we installed it as we were away from home at the time. Between the dealer and factory everything was addressed. One thing to keep an eye on are the interior pop-rivets and screws. We find the Airstream forums (AirForums) to be quite a source of information from knowledgable/experienced owners.
Thanks Bruce for sharing! Glad that everything was addressed for you by the dealer! We are posting a video very soon where we go over what was addressed and what was not addressed for us. Thanks for watching!
You have some valid quality control complaints there, Thank You, for the video. 2022 Globetrotter 23FBT, I have fixed a few items myself, and we live about 40 minutes from the factory. Luckily nothing major yet.
Thank you, We decided not to get our Air Stream because the Tampa dealership is gotta be the worst dealership in the state so many issues with our new Air Stream
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. From the marketing, they claim to be the top dealer in the US for sales. Thus, to hear about your experience is disappointing.
Still haven’t taken delivery meeting it hasn’t left a lot and it’s gonna be 4 to 6 weeks before they repair all the panels two to be exact and the cabinets
We finally brought our airstream home still waiting on warranty issues with the awning I will say the service team is excellent. Hopefully will see you at Fort wilderness or Fort Desoto.
The rubber cover on awning stick never lasts for more than few weeks, you can use it without red rubber cover. The latches on Zip Dee awning can be lubricated to release more easily. The water leak in door needs attention, that should not be happening
Thank you for posting!! Thanks to this and a few other videos, Airstream just lost my business!! After Airstream was bought out by Thor, their quality is junk now!! I have been an RV owner for over 25 years, so the quality of the past is gone!!
8 hours to build a airstream door in the factory. We had a safari trailer and our door always has issues. Especially at the hinges and alignment. The handle was not adjusted and had to use force to close. Always worried during travel the door come open. Always check underneath for safety issues. Yes, the sink can be cleaned and comes right off. Fix the awning handle yourself, the bathroom door is normal use and yes, better materiel could have been used. Owners have a responsibility for maintenance. The trailer is expensive these days and expectations are high. The door could be an issue with the interior getting molded with water leak. Get that fixed for sure.
Agreed. Today the expectations of buyers is very high due to the price tag. This can be a problem when normal wear and tear occurs. Thanks for watching and for your feedback!
“Stainless” isn’t always stainless. There are various alloys of stainless. Some will rust and magnets will stick to it. If the metallurgy isn’t the issue, a common mistake is people will clean their sinks with sos pads or some similar steel wool pad, or red scotch brute pads. This leaves bits of iron in the metal and ultimately your sink rusts from cleaning it with the wrong product. Alternatively, if you didn’t use steel wool, it’s possible that somewhere in manufacturing iron oxide abrasives or wire brush was used so it will rust. Airstream has a reputation for quality workmanship. I’ve never had the chance to look one over myself. But like most companies, it seems they are riding on a reputation without living up to it. Most of the issues seem minor. I would probably fix most myself. But I’m not impressed, especially considering what you pay compared to other options. Hopefully it works out for you.
Thanks for the intel Helidude350! We appreciate it. Agreed, most of the issues are minor, but you are right, with the price tag it should be zero issues. Thanks for watching!
I agree with Luv Subbin on issues being minor. Check out his channel and you can learn a lot about maintenance you can do. The sink I would want replaced if bar keepers friend can't clean it and the leak on the entry door fixed. If you can find a good independent tech to work on your AS it will more than likely be better than going to a dealer.
Yes, Luv Subbin has a great channel and they are very nice people. The sink issue is gone now. Looks like the dealer did use bar keepers friend. They also fixed the door leak. But, we haven't looked for an independent tech, but that is a good idea. Thanks!
That is supposed to be an stainless steel sink. This rust issue happens after 2010 as well on stainless steel guns. They put there less Chromium in since it is expensie so it does not protect anymore enough the steel from rusting so it is not anymore stainless steel. Thats all over the industries a problem after the 2000nds. They cheap out but still charge you horrendous prices for the Airstream. Same with weapons and guns. The error 12 looks like the propane misfired on the hot water tank. If you switch over to electric the problem should be gone. It should give you an error message as well if the oven missfires on propane. These issues will rise the more complicated and modern the interieur becomes. Keep it Amish. The you have no problems by keeping it simple. Aluminum can warp easily under stress. They not even give you stainless steel screws but use regular wood screws. Cheaped out. Screws should never be used on aluminum since that tends to back out, get loose or strip. On aluminum only bolts or rivets should be used. Aluminum is basically to soft and bends to easy thus even aluminum cabinets ould get sloppy if they riveted them on. The only advantage aluminum has is it does never rust. No frame cracks on your RV?
You'all have saved me from alot of grief. I won't be purchasing an RV in my lifetime. Just can't reconcile spending $75K+ on a tin can. I'll travel staying at hotels. Nothing to fix Or will rent a cabin.
As a very satisfied owner of two Airstreams I gotta tell you folks need to get real with your expectations. God made people yet, there are still Hospitals and Prisons so nothing man made will be perfect. Shake down cruises on any new RV is normal & should be expected. These travel trailers experience earthquake levels of shaking while traveling & RV Owners will need to learn the maintenance and repair issues on your own. Nothing you note is anything you need be worried about. I love working on ours & it is much much less work then a house. Good luck !
Thanks Scott! Completely agree. This video will be helpful to new and potential owners of Airstreams, as they don't really tell you about the level of repairs/maintenance needed on it. It is not like a new car where the dealer will take care of most issues.
It’s disgusting to watch Airstreamers in delusion about the product. “ Minor things”, well you didn’t pay a “ minor price”. You get what you pay for slogan, DONT APPLY to Airstream. Too many negative product reviews on them. They need to lower their prices to a standard market, versus the over inflated prices and stellar acclaims. They break, leak, and fall apart at the same rate as other brands, but part/service cost you way more to repair, on top of the overpriced tag. They’re basically like a boat, a money pit, with a country club following. Most buy them, just to belong, sad(.)
Do these pencil ✏️ neck engineers & salespeople try to live in these after they are manufactured or just keep them in the shop & hope for the best ? WTF 😮🤛
Tell me about it. Now we know better, but when we first got it, we had no idea and thought that warranty would cover everything and be just as good as a new vehicle bumper to bumper.
1 year Airstream owner here! I had the same error with the hot water while hooked up to city water. After over 6 months of filling my fresh water tank in order to get consistent hot water (using the pump) and looking at all of the Airstream forums, I realized the issue. I unscrewed the city water connection port on the ‘outside’ (4 screws) and replaced the Shurflow unit to an identical higher pressure (65 PSI) one I purchased on Amazon for under $30. Easy peasy and now it works perfectly all the time. The factory installed Shurflow unit, although 50 PSI, was not getting that consistent pressure to the water heater for some reason.
I have the Caravel with the same sink and mine doesn’t rust so that is a wierd one.
You need to have a can of spray Silicone in your trailer for everything outside. That Zip Dee Awning needs silicone sprayed on most parts pretty regularly. I had the same issue pulling on that knob and with a little silicone spray anytime it sticks, it then works immediately.
You DEFINITELY need to get the door repaired by Airstream ASAP! It looks like it is rusting inside from a pretty bad leak….that is a big issue 😬
Hi, thanks for the insight on the water heater issue. Any recommendations on the silicone can to get? We are definitely pointing out the door to Airstream and will post an update video once we get feedback from Airstream. Thanks for watching.
Erica, hi our sink does same. 2021 Gt 23 (got it brand new in Aug 2022) We have found it is from the hard water with a lot of iron in it. Seems to depend on campground. To avoid the rust I have to dry after use. Only happens at some camp grounds. Can u let me know what AS says? We also have the shower door and handle issue. I am hoping they replace it with a better seal strip at bottom of show door? We also had the error code on the controller for the hot water. Would love to hear how ur issues are fixed. Thanks lori
Hi Lori! Thanks for sharing. In someways it is good to know that someone else is experiencing the same problems and we’re not the crazy ones! We are actually going to pick up our Airstream very soon and we’ll have a video to follow up on all the items. Stay tuned! Thanks so much for watching, we promise to update you in the next video. Erica
For the price they ask, this should NEVER happen
Agreed! Thanks for watching.
Absolutely agree … they charge a huge premium for “ quality “
Exactly (.)
We have a 2021 FC23FB. Ours is in now for service. We have the same sink rust issue and one of our fans only works on high. Other then that everything else was good. I did have water heater issues but it was the way I was turning it off and on. I didn’t know there was an outside switch that has to be turned off before the gas or it gives an error. My awning also sticks but I use some silicone every time we go out.
Hi, thanks for sharing that you have the sink rust issue too. Glad to know we are not the only ones. Please let us know what the dealer says. Also thanks for the feedback on the other issues.
You are very lucky to only encounter minor issues. I have a 2019 off the showroom floor and have encountered many big issues. If you used it more, you may see more issues. It is good to learn how to fix most of the issues yourself as you may be camping and run into problems where you cannot get an appointment for a month or longer for repairs. Thank you for the video. Safe travels!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I am sorry that you have run into major issues with your RV. I totally agree it’s best if you can learn how to fix the issues yourself as we are learning through experience that Airstream is not always available for appointments as soon as we would have hoped. This is definitely been a learning experience for us. Thanks for watching!
Going on eight years and very little programs. However they were ALL covered under extra warranty
Air stream is supposed to be a Cadillac amongst the trailers but what you experience after one year it means the quality control department isn't very stringent about the products that go in it, like the sink that is rusting it is worst than the stainless in my kitchen that never rusted with heavy use. Imagine if you live in it for the whole year or two would things start to fall apart? Not good?
Agreed, it’s not great at all. Though, we are grateful it’s not worse!
@@ExactlyErica Pandemic RV, huge influx of RV buyers combined with supply chain issues & parts availability meant things were assembled very quickly with lowered quality control and not exactly the right parts in some cases.
Glad to see that most of your issues were really minor. The only one that we would raise to slightly more than the "minor" level would be the rust stains on the door. The rusty screw certainly indicates water ingress which you definitely do not want.
Agree. We will definitely point that one out to Airstream and provide an update on the channel.
Okay, the rust on the sink can be easily cleaned off with Liquid Barkeepers Friend available at Hone Depot, a little water and fine steel wool; always agitate with the “grain” of the stainless steel pattern. Dry off with microfiber towel and apply a quality petroleum-based stainless steel polish-protectant, again, working in with grain, then put it away for storage…. The oxidation occurring is also as a result of “hard water” you are using in your clean water tank; so make sure before stowage you’re draining that really good, and maybe even look into that as being a contributing cause…. Imagine what goes on in that tank sitting a month or two, then you just fill up before next trip and away you go, and everything accumulating in downtime goes out the shower/faucet? Great video, thanks!
Thank you for the thorough explanation, this was very helpful. We appreciate it!
We have a 2020 Flying Cloud 27 FBT. Some of the same minor issues: shower door sweep, bathroom latch, entry door & screen not quite square in the opening. The most serious was a defective backflow preventer for the black tank flush. The dealer sent us a replacement and we installed it as we were away from home at the time. Between the dealer and factory everything was addressed. One thing to keep an eye on are the interior pop-rivets and screws. We find the Airstream forums (AirForums) to be quite a source of information from knowledgable/experienced owners.
Thanks Bruce for sharing! Glad that everything was addressed for you by the dealer! We are posting a video very soon where we go over what was addressed and what was not addressed for us. Thanks for watching!
As this was posted over a year ago did Airstream make good on the problems you had?
Hi, we did provide some updates on our more recent videos. Check out our 3 year update video. Thanks for the comment.
You have some valid quality control complaints there, Thank You, for the video. 2022 Globetrotter 23FBT, I have fixed a few items myself, and we live about 40 minutes from the factory. Luckily nothing major yet.
Thank you for watching and for sharing!
Thank you
I'm planning to buy a caravan, so I came to watch this video
Thanks for watching!❤
Didn’t you have the trailer get an independent inspection before pulling it off the lot? A lot of your issues would have been spotted early on.
Hi, no we didn’t as we didn’t know this was an option. Great advice! Thanks for watching!
Thank you, We decided not to get our Air Stream because the Tampa dealership is gotta be the worst dealership in the state so many issues with our new Air Stream
I am sorry to hear that you had a bad experience. From the marketing, they claim to be the top dealer in the US for sales. Thus, to hear about your experience is disappointing.
Still haven’t taken delivery meeting it hasn’t left a lot and it’s gonna be 4 to 6 weeks before they repair all the panels two to be exact and the cabinets
@@richardjohnson1420 Sorry to hear that. Hopefully they are able to address and correct all of the issues. Good luck!
We finally brought our airstream home still waiting on warranty issues with the awning I will say the service team is excellent. Hopefully will see you at Fort wilderness or Fort Desoto.
Congratulations on bringing your Airstream home! Yes, hope to see you at the Fort soon!
The rubber cover on awning stick never lasts for more than few weeks, you can use it without red rubber cover. The latches on Zip Dee awning can be lubricated to release more easily. The water leak in door needs attention, that should not be happening
Agreed. Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!
Thank you for posting!! Thanks to this and a few other videos, Airstream just lost my business!! After Airstream was bought out by Thor, their quality is junk now!! I have been an RV owner for over 25 years, so the quality of the past is gone!!
Hi. Glad it helped you. Thanks for watching.
8 hours to build a airstream door in the factory. We had a safari trailer and our door always has issues. Especially at the hinges and alignment. The handle was not adjusted and had to use force to close. Always worried during travel the door come open. Always check underneath for safety issues. Yes, the sink can be cleaned and comes right off. Fix the awning handle yourself, the bathroom door is normal use and yes, better materiel could have been used. Owners have a responsibility for maintenance. The trailer is expensive these days and expectations are high. The door could be an issue with the interior getting molded with water leak. Get that fixed for sure.
Agreed. Today the expectations of buyers is very high due to the price tag. This can be a problem when normal wear and tear occurs. Thanks for watching and for your feedback!
Wow! And those airstreams are very expensive. That's horrible.
Indeed they are. Thankfully all of our issues have been minor. I have read horror stories regarding other RV brands. Thanks for watching!
GOODNESS GIRL!!!!! DO WHAT OTHER AIRSTREAMERS DO.........LEARN HOW TO FIX IT YOURSELF!!!!!
Thanks. Before we fix it ourselves we are learning what the warranty covers.
some humans are literally helpless.
“Stainless” isn’t always stainless.
There are various alloys of stainless.
Some will rust and magnets will stick to it.
If the metallurgy isn’t the issue, a common mistake is people will clean their sinks with sos pads or some similar steel wool pad, or red scotch brute pads. This leaves bits of iron in the metal and ultimately your sink rusts from cleaning it with the wrong product.
Alternatively, if you didn’t use steel wool, it’s possible that somewhere in manufacturing iron oxide abrasives or wire brush was used so it will rust.
Airstream has a reputation for quality workmanship.
I’ve never had the chance to look one over myself.
But like most companies, it seems they are riding on a reputation without living up to it.
Most of the issues seem minor. I would probably fix most myself.
But I’m not impressed, especially considering what you pay compared to other options.
Hopefully it works out for you.
Thanks for the intel Helidude350! We appreciate it. Agreed, most of the issues are minor, but you are right, with the price tag it should be zero issues. Thanks for watching!
I agree with Luv Subbin on issues being minor. Check out his channel and you can learn a lot about maintenance you can do. The sink I would want replaced if bar keepers friend can't clean it and the leak on the entry door fixed. If you can find a good independent tech to work on your AS it will more than likely be better than going to a dealer.
Yes, Luv Subbin has a great channel and they are very nice people. The sink issue is gone now. Looks like the dealer did use bar keepers friend. They also fixed the door leak. But, we haven't looked for an independent tech, but that is a good idea. Thanks!
Most of this stuff seems to be items you can fix as you go along the rusty sink seems a significant issue - good luck with Airstream
Thanks for watching!
Looks like they skimped on material's.
Kinda glad I got an old school airstream. It's made like an actual jet plane.
That’s cool! Yes the older ones seem to be better quality from the comments I’ve seen.
That is supposed to be an stainless steel sink. This rust issue happens after 2010 as well on stainless steel guns. They put there less Chromium in since it is expensie so it does not protect anymore enough the steel from rusting so it is not anymore stainless steel. Thats all over the industries a problem after the 2000nds. They cheap out but still charge you horrendous prices for the Airstream. Same with weapons and guns. The error 12 looks like the propane misfired on the hot water tank. If you switch over to electric the problem should be gone. It should give you an error message as well if the oven missfires on propane. These issues will rise the more complicated and modern the interieur becomes. Keep it Amish. The you have no problems by keeping it simple. Aluminum can warp easily under stress. They not even give you stainless steel screws but use regular wood screws. Cheaped out. Screws should never be used on aluminum since that tends to back out, get loose or strip. On aluminum only bolts or rivets should be used. Aluminum is basically to soft and bends to easy thus even aluminum cabinets ould get sloppy if they riveted them on. The only advantage aluminum has is it does never rust. No frame cracks on your RV?
Hi, thanks for this response! Thankfully we don’t have any cracks on our RV. But, we will be on the lookout.
If you buy a rv you have to be able to fix things. Every rv has quality problems. Airstreams are over priced the quality is not as advertised.
Very true! Now we know. :) Thanks for watching!
Disappointing to say the least.
Thanks for watching!!
You'all have saved me from alot of grief. I won't be purchasing an RV in my lifetime. Just can't reconcile spending $75K+ on a tin can. I'll travel staying at hotels. Nothing to fix Or will rent a cabin.
Ha! Appreciate you watching just the same. :)
As a very satisfied owner of two Airstreams I gotta tell you folks need to get real with your expectations. God made people yet, there are still Hospitals and Prisons so nothing man made will be perfect. Shake down cruises on any new RV is normal & should be expected. These travel trailers experience earthquake levels of shaking while traveling & RV Owners will need to learn the maintenance and repair issues on your own. Nothing you note is anything you need be worried about. I love working on ours & it is much much less work then a house. Good luck !
Thanks Scott! Completely agree. This video will be helpful to new and potential owners of Airstreams, as they don't really tell you about the level of repairs/maintenance needed on it. It is not like a new car where the dealer will take care of most issues.
It’s disgusting to watch Airstreamers in delusion about the product. “ Minor things”, well you didn’t pay a “ minor price”. You get what you pay for slogan, DONT APPLY to Airstream. Too many negative product reviews on them. They need to lower their prices to a standard market, versus the over inflated prices and stellar acclaims. They break, leak, and fall apart at the same rate as other brands, but part/service cost you way more to repair, on top of the overpriced tag. They’re basically like a boat, a money pit, with a country club following. Most buy them, just to belong, sad(.)
Do these pencil ✏️ neck engineers & salespeople try to live in these after they are manufactured or just keep them in the shop & hope for the best ? WTF 😮🤛
Probably hope for the best. Thanks for watching.
Welcome to American RV manufacturing…..piss poor quality & control as usual . 😮👍🤛
Tell me about it. Now we know better, but when we first got it, we had no idea and thought that warranty would cover everything and be just as good as a new vehicle bumper to bumper.