After 16 years I planned and bought one. I like the way it's build, looks great, doesn't leak and most of all, it has a better resale value. When I camp, I am outside, hiking, biking, campfires and outside-good-times. IMO, I don't camp to stay inside. Tho, mine is a 16ft, it is perfect for 2 people and a small dog. I like the protection factor too. Only through word of mouth that I found out that you can give your Airstream a name and register it. After a month and about 30 bucks you get a medallion too which you can place on your Camper.
My last comment. My 1999 Bambi was built when all appliances and components were made in US. To this day I have the original Coleman AC, magic chef stove, water heater and the Dometic refrigerator made in Sweden. Only thing I have replaced in 21+ years is the water pump and the axle replaced this year. My son and two friends have late model airstreams, most if not all appliances and fixtures are made in China. My son already had Dometic refrigerator and A/c replaced. My friends have had water heaters and microwaves and other small fixtures fail. I work in manufacturing and I see the profit margin for buying Chinese inferior products is overwhelmingly tempting. We mark up our products 800% on average, unfortunately many of the components fail in test or shortly after the customer receives the product. Just for the record, I LOVE AIRSTREAM, I would not consider another brand but I believe they can be better built, especially since Thor is branding Airstream to the wealthy population
Was curious when your next airstream video was going to come out since the majority of your videos are for LTV’s. We own a 2011 airstream 27FB Flying Cloud, bought new in, well yeah, 2011. We’ve had zero issues with it, we’ve only replaced the tires, the batteries, and the jack stand. As for the water heater, ours is not an instant hot water heater, but has a 6 gallon tank which we have had zero problems with because anybody who uses more than 6 gallons for a shower is, well, taking too long to shower. As for TPMS, we only recently added it to the airstream since the night before we were heading out on a trip a few months ago I was checking the tire pressure as I always due before a trip and one was at 24 pounds. Had a nail in it! First time in 11+ years. But after a bunch of research and watching a bunch of TH-cam videos we went with the TireMinder system instead of the TST. Personal preference I guess. But as you did we did not go with with flow through sensors. There’s no reason really since you can easily and quickly remove and replace the sensors when needed and you won’t lose any significant amount of air. But also, as you stated, if you have a class B/B+, it’s very difficult to access the inner rear tire. That’s when the flow through sensors are quite nice. Which is what we did on our class B. Yes we also have a class B, we were drooling over the LTV‘s for 2 1/2 years. We had a brand new 2022 corner bed dropped in our lap twice the beginning of this year, but just could not pull the trigger since it was more of a replacement for our Airstream than an addition to. We wanted an airstream interstate, But to get what we wanted, no propane, no generator it was going to be way more than we wanted to spend in addition to a year plus wait to get one with their $24K E1 option. And being somewhat of airstream snobs, it was hard for us not to get an interstate. But we discovered Grech RVs. So after some some research, viewing, test driving, we recently (August this year) picked up a 2022 Grech Terrenno-Ion, no propane, no generator, 1260 amp hours battery capacity. It’s built on the Mercedes 3500XD, thus it’s a Duely, which is where we installed the flow through sensors, the inner rear tires since we were the victim of the supply chain, the Mercedes chassis was built on did not have TPMS, imagine that! We love our Airstream, and so far we love the Grech.
I love Grech! You definitely have the best of both worlds like we do. The Airstream is fantastic and it’s everything we hoped it would be. Thanks for watching and we will certainly be doing more Airstream videos as well.
Some of my favorite Airstream travel memories are from Alumapaloza type events in Canyonville, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona. Thanks Rich! Love seeing you here, cheers to you! Deborah Lazio and Jim Crawford
I recently bought a 2019 25' FCFBQ. My question is about sanitizing the water system. Some sources say to not allow the bleach solution to enter the water heater, citing corrosion possibility. In your book, however, you include the water heater in the sanitation process. That is where I am confused as to which is the correct procedure. I'd like your opinion and explanation. Thanks.
Not sure if Rich will see this or not, but the dilution of the bleach and the short term it's there seems to be a non factor. I would imagine manufactuerers would frown upon this, to protect themselves agains warranty claims if something were to happen. So it's definitely a personal choice to do so.
What a GREAT interview, thank you for that! I wanted to get some clarification on something. Is my understanding correct that Rich was not a fan of the TST Flow Thru Sensor and favors the Cap Sensor, but there is also a third option, Internal Sensor, which is the bands that go around the rim. Any idea of he has the same opinion on that as the Flow Thru Sensor?
I love my Airstream now for 25 years. I would like to know while they leak often. I know school buses, planes and passenger trains have a similar build, do they also leak? If I bought a $100,000 car and it leaked I would be concern and upset but most tell me its normal for “all” campers to leak, I find that to be an unsatisfactory answer
Good interview, thank you! I took note of your comment that the Truma tankless water heater you previously had was superior to the one in your new Airstream. We took delivery of a 2023 23' International a couple of months ago, and recently returned from a 5-week trip in it. The only thing we did not like was the Girard tankless water heater. I wish Airstream would allow user choice of water heater brand or type. Not only does the Girard take too long when heating the water, which wastes water and fills the gray tank too much, it stops heating when you take a navy shower. It sprays you with cold water for a while if you turn the flow off while soaping up -- and also stops heating if you try to mix hot and cold water. Next year I'll look into replacing the Girard with a Truma system. The width and height of the water heater opening is the same, but the depth will need to be extended a few inches to accommodate the Truma. May cost about $1500 or so, requires a Truma dealer to install.
As to rivets popping inside of Airstreams I had a 74 landYacht and never had a rivet pop out. I recently stopped at the dealership and took pictures of a new unit that had 14 missing on center panel on ceiling i actually put my hand in between the sheets. I called airstream technical support and they could not tell me the tensile strength of the rivets. I recently remodeled my 1999 Bambi and found only a few missing. I went to Northern tools and bought rivets there. The company name and phone number was on the box and I called and asked what the tensile strength was on their rivets and I believe it was several hundred pounds. 4 years later no rivets have come out
If you don’t need a dually, it’s a major burden in terms of parking, comfort, maintaining two more tires, etc. if I was hauling a fifth wheel, 450 would be my choice due to turning radius even though less cargo capacity than an equally equipped 350.
Just a concern citizen here, and I’m not an Airstream owner. Thinking about it though, however, there is a conspiracy theory out there that I hope someone can clarify for me. Because Airstream outer structure is basically of all aluminum, well because of this, it was found to be unhealthy to the occupants inside. Now I’m supposing that when the sun beats down mercilessly on an Airstream the occupants inside are roasting due to the large % of aluminum present? So, if anyone would like to ease my concerns about this conspiracy theory please drop me a comment. Appreciate if it is a logical answer to my question and not a short comment like “exactly that, it’s just a conspiracy theory.”
After 16 years I planned and bought one. I like the way it's build, looks great, doesn't leak and most of all, it has a better resale value. When I camp, I am outside, hiking, biking, campfires and outside-good-times. IMO, I don't camp to stay inside. Tho, mine is a 16ft, it is perfect for 2 people and a small dog. I like the protection factor too.
Only through word of mouth that I found out that you can give your Airstream a name and register it. After a month and about 30 bucks you get a medallion too which you can place on your Camper.
Yes you can. We did that and got the plaque just a few weeks later.
They leak
My last comment. My 1999 Bambi was built when all appliances and components were made in US. To this day I have the original Coleman AC, magic chef stove, water heater and the Dometic refrigerator made in Sweden. Only thing I have replaced in 21+ years is the water pump and the axle replaced this year. My son and two friends have late model airstreams, most if not all appliances and fixtures are made in China. My son already had Dometic refrigerator and A/c replaced. My friends have had water heaters and microwaves and other small fixtures fail. I work in manufacturing and I see the profit margin for buying Chinese inferior products is overwhelmingly tempting. We mark up our products 800% on average, unfortunately many of the components fail in test or shortly after the customer receives the product. Just for the record, I LOVE AIRSTREAM, I would not consider another brand but I believe they can be better built, especially since Thor is branding Airstream to the wealthy population
I don't think non Chinese made third party components will ever go away. Too large a profit margin for the manufacturers.
Chinese are making large strides in product quality.. like Japan in the 60's.
800% huh? Wow that's really sticking to the consumer isn't it? Talk about inflation sheesh!
Loveliest floor plan I've seen so far ! And I LOVE the new lights !! ❤
Glad you like it!
Just bought a 1989 29 Axcella. All original manual and brochures included. Almost a barn find. First day owner and so proud
That’s awesome
We really love our 2020 20FB Caravel. We're living in it now till the end of July. Dive in! Swim!
Nice!
Good point on the emotional buy. Airstreams are art work.
Absolutely
Airstreams are really one of a kind, iconic, unique trailers. Thanks for a great video full of info. Take care.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Airstreams truly are unique trailers.
Was curious when your next airstream video was going to come out since the majority of your videos are for LTV’s. We own a 2011 airstream 27FB Flying Cloud, bought new in, well yeah, 2011. We’ve had zero issues with it, we’ve only replaced the tires, the batteries, and the jack stand. As for the water heater, ours is not an instant hot water heater, but has a 6 gallon tank which we have had zero problems with because anybody who uses more than 6 gallons for a shower is, well, taking too long to shower. As for TPMS, we only recently added it to the airstream since the night before we were heading out on a trip a few months ago I was checking the tire pressure as I always due before a trip and one was at 24 pounds. Had a nail in it! First time in 11+ years. But after a bunch of research and watching a bunch of TH-cam videos we went with the TireMinder system instead of the TST. Personal preference I guess. But as you did we did not go with with flow through sensors. There’s no reason really since you can easily and quickly remove and replace the sensors when needed and you won’t lose any significant amount of air. But also, as you stated, if you have a class B/B+, it’s very difficult to access the inner rear tire. That’s when the flow through sensors are quite nice. Which is what we did on our class B. Yes we also have a class B, we were drooling over the LTV‘s for 2 1/2 years. We had a brand new 2022 corner bed dropped in our lap twice the beginning of this year, but just could not pull the trigger since it was more of a replacement for our Airstream than an addition to. We wanted an airstream interstate, But to get what we wanted, no propane, no generator it was going to be way more than we wanted to spend in addition to a year plus wait to get one with their $24K E1 option. And being somewhat of airstream snobs, it was hard for us not to get an interstate. But we discovered Grech RVs. So after some some research, viewing, test driving, we recently (August this year) picked up a 2022 Grech Terrenno-Ion, no propane, no generator, 1260 amp hours battery capacity. It’s built on the Mercedes 3500XD, thus it’s a Duely, which is where we installed the flow through sensors, the inner rear tires since we were the victim of the supply chain, the Mercedes chassis was built on did not have TPMS, imagine that! We love our Airstream, and so far we love the Grech.
I love Grech! You definitely have the best of both worlds like we do. The Airstream is fantastic and it’s everything we hoped it would be. Thanks for watching and we will certainly be doing more Airstream videos as well.
Some of my favorite Airstream travel memories are from Alumapaloza type events in Canyonville, Oregon and Tucson, Arizona. Thanks Rich! Love seeing you here, cheers to you! Deborah Lazio and Jim Crawford
Thanks for sharing!
Will look up the resources. Just bought a 2016 Interstate EXT. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats!
Great video with excellent information! Thank you for sharing it.
Glad it was helpful!
The other thing with adding a lift is how that effects the lift jack. Might have to use a block to get the range you need.
👍
I recently bought a 2019 25' FCFBQ. My question is about sanitizing the water system. Some sources say to not allow the bleach solution to enter the water heater, citing corrosion possibility. In your book, however, you include the water heater in the sanitation process. That is where I am confused as to which is the correct procedure. I'd like your opinion and explanation. Thanks.
Not sure if Rich will see this or not, but the dilution of the bleach and the short term it's there seems to be a non factor. I would imagine manufactuerers would frown upon this, to protect themselves agains warranty claims if something were to happen. So it's definitely a personal choice to do so.
Thank you.@@Pagosa
What a GREAT interview, thank you for that! I wanted to get some clarification on something.
Is my understanding correct that Rich was not a fan of the TST Flow Thru Sensor and favors the Cap Sensor, but there is also a third option, Internal Sensor, which is the bands that go around the rim. Any idea of he has the same opinion on that as the Flow Thru Sensor?
That's a great question. I will look into it.
I love my Airstream now for 25 years. I would like to know while they leak often. I know school buses, planes and passenger trains have a similar build, do they also leak? If I bought a $100,000 car and it leaked I would be concern and upset but most tell me its normal for “all” campers to leak, I find that to be an unsatisfactory answer
the "they don't build them like they used to" applies here I believe.
Good interview, thank you! I took note of your comment that the Truma tankless water heater you previously had was superior to the one in your new Airstream. We took delivery of a 2023 23' International a couple of months ago, and recently returned from a 5-week trip in it. The only thing we did not like was the Girard tankless water heater. I wish Airstream would allow user choice of water heater brand or type. Not only does the Girard take too long when heating the water, which wastes water and fills the gray tank too much, it stops heating when you take a navy shower. It sprays you with cold water for a while if you turn the flow off while soaping up -- and also stops heating if you try to mix hot and cold water. Next year I'll look into replacing the Girard with a Truma system. The width and height of the water heater opening is the same, but the depth will need to be extended a few inches to accommodate the Truma. May cost about $1500 or so, requires a Truma dealer to install.
I already have a plan to replace the water heater with a Truma, then the Airstream will be perfect!
@@Pagosa Please post a tutorial video when you do.
@@vampiresquid Just did the Truma upgrade, so vid coming soon!
How long do converters normally last? I have a Parallax
I’ve not heard of any time frame. Prob just like anything else, some last longer
rip out the water heater and you can now get a truma water heater...done.
Just did that 😃
Good video
Thanks!
As to rivets popping inside of Airstreams I had a 74 landYacht and never had a rivet pop out. I recently stopped at the dealership and took pictures of a new unit that had 14 missing on center panel on ceiling i actually put my hand in between the sheets. I called airstream technical support and they could not tell me the tensile strength of the rivets. I recently remodeled my 1999 Bambi and found only a few missing. I went to Northern tools and bought rivets there. The company name and phone number was on the box and I called and asked what the tensile strength was on their rivets and I believe it was several hundred pounds. 4 years later no rivets have come out
Great advice.
Why can’t you imagine towing with a F-450?
I have for years towed my Airstream 34’ triple axel with the F-450.
If you don’t need a dually, it’s a major burden in terms of parking, comfort, maintaining two more tires, etc. if I was hauling a fifth wheel, 450 would be my choice due to turning radius even though less cargo capacity than an equally equipped 350.
you can pull a 30ft air stream with a 3/4 ton or 2500
You are correct
Just a concern citizen here, and I’m not an Airstream owner. Thinking about it though, however, there is a conspiracy theory out there that I hope someone can clarify for me. Because Airstream outer structure is basically of all aluminum, well because of this, it was found to be unhealthy to the occupants inside. Now I’m supposing that when the sun beats down mercilessly on an Airstream the occupants inside are roasting due to the large % of aluminum present? So, if anyone would like to ease my concerns about this conspiracy theory please drop me a comment. Appreciate if it is a logical answer to my question and not a short comment like “exactly that, it’s just a conspiracy theory.”
That would not be the case. All RVs are hot boxes in the summer time, so Air Conditioning is mandatory in really hot climates.