airstream's how good are in last 10 years?

reddwar wrote:
Wife broke her leg & has a hard timing climbing up into our 5er. The airstream is a lot lower + she does not have to clime once inside. Looking at getting 26-27' 5-10 years old. I have seen some folks have had water problems & they use pressure test to check for leaks. Is it just some years have they fixed it or what? So if I find one I like do I need to do a pressure check?

Red

:) Hi, do you need to do a pressure check? No, but it's not a bad idea. Very easy to see if the sealants on the roof are in need of replacement. Airstream does use a pan under the roof air conditioner because of the curved roof and because Airstream runs a drain tube for the air conditioner through the walls and mine drains out, in a wheel well.

:) Hi, I bought my 2005 Airstream Safari (actual pick up date) on September 7, 2004. I still have this trailer and don't plan to ever replace it. Any body with holes cut into it can and will leak. In eleven years, my front vent (Fantastic Vent) has leaked twice. Checking and re-sealing items on the roof need to be done. Is my trailer damaged? No.

Very good. We have owned 3 and wish we still had the first one. Our current one is doing fine with no problems. It is a 2009 model. They are not inexpensive but bargains can be had by shopping and taking your time

The airstream forum ( airforums ) is both a good and bad place to research the trailers. There are numerous very good posters there with a lot of experience to share. There are also quite a number of "enthusiasts" ( fanboys ) there, who will only talk about the "good side" of the marque, and will outright try to slam you to the dirt if you dare challenge the idea the brand is less than stellar.

So take the time to read a LOT of threads there, and it will soon become apparent who is being honest vs those who just want to promote the snob appeal side of it.

Long story short, those trailers aren't for everyone. Probably best enjoyed by someone who really just wants an Airstream only, and "nothing else will do". So to speak.

I have owned several Airstreams, and none suffered from water leaks in the traditional sense like an experienced RVer may be familiar with in conventional RV's. Since the roof is curved, a replacement A/C unit MUST be installed on a pan designed for the roof curvature and that particular A/C unit. Many units have been replaced without that pan, and while visually they look OK, they will for sure leak without that pan. The TV antenna can be a problem as well as the ceiling vents, but windows, doors, etc, have never been a problem but may require some caulking. Only a special caulk will adhere to the clear coated aluminium so be sure to use Airstream approved caulk.

The 1980's models required a strong bead of caulk along the bottom rub strip to prevent water intrusion along that area. The 1990's had some problem with water leaks at the front wrap around windows. But you never have to worry about de-lamination!

Red,
I don't own one but have looked over a few for restoration purposes. The folks on the Airforums could probably tell you which models and years are the better and which are the most liable to leaks.

MO is that anything that rolls down the road and is made to be enclosed can leak. If I was buying a trailer, I would have it pressure tested because the price of testing is cheap and peace of mind is priceless.

Good luck with the trailer hunt and best wishes for your wife and her recovery.