An Airstream Workshop – The Garage Journal

The Airstreams are built not too far from me in Jackson Center, Ohio. As a matter of fact, it was in the paper the other day where they are sinking a few million into the plant to expand, and IIRC, they may hire up to something like 500 additional people.

Jackson Center is a very small town, but they have Honda transmission which is just a few minutes away in Russell's Point, Ohio, and they also have Plasti-Pak Packaging. Plasti-Pak makes a lot of the plastic containers, tubs, totes, a lot of stuff for agriculture, and a shitload of pop bottles.

As far as Airstream, and I'm not going to look it up at the moment, but they have been there well over 50 years. Every year, here in Urbana, Ohio, they have a caravan of Airstreams that stay at our fairgrounds for a weekend after the fair is over. It's something to see when you see a hundred or so of the trailers all polished up. Just a big silver glow in the fairgrounds. Then they will leave, and some may head home, but a lot of them travel in a large caravan headed to another destination.

And if anyone runs across a used Airstream Bambi for cheap.......****** it up as they are a huge collectors item now. The Bambi is a little short Airstream.

As a matter of fact, if you can find ANY Airstream for a cheap price that isn't all beat up, grab it up and refurbish it, and you'll have it sold in a couple of days.

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picshooter

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#7

Really cool!

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tinbender 66

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#8

Awesome!

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Bronson

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#9

Kevin54 said:
The Airstreams are built not too far from me in Jackson Center, Ohio. As a matter of fact, it was in the paper the other day where they are sinking a few million into the plant to expand, and IIRC, they may hire up to something like 500 additional people.

Jackson Center is a very small town, but they have Honda transmission which is just a few minutes away in Russell's Point, Ohio, and they also have Plasti-Pak Packaging. Plasti-Pak makes a lot of the plastic containers, tubs, totes, a lot of stuff for agriculture, and a shitload of pop bottles.

As far as Airstream, and I'm not going to look it up at the moment, but they have been there well over 50 years. Every year, here in Urbana, Ohio, they have a caravan of Airstreams that stay at our fairgrounds for a weekend after the fair is over. It's something to see when you see a hundred or so of the trailers all polished up. Just a big silver glow in the fairgrounds. Then they will leave, and some may head home, but a lot of them travel in a large caravan headed to another destination.

And if anyone runs across a used Airstream Bambi for cheap.......****** it up as they are a huge collectors item now. The Bambi is a little short Airstream.

As a matter of fact, if you can find ANY Airstream for a cheap price that isn't all beat up, grab it up and refurbish it, and you'll have it sold in a couple of days.

I was going to buy a Bambi, until I saw what they go for........... :scared:

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aquinob

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#10

I'm one of those folks that owns and is in the process of refurbishing a '73 27 foot model called an Overlander. I can tell you that the general perspective of folks on the Airforums site is that it's your trailer, do what you want with it. Many folks do a "Full Monte" on their trailers including removing the shell from the floor and frame and then rebuilding the whole thing. Others fix up what is needed and leave it mostly intact. If not destined to continue being an RV, they can be used as pool cabanas, guest houses, hunting cabins or whatever else you please. Lots of the smaller ones end up being exported out of the country since the cool factor is also appreciated overseas.

The trailer in this instance isn't particularly noteworthy. It's an 83 and the most sought after years are the 50's into the 60's and it's kinda big at 30 feet. As others mentioned the small trailers are in much higher demand since they can be towed with smaller vehicles. But as long as its being put to good use and the owner is happy with it, more power to him. At least it's not rotting away in some field. And the fact that it is over 30 years old and was for the most part in pretty decent shape says a lot for the longevity of the design and construction.

As for finding old Bambi's and flipping them, just be careful. If you don't know what you are looking for, you may end up buying a rig with lots of hidden problems that could lose you money. Also, the amount of work to fix one up can be substantial and anyone who does it on spec to make some money ends up working for around 5 bucks an hour if they are lucky.

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Automobilist

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#11

Airstreams are indeed extremely popular currently.

They were originally made in southern California, starting in 1936. Airstream founder Wally Byam expanded production to Ohio in 1952.
Production in SoCal ran from the late 1920's (Wally Byam made other trailers prior to forming Airstream...) until 1979.

We have a 1966 Streamline Empress, 28'. Streamline was started by a couple of Airstream engineers, and looked very similar, but with some neat differences such as the interior cabinetry is riveted aluminum, not plywood. And the cool center mounted tail light.

We found ours in a barn on a vineyard in Healdsburg. Restoring it to be a pool house/guest house.

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bczygan

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#12

Our 1970 Safari looks like this but without the AC.:

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BMcC

Well-known member

Oct 10, 2014

#13

It is interesting to see what people do with theirs. We went to the Sand Dunes last April...

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nti06

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#14

I want one of these someday. I already have a piggy bank started for one.

These people make the best of their Airstream:

They have been from the tip of Florida to Alaska with an Airstream.

Last edited: Oct 11, 2014

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RVDan

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#15

Why the obsession with air streams. Plastic and aluminum riveted together all over the interior. Copper water lines. Inconvenient floor plans. Proprietary parts. Appliances built into non serviceable positions. Rapid thermal expansion and contraction means doors only work properly for a few hours a day. Rivets holding everything together, which get loose over time.

The only good ones are the ones that have been completely gutted and rebuilt with proper construction.

I'm not sure what I dislike more, Airstreams, Bolers, or tent trailers.

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Lippyp

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#16

Theres a good few over there that have been gutted and turned into food stands for use at shows and festivals etc. I'd love an old avion. I came within a hairs breadth of buying a 60's drop in avion for my truck but I just didn't have the cash at the time it was advertised. Unusual to see one already in the UK.

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zcar751

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#17

Okay, nice work shop, but now you need to build a garage to put your workshop in.

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denis4x4

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#18

zcar751 said:
Okay, nice work shop, but now you need to build a garage to put your workshop in.

We use our 2006 Safari 25 as a guest house and store it here in the winter.

S

sberry

Banned

Oct 11, 2014

#19

I had one and have one. I liked the floor plan of the first one way better, had the master bed in the rear. It got destroyed in a fire and now have another 31 but its got the back bath, not so good. It needs renovation, we use it as an office at another farm.

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LegacyIndustrial

ALLIANCE MEMBER

Oct 11, 2014

#20

It's nice when you find the perfect space for your hobby or craft!

1

1cargarage

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#21

The rug really ties the room together.

M

marty_p

Well-known member

Oct 11, 2014

#22

zcar751 said:
Okay, nice work shop, but now you need to build a garage to put your workshop in.

You've got a great point. And not that many HOAs are travel trailer -- or additional tall garage -- friendly these days, unfortunately...

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Bigplum

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#23

All that nice work will be wasted if he keeps using that kerosene heater , carbon monoxide and enclosed places are a sure fire way of a early exit

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ticci

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#24

If you need a bit more off-roadability this is the answer:

http://www.leningradautomobile.com/cat_cars_item.php?id=340&p=4&cid=6

Here it seems that those are all over countryside nowdays, defence forces has been selling those out for about 10 years.

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sberry

Banned

Oct 12, 2014

#25

RVDan said:
Why the obsession with air streams. Plastic and aluminum riveted together all over the interior. Copper water lines. Inconvenient floor plans. Proprietary parts. Appliances built into non serviceable positions. Rapid thermal expansion and contraction means doors only work properly for a few hours a day. Rivets holding everything together, which get loose over time.

The only good ones are the ones that have been completely gutted and rebuilt with proper construction.

I'm not sure what I dislike more, Airstreams, Bolers, or tent trailers.

I actually agree with that, under the skin its just junk strung together, looks like it was wired and plumbed by some Amish kids.

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NUTTSGT

Super Moderator

Staff member

Oct 12, 2014

#26

Airstream or whatever, the thought of having your small workshop is a great idea, until somebody steals the whole dang thing.

I

ishiboo

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#27

1cargarage said:
The rug really ties the room together.

And he peed on it.

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ez-duzit

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#28

Towed a 1958 18' single axle Airstream all up and down the west coast, from Baja to British Columbia. Very well made, nearly ideal for 1 or 2 persons travelling and camping out. Easy to pull with a 1/2-ton PU. Now I have a 1967 24' dual axle Silver Streak.

These loaf-of-bread-shaped trailers would not be my first choice for a portable shop. A better choice would be one of the toy haulers. Most have better shop access. And bigger interiors, for their length.

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Lassen Forge

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#29

ticci said:
If you need a bit more off-roadability this is the answer:

http://www.leningradautomobile.com/cat_cars_item.php?id=340&p=4&cid=6

Here it seems that those are all over countryside nowdays, defence forces has been selling those out for about 10 years.

That would make one heck of a shop truck! That control panel makes me think thats a 3ø genset... tho the labeling is probably descriptive of the sounds the panel would make if I tried to hook something up.

Yeah, I could see me in that thing!

Last edited: Oct 12, 2014

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mhoss44

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#30

I Jumped in an air show one time, that the Blue Angels performed at as well. We got to talkin with some of the Marine NCO Mechanics, they showed us their workshop which was inside a C130. Pretty cool. I knew whatever workshop I ever owned could not approach that, but what could ? I think an Airstream trailer is a great idea, much like some cabinet makers use trailers for traveling shops.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

H

Holzarbeiter

Well-known member

Oct 12, 2014

#31

RVDan said:
Why the obsession with air streams. Plastic and aluminum riveted together all over the interior. Copper water lines. Inconvenient floor plans. Proprietary parts. Appliances built into non serviceable positions. Rapid thermal expansion and contraction means doors only work properly for a few hours a day. Rivets holding everything together, which get loose over time.

The only good ones are the ones that have been completely gutted and rebuilt with proper construction.

I'm not sure what I dislike more, Airstreams, Bolers, or tent trailers.

I have to totally disagree with this.
I owned a 78 Excella, Airstream calls it a 30' but in reality its closer to a 27-28 footer. Airstream uses the measurements from tip of the tongue to the bumper, while most of the industry only measures the actual body.
I bought the unit in 2002 and used it regularly until 2010 when I sold it. Compared to what else was out there in 78 short of an Avon these are nice units.
-Dual torsion axles with shocks
-Disk brakes on both axles
-Wired for coaxial cable
-Insulated glass
-Insulated floor with belly pan
-power roof vents (3)
-option for central vacuum
-option for generator
-full control panel for batteries, holding tanks
-wall mounted thermostat for heat and ac
-dual 30 pound propane bottles
-Vista view windows (hated by some loved by others)

My unit was well used, still had the original fridge,stove, heater and ac that still worked when I sold it, the ac would cool that camper down to the point one could hang meat in there in 100 degree weather.
Now I did do a bunch of upgrades and repairs during my time of ownership;
-replaced the inverter
-tore out the carpet and laid pine flooring
-conerted the old vacuum/hydrolic disk brakes to electric/hydrolic
-did the clamshell repair in the rear bedroom
-replaced the water pump

then again most campers are at the end of their live after 25 years of use and this unit still had the original zip-dee canvas awning.

They tow like a dream and hold their value, I sold mine for double of what I paid for it and after checking prices I sold mine below market value.

9

95riosnake

Well-known member

Oct 13, 2014

#32

Not only does this workspace have heaps of character, from the reclaimed wood flooring to the actual trailer itself, but I'm extremely jealous of the collection of cabinets. I've recently become somewhat addicted to old card files, addressographs, parts cabinets, etc and this guy has several nice examples. I'd love to have this space to tinker with things in, whether it was in a trailer, garage, basement, or what have you.

Great job to the builder, I love the tenacity and creative thinking he used to keep his business going despite facing the loss of his old workspace. I'd like to see the lathe make its way in but I realize the door opening is prohibitive, and depending on what size lathe is in question, it may be too heavy for the floor.

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MillerMav

Well-known member

Oct 13, 2014

#33

Very cool. As a musician, having a space to play and screw around without bothering anyone is worth its weight in gold.

Q

qdvuu

Well-known member

Oct 13, 2014

#34

ez-duzit said:
These loaf-of-bread-shaped trailers would not be my first choice for a portable shop. A better choice would be one of the toy haulers. Most have better shop access. And bigger interiors, for their length.

This trailer-as-workshop is a pretty interesting idea that I hadn't really considered before.

How does the factory-installed insulation compare for the Airstream compare to the toy haulers? I know one could always retrofit insulation, but how do they typically come stock? I"m under the impression that the toy haulers have little or no insulation.

One thing I like about the toy haulers is the large access door. Are there any Airstreams (or similar) with a huge rear-end door?

P

PugetDude

ALLIANCE MEMBER

Oct 13, 2014

#35

I owned a 2007 27' FB Safari Special Edition.
For a year. :sad:

It was a POS.

Leaked like a sieve due to a latent design defect (Airstream assembled it without any caulking at the rear body/floor connection , then riveted a bellyband molding over the void...) Had to replace a big chunk of the subfloor. Don't expect any warranty relief, Airstream blames their customers for the problem; they expect you to rip out the molding insert, drill out 27 rivets, and remove the bellyband to verify they skipped this step, then seal it up and replace the rotted floor yourself. (or pay a dealer $5K to do it...) Anyone seriously thinking about buying one of these overpriced lemons should read this thread in it's entirety first:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f396/rotten-floor-due-to-water-leak-56099.html

I lost $10K on mine due to the floor leak and dealer consignment costs. to get rid of it...

Besides the shoddy design, poor workmanship, and lack of customer service, we found:

A/C running full blast wouldn't get it below 90 degrees if the sun was shining. It's like being inside of a foil-wrapped baked potato.

Interior walls were cold in the winter. Insulation is very poor, no thermal breaks on the riveted connections.

Interior was cramped, poorly laid out. I had to stand in the hallway to bend over and brush my teeth at the lavatory sink. Could barely close the bathroom door when using the toilet.

Exterior storage almost non-existent. That's why you see lawn furniture, bbq grills, bikes, etc lashed on the rear of these things like something out of the Beverly Hillbillies.

Exorbitantly expensive, but still have manual jacks and awnings.

Rivets popping out and rolling around on the floor are "normal" Removing interior cabinetry and furniture to replace them is "to be expected"

Actual resale prices are about 10K over KBB; most banks won't loan enough money for most people to qualify- have to re-sell through an Airstream Dealer, aka loan shark.

Most Airstream owners are in denial about the company and the product. Attend a rally-It's a cult-like following where they drink Kool-Aid spiked with aluminum, suffering the quality and service issues in stoned silence.

It did tow nicely.

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ez-duzit

Well-known member

Oct 13, 2014

#36

PugetDude said:
I owned a 2007...
Interior was cramped, poorly laid out...
Exterior storage almost non-existent...
Exorbitantly expensive, but still have manual jacks and awnings...
most banks won't loan enough money for most people to qualify...

Then why did you buy it?

D

denis4x4

Well-known member

Oct 14, 2014

#37

PugetDude speaks the truth! We bought a 25' Safari special edition and had many of the same problems. As to why buy it; we got caught up in the AS cult based on the fact that there were lots of 'Streams still on the road that were built in the fifties and sixties. Didn't stop to think that these old Air Streams were frame off restorations. And, lot's of people equate quality with price.