Off Topic - RV External Finish and Fabric Protection

Wandering Sagebrush

Wandering Sagebrush

Free Range Human
Well, maybe off topic. This might apply to boats as well as RVs...

We just bit the bullet and bought a new Airstream Flying Cloud to replace our older Safari. One of the dealer offered options was to have the exterior sealed with a product called Trident, plus stain repelent on the interior fabrics. Does anyone have experience with the product? is it worth it. The dealer is asking $2000 for a 25' trailer. I haven't committed, but if it really reduces waxing needs, I might.

Steve
 
Steve,

As with new cars, the after the sale paint & upholstery treatments are usually called "additional profit". I would research the product. Usually it is available for less online or you'll find it is not as effective as claimed.

Having been in the new car business for 35 years, I'm skeptical of any add-ons offered by dealers. Cars, boats, trailers, motorhomes, they're all the same breed of cat.

My $ 0.02 worth. Congrats on the new rig though. :thup
 
Congrats on the new Airstream (an American classic). My inclination would be to save your money. Here's a note on an Airstream blog regarding wax and a few other maintenance items:

http://airstreamhowtos.blogspot.com/

Modern fabrics used in most RVs have already been treated with a stain guard; not sure if there is any value in adding more.

If you don't like to wax that pretty exterior (and I see that Airstream recommends doing so twice a year, kinda like our boats), you could pay someone a LOT of times to wax that for $2k.

A side note: a podcast I enjoy listening to now and then is the Vintage Airstream Podcast. As the title suggests, they tend to lean towards the older units, but I always pick up a gem or two. Find them on iTunes.

Have fun with your new RV!

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Jim, Roger: Thanks for the feedback. I had posted on the Airstream forums, and got basically the same information. There are a couple of products that they referenced there that are owner applied, and seem reasonable in both price and application. I am going to go that direction.

Jim, are you coming West this year???? I am thinking again about Owyhee Reservoir in SE Oregon...

Steve
 
Jim, Roger: Thanks for the feedback. I had posted on the Airstream forums, and got basically the same information. There are a couple of products that they referenced there that are owner applied, and seem reasonable in both price and application. I am going to go that direction.

Jim, are you coming West this year???? I am thinking again about Owyhee Reservoir in SE Oregon...

Steve
 
Wandering Sagebrush":2kyi5zy0 said:
Jim, Roger: Thanks for the feedback. I had posted on the Airstream forums, and got basically the same information. There are a couple of products that they referenced there that are owner applied, and seem reasonable in both price and application. I am going to go that direction.

Jim, are you coming West this year???? I am thinking again about Owyhee Reservoir in SE Oregon...

Steve
Click to expand...

Hi Steve,

Our plan is to head to the PNW this summer. We have to make a stop in South Dakota along the way, so not sure of the routing or timing, yet.

The marina manager at the Tetons has an Airstream (27'). When he said something about needing more room, I mentioned how spacious our 5th wheel is. His response: "The only thing I'd consider is a bigger Airstream." Brand loyalty. :wink: Finding the "just right" conveyance is the key. :D

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Jim,

Airstreams are a lot like CDorys and Montgomery Sailboats. The cult mystique is huge, and they are practical as all get out... We went with another 25 footer, but this one is a front bedroom, and you can walk around the queen size bed. Our old one is a 'six sleeper' with a corner bed and the head at the back of the trailer. A good unit, but the sleeping arrangement proved not good for a person my size.

Hope to see you in the summer!

Steve
 
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