Re: [A/S] A/S QC

["Harvey Barlow" <harveybarlow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mark,

I agree with Hunter's comments regarding current A/S quality control.  I
have toured the A/S factory on several occasions, asked lots of questions
which were all answered, crawled in and out of trailers being assembled and
observed and spoke with factory workers, took lots of photos, etc.  In my
opinion, the quality is excellent.  Many don't realize, an Airstream is a
hand-crafted product.  There is no assembly line in the sense that trailers
are moving along a conveyor belt and parts are being slapped on before the
trailer passes.  In fact, the trailers are moved by hand, only as steps are
completed.  It is a slow process.  Nothing is fabricated or assembled by
machine.

The actual construction process of today's trailers is nearly indentical to
that of the '60s except, as Hunter described, the light-weight spartan
concept has been replaced by plush and heavier.  The only differences in
design and assembly seem to result from lessons learned and many flaws that
were present in the '60s and '70s, have been improved upon.

The new Safari line strives to return to the spartan style of earlier eras.
Safari trailers use the same frame, suspension, skin, etc. as the more
expensive Classics but save money on features.  I like the spartan concept
but find that I have become spoiled by many of the features of the Classics.
Your money, your choice.

My recommendation:  Buy an Airstream

Harvey