AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT

[69bbc]

Looking at going back to a motorhome and found a well maintained, low mileage 395XL. Original owner has kept it in great condition. My questions are from many google searches on these rv's that were in limited production until 2006, how easy / hard it will be to get coach parts .
Cat engine parts not an issue, so any land yacht owners out there got some real world experience to share. Thx  Larry

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Depends on what you mean by "coach parts". Body panels, interior cabinetry, and similar unique parts: Forget It!    If it's not something used in current production, the manufacturer won't stock it once the supply is gone. Sometimes they will make a piece of furniture or a front cap for an older unit if business is slow, but even that is "iffy".

Appliances and such are industry standard components from 3rd party suppliers and are usually available if still in production at the supplier factory.

 

[69bbc]

Thanks Gary, should have been more clear. Thinking about suspension, steering, electrical, brakes . Those kind of application specific for a 2001 unit for the motorhome. We agree with your statement about appliance and industry standard bits not being an issue.  Thanks  Larry

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The Airstream Land Yachts used the Freightliner XC chassis and those in turn used standard components. e.g. axles, engines. trannies, brake systems, etc. Freightliner Custom Chassis supports all their chassis via a 24/7/365 hotline, Factory Service Center in Gafney, SC. and Freightliner Oasis (motorhome) service network.

https://www.fcccrv.com/parts-and-service/factory-service-center/

Find chassis specs in the Airstream section here:
https://www.fcccrv.com/coaches/

 

[jackiemac]

Hi Larry, our friends have an airstream and he recently sent me this info which you may find useful...

The airforums is probably the most extensive source of renovation, but be fore warned its has a large percentage of bs and know it alls.  It takes a while to determine the level of accuracy of some people.  I have a thread there, but its far from complete.  I didn't post like some people do of every thing they did.  I've list a couple of threads I followed when we were planning.

Airforums: 
http://www.airforums.com/forums/

If you go to the Forums tab close to the top you can either drill down by trailer model or by technical section (plumbing, electrical, etc.)

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f97/our-1957-58-overlander-172124.html

Renovations:  http://www.airforums.com/forums/f492/found-wally-byams-55-cruiser-1956-european-caravan-trailer-162191.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/super-sized-sixty-sovereign-84829.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f186/little-girl-refurb-1972-a-50967.html

Hopefully you can get some help there as well as here....

Moderator fixed broken link

 

[69bbc]

Thanks Jackie and Gary. Lot of good reading ahead, with all the snow and cold here time well spent.  Larry

 

[ELeland]

69bbc - I own the little brother of the 396xl which is in my signature.  I am very satisfied with the quality of the chassis and house.  Like Gary said, the chassis is Freightliner XC and can be serviced by many facilities around the country.  The house components are standard as well and parts are available by the respective manufacturers.  I need to say in my 1+ years of ownership I've had very few issues with the MH. 

There doesn't appear to be much that I have found that is proprietary to Airstream.  Airstream may be stamped or printed on some of the components, but they usually have exact replacements by the original manufacturers. I have all the original manuals that came with my MH and have also found those and much more online.  I even found complete assembly and component parts manuals for the complete unit including body panels, windows, decals, cabinets, cabinet hardware, you name it, all with AS part numbers.

I have to agree with jackiemac about Airforums, many know it all's and not too many real solutions.  That site is geared more for folks with their high priced trailers, grey poupon and poodles.  As far as real solutions, I've found that this site is the most knowledgeable, friendliest and the BEST one out there.

If the floor plan works for you and the MH is in good condition, I wouldn't shy away from it.

Ed

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Not a lot unique about the Airstream motorhome - basically just another fairly standard conglomerate of RV house components on a Freightliner diesel chassis. Unlike the Airstream trailers, not a stand-out product, which is probably why it wasn't a popular choice and faded away after a few years.  This comment isn't intended to be negative - just means that parts are no more a problem than any other 15 year old RV.

 

[wimpy]

Thinking about suspension, steering, electrical, brakes . Those kind of application specific for a 2001 unit for the motorhome.

  You'll find more info here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f313/  "search this forum" for 2001.  Most of the BS seems to be confined to the trailer area, IMHO.

 

[moisheh]

The OP should be aware that these units are Airstream in name only. Just another run of the mill MH.

 

[roberysmit]

Hi! I was looking for information about a joint vacation on a yacht in Miami and found myself on this forum lol.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

We only do "land yachts" here. LOL!

 

[roberysmit]

Hi! I was looking for information about a joint vacation on a yacht in Miami and found myself on this forum lol. I'm here on vacation and I want to rent a yacht from miami boat rentals and go to the open ocean for a couple of days. There are people here who want to come with me. I need an experienced sailor because I have little experience and I would like to be confident in my companions during this trip. Maybe there is someone here who can help me or is ready to go on a trip with me in a week?

 

[Rene T]

In the web site it days a Captain comes with all yachts.