shasta15
New Member
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Currently Offline
|
Post by shasta15 on Aug 28, 2014 7:12:03 GMT -8
What was appealing enough to me was the idea of getting a new trailer for the value of my old Airstream, and something with more character than the typical fiberglas sided box. The fact that it is about half the weight of my 19' Airstream will make towing easier, as well. I don't expect delivery until the spring, but I can't wait to show up at some vintage rallies to share it with everyone.
|
|
dwells
Member
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
'72 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by dwells on Aug 28, 2014 8:19:17 GMT -8
I have to agree with Vikx's last statement. And congrats on the new toy Shasta15! I recently poked around in a brand new tiny Airstream (12' maybe?) and had some serious camper envy. The new Shasta will have so much more character though.
|
|
mobiltec
5K Member
I make mistakes so you don't have to...
Posts: 9,824
Likes: 3,750
1954 Jewel In Progress...
Currently Offline
|
Post by mobiltec on Aug 28, 2014 8:49:38 GMT -8
I have to agree with Vikx's last statement. And congrats on the new toy Shasta15! I recently poked around in a brand new tiny Airstream (12' maybe?) and had some serious camper envy. The new Shasta will have so much more character though. And so much more room. Those "tube" trailers lose a lot of usable room because of the curves. And they make me feel closed in.
|
|
shasta15
New Member
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Currently Offline
|
Post by shasta15 on Aug 28, 2014 8:53:24 GMT -8
The new Airstreams are nice with the modern interiors, which are so much better than just a few years ago (like mine). They are heavier than you think, though. My 19 is 3500 dry. They do pull nicely, but have their own issues. Water intrusion becomes an issue, with resultant floor rot. Keeping all those seams sealed is required regular maintenance. I've learned alot from owning it, but look forward to a change. The thing that won't change is standing out in a crowd!
|
|
dwells
Member
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
'72 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by dwells on Aug 28, 2014 11:09:17 GMT -8
Water intrusion becomes an issue, with resultant floor rot. Keeping all those seams sealed is required regular maintenance. I've learned alot from owning it, but look forward to a change. The thing that won't change is standing out in a crowd! This is what I love about this forum, constantly learning useful info. I never realized Airstreams had leak issues. Now I can stop admiring them and move on with my life. They are pretty to look at though.
|
|
shasta15
New Member
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Currently Offline
|
Post by shasta15 on Aug 28, 2014 17:22:31 GMT -8
A question - how is an awning attached to a Shasta? I'm used to a pull-out Zip Dee, but it looks like a Shasta awning is more free standing. Does it mount to the trailer body, or is it attached just when wanted?
|
|
dwells
Member
Posts: 36
Likes: 7
'72 Shasta Compact
Currently Offline
|
Post by dwells on Aug 29, 2014 5:02:21 GMT -8
www.vintagetrailersupply.com/8_Awning_Rail_p/vts-876.htmHere's how the old ones attach. I can't imagine much would change but I could be wrong. The awning has a little plastic or metal rod that the material is wrapped around and it slides into the channel. Once it's in there it's in there. Trying to pull one off a '72 now and it doesn't want to budge.
|
|
wingscs
New Member
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
Currently Offline
|
Post by wingscs on Aug 29, 2014 13:42:24 GMT -8
Regarding the awning, I saw that Mark Lucas, President/General Manager of Shasta addressed this issue in the comments of an article about the new trailer at retrorenovation.com. In reply to somebody noticing the prototype had no awning rail and wondering if one would be included he wrote:
Just thought I would throw that out there. Congrats shasta15 on your soon to be new trailer! I've got a deposit down on a 16' in Seafoam Green. As soon as I get delivery I will be sure to post pictures to Vintage Trailer Talk. I especially look forward to getting some side by side photos of the new one next to my '63 16 SCS. I'll have two 16 foot Shasta trailers with showers, only 52 years difference in age!
|
|
|
Post by universalexports on Aug 29, 2014 15:40:01 GMT -8
does the Shasta 19 have air conditioning? I didnt see any place for it, honestly that one did make me perk my ears up.
|
|
shasta15
New Member
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Currently Offline
|
Post by shasta15 on Aug 29, 2014 19:18:12 GMT -8
Yes, both lengths have a hidden a/c unit - instead of putting it up on the roof, they've put in a cabinet on the floor with a wooden front enclosure. Until someone tests it, there is no knowing how well it will work. Hiding it was a nice touch.
|
|
shasta15
New Member
Posts: 21
Likes: 3
Currently Offline
|
Post by shasta15 on Oct 3, 2015 14:16:19 GMT -8
Well, I should have done this a while ago, but I'm here to report that my 19' Shasta Retro came in back in April. We drove up to see it, looked it over, and asked for our deposit back. The build quality was not acceptable - everything looked like it was done quickly and cheaply. I'd love to see an original, to compare. The 16' version looked better, if only because it was proportional. It felt right, and maybe worth making some allowances if it was big enough for us. For someone starting out, the retro may be fine, but we felt that we'd end up rebuilding much of it to make it acceptable to us. That's energy we can put into our existing Airstream, if needed, and we have made that into pretty much want we want already. So, we're sitting pat.
|
|
turbodaddy
1K Member
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 462
17' 1965 Fan "Sunseeker"
Currently Offline
|
Post by turbodaddy on Oct 3, 2015 16:11:27 GMT -8
Very interesting outcome. Based on the posts I've read here regarding the "new" old, I think you made a wise (even if difficult) decision. I really like the concept of new-retro, but it should be done with quality materials and workmanship.
|
|
|
Post by vintagebruce on Oct 3, 2015 17:21:52 GMT -8
HRRMMMPH!
|
|
nccamper
Administrator
Posts: 7,745
Likes: 2,872
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
|
Post by nccamper on Oct 3, 2015 18:08:39 GMT -8
When we were coming back from Maine with a 59 Airflyte and passed a dealership with row after row of lookalike white boxes on wheels . In the corner spot, in full view of the road, they had one 61 reproduction. We stopped and asked to see it but they sheepishly had an excuse for not letting us in. But they had plenty of white boxes open!
So my theory is it's just eye candy to get drive by customers to look at the Boxes.
|
|
|
Post by vikx on Oct 3, 2015 20:24:23 GMT -8
Thanks for posting Shasta15.
Since you posted about your order, we haven't heard much good, if anything on the new Shastas. We think Coachmen should have taken advice from us in stead of "winging" it... Any of us know the edge trim/J rail is supposed to be at the edge. Sigh.
There was a pink 19 at our Lynden rally. It was very rippled with flaws. The owner didn't stay for the entire rally for some reason. And No, we never said a bad word. The Airflytes could have been so, so cool.
|
|