Charlie's Fourth Law

[charliem]

Charlie's Fourth Law: If you turn off the outside WH electric switch when winterizing, a good idea, you must remember to turn it back on in Spring, a really good idea. Otherwise the WH no workee and extreme irritation sets in, followed by extended self butt kicking.
While we're at it I saw a very depressing sight at a campground this week:  A Thor badge on a new AirStream.

[DavidM]

While we're at it I saw a very depressing sight at a campground this week:  A Thor badge on a new AirStream.

That was depressing. How long has Thor owned Airstream?  Can't be too long until they f$@& them up as well.

David

[charliem]

As I recall, Thor was specifically formed to acquire Airstream years ago. AS was a very early part of the Thor problem. When I heard about that pairing and Livinlite my thought was maybe Scott Tuttle would lend some of his aluminum magic to Airstream. Alas it was not to be. AS still has a wood floor, which is the first to go and hardest to replace part of today's ASs. I don't have a good calibration on Thor's impact on AS. There are user group stories all over the map. I'm sure Thor has "maximized production efficiency" by taking quality out, but they've gone easier on AS then on LL. 
 
On another front, I'm reading that Roadtrek, a casualty of the Thor/Erwin Hymer Group shenanigans, may be in acquisition by another European RV outfit. That would be a good thing for the class B market.

[DavidM]

I suppose Thor made a decision to dumb down the Living Lites to boost their profits, but left the high priced Air Stream mostly alone to protect their brand. Wished they would have done the same with LL. They might still be around today.

FWIW if a cheap trailer brand costs X, LLs used to cost 1.5X and Airstreams 3-4X. I guess 0.5X wasn't enough to build them the way Scott Tuttle did. It took 2-3X for Thor to make enough money to do it even partially right.

David

[Merlin]

@charliem , seeing your post reminded me I know your avatar (a.k.a. TV) is a 2-8-2 K36 engine from the D&RGW. I've been meaning to mention I recently found out a historic railroad just an hour from my house has a operational 2-8-2 K27 steamer from the D&RGW. Not as much tractive force as yours, but still a fine TV.   

[dlb53151]

From AS owners and others in the know like rv repair guys who I have talked to, Thor has really dropped the quality in the name of profits in the last 5 years.  Like, buy a pre 2015 AS if you really want one.  And of course, for those who are blessed with the money tree, check out the Bowlus Road Chief lineup.  Overpriced and weird-looking but impeccable quality and amenities not to mention very lightweight. 


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