Harry --

| The big problem with the new trailers, and I would think that it would apply
| to both the Safari and the Excella is related to the exterior finish. The
| clear coat on mine is simply falling off. I think Airstream will refinish at
| least the bad areas this spring but I have some concern about whether the new
| finish will last any better. I have several friends with the same or similar
| problems. Very frustrating to spend the money to buy a new Airstream and then
| watch the finish flake off. I'll probably have to learn to like the resulting
| corroded look.

What you describe sounds pretty bad. I bought a '98 Excella last summer. Did not get to use it much until winter hit us. When you say falling off, how and where did it start on the body? And what exactly does it look like? Inch size flakes? Smaller, bigger? I am just trying to determine what to look for.

Did you ever use any products on the surface, such as for cleaning it and reconditioning it. And/or like taking it through a truck wash? I have washed mine twice. Once before reading the wonderful tips in this file. At that time I used a regular car wash product (not very strong mix). The second time I used one of those detergents proposed here (Dove?). I also used some Simply Green on the white top to get some big stains off (coupled with lots of rinsing). And I then also went and Walbernized the outside.

If you look very close on my trailer it has small stains on it. I am not an expert, like Jim Weston, but I would guess that they were caused by some acid rain on a hot day. It does not appear to come off when I wash it or go away when I polish it. I am not sure what to expect, though. Had it been on a new car, I would have returned it to the dealer. I am still under factory warranty. Jim: any ideas?

Thanks for any insight from both of you,

Per