Aviator History

[Blackhat6mike]

This is my serial #. Please tell me we don't have a problem!

[ToyBoy]

Hi,

Well I thought it was 1919 but I'm probably wrong. I haven't owned it for 3 years. Maybe it was 1929 but again not sure.

I still have the original SD card with the Aviator logo on it that contains all the manuals if anyone is interested.


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[KenHwy61]

Originally Posted by ToyBoy

Has anyone ever seen this unit lately?


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I keep an eye out for yours. Unique paint job so easy to spot and I reposted a great picture of it. But with Aviators being so rare I have yet to see another one anywhere!

[saltsman]

As I was looking around in Google Image Search I realized that serial number 1906 wasn't the first Aviator made. If you look at the version taken to RV shows back in late 2011 and early 2012, it is slightly different from the versions we have. The prototype version was also used on the early sales brochure.







The easiest way is to tell the prototype is from the different font windows on the sides. Ours are rectangular and these are larger, almost trapezoidal, and cover with glass where our LED reading lights are located. This version also has a ying-yang-like design in the dining table.

In contrast, 1906 was built like normal. FunTime Cleburne still has the listing for 1906 online and you can see the regular window (Rodney bought that one and took it to Utah).



So, the question is... were's the prototype? If it still exists, that would make 71 (plus the white mutts). The prototype would be the rarest of the rare. Someone needs to check Kevin McArt's house :-)

[KenHwy61]

I had notice those cool windows on the show model and I believe you are correct about it being a prototype model as it lines up better with the dates. Mine was built in Feb of 2012 as the third unit produced but by then this show model was already appearing at RV shows. I was confused by this timeline but I think you have cleared up that mystery. Good question as to where the prototype ended up. Might just be at Kevin's house. Another thing I have noticed is mine has three latches on the hood rather than two like the prototype and most other units I've seen. Also at some point the baggage door latches went from a round style seen on early units to a rectangular latch. Maybe somebody from Forest River will chime in with the details.

[ToyBoy]

The prototype unit was never sold. The windows were changed because of the difficulty of having blinds roll up and down in the windows. The prototype had fixed blinds for show. Also many things were changed from the prototype trying to reduce costs. Ultimately the cost to build the unit was what killed the product line. If anybody knew where the prototype ended up it would be Bryan Moran.


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[KenHwy61]

Thanks for the info ToyBoy. You have a lot of unique Aviator knowledge. It would be great if we could get some production photos from Brian. It would be nice to see one being built. I tried to contact Susan a few times but never got any response.

[Blackhat6mike]

Mine is #1919 and has three latches on the hood, rectangular latches on the equipment storage doors, rectangular side dinette windows and the same interior fabric as the photos. The only difference is I removed the front window curtains and replaced them with top and bottom tracked curtains that match the rest of the decor.

[cjearle2]

Originally Posted by saltsman

As I was looking around in Google Image Search I realized that serial number 1906 wasn't the first Aviator made. If you look at the version taken to RV shows back in late 2011 and early 2012, it is slightly different from the versions we have. The prototype version was also used on the early sales brochure.







The easiest way is to tell the prototype is from the different font windows on the sides. Ours are rectangular and these are larger, almost trapezoidal, and cover with glass where our LED reading lights are located. This version also has a ying-yang-like design in the dining table.

In contrast, 1906 was built like normal. FunTime Cleburne still has the listing for 1906 online and you can see the regular window (Rodney bought that one and took it to Utah).



So, the question is... were's the prototype? If it still exists, that would make 71 (plus the white mutts). The prototype would be the rarest of the rare. Someone needs to check Kevin McArt's house :-)

71 made! White Mutts do not count...... Mine is 1912! was told 1907 was the starting number.

[cjearle2]

Originally Posted by Blackhat6mike

Mine is #1919 and has three latches on the hood, rectangular latches on the equipment storage doors, rectangular side dinette windows and the same interior fabric as the photos. The only difference is I removed the front window curtains and replaced them with top and bottom tracked curtains that match the rest of the decor.

We need to replace our curtains. Been looking for ways to do it!

[asquared]

Has anyone checked to see if the rv hall of foresight have it or know anything g about the prototype? I've gotta say, when the aviator came out I thought it looked pretty cool but the price was too steep for me. I would love to see inside one if I ever bump into any of you guys out camping or at a rally. Actually, it would be pretty coolif you could get all 71 units together for an aviator rally.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by asquared

Has anyone checked to see if the rv hall of foresight have it or know anything g about the prototype? I've gotta say, when the aviator came out I thought it looked pretty cool but the price was too steep for me. I would love to see inside one if I ever bump into any of you guys out camping or at a rally. Actually, it would be pretty coolif you could get all 71 units together for an aviator rally.

There were 1 or 2 at the Goshen Rally the year you were there! They were showing us the Insides! Youroo!!

[asquared]

I missed them I was also much more shy back then.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by asquared

I missed them I was also much more shy back then.

You SHY give me a break....

[aceinspp]

Had two at Bamaganza side by side cool looking campers. I for got to get a tour Had nice long talk with owners. I'm hopping they will be at the Peach rally May get your chance there Ally Later RJD

[Rookiewood]

Interesting ! I saw one Aviator ( I think a Wright Flyer) for the first time in Mistletoe state park around August 20 this year. I thought it was a new model, if I only knew....

[Blackhat6mike]

Originally Posted by Rookiewood

Interesting ! I saw one Aviator ( I think a Wright Flyer) for the first time in Mistletoe state park around August 20 this year. I thought it was a new model, if I only knew....

That was our Aviator in Mistletoe State Park in August. We go there two or three times a year. Just got back from GA Veterans Memorial Pk. two weeks ago. We do love Lake Blackshear and there are many sites right on the water's edge.
Just replaced my third Carefree awning motor. China just doesn't build them like they used to (BS).
We spent a week at Bald Mountain RV Resort to run from Wilma and STILL got bashed around. We figured since we were down in an area surrounded by mountains, we would be safe. Went without electricity from the park for two full days and nights. Thank you solar! Never lost our supply of juice. Great investment.

[Rookiewood]

That was when I had a Fuzion toy hauler by Keystone. Since then we got a Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite. Next time I will stop and chat with you. We love Mistletoe. As a matter fact my profile picture was taking during that trip.

[wicked1]

Why did FR give up on them? Seems like such a nice unit, but I assume maybe they were overpriced to compete with Airstreams?

[KenHwy61]

Originally Posted by saltsman

As I was looking around in Google Image Search I realized that serial number 1906 wasn't the first Aviator made. If you look at the version taken to RV shows back in late 2011 and early 2012, it is slightly different from the versions we have. The prototype version was also used on the early sales brochure.





The easiest way is to tell the prototype is from the different font windows on the sides. Ours are rectangular and these are larger, almost trapezoidal, and cover with glass where our LED reading lights are located. This version also has a ying-yang-like design in the dining table.

In contrast, 1906 was built like normal. FunTime Cleburne still has the listing for 1906 online and you can see the regular window (Rodney bought that one and took it to Utah).


So, the question is... were's the prototype? If it still exists, that would make 71 (plus the white mutts). The prototype would be the rarest of the rare. Someone needs to check Kevin McArt's house :-)

On RV trader, there is a rare Wright-Flyer prototype seen at the RV shows for sale in Florida with the serial number of 1903. It makes me think there is more than one prototype as the first known production serial number was 1906. Besides the trapezoidal side windows, this unit has is a bathroom window which I have never seen on any other Aviators.