Airstream Terraport, Airstream Factory, Jackson Center, Ohio - Third Visit

We always have mixed emotions when we camp at the Terraport next to Airstream's factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. We love seeing other Airstream owners and taking the factory tour. We also depend on the high level of competence and professionalism of the technicians in the service area. I don't think you can find a better place for service on your Airstream trailer.

The Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio

The scary part is getting the bill for your repairs. This isn't to imply that Airstream charges more for their services than other places, just that we tend to save up our needed repairs and end up bringing a longer list of things to Jackson Center.

This is where them build them!

This trip was different. We didn't need any repairs on Rosie, our 25 foot Airstream trailer. Instead, I was asked to help the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, the Airstream Owners Association, with the creation of the digital version of their monthly magazine. Translation: We would not end up with a repair bill at the end of our visit. Yes, this was going to be a great visit.

I serve on the WBCCI's Electronic Communication Committee and my role on the ECC is to help answer questions about the software used to create their Blue Beret Magazine. Their questions centered around moving the print production files into a digital product for computers, smartphones and tablets. Having taught an undergraduate class in digital publications at a university, I was able to be helpful and felt they had a handle on that process when I left.

Rosie parked in Airstream's Terraport

Sunset over the Airstream factory

Sunset is always great at Jackson Center

One of our neighbors in Airstream's Terraport suggested that we try a little restaurant next to the factory for breakfast. We did and enjoyed it. We noticed that our server also bussed the tables, cooked the orders then ran the cash register as we were leaving. We decided that she earned a bigger tip for smoothly running the entire restaurant by herself.

Something was different this time from our previous visits. We noticed that Wally Byam's golden Airstream along with several other early models were no longer parked in front of the service center building. (Wally Byam was Airstream 's founder and designer.) The staff said they needed more room for parking and Wally's trailer was demoted to the back lot.

Wally's Airstream trailer demoted to the back lot

We always learn about our trailers from the other campers staying in the Terraport. One was having the same problem with his tire pressure monitoring system that we were experiencing. His solution was something I think will be helpful to us.

We were able to share a couple of tips we learned from other Airstreamers during an earlier visit to Jackson Center. It felt good to contribute to that conversation.

Here are some specifics about this campground:

• There are four camping loops in the Terraport. Each is named after an Airstream model.
• There are eight back-in sites in each loop.
• Each site is paved.
• The sites have 20, 30 and 50 amp electrical connections.
• Each site has water and sewer connections. Our sewer connection was slightly uphill behind Rosie. It took every extension we had to reach the sewer. It was a challenge to confuse gravity by lifting segments of the sewer hose when we dumped Rosie's tanks.
• There is a dump station at this park. The trailer parked next to us had to use it since they didn't have a sewer hose long enough to use the connection at their campsite.
• AT&T placed a weak voice and data signal over our site. Campers with other cell providers said their service was also weak to nonexistent.
• I think we have learned where to park in order to use the Wi-Fi provided for the service customers. While it isn't the fastest connection to the Internet, it was adequate for our needs.
• We were able to receive TV signals from ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC and PBS. We saw digital signals from Antenna, Bounce, Comet, GET-TV, GRIT, ME-TV, MY-TV and one station that aired Ohio high school football games all day and night.

We always enjoy our visits to Jackson Center. We had to adjust to the temperatures. Highs were in the mid-90s and lows were in the mid-70s when we left Alabama. Less than 48 hours later, the high temperature was 76 and the low was 53. It was time to get the warmer clothes out!

Becky and Suzy, our Yorkie puppy, in the waiting room at Airstream's factory

Steve and Suzy out for a walk

Sunset

Snow shovel? That is something you don't see in Alabama!