My wife and I are looking for a new TT (we have a 24' SPLASH) and yesterday saw (for the first time) the AIRSTREAM -- we really liked the Classic 30' Our concern is the relatively low Highway Control rating in the RV Consumer Group's "Green Book." Safety and handling are a major concern for my wife, and for that reason the low numbers on the A/S are cause for concern, yet the salesman insisted that A/S tow better than most travel trailers. Any experience/comments regarding the newer A/S?
Thanks, Eric. I would expect folks to be a tad bit biased about their A/S -- seems almost like a "cult" Then again, aren't we ALL inclined towards bias on the things we love?
For a tow vehicle we have a Yukon XL with the big engine and towing package--my wife shows horses and often pulls her horse trailer--so I'm confident as far as towing power goes.
We are also looking at a 30 foot Classic. We think it fits our needs perfectly.
Also, we used to be members of the RV Consumer Group. While they do raise some valid issues that should always be considered, they tend to be a bit "goofy" when it comes to some of their ratings.
The Airstream has always held a fine reputation for ease of towing. I have talked to many owners who say they "tow like a dream".
For safety, we are also going with the Hensley Arrow hitch. We'll be towing with a Ford Excursion (Diesel).
Where did you see the Airstream ... Toscanos or Sky River?
Not sure what the rating in the RV Consumer Group is all about. And my experience is based on renting a 3 year old 19' box brand "X" versus my 37 year old 26' Overlander. They pull about the same in my opinion. And I too am biased!
So here is a story: A man bought a 34' Motorhome. And on the first trip out he was on a highway. He set the cruise control for speed, walked back and got a cup of coffee. The motorhome crashed! He sued and won a million dollar judgement cause the motorhome manufacure did not tell him he could not do that. Now there is a section in the owners manual warning against that type of action.
So my point is take some responsibility and buy what you like! Be prudent in your preperation of anything and everything. (Does not just apply to RVing) And then take responsibility for the out come and enjoy.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
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1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
So here is a story: A man bought a 34' Motorhome. And on the first trip out he was on a highway. He set the cruise control for speed, walked back and got a cup of coffee. The motorhome crashed! He sued and won a million dollar judgement cause the motorhome manufacure did not tell him he could not do that. Now there is a section in the owners manual warning against that type of action.
So whether the story is true or not, the point I want to make is if one spends thousands of dollars on a SUV (or anything) that has thousands of parts, the safe operation and handling is the responsibility of the owner. Not your brother-in-law, the vehicle salesman, RV Consumer Group, or anyone else for that matter.
Look at things that you want. Check it out personally. And operate within it's intented design. If I had a 30' Classic, I would have you over. For that matter, you are welcome to check out my 37 year old Overlander. If you want to pull it with your truck to see how it tows.
Ask the dealership for referals of others that have bought a 30' Classic. If you are serious, put a deposit on one and make the sale contingent on a long test drive, under your conditions. And in the end safety is your responsibility.
>>>>>>>>>>>>Action
PS. As an ex-employee of an auto manufacture, there are many things put into owners (operation) manuals because of law suits. So the people that actually read the manual usually have to sift through 25% of the cautions and warnings to get to the how do I operate it properly.
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
Where did you see the Airstream ... Toscanos or Sky River?
Sky River. We went there to look at a Companion (by Kit) and then were on our way to Fresno to look at a Splash (by National RV--we have a 24' Splash now). We saw the Safari with slide-out and were impressed, then we saw the Classic 30 and were in love! Spent over an hour looking at it and getting a feel for the quality and design. Never did make it to Fresno...
The dry heat is not an urban legend. It is in the high 80's to low 90's for this month and we should hit triple didgets by next month.
Ave annual rain fall is .1" for May and June. This year we have had rainfall that is in excess of last years total. This is a blessing since we are in a 4 year old drought.
Humidity is in the lower 30% bracket and will go to the teens soon. Less than 10% relative humidity is not unheard of in May and June. Which makes evaporitive cooling work so well. I like it better than A/C at this time of year.
>>>>>>>Action
__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
We have a 2001 widebody 30' Classic and have towed it over 16,000 in the past two years. We tow with a 1500 GMC yukon xl and a hensley hitch. I wouldn't be without the hitch. If you purchase the hensley be sure to get the Jordan brake controller. Just changed the rear end to a 4:10 and should have purchased the vehicle that way. The trailer's great a couple of minor issues needed repair. If you purchase one, be sure to fasten the pocket doors before you tow. Also make sure all the windows are closed a latched. That way you can learn from another's stupid mistake$.
If you follow my adice above, you can save yourself a lot of money in trial and error and mistakes.
Good luck in your decisions.
__________________
-Life is a journey, not a destination.
Aerosmith
SteveB2, I can only speak for myself. I have towed a lot of different kind of trailers - utility, box, boat, flatbed, and so forth, and nothing has ever towed as smoothly as my 25' Sovereign. I too have wondered about the RV Consumer Group's rating on the Airstream and a couple of other brands that seems out of line with the experience of people I know.
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Then again, aren't we ALL inclined towards bias on the things we love?
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