23FB replace Queen with Single Twin

[mbdawson]

Dreaming of the day of becoming an Airstreamer... Does anyone know if it is possible that Airstream will customize the 23FB by replacing the queen bed with a single twin? I know that there is a 25 with dual twin beds, but I don't believe I would be comfortable towing more than the 23 plus, I don't want to get a different tow vehicle. This layout gives more room for 2 fifty pound dogs that they are not underfoot and in the way when moving about the trailer.

[Drathaar]

Airstream Adventures NW has a subsidiary that does significant modifications on new trailers. You might talk with them.

[JamuJoe]

Good concept. The FC23FB bed support is a simple structure. A competent woodworker or cabinetmaker could do that modification, probably less expensively than Airstream could (doubtful if they even would). You could incorporate a nice arrangement of slide out drawers in the base. There is a storage compartment on the starboard (curb) side that would need a box enclosure - it might function as a small table between your dog beds. Keep it lightweight and pay attention to weight distribution as you do the design.

Safe Travels,
JAMU Joe

[mbdawson]

Thank you for the feedback. And Joe, yup I'll have to keep in mind the weight distribution! And I also found on the forum that somebody else did a dual twin in the 23FB.

[silverwheels]

Great idea. Seems tight, but it can probably be done by an experienced restoration guy. There is a mobile mechanic in Ramona, CA RV Mobile Service 2U | Mobile RV Service & Restoration Serving Southern California who does great restoration work. He has worked on several business' in the area installing airstreams in the buildings and doing custom work such as incorporating an airstream shell as the face of a restaurant kitchen. Cant remember the restaurant name but its in oceanside, CA.

I would consult with him. Its going to be less expensive to use a knowledgeable restorative service than requesting Airstream to custom build.

Best of Luck,
Reiko

[riowerks]

We are in the process of refurbishing a newly acquired '64 Overlander. Our plan is to replace the double with two twins that are raised so that there's space underneath each for a good size dog bed. Our dogs like sleeping in "cubbies". You might consider putting a desk surface over the dog beds so that the space has a dual purpose.

Crista

[BoldAdventure]

Airstream probably won't do it, but from measurements, you should have enough pieces of the queen to disassemble and put it against the wall. We did a conversion similar to this.

[pebbrb05]

We had 23fb. Took bed and frame out. Put two lazy boys smallest recliners side by side. Wife likes to sleep in recliner. If you use one recliners would be plenty of room for dogs. If you use two may have room behind and under reclined chair.
Only problem I had was viewing tv while reclined. Angle was too steep to get full color on screen. Good luck.

[Rokitman]

mbd,
You may have to consider switching sides. I have a 2012 FC23FB. Where you show the dog beds is a lot of major wiring, as well as the hot water heater. Right now it's all under the queen at the head. Where you show your twin is open floor space. Other than that, it looks like a very handy layout.

[KJRitchie]

Might be better to make a twin conversion for future resale. You can take off one of the mattresses and put the dogs beds on the frame plus you'd have extra storage underneath.

Kelvin

[KWN306]

I have a 2015 23FB and the H/W heater is under the wardrobe w/ drawers.

There is a light in the right side outside storage, but I believe there is no other wiring because my wife has 50% of all the stuff from our 36' 5th wheel under the bed.

I believe this modification could be done without any issues.

[xrvr]

Can't think of a better conversion for a solo traveler! Do it.

[3wd67rg]

My Kelpie was seriously overfed by my boyfriend's mother this summer and is currently 65lbs instead of the usual 53lbs. He sleeps UNDER our fullsize bed on a mat in a very tiny space, (pic to follow), and LOVES IT. I'm guessing it feels like a den to him, safe, warm, and comfortable. As far as staying out from under my feet, that's impossible for his breed. Kelpies are herders. He considers it his job to stay at my side as long as I live. So he is either standing, sitting, laying, or walking right next to me. I have to tell him to go lay down in order to get anything done without tripping over him. He won't stay there long. *sigh* He really is a well behaved dog, it's breed specific. At least I trained heel nipping out of him thank goodness.

You might consider an open space under your bed for your doggies. They can sleep curled up together and feel safe and warm. You will also get to keep some storage space as we have, and you will have better resale value with a queen or double bed than with a single twin. Just a thought anyway.

I seriously turned up the light on this photo so you could see the space under the bed where my dog Turbo loves to sleep, that's not Turbs down there now, it's a towel on the floor I think.

[3wd67rg]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Might be better to make a twin conversion for future resale. You can take off one of the mattresses and put the dogs beds on the frame plus you'd have extra storage underneath.

Kelvin

This also makes sense. Two twins will have more resale value, possibly more resale than a queen.