The 23D thread

[pampaul2]

Here’s one of the table, we have a recliner in it’s place right now.

[Alces2]

Pampaul2, that is a very cool table! Was wondering what an Idaho version would look like inside!

Dbdreams, the rig and Carole are looking good!

Lia

[dbdreams]

Thanks Alces2, Carole always looks great!
Between the folding counter top extension, folding shelf at the end of the lounge, pantry mod and sink cover I THINK we are good for workspace in the kitchen area! Had a good time in lost Maples last week, another 23 that was there hit a state park each month and that sounds like a pretty good plan.
We are buying a house in Brenham, selling Fayetteville and will have to make some changes to the new place so short 3 day trips to state parks may be it for a while. There is a Vintage Airstream rally north of Tyler the first of May I would like to attend for a few days.

[Snerf]

Wow, 220 pages to read through. Perhaps I can ask a very specific question first, and maybe someone can direct me to the page(s) if it's already been answered.

First, some background: my wife & I currently have a 22' Lazy Daze multi-plan (MP). The floor plan is very close to the 23' D, except the back bed contracts to form a lounge. Just like the front dinette section in the 23' D, it can then be retracted to form the bed (ie back support cushion fills the gap). If someone feels like they're getting pinched in tight quarters, the over cab area serves as a secondary sleeping area. (Again, similar to the 23' D where someone can move to the dinette couch/bed.)

We've had this rig now for 7 years, and have taken it everywhere, including some very tight spots typically used only for tents. (With ranger/host permission). Note that a 22' class C is 22' - that is, there's no TV to park somewhere.

Due to the classic reasons why many switch to a TT from a MH - expense of keeping up a specialized engine/chassis (454/4L80E), aging technology, lack of use creating vehicle service & maintenance issues, etc - we're now seriously looking to make a move to an AS. (Note my join date was 1.5 years ago with -0- posts - this is my first.)

We're used to making the 22' LD work, and it's worth it to us to keep that kind of flexibility. We also want to be able to *no stress* tow with a generic F150 XLT. We don't want to test the limits with a 25' or be forced to really dial in weight, get a specially configured F150 heavy duty payload package (HDPP), or even move up to a F250. (The LD is a 1 ton HD G30 - been there, done that.)

So, that's the core rationale behind considering the 23' D. What could really seal the deal is if someone has or knows someone who has done the rear bed <--> lounge modification described above. Even better would be to utilize the same exact type of memory foam as the dinette, including the ultraleather fabric.

I've attached a corner shot of our LD. The lounge <-> bed is in the rear corner where the two glass panels meet.

[GMFL]

Snerf,
Welcome! My parents have a 30’ anniversary edition LD. Great built units. I love the LD story.
We also love our highly modified 23D. Not sure converting the Bed area into a lounge is possible. (Water heater, and rear outside storage and plumbing is under it.). The front lounge area converts to a bed as you know. Maybe explain more of your needs and I might be able to offer more help.
Thanks and again welcome.

[Snerf]

Thanks for the quick follow up. Yes, the LD is a labor of love. It and AS seem to be the two RVs that have the highest cult following and greatest brand recognition among experienced travelers.

A LD guru acquaintance of mine moved to an AS* two years ago after 10+ years in a 26.5 MB. I've been mulling the issue and doing the trade off analysis since. The killer with any MH are the vehicle service, maintenance and repair expenses. So, you have to weigh those costs vs the convenience & ease of use/setup of a MH. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself are regular (1-2x year) multi-thousand $ dollar service & repair bills worth it? After a certain tolerance threshold is reached, the entire dynamics and rationale of a TT really begin to make a lot of sense.

OK, back to my original inquiry: the idea is to create the same end-to-end visual/sense of space the twin beds in the 25, 26 & 27 provide. When Patrick @ Colonial pointed that out in his YT series as a primary reason people are embracing the twin configuration, I immediately "got it". That's because it's the exact same trick LD uses with the rear push in/pull out couch/bed to create greater physical *and* visual space in tight quarters.

If I could create a narrow corridor - even just 12" wide between the edge of the couch and the shower wall, it would create the same end-to-end effect. It seems like it could be done from a physical aspect, because the twin beds in the 25, 26 & 27 are 34", whereas the bed in the in 23 D is 48". I know the 23 is 5.5" narrower than the 25+, so it should be possible, all things being equal.

As you mentioned, there are infrastructure elements under the bed, yet wouldn't that be generally true for the 25+ as well? That is, they seem to have the same construction lay-out in the rear corner.

If it was possible to push the bed in & convert it to a lounge/couch similar to the dinette - including same foam/upholstery - IMO it would provide a very clean, neat ship-shape look.

*27' FB - he's already off to the races with 16" LT wheels, 2.88" lift, 600w solar, 320 lithium ah, A+P mods, and an F250 Lariat to haul it around.

[Boog]

Originally Posted by Snerf

What could really seal the deal is if someone has or knows someone who has done the rear bed <--> lounge modification described above. Even better would be to utilize the same exact type of memory foam as the dinette, including the ultraleather fabric.

Here's one of my favorite looks in an Airstream trailer. It's a 19 footer by David Winick,and the rear layout should work for the 23D.




Scroll through all the pictures here: https://vintagetrailering.com/75th-anniversary-bambi/

[Boog]

OK, three more pictures!

[Snerf]

Boom! There it is - I knew the mod had to exist. It's such an obvious way to increase both physical and visual space. A very old trick on boats - and some RVs. That is a really beautiful rig BTW.

We're going by the dealer (again) today to crawl around the 23CB and 25FB. I'm going to look underneath the 23' and see what's what. Creating this push back couch/pull out bed is the make or break for us.

If I can't pull it off, then we'll go with the 25FB twin. Might as well let a factory standard build achieve the same desired effect.

[Fair_Enough]

That is a beautiful trailer. Not sure if anything could improve upon it, but wonder if the way the sofa pulls out could be more like this. Certainly better constructed than this.



http://www.doityourselfrv.com/diy-rv...bed-madmumsie/


Clint

[GMFL]

The look Boog pointed out wound not be a very hard thing to do. Basically it looks like the only space lost/gained (depends on how you look at it) is the under bed storage. This mod still has the end “boxed” which allows the plumbing and electrical to pass through. Matching ultra leather cushions could be made and it would look very pleasing.

Wolfs recommendation for the slide would work nice.

[talewis13]

I am sure this has been talked about before. We are new to this forum and new Airstream owners. We just took ownership of a 2018 23CB Bunk Flying Cloud.

We reside in NC and it has been raining for a week straight, so I went out to check on the rig and see if I had any leaks. Well, I found 2 the first one is in the door and the second is the emergency window.

The door has water coming out from middle seam in the inner door and running down from there. The EW has a drip the is coming down the screen and onto the back wall. Any suggestions would really be appreciated since I want to keep her in tip-top shape.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by talewis13

I am sure this has been talked about before. We are new to this forum and new Airstream owners. We just took ownership of a 2018 23CB Bunk Flying Cloud.

We reside in NC and it has been raining for a week straight, so I went out to check on the rig and see if I had any leaks. Well, I found 2 the first one is in the door and the second is the emergency window.

The door has water coming out from middle seam in the inner door and running down from there. The EW has a drip the is coming down the screen and onto the back wall. Any suggestions would really be appreciated since I want to keep her in tip-top shape.

Here’s a pretty good start. “Most” leaks around windows are either where the glass meets the aluminum frame or where the window frame meets the aluminum shell. Both of your leaks should like windows. Here’s a link to my blog post on this problem.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...nt-right-2995/

[subfan1]

Originally Posted by talewis13

I am sure this has been talked about before. We are new to this forum and new Airstream owners. We just took ownership of a 2018 23CB Bunk Flying Cloud.



We reside in NC and it has been raining for a week straight, so I went out to check on the rig and see if I had any leaks. Well, I found 2 the first one is in the door and the second is the emergency window.



The door has water coming out from middle seam in the inner door and running down from there. The EW has a drip the is coming down the screen and onto the back wall. Any suggestions would really be appreciated since I want to keep her in tip-top shape.

Hi our door also is leaking from the seam on our 2019. I noticed that the door upper right hand side is not curved properly and the rubber insulation does not press up against the frame thus allowing water to penetrate the opened seam on the top edge of the door. I’ll take it in for this soon.

[Fair_Enough]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Here’s a pretty good start. “Most” leaks around windows are either where the glass meets the aluminum frame or where the window frame meets the aluminum shell. Both of your leaks should like windows. Here’s a link to my blog post on this problem.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/blog...nt-right-2995/

I've ordered and received the product and today is the day to apply it. I don't have a leak, but figured it can't hurt. Thank you for making this known to the group. The only leak I have had was around the stainless steel upgrade range exhaust vent. It was screwed on without using any kind of sealant. I probably over did it with gray sikaflex, but no more leak.
Clint

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Wolfwhistle

I've ordered and received the product and today is the day to apply it. I don't have a leak, but figured it can't hurt. Thank you for making this known to the group. The only leak I have had was around the stainless steel upgrade range exhaust vent. It was screwed on without using any kind of sealant. I probably over did it with gray sikaflex, but no more leak.
Clint

Clint,
The stuff “Captain Trolly’s”, works great! Super easy to work with, just apply a small amount every few minutes and it will wick it’s way down into the tightest of cracks.
I recommend doing this project when the surface is in the shade and cool, reason being is “I” think the colder surface contracts and opens up the seal gaps as big as they are going to be which allows more sealant to enter.
Keep applying every 20-30 min until the joint stops taking it.
Good luck and enjoy. Working on my Airstream provides me with tons of satisfaction.
Safe travels,
Ronnie

[GettinAway]

Just ordered some. Thanks. I think I’ll get up on the roof and try to work some of this into any small cracks I can find. So far just one leak, and it was coming from one of the rear lights up on top. Used some silicone calk to stop it.
You guys thing this Captain Trollies would work at the rear where the shell comes down to the rear bumper? That gap looks big enough to accept several bottles.

[switz]

Time continues it's relentless pace into the future and Pamela and I are along for the ride. For me, the passage of time has seemed glacial, but last Thursday the pins were taken out of my foot and I was allowed to use a walking boot instead of a cast. The PA said he could see the bones regenerating, but my untrained eye thought the gaps looked the same. A trace of sanity dictates really no changes in my behavior in terms of putting stress on the foot for an undisclosed amount of time or at least until 12 March when I go back to the doctor's office. I was also able to purchase a "driving" shoe but am not sure about that yet.

Pamela had her Vertigo issue fixed by a head maneuver at Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix and sleeping elevated at 45 degrees for two nights. The aphasia, memory slowness and gaps, dizziness and short attention spans are persisting and she is going to both speech and occupational therapy weekly now. She and I are happy to be alive and we are hopeful she makes progress with her issues like I have, but we are realistic enough to recognize it could be 12 to 18 months before this could be a reality.

Our 23D has a major electrical problem and I tried to trouble shoot inside with the cast on. That did not work so well, so will try again in a few weeks. Our rally attendance may be slim to none this year depending on our health improvements. But we miss the commaraderie of 4CU friends and hope to be back in the swing of things towards the end of the year.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by switz

<snip But we miss the commaraderie of 4CU friends and hope to be back in the swing of things towards the end of the year.

Lou,

Thank you for your thoughtful - and to us 'outsiders' - encouraging update. What happened to you two is heartbreaking... One never expects this kind of misfortune to happen to their friends; even friends we haven't met. Your wife's improvement seems especially wonderful. Her vertigo alone was enough for a thousand horrors every day. I pray her relief is permanent, and only improves from here.

Rob

[Hittenstiehl]

Switz your fellow 4CUers missed you at LoLo Mai and our thoughts and prayers for your recovery are with you. Life changes in a moment.