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Old 05-05-2017, 08:38 AM   #1
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The 23FB forum

I started because no one else would
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Old 05-05-2017, 08:44 AM   #2
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Your bed is not our bed😂
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Old 05-05-2017, 08:53 AM   #3
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Honey, I'm home!
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Old 05-05-2017, 09:09 AM   #4
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ok; I'm in. thanks for starting. what should we talk about?
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Old 05-05-2017, 09:18 AM   #5
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Love our 2017 flying Cloud FB
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Old 05-05-2017, 09:37 AM   #6
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Good luck with the new thread! When we were looking for an Airstream, the 23FB was high on the list, but the FC20 won out for its great corner galley and smaller size.

A great unit nonetheless.

Happy Trails.

Peter
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:11 AM   #7
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My FC 23FB is being delivered next week. I am sure I will have questions/comments then.
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Old 05-05-2017, 11:23 AM   #8
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2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs , Colorado
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After two-years of ownership and use, following are my Likes and Dislikes/upgrades of our 23FB:
LIKES

· Narrower profile for towing
· Short queen bed open on three sides
· 39 gallon fresh water tank
· Decent storage
· Large bathroom
· Really like the overall size for ease of towing and parking

DISLIKES/UPGRADES

· Low ground clearance; have Dexter lift kit to install
· 14” wheels and tires; replaced with 15” Sendal wheels and Michelin tires and Centramatic wheel balancers
· Replaced wheel bearings with Timken bearings
· Dinette not all that comfortable; do not have a solution thought out yet other than replace the table top with a smaller one to allow more room between the seat rest and the table edge
· Refrigerator cooling fan was noisy; replaced with two computer fans
· Noisy charger/converter; replaced with 3-stage Progressive Dynamics
· Replaced 12-volt batteries with two (2) six-volt Lifeline AGMs-had to raise the box lid
· Replaced cheap coat hooks at entry with Umbra coat hooks
· Replaced shower head with Oxygenic with control valve-great upgrade!
· Did not like the lighting over the table; replaced with IMTRA marine dimmable lights
· Replaced steel LP tanks with aluminum to reduce tongue weight
· Installed LED back-up lights switched to the gate valve light
· Installed wireless back-up camera
· Complete installation of Wilson cell booster and antenna
· Want to replace the steel steps with Lippert double aluminum steps

While it may seem that there was a lot to do, I would do most of these regardless of the model. The 23FB was the right platform for us to work with. Most of the above upgrades were also done on our 2007 19’ Bambi as well, which we still have but should probably sell at some point.
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Old 05-05-2017, 12:48 PM   #9
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2017 23' International
Danville , Pennsylvania
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steamy1 View Post
After two-years of ownership and use, following are my Likes and Dislikes/upgrades of our 23FB:
LIKES

· Narrower profile for towing
· Short queen bed open on three sides
· 39 gallon fresh water tank
· Decent storage
· Large bathroom
· Really like the overall size for ease of towing and parking

DISLIKES/UPGRADES

· Low ground clearance; have Dexter lift kit to install
· 14” wheels and tires; replaced with 15” Sendal wheels and Michelin tires and Centramatic wheel balancers
· Replaced wheel bearings with Timken bearings
· Dinette not all that comfortable; do not have a solution thought out yet other than replace the table top with a smaller one to allow more room between the seat rest and the table edge
· Refrigerator cooling fan was noisy; replaced with two computer fans
· Noisy charger/converter; replaced with 3-stage Progressive Dynamics
· Replaced 12-volt batteries with two (2) six-volt Lifeline AGMs-had to raise the box lid
· Replaced cheap coat hooks at entry with Umbra coat hooks
· Replaced shower head with Oxygenic with control valve-great upgrade!
· Did not like the lighting over the table; replaced with IMTRA marine dimmable lights
· Replaced steel LP tanks with aluminum to reduce tongue weight
· Installed LED back-up lights switched to the gate valve light
· Installed wireless back-up camera
· Complete installation of Wilson cell booster and antenna
· Want to replace the steel steps with Lippert double aluminum steps

While it may seem that there was a lot to do, I would do most of these regardless of the model. The 23FB was the right platform for us to work with. Most of the above upgrades were also done on our 2007 19’ Bambi as well, which we still have but should probably sell at some point.
We've only had our International Signature 23FB since November and only out once. Gearing up for a busy summer though. Our 2017 model upgraded from previous models to 15" wheels, the aluminum step, and possibly a few other items. I'm sure in 2 years we'll also have a list of likes/dislikes, but for now it's great.

I do really like the ducted air and the large bath. I agree that the dinette leaves something to be desired and appreciate the longer sitting space in the 25 and above, but I also appreciate the short size for ease of hauling & navigating. I think we'll appreciate the 23' length even more at Yellowstone later this summer. Size is a trade-off, but for now 23 is just right for us. We plan to spend most of our time outside anyway.

I'll be checking in regularly to see what others think and what mods you all come up with.
Frank
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Old 05-05-2017, 01:20 PM   #10
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Park City , Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GMFL View Post
I started because no one else would
Great Timing! Two days ago I posted on the 23D thread about maybe adding 23FB to it but the preferences there was to keep them separate.

I started out with a 19 FC in October 2015, sold it May 2016. Regretted it. Started looking again for a 19 again, but when a 23 FB popped up at a no-brainer price, I had to do it--which I did in Oct '16. Drove 1700 miles to get it.

My Likes:

-Way more storage...2 bedroom drawers, plus two overhead cabinets, plus two closets, plus a ton of storage under the pop-up bed.
-60x75 Queen is nice, esp should I be fortunate enough to have someone join me in it
-Larger bathroom
-2 axles, for some peace of mind in case of a blowout
-increased fresh water capacity of 39 gallons vs 23 in the 19---biggy.

Don't love:

-'Island' dinette. I prefer side or front dinettes that butt up against the wall/window. This allows a place to keep things out when on location, such as odds and ends, fruit bowl, wine bottles, whatever--without being in the way. With the island dinette, it's awkward to keep anything on the table. Also it's a tight squeeze with the bench cushion along the wall especially being not very deep. Being able to spin or push the table top does help. Keep in mind that pre-2014, the dinette table was against the window, bench seating on either side, more like a standard dinette...BUT...the wheel well interferes with the floor space for the two seating spots next to the wall. In 2014 they changed to the island u-dinette with the wall-side bench portion over the wheel well.

-On the Flying Cloud, there is a rectangular double sink, whereas the Signature and Serenity have a single round sink. I would prefer a single sink and more counter space, two sinks is a waste. Not sure what they were thinking. I just keep the sink closest to the stove covered with the insert and use it as countertop.

-Minor, but I don't like having to open the overhead cabinet on the FC to get to the radio.

-lack of anywhere to sit other than on the bed or squeezed into the dinette. For camping it's no big deal but I might be full-timing for a period of time and will miss not having a sofa like on the 23D.

Pretty short list of dislikes, really. Overall, a really nice blend of storage, floor space and function, with a very manageable tow length.

My upgrades/purchases:

1. PD4655 Converter/Charger with remote pendant to observe charge status. Seems to be working perfectly.
2. Micro-Air Easy Start for the roof AC. Allows AC to run from my Honda 2000i generator, and also when plugged into a 15-20 amp outlet when at home, or moochdocking in someone's driveway (like I am right now in Carlsbad, California) without blowing the house breaker. This thing is a game-changer.
3. Smartplug shore power inlet receptacle and female end of shore power cord. After looking into it, it seemed to be a worthy upgrade.
4. A couple of towel bars that slip over the top of cabinet doors, including the kitchen upper cabinets on the flying cloud. Handy for dish towels, etc.
5. Aluminum paper towel holder on wall adjacent to slide-out pantry.
6. Bedding: I use a standard full/queen padded matter cover and a full/queen fitted sheet, they fit fairly tightly. Then a full/queen duvet and cover, eliminating the top sheet. One less complication. It's working out great. Planning on adding a foam topper.
7. Truck Systems Technology TST 507 TPMS system, the external version. Not yet installed as I need to get metal valve stems first.
8. Set of Magma nested marine cookware. Great Stuff.

Down the road I'm looking to add a 3" lift kit, 15 inch wheels/tires.

Looking foward to a lot of 23FB-specific helpfulness here.
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Old 05-05-2017, 01:39 PM   #11
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McMinnville , Oregon
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Great to see this forum. We purchased our 2010 Flying Cloud FB in December. I'll be checking in often.
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:28 PM   #12
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2017 23' Flying Cloud
Eagle , Colorado
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pcskier View Post
Great Timing! Two days ago I posted on the 23D thread about maybe adding 23FB to it but the preferences there was to keep them separate.

I started out with a 19 FC in October 2015, sold it May 2016. Regretted it. Started looking again for a 19 again, but when a 23 FB popped up at a no-brainer price, I had to do it--which I did in Oct '16. Drove 1700 miles to get it.

My Likes:

-Way more storage...2 bedroom drawers, plus two overhead cabinets, plus two closets, plus a ton of storage under the pop-up bed.
-60x75 Queen is nice, esp should I be fortunate enough to have someone join me in it
-Larger bathroom
-2 axles, for some peace of mind in case of a blowout
-increased fresh water capacity of 39 gallons vs 23 in the 19---biggy.

Don't love:

-'Island' dinette. I prefer side or front dinettes that butt up against the wall/window. This allows a place to keep things out when on location, such as odds and ends, fruit bowl, wine bottles, whatever--without being in the way. With the island dinette, it's awkward to keep anything on the table. Also it's a tight squeeze with the bench cushion along the wall especially being not very deep. Being able to spin or push the table top does help. Keep in mind that pre-2014, the dinette table was against the window, bench seating on either side, more like a standard dinette...BUT...the wheel well interferes with the floor space for the two seating spots next to the wall. In 2014 they changed to the island u-dinette with the wall-side bench portion over the wheel well.

-On the Flying Cloud, there is a rectangular double sink, whereas the Signature and Serenity have a single round sink. I would prefer a single sink and more counter space, two sinks is a waste. Not sure what they were thinking. I just keep the sink closest to the stove covered with the insert and use it as countertop.

-Minor, but I don't like having to open the overhead cabinet on the FC to get to the radio.

-lack of anywhere to sit other than on the bed or squeezed into the dinette. For camping it's no big deal but I might be full-timing for a period of time and will miss not having a sofa like on the 23D.

Pretty short list of dislikes, really. Overall, a really nice blend of storage, floor space and function, with a very manageable tow length.

My upgrades/purchases:

1. PD4655 Converter/Charger with remote pendant to observe charge status. Seems to be working perfectly.
2. Micro-Air Easy Start for the roof AC. Allows AC to run from my Honda 2000i generator, and also when plugged into a 15-20 amp outlet when at home, or moochdocking in someone's driveway (like I am right now in Carlsbad, California) without blowing the house breaker. This thing is a game-changer.
3. Smartplug shore power inlet receptacle and female end of shore power cord. After looking into it, it seemed to be a worthy upgrade.
4. A couple of towel bars that slip over the top of cabinet doors, including the kitchen upper cabinets on the flying cloud. Handy for dish towels, etc.
5. Aluminum paper towel holder on wall adjacent to slide-out pantry.
6. Bedding: I use a standard full/queen padded matter cover and a full/queen fitted sheet, they fit fairly tightly. Then a full/queen duvet and cover, eliminating the top sheet. One less complication. It's working out great. Planning on adding a foam topper.
7. Truck Systems Technology TST 507 TPMS system, the external version. Not yet installed as I need to get metal valve stems first.
8. Set of Magma nested marine cookware. Great Stuff.

Down the road I'm looking to add a 3" lift kit, 15 inch wheels/tires.

Looking foward to a lot of 23FB-specific helpfulness here.


Great post PC. Got to agree on your dislikes. Really like the upgrades, will be working on some of those ideas myself. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Old 05-06-2017, 08:42 AM   #13
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Wildwood , Missouri
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We've had our 23FB since 2012. So far it's been the perfect trailer for us, but we don't spend months at a time in it. Just one week vacations. We have the old style dinette that doesn't wrap around. Not sure why they made that change. 99% of the time it's just the two of us. We just have the two bench seats. I'm not sure what I would change. I'm a shade over 6'5", so the queen bed was a big plus for us when we moved up from the Bambi with the corner bed. We put a 2" memory foam topper on it that hangs over a bit, and seems long enough for me.
I swapped out the inverter after I ruined a second set of batteries hooked up to power. The new one is much more quiet..
15" Sendel wheels are in the garage. I'm going with the Goodyear Endurance tires. I hope to do the lift before I head to Alaska (retirement in 2.5 years).
Quiet fan for the fridge, and have a quiet water pump, but haven't used it. My wife hates noise at night, so we turn off the water pump at bedtime anyway. Along with the hot water heater.
Bought the micro air for the AC, but haven't done the install yet. I have the impression it isn't as hard as the converter/inverter was. (Except getting on the roof!) Besides being able to run it with a single Honda 2000, the fact that it takes the noise out of the start up will be worth it. Did I mention my wife doesn't like noises at night?
We pull with a Tundra, maybe a bit of overkill but it's very easy, and we needed a truck for the farm.
Had a big trip planned for this summer in the Black Hills, but the Lovely Wife needs hip replacement, and the next opening for her surgery was mid July, that looks like the Black Hills trip is out.. I'm not sure if we will use the 23FB for anything other than a place to stay at the farm. Getting old isn't for lightweights.
Thanks for starting this thread. Hopefully we will keep it going.
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Old 05-06-2017, 09:44 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15 View Post
. . . the 23FB was high on the list . . .
Clarification to Post #6 -- the floor plan posted was for the 23FB under discussion here, not for a different FC20. Sorry for the ambiguity.

Have a good weekend.

Peter
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Old 05-06-2017, 10:27 AM   #15
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2019 27' Globetrotter
Salem , Oregon
Join Date: Nov 2015
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I will add my two cents.

Up grades

Dexter lift Kit
Michelin 15: tires with Sendell wheels
Victron Mattery monitorBMV 702
PD 4655 converter up grade
wireless back up camera
Easy start from (micro Air)

I also have the magma marine cookware which is great.

Don't have any other items in mind at the present.

Fbastian mentioned replacing tanks for aluminum to reduce weight. Don't see the advantage here as there is very little tongue weight on this model.

Happy camping all. Dave
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Old 05-06-2017, 11:45 AM   #16
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Walnut Creek , California
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Flying cloud

Good things

Double sink
Double closets
Narrow frontal area

Bad things

Low ground clearance
Low ground clearance

Upgrades

Install the 15 inch wheels - Even AS corporate corrected the mistake
Progressive multistage converter - A mistake that AS does not correct?
Full size Queen mattress - requires a short frame extension & new lifts.

Potential changes .......

We really like the dinette. it works for a lot of things we regularly do in the coach. However we do not use it for a bed. It might be more functional if it was a pair of comfortable captain's chairs that swiveled. However, we use the storage under the existing dinette, the space between the seats and the seat next to the window. So a conversion just may never be implemented. New cushion foam like the firm ones in the new coaches is guaranteed to be the near term fix.

Storage solutions - everything we find that improves the organization of stuff is an ongoing consideration. We find work around approaches, but few real solutions. Betting this thread should flesh out some new concepts.

Wireless camera - we have one installed freestanding and will add a Voyager integrated installation at some point in time. Do not leave home without one.

Rear window cover - we want privacy for the bath area and will likely add a film or panel to cover the window.

Looking forward to your ideas. Pat
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Old 05-06-2017, 12:27 PM   #17
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2014 23' Flying Cloud
Park City , Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
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Bathroom Storage

One thing I really dislike on the FB as compared to the corner bed/bath models is the lack of bathroom storage. The 23D and other corner baths have the sink outside the bathroom with TWO medicine cabinets above, the standard kind above the sink, and then another mirrored unit above that with a door that swings up. Both are very secure and have railings to hold everything in. With my 19 FC, I could load all the toiletries in these cabinets and have easy access to them.

With the 23 FB, there is under sink storage, and the little storage area next to the toilet with the sliding doors. Anything in either place needs to be in a storage container of some sort to keep everything secure. There is nowhere to 'unload' and set up toiletries securely and 'out of the way', and I dislike having stuff spread all over the countertop.

Anybody come up with a way to add some secure storage? I though about adding a medicine cabinet on the wall next to the toilet that backs up to the pantry. Just need to be careful because the vent stack is in that wall a well as wiring for the micro pulse and water heater controls.

I'm not a fan of getting suction cup types of shelves to stick on the walls. I'd like to find a solution that puts the stuff out of sight but held securely.
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Old 05-06-2017, 12:58 PM   #18
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Wildwood , Missouri
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We are able to get everything under the sink, and in the little slider area next to the toilet. I saw another post about an IKEA medicine cabinet that might go on the wall where the mirror is now, over the sink. Opening the door would provide the same mirror, but no angle adjustment.
I do wish we had a little exhaust fan in the bathroom. Usually pretty fogged up in there after a couple of hot showers. I guess I could use the fantastic fan right outside the door.. Have to open the bathroom window to do any good though.
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:09 PM   #19
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liked your upgrades and changes.
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Old 05-06-2017, 07:30 PM   #20
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Eagle , Colorado
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Attachment 284916Attachment 284917we rarely use the dinette for dining, more for chilling out. Most of our eating happens outside on the picnic table.
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