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lacotasue · 03-09-2017, 07:20 PM

Hello,
Need help.... New to this forum. My wife and I presently own a 40 Motorhome which we enjoy spending extended stays in Florida during the cold northern months. We live in Wisconsin and have taken our motorhome south late Oct and returned mid April. Living in the 40' is wonderful in Florida but find that we miss that quick get away back home. This has led us to considering selling the 40' and downsizing. I have always said that if I were to downsize, an Airsteam was the only unit I would consider. This leads me to the question. I love the idea of a 30' Classic, but am considering a 28' International because of the mobility in tighter areas. Can anyone tell me, Is there a considerable between the mobility of a 30' Airstream vs a 28' Unit. As I said, downsizing from a 40' motorhome to a Airstream, is substitial. We would not be using the Airstream for extended Florida Stays. Thank you for any suggestions regarding this.
Thanks
Joe

Rich Jenkins · 03-09-2017, 07:33 PM

I had both a 27' and 30' Flying Cloud, both 2016 models. I'd say there is no discernible difference between them as far as towing, backing up, or fitting into "tight" spaces goes.

Sure, my 27' was "3 feet" shorter, but it ends up being about the same experience.

I'd get the one with the features, equipment and layout you want.

switz · 03-09-2017, 08:37 PM

We traded a 2013 25FB International Serenity in on a 2014 31' Classic and never looked back. We had considered the 2014 27FB Classic, but it had the exact same dimensions and layout in the dinette area we disliked in the 25FB.

We acquired a 2012 Ram 2500HD Cummins to tow the 25FB and it it more than adequate to tow the 31' Classic. The Classic scales about 9,200 pounds camping ready with about 1,200 pounds of tongue weight. The total rig usually scales around 19,200 bounds going down the road.

PKI · 03-09-2017, 11:10 PM

The 30 ft Classic is a beauty. Also look at the Land Yacht, it's a 28 but a different layout and the interior is somewhat more in the flavor of the International. You will either love it or hate it.

Down sizing is challenging for many. Best to spend some time at a well stocked dealer. Sit in several and plan on how you would use a specific coach. You may find a smaller coach to your liking and the Flying Cloud overhead doors are a feature you may find preferable to use.

Again, that Classic is quite nice and may be hard to ignore in the final analysis.

Good luck in your search. Pat

Naper · 03-10-2017, 05:39 AM

We have recently traded ups from a 27 to a 30' Classic. There is little or no difference in towing, there is however a huge difference in interior space. The 30 is much better. More living area and much more storage.

dkottum · 03-10-2017, 08:39 AM

Length of the trailer has less to do with maneuverability than length of the tow vehicle wheelbase and it's turning diameter. Small trailers will fit in smaller spaces of course, but a couple of feet length difference is negligible.

Long term living interior space and comfort does matter, and the configuration and type of furniture makes all the difference. As switz mentioned above, the seating of many Airstreams is not comfortable to use. Instead of changing Airstreams, we changed the seating and have been quite comfortable in our sixth winter season in the Southwest U.S. with this Airstream.

That will change somewhat as well. We have enjoyed our friends, community life, and the winter lifestyle of the large RV resorts a great deal so recently purchased an inexpensive park model home. Now we can enjoy this life and still have our medium-sized Airstream and tow vehicle to explore the country (sometimes coast-to-coast) on our way to and from our winter destination. Some of the best of both worlds for our retirement years.

FCStreamer · 03-10-2017, 08:40 AM

Very little difference towing. Bigger difference living inside.

**jcanavera** · 03-10-2017, 11:10 AM

I went from a 27' Safari to a 30' Classic. The only difference for me was to learn the difference in the pivot points when backing. For me that difference came to bear when backing into my driveway which is on a cul-du-sac. That meant I had to pull a few feet further away from my driveway prior to backing in. In your case virtually it will make little if any meaningful difference to you.

Now for me, let's say I would be interested in a new 33' Classic. The real difference for me is that I would not be able to park it in my driveway to load and unload since the trailer would exceed my driveway length by 3 feet, thus causing it to hang out into the street.

Jack

Johndews · 03-10-2017, 11:39 AM

Classic finishings and furnishings are significantly different than any other AS model. As owner of a 16 Classic (and a 14 for sale!) the Classic is the only model we considered. The luxury and elegance set them apart. Good luck!

EarlM · 03-10-2017, 01:38 PM

STOP

Go look at the new 33, it is amazing with rear bath heated floor in the shower. I have a 30 Classic which is 31 feet.

Check out the 33

Earl

NordSailOne · 03-10-2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarlM

STOP

Go look at the new 33, it is amazing with rear bath heated floor in the shower. I have a 30 Classic which is 31 feet.

Check out the 33

Earl

2017 30' Classic has heated floor in shower.

Mollysdad · 03-10-2017, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacotasue

We would not be using the Airstream for extended Florida Stays.

I was 100% with you until this? Why not? No more Florida stays? Buying something here?
I too am downsizing from a 40' to an Airstream, and I'm looking forward to using it more for short trips too.
The decision as to length was more based on, "Why does the shower have a big hump where I'd stand, would I use that dinette, can I change sheets on the bed without gymnastics?"

Rich Jenkins · 03-10-2017, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johndews

Classic finishings and furnishings are significantly different than any other AS model. As owner of a 16 Classic (and a 14 for sale!) the Classic is the only model we considered. The luxury and elegance set them apart. Good luck!

This.

If we had to do it over again, we'd have bought a 30' Classic and never looked back.

It really really works for extended travel.

MelGoddard · 03-10-2017, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llando88

I had both a 27' and 30' Flying Cloud, both 2016 models. I'd say there is no discernible difference between them as far as towing, backing up, or fitting into "tight" spaces goes.

Sure, my 27' was "3 feet" shorter, but it ends up being about the same experience.

I'd get the one with the features, equipment and layout you want.

I have the same FC, same year, and for the two of us, it's perfect.
Easy to tow, easy to use, comfortable for us; no complaints other than the fact that the bathroom sink empties into the black tank.

Some small workmanship issues, but that's no unusual for an RV.

Rich Jenkins · 03-10-2017, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

...other than the fact that the bathroom sink empties into the black tank.

No kidding? Had no idea.

Yeah, I really like our FC 30', just a couple complaints:

We solved the bed problem with a Short Queen "Denver Mattress" unit, $500 on sale from Lazydays. Love it.

The L-shaped sofa is very uncomfortable, for us. We are about ready to remove it and order a small love seat electric recliner combo from a company called Best Furniture out of Indiana.

Otherwise, yup, we really like it.

Dashwa · 03-11-2017, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacotasue

Hello,
Need help.... New to this forum. My wife and I presently own a 40 Motorhome which we enjoy spending extended stays in Florida during the cold northern months. We live in Wisconsin and have taken our motorhome south late Oct and returned mid April. Living in the 40' is wonderful in Florida but find that we miss that quick get away back home. This has led us to considering selling the 40' and downsizing. I have always said that if I were to downsize, an Airsteam was the only unit I would consider. This leads me to the question. I love the idea of a 30' Classic, but am considering a 28' International because of the mobility in tighter areas. Can anyone tell me, Is there a considerable between the mobility of a 30' Airstream vs a 28' Unit. As I said, downsizing from a 40' motorhome to a Airstream, is substitial. We would not be using the Airstream for extended Florida Stays. Thank you for any suggestions regarding this.
Thanks
Joe

We just up our 2017 Classic yesterday and will be taking it on our first outing soon. After researching several of the models, we decided on the Classic because of all of the standard features it has over everything else. The standard Wireless Back-view camera is worth it. In terms of the size difference, negligible. Also, I recommend the ProPride 3P hitch for your trailer.

Mike1997 · 03-19-2017, 03:19 PM

Congrats on your new Airstream. Hope you can make it to Michigan for the Rally in July!!

lacotasue · 03-21-2017, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naper

We have recently traded ups from a 27 to a 30' Classic. There is little or no difference in towing, there is however a huge difference in interior space. The 30 is much better. More living area and much more storage.

Thanks for your response to my question. Could you tell me what type of towing
Vehicle you are using with the 30' airstream? Should I decide on a 30' Classic, I wast to be sure I have enough vehicle to negoiate hills. Thanks

Dashwa · 03-21-2017, 11:42 PM

To tow our new Classic we have 2012 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Diesel SW. Tows the 10,000 lbs. like there's nothing back there. The ProPride 3P hitch eliminates the always present, or would be, sway. We have been staying in our Classic for going on 2 weeks and it has been wonderful. Also, just invested in a necessary 50 Amp Surge Suppressor. Was advised to do this my neighbors in the RV Park.

switz · 03-22-2017, 08:20 AM

We tow our scales weight of 9,200 pound 31' 2014 Classic with a 2012 Ram 2500HD Cummins as the total rig scales 19,200 pounds. No issues going up or down mountain and can maintain 65 up and much lower coming down just using the the engine exhaust brake.

YMMV