In 98-2000 range, what are the basic differences between a classi and a limited in the 34'
Also, I've seen pros and cons on slides. The extra space seems nice and I have the TV for the extra weight, so I'm mainly concerned with functionality.
I'm looking at a 98 34' which is an Excella Classic. There is also a Limited I believe. Is it called the Classic Limited and what are the basic differences?
I'm looking at a 98 34' which is an Excella Classic. There is also a Limited I believe. Is it called the Classic Limited and what are the basic differences?
ok i will get you started with 2 things i believe are the case for the 1998
1)the dinette seats of the Ltd have a board or some kind of extra padding supposed to make it more comfortable
2)awnings all around are standard whereas on the non-ltd it is an upgrade
i think a lot will depend on what the original owner ordered up. our friends have a non-ltd with more bells and whistles than our ltd e.g. 2 fantastic fans (we only have one), all hardwood, tankless water heater etc. That is why buying/searching for an airstream is so much fun.
i hope i am not leading you astray with this info and showing my ignorance once again. i am interested in knowing what the others differences are too!
We are considering trading our 87 34' Excella for a 98 34 Excella Classic. What are the differences or upgrades from the Classic to the Limited. My wife noticed for instance, that the cabinet doors were not as nice and solid as our 87 or a friend's 97 Limited. I noticed also that he has electric jacks. What are the other basic differences?
I have read that when considering a travel trailer to accord no value to the electric jacks. No experience with them, the context of the comment was along the lines that they required repair and that it was often expensive.
You might consider doing some customizing. Other than the twin beds, is there something wrong with the unit you have? If everything is functional then I would be reluctant to take on the sale, purchase, and refit of another used unit. Just like buying a used car, most are going to need a good watering of $$$ to get them road worthy to a standard where you are not going to have to worry if the wheels (appliances, etc...) are going to fall off on your next long trip. Perhaps that cash could be spent installing a custom bed offset to one side like the new side sleepers. A cabinet guy could redo you back cabinets to maintain storage. Something to think about.
Customized older units and older units that have been well cared for sure seem to have a class all their own.
After owning more than a 1/2 dozen Airstreams that were pre-widebody, I purchased a new 34' in 1996. Airstream had just begun to reduce the number of rivets in them and it was a disaster. The frame flexed so badly that cabinets, etc. all began to come down and buck rivet heads visible outside were sheard off. Airstream added 500 additional rivets which helped but I sold it in disgust when the plastic ceiling began to fall in at age 3 years.
I returned to a 1988 34' and eventually found a pristine '93 34' limited which was the last year of the "old" construction standards. I intend to keep this one forever as I lost faith in Airstream's ability (read Thor's) to continue producing an exceptional product. Owners of the newest may report fewer problems but I would urge you to avoid the mid to late 90's in the 34' model.
A few years ago at a rally I watched 3 Airstreams with slides get delivered for the display. Of the three one slide stuck out about 2". Another was fully retracted but had about 1/8" tolerance on one side and maybe 3/4" on the other. The third was OK. From what I've seen and heard I would not gamble on a slide.
We had the same thoughts you did during the use of our 79 31' Excella with the twin gauchos (fore & aft).
Now have a gently experienced '00 with a rear queen and are very happy with it, plenty of room.
I've not ever been in a slide out AS so I couldn't comment on that.
Cost aside, swapping units will update everything else too, all appliances and decor and the wide body adds noticeable room, otherwise the Queen conversion seems to have merit, especally if you could find a salvage unit to pull parts from.
I agree with your assesment and I'm in the process of trading for a 98 34' that has been owned and very well maintained by someone in our area. Out of Doors Mart is going through the entire unit to ensure everything is in good order. In addtion to the queen bed, more space and some other upgrades, it also has solar which is something I would have added had I kept my 87. I'm not interested in a generator. When I consider the things I wanted to do to continue upgrading the 87, I am able to trade without a great deal more money that I had planned to spend on upgrades. As a bonus, this unit comes with a Hensley hitch.
I'm interested to know what you think of towing with the Hensley. We have almost the same set up - 98 34' and an 06 Dogde 2500. Our 98 was in great shape, we just had to attend to the brakes, tires, and the bathroom fan. I'd like to add solar one day. Congrats on the trade
I agree with your assessment and I'm in the process of trading for a 98 34' that has been owned and very well maintained by someone in our area. Out of Doors Mart is going through the entire unit to ensure everything is in good order. In addition to the queen bed, more space and some other upgrades, it also has solar which is something I would have added had I kept my 87. I'm not interested in a generator. When I consider the things I wanted to do to continue upgrading the 87, I am able to trade without a great deal more money that I had planned to spend on upgrades. As a bonus, this unit comes with a Hensley hitch.
Congrats on your find. I wish ours had solar panels. (and a Hensley)
If I may, there are a few things you might want to double check when you bring your triple home. Check the caulking around the skylights and plumbing vents, the unit is ten years old and while there is usually a lot of caulk applied to the joints, on ours there were lots of cracks and you could slip a putty knife under it (the caulk) also check the area around the screws securing the skylights to the curb mounting, on ours the plastic skylights cracked and deteriorated from ultraviolet exposure. They are a fairly quick fix to replace and it really brightened up the interior. The reason is, of course, to remove the possibility of water infiltrating around the old caulking and cracks. Use a good urethane (not silicone) caulk like the ultraviolet resistant Sikaflex or equivalent.
I'm not sure of the differences on the Limited other than the trim and awning fabric colors (our awning is a red burgandy) the tankless water heater was not standard on ours.
__________________
'00 34' Classic Limited (Beauty)
'06 2500HD, 4x4 LBZ chip D/A CC LB (Beast)
AIR #12881
Congrats on your find. I wish ours had solar panels. (and a Hensley)
If I may, there are a few things you might want to double check when you bring your triple home. Check the caulking around the skylights and plumbing vents, the unit is ten years old and while there is usually a lot of caulk applied to the joints, on ours there were lots of cracks and you could slip a putty knife under it (the caulk) also check the area around the screws securing the skylights to the curb mounting, on ours the plastic skylights cracked and deteriorated from ultraviolet exposure. They are a fairly quick fix to replace and it really brightened up the interior. The reason is, of course, to remove the possibility of water infiltrating around the old caulking and cracks. Use a good urethane (not silicone) caulk like the ultraviolet resistant Sikaflex or equivalent.
I'm not sure of the differences on the Limited other than the trim and awning fabric colors (our awning is a red burgandy) the tankless water heater was not standard on ours.
A water heater that does not store hot water, also known as a 'on demand heater'.
When hot water is needed, the flame heats coils that the water passes through, water is heated and delivered to the fixture, unlimited supply.
This type of unit has been in use in Europe since at least the '60s, becoming more popular here because of the economy of not maintaining a tank of 140 degree water 24/7. Gas and electric units available. Initial investment is higher than a tank type unit
In a rv the tankless unit weighs about 100 lbs less than a filled 10 gallon conventional unit (no water storage)
__________________
'00 34' Classic Limited (Beauty)
'06 2500HD, 4x4 LBZ chip D/A CC LB (Beast)
AIR #12881
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i am interested in knowing what the others differences are too!
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