21' 1995 Soverign

lloydnc · 02-24-2006, 06:15 AM

Does anyone have a 21' 1995 Soverign? I am looking to buy one and wondered if anyone has had any problems with this year, size or model. What do you like best and least about it?

Thanks,

Kimberly

Mookie · 02-24-2006, 09:30 AM

Hi Kimberly,

My wife and I have a 1992 21' Sovereign. I believe it is, basically, the same as the 1995 model. We actively looked for a 21' Sovereign for several reasons. The tandem axle is definitely a nice feature. Also, this model has the same tank capacities as some of the larger units. With a tongue weight of 500 pounds and a dry weight of 3900 pounds, it is well within the towing capacity of our 2002 Ford Explorer.

The bed is a little tight (we sleep in a king at home), but cozy. If you intend to travel with any more than two people and a dog, I would look at a larger rig. But for us, it's the perfect size.

Good Luck!

-Mark

lloydnc · 02-24-2006, 10:57 AM

Mookie,

Thanks so much for your response. Have you experienced any problems with the major systems or leaks with the design of this model? How has the clearcoat held up?

Thanks again,

Kimberly

Mookie · 02-24-2006, 11:44 AM

Kimberly,

I wish I could say that my clearcoat is holding up, but that's not the case. The clearcoat on top is peeling in several spots. I think my rig wasn't stored under cover for most of it's life, so it's not unusual that I'm having clearcoat issues after 14 years. I'm looking for a storage area where they will allow me to erect a canopy. I'm hoping to get my rig re-clearcoated this year and I plan to protect it from sun damage.

The only issues that I've encountered are with the plumbing. In 1992 (I'm not sure about 1995), Airstream used polybutyl plumbing. In some cases, the fittings can come loose. We had a hot water heater fitting separate during a weekend trip. I woke up one morning, sat on the edge of the bed and discovered that the floor was soaking wet (the hot water heater is under the bed). There are a number of posts on this forum about the issues with plastic plumbing. I re-plumbed the hot water heater with PEX and we haven't had any problems since that time.

We are very happy with our 21' Sovereign and I'm sure we would select the same rig if we had it to do all over again. If you are traveling with just two people, and you want the maneuverability of a smaller rig, the safety of a tandem axle, and large tank capacities, this rig can't be beat (in my humble opinion).

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat in more detail.

-Mark

PWRSTRK · 02-24-2006, 07:58 PM

Can someone publish a floorplan of this coach?

enduroryda · 02-24-2006, 08:11 PM

Hope this helps

RDM16CCD · 02-24-2006, 08:35 PM

I had a '95 21' that I bought new in the fall of 1994. Kept it about 6 years, and the only problem I had was with the clearcoat finish weathering, by the time it was 4 or 5 years old. Zero other problems. We sold it to get a small motorhone, thinking we would get more use from it. If I had it to do over, I would have kept the 21', and if they still made it I would buy another one.

If you find two, let me know!

jhart657 · 02-24-2006, 11:47 PM

Kimberly,
We have a 1993 21' Sovereign that we like very much. The layout is a cross between a Classic and a 19ft Safari. We like the large sofa instead of the dinette. Makes for better relaxation after a day of hiking or biking! The closet space and other storage is generous for our needs. The vanity seperate from the bathroom is great.
We have have no particular problems with our unit. Regular maintainance is required on any RV. Of course, we are always finding ways to upgrade our unit! The clear coat issue that Mark mentioned are issues on most older Airstreams that I have seen. There may be a small number that have been stored inside all of their lives, but they are rare.
There are many sizes and interior configurations for our aluminum fixations. The key to determining which one is right for you is matching your travel and camping needs with the size and layout. That may take some serious pondering!! Have fun in your search! Juergen

lloydnc · 02-25-2006, 05:10 PM

Thanks so much for the excellent advice and comments! This is a wonderful forum and I am grateful to be a part of it. Any thoughts on what you would add to a 1995 Sovereign while it is at the dealership?

We live about 3 hours from the nearest one so we thought we would add a Zip Dee Awning over the curbside of the unit when the 25 point inspection is completed. Also are the stone guards necessary? Any suggestions for other items?

Thanks in advance,

Kimberly

**wahoonc** · 02-25-2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lloydnc

Thanks so much for the excellent advice and comments! This is a wonderful forum and I am grateful to be a part of it. Any thoughts on what you would add to a 1995 Sovereign while it is at the dealership?

We live about 3 hours from the nearest one so we thought we would add a Zip Dee Awning over the curbside of the unit when the 25 point inspection is completed. Also are the stone guards necessary? Any suggestions for other items?

Thanks in advance,

Kimberly

By stone guards, do you mean the "gravel guards" that go below the windows, also called "segment protectors"? Those are personal preference and optional, they will keep the rounded segements from getting sandblasted and dinged up...mine doesn't have them. If you mean the stone guards that cover the front and wing windows, I consider them a necessity, wing windows are expensive and a pain to replace. At last check the ones for my unit were in the $350 range not including labor, and they don't make the clear ones like I have anymore

Aaron

lloydnc · 02-25-2006, 05:26 PM

Aaron,

Thanks for the info. I know it is probably a pretty basic question but what are segments on an Airstream? Is it just the metal below the windows on the corners of the trailer?

I did not know about the stone guards for the front windows but they seem like an essential option to have installed. Do they fold up out of the way and then down covering the windows while driving?

Kimberly

**wahoonc** · 02-25-2006, 05:36 PM

Kimberly,
Lower Segments are the curved panels on the front or rear of the trailer, but you only need to worry about the front ones getting peppered with gravel. The window protectors swing out of the way when parked. IIRC your trailer will take the 3 piece ones, most people will leave the curved ones closed and just open up the center one. It acts like an awning over the window when opened. Here is a picture, this unit has the low protectors, the newer ones are come up right under the windows.

Aaron

jhart657 · 02-25-2006, 10:39 PM

Kimberly,
I think that there are a number of retrofits that are very important for the 21' Sovereign. We updated the safety in ours by adding LP gas and carbon monoxide detectors. We improved the overall comfort level by changing out the front roof vent to a MaxxFan power vent. This particular unit permits fresh air circulation or exhaust in even wet weather.(Great if you plan on keeping a pet in the coach while you are out and about)
You will find many things to update or change as you get to know your Airstream. Take your time and determine what little things will make your Sovereign special.
Enjoy the experience! Juergen

lloydnc · 03-02-2006, 05:56 PM

Thanks for your great advice and comments. Any idea how many 21 Sovereigns were made by Airstream? They are very hard to find. It seems like such a good model with dual axles, larger tanks, and a excellent floor plan.

Kimberly