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08-05-2014, 08:30 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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First Airstream
Hello everyone! This is my first post and I'm so excited to have found your community! I'm buying my first air stream and I'm trying to decide between the 27 FB International signature and the 30 International signature and I would love to hear your insight. I will be full time in the air stream due to moving to San Antonio for work. It's just myself and my cat and I'm selling everything I own so I'm leaning more towards the 30 because of the storage space, the size of the bathroom, and the rear bedroom. I also need an appropriate TV, does anybody have any recommendations for me for help deciding between the two sizes and a tow vehicle? Thank you so much for any help that you can offer it's a little bit scary doing all this by myself, I'm in my thirties but I've always wanted to do this so I figure now's the time! :-)
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08-05-2014, 09:50 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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It is ALL about personal preference. Find a dealer who has both in stock and GO there. Sit in the trailer, sit on the throne and close the door (necessary when you have company, and if you have any friends or relatives... they'll want to visit!) Take a fake shower, stretch out on the couches, chairs, beds, etc. Cook an imaginary meal and do the imaginary dishes.
If money isn't a major problem buy the bigger one. Just decide whether you want the recliners or the couch ... If it's just you I'd think the recliners are a no brainer. You can still have more than one guest, just get air mattresses and let them rough it on the floor, or call shotgun for the dinette.
Oh, and don't forget to look for a gently used one if you can find it. (Though at the end of the season you could get a good deal on a new 2014 too. Just negotiate NEW batteries.)
Tow vehicle - oh don't even start that eternal argument! My take, any 3/4 ton pickup made or any 1 ton... which tend to be easier to find. If you like diesel you can't beat the Silverado IMHO. I went from the 3/4 ton Duramax to a Ford F-150 Ecoboost which is a fine performer but I still yearn for my diesel guzzling Silverado. DO get 4 wheel drive. You'll only need it twice a year but boy when you need it you NEED it.
Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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08-05-2014, 10:11 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
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What Miss Paula sez!!! ^^^¥^^^
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
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08-05-2014, 10:44 AM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Paula thank you so much, I did spend two days at the dealer and probably drove them crazy! I asked a million questions and they were great about letting me try everything out, showed me how to work the awning, etc and had me make sure I could do it by myself. I think I will go with the 30 I am just concerned about being able to fit in the different parks. Is that really a concern between the 27 and 30? I hear they are really only 2 ft different but I don't want to be limited by size if that's really a concern for later on when I'm travelling in it instead of full timing.
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08-05-2014, 11:22 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Ponce Inlet
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 168
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We went through the same drill last year. We decided on the 30' FC for all reasons Ms. Paula pointed out.
Arizona or Texas, you should seriously consider 2 AC's if you plan to be in the south during the summer. You will be much more comfortable. A single AC in 90 degree heat ... 2 AC's were recommended to us by many AS owners who travel in the south. We would have serious regrets if we had not listened to them.
We have a 3/4 ton diesel TV and love it.
We travel about half time only one time did the extra 3' make a difference in getting a site. Chances are if the 27' fits so will the 30'. So for us the comfort and room out weights the few times the 3' makes a difference. If you were getting a 25 that's whole different story.
Soo if you really want to stir the pot ask for some ideas for an anti sway hitch, tires size and brand , and solar vs. generator.
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08-05-2014, 03:46 PM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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I really appreciate your advice, I was told that the 2015 is more efficient in terms of AC because of the ducted air, is that not true? They explained that I wouldn't need two. I'm glad to hear that the 30 can pretty much go where the 27 can, that's what I figured but I was wondering why it seems that so many more people full time in 27s instead of 30. Is the 30 more rare? I have had a hard time finding the 30 for comparison. Also, I am not sure about negotiations, I got about 13k off the price but wondered if that was about right or if I should have fought harder does anyone have any recommendations for rv parks in or around San Antonio?
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08-05-2014, 04:26 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Ponce Inlet
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 168
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The ducted air may be more efficient. But I'm not sure it would be enough to keep you comfortable on a sunny day in 90 degree weather. Do they have 2015 on the lot you can test. ? If you can go on a sunny test and see how it does. Better still let it bake in the sun for a few hours then see how long it takes to cool down with a single a/c. If that's not possible I would call a different AS dealer like in Texas and see what they have to say.
It's a costly or live with it mistake if the salesmen is wrong
It would be intersting to hear from a 2015 owner, the rest of us would only be guessing.
On price we got quotes for our 2014 30' FC from 4 AS dealers they varied by 6K for the exact same unit. . It was worth the time spent shopping around
Benn
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08-05-2014, 11:38 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Well the good news is I can always do a sunny test here in Phoenix, lol. Do you call dealers all across the country? We only have one here in town.
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08-06-2014, 10:52 AM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
2014 30' Flying Cloud
Ponce Inlet
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 168
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I requested quotes via their web sites. Some responded via the web others wanted a follow up phone call.
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08-06-2014, 11:03 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln
, Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
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Bigger does not always equate to more storage. Remember - there is a gross vehicle weight and you should try to limit what you put in the trailer. What I'm saying is..... a 27 foot holds the same amount as a 30 foot - you can put more in the 30 foot but be careful you do not exceed the weight requirements of the TV or the trailer itself.
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ The family has grown. 2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
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08-06-2014, 12:09 PM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
2005 25' Safari
Currently Looking...
Versailles
, Indiana
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 262
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Welcome to the Forum! This is such an exciting time for you. I prefer a larger trailer as we have two dogs, but I think my husband would be happier with a smaller one.
However, since Betty, our 1980 International, found us, we are both happy with her 31'!
Best of luck and we look forward to seeing photos of your new acquisition!
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08-06-2014, 01:01 PM
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#12
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Full-time travel family
2019 26' Flying Cloud
Wichita Falls
, TX
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 50
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I have a thread on here that is very much about the same debate. Do consider the 50-amp, dual A/C feature if you will be living full-time in Texas. Just a couple of weeks ago I popped into our local Airstream dealer (Vogt in Fort Worth) and they had a 2015 International 30 plugged in with the A/Cs kickin'. Wow, was it chilly in there. I reckon both were running, and though it was a balmy 99 outside, the inside was a crisp 65, and it was relatively quiet. Pretty much sold me on the merits of the ducted A/C offered in the 2015s. I was blown away! ...pun mostly intended.
We hope to get a trailer next year with the intent to full-time, and we already have the TV sorted. Just bought a '14 Ram 2500 Mega Cab CTD Longhorn. Nicest vehicle I've ever owned. For a 3/4 ton, the rear coils on the new truck really smooth out the ride. Well worth a look, but they can be a bit pricey (like 2nd Airstream pricey).
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08-06-2014, 10:59 PM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Thank you guys so much for all of your kind thoughts, it is an exciting time and I'm beyond thrilled by the whole idea (now of course, not so much thrilled about all of the work that goes into selling everything I own to make this happen, but thrilled none the less). I did do a bit more homework and when I called the actual Airstream factory they were pretty much appalled that I had been told one AC would be ok in AZ or TX. So now...another trip back to the dealer to in the nicest way possible ask what on earth they were thinking.
I did find a 2013 in the meantime that is still new on the lot for 16k less which had 2ACs and the full awning package, so I'd consider that option if I could get my deposit back for the faulty information. I guess they can add an AC on at the dealer, but they've never added one to a ducted system and that makes me a little nervous when I'm spending this kind of money. Should I be concerned? I searched all over the country and could only find one other 2015 in the style I wanted in the 30ft. I want to give my dealer the chance to make it right but have a feeling it would be more expensive to add one than to just get it right the first time.
Rats.
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08-06-2014, 11:01 PM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfhound
I have a thread on here that is very much about the same debate. Do consider the 50-amp, dual A/C feature if you will be living full-time in Texas. Just a couple of weeks ago I popped into our local Airstream dealer (Vogt in Fort Worth) and they had a 2015 International 30 plugged in with the A/Cs kickin'. Wow, was it chilly in there. I reckon both were running, and though it was a balmy 99 outside, the inside was a crisp 65, and it was relatively quiet. Pretty much sold me on the merits of the ducted A/C offered in the 2015s. I was blown away! ...pun mostly intended.
We hope to get a trailer next year with the intent to full-time, and we already have the TV sorted. Just bought a '14 Ram 2500 Mega Cab CTD Longhorn. Nicest vehicle I've ever owned. For a 3/4 ton, the rear coils on the new truck really smooth out the ride. Well worth a look, but they can be a bit pricey (like 2nd Airstream pricey).
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Thank you for the advice on the TV, I've been looking at them as well! They are great trucks and I can find them used here in AZ, so I've been considering it. I have been told that an F150 will work, as well as a Toyota Tundra, but I'm not sure if that's accurate. Maybe this is why so many people choose the 27
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08-08-2014, 06:39 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Well, my dealer is going above and beyond to try to make this work for me so they are trying to work a trade with another dealer up north to get the one with 2 ac units...great people and so nice of them, plus they aren't charging extra for the second ac because of the confusion. I am beyond impressed.
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08-19-2014, 08:44 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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I took your advice and went with a '13 Ram 2500 CTD Laramie and at this very moment we are driving up to Portland to pick up the airstream with dual ACs, I'm so excited! I actually got a much better deal up there on the 30ft with the full awning package and the power awning for less than the single AC unit here even after the trip up and back still coming out ahead so I'm glad I searched for one with dual ACs...also rates went down a bit so that really helped.
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08-19-2014, 08:56 PM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2017 30' Classic
Montreal
, Quebec
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 211
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Congrats on your new trailer!
Can't wait to hear your opinion about your dual ducted AC's.
You must be so excited
Ron
Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums
__________________
Ron
Montreal, QC
2017 Classic
4 Flexible 100w Solar Panels
3000w Magnum Hybrid Inverter
1000 Amp Hours Lithium Battery
Honda EU3000
Drain Master Sewer Connection
2017 GMC Denali 2500 Duramax
Hensley
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08-19-2014, 09:07 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2015 30' International
2009 27' FB International
2007 25' Safari
Currently Looking...
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,564
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To jkfinephoto.....
Congrats on the new trailer. I do believe you will love it, and IMO the ducted A/C is quieter, and has a less intrusive sound. If you have a 30 footer, as you can tell, this is my choice as well. Now, your name on the forum.... Suggests photography may be your long suit as well. If so, you may wish to check out some photos beginning here... http://flic.kr/p/oMFwn1
Oh, yes, Dodge/Cummins. Now if only you shoot Nikon... LOL
My best,
Tommie
Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871
__________________
Happy trails and Good Luck
Ms Tommie Fantine Lauer, Greensboro, NC
AIR #31871 KQ3H
www.fantinesvoice.com
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08-20-2014, 02:19 AM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
2015 30' International
phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 28
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Tommie, beautiful work you have there, I've been a pro photog for the last 8 years shooting mostly travel and weddings...but alas, I shoot a Canon 5dmkiii
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08-20-2014, 05:25 AM
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#20
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Full-time travel family
2019 26' Flying Cloud
Wichita Falls
, TX
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 50
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I bet you are going to love both that truck and the trailer! What model Airstream did you end up getting?
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