'34 Foot Front Kitchen Issues

[Over59]

I am finding an attraction to the 34 Front Kitchen. Traffic pattern is good for spending lots of time inside. You don't have to go through the kitchen all the time. I seem to remember there were issues with this design but don't remember what they were. Anyone remember this?

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by Over59

I am finding an attraction to the 34 Front Kitchen. Traffic pattern is good for spending lots of time inside. You don't have to go through the kitchen all the time. I seem to remember there were issues with this design but don't remember what they were. Anyone remember this?

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...r-63041-3.html

Here you go. Start on about page 3 with Overlander63's first post.

Paula

[Over59]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...r-63041-3.html

Here you go. Start on about page 3 with Overlander63's first post.

Paula

Thanks. That's what I was looking for.

[pjtaia]

Did you ever buy a 34 FK? I'm looking at a 1996 FK AS and wondering about the same issues...

[Wayne1344]

Did anyone ever buy the 34' FK, currently looking at 1 and have some questions thanks

[pjtaia]

I did not buy the 34FK, but only because we decided there was too much work to be done. There are 3 issues in my mind to watch out for...
1. The skin seems very unstable, and it oxidizes easily. If the clear coat is not kept in perfect condition the skin turns bad quickly. this is a late 90s thing, not related to FK.
2. The headliner in the unit we looked at was coming loose. This is also a common late 90s issue, but it is a real problem.
3. Specific to the 34FK: Airstream had a hard time getting the balance right. They moved the wheels forward or aft several times. I've of units that balanced perfectly, with the tongue jack floating above the ground. I've also heard of units with extremely high tongue weights. The one I was looking at was done correctly - I think it may have been the last year the 34FK was produced. The only way to know for sure is to weigh the trailer and make sure the tongue weight is 10-12% of the total weight.

Anything else?

Phil

[Wayne1344]

Thanks Phil, The one I'm l looking at is in Dothan Alabama its a 96 and he's asking 39 grand looks in great shape but seems really high for the 20 year old unit. But I'm new to Airstream I realize they hold their value but at that age I'm just worried about all the repairs that will be happening soon things don't last forever. How much were they asking for that unit you were looking at five years ago? And what did you end up buying?

[Foiled Again]

Rule for dating - You've got to kiss a lot of frogs to find a handsome prince.

Rule for buying a well used Airstream - about the same.

If you zero in on one year and a specific layout it's hard to find much price history - asking or actually sold for. So the best thing to do to decide whether the price is reasonable is to look at all layouts for the 30/31 and 34 - over 3 years. There will be some differences based on popularity of the model but you'll also get a better view of the general pricing - and you'll develop a better eye and nose to help you spot potential problems.

Any unit that has been kept under a covered spot and has had regular care will show it - but a unit that has been neglected might reek of fabreeze and fresh carpeting covering up rot.

Happy hunting, Paula

[blickcd]

I remember seeing that front kitchen layout at an RV show once and we liked it a lot. Never saw it again after that and always wondered what happened. Now I know the rest of the story.

[mapley3]

To Over59: At the 1994 International Rally in Brandon, Manitoba, there was a 1995 34ft Front Kitchen on display. My former wife and I fell in love with it and bought it. I've read many of the prior posts about all the problems with the FK model and all I can say is BOO HOO. Let me make this simple:: if you have a half ton tow vehicle with a 350 engine, you're going to have trouble towing this trailer. We certainly did getting our new trailer home to Michigan when the Rally was over. We immediately ordered a new 3/4 ton Suburban with a 455 engine. Once we had the more heavy duty vehicle, there were no problems towing with a standard Reese hitch. None! It's always necessary to have the proper set-up for safe towing.. Most of the towing of this FK trailer has been done by my former wife and she has towed it thousands of miles. And, still has it. Get a 3/4 ton tow vehicle with the factory towing package, rated to tow 12,000+ lbs.( or whatever is needed ), and set it up correctly, and enjoy this great FK model.

[65CV]

Over59 hasn't posted much since this happened.

[pjtaia]

Wayne1344: That seems like a really high price. The one I was looking at was in the low 20s, and I could not justify it because of the repairs it needed...

[pjtaia]

mapley3: The 34KK are fine to tow if they are set up right. Unfortunately, some were not. In any case, at least they are lighter than my 34 Slide-out Lounge...

[Jim & Susan]

Wayne, I saw an early 2000's 34' Slide Out on the Out-of-Doors Mart website back in the spring listed for $39k. Pictures of the thing were beautiful. Never saw it in person though.

I personally know of one member here that got a mid-90's model for around $7000. Immaculate unit, saw it in person, was a genuine steal at that price. Prices are all over the place sometimes. Keep looking, the right one will come along.

Jim