Flying Cloud 19, 20, or 23D

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from AZ. . .as I was told way back, buy big as you can afford & feel comfortable handling on the road. . . and that gets easier with a little experience ! And it seems a LOT of folks buy one, and after a little while, trade up to bigger one FWIW. . .And remember used is good, especially the 1st one. . . good luck & regards, Craig

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by RamblinManGa

Hi from AZ. . .as I was told way back, buy big as you can afford & feel comfortable handling on the road. . . and that gets easier with a little experience ! And it seems a LOT of folks buy one, and after a little while, trade up to bigger one FWIW. . .And remember used is good, especially the 1st one. . . good luck & regards, Craig

I had a similar experience with my boat. I bought 3 boats in 3 years, wanting to get something bigger. That's why when I switched to RVs, I went for the 30 footer. It's just the wife and I, but we like our space. And one dog. He likes his space.

[B00merang]

Like a few others, I truly love my 20ft FC (if love is defined as looking at her admiringly every time I walk past a window...or sit inside and look for things to do in the AS even when Daisy is sitting in the driveway). I'm 6'6" and camp mostly with my 7 year old and/or my wife. So for us this size is perfect...as was the price.
Now....if I had two older kids like you do that like to come along camping, and a larger dog, I would even bypass the 23 ft and go for the 25ft. The 20ft. wouldn't just be cozy, but be lacking sufficient sleeping space. AS sizes are the kind of thing we think we know what we want looking at floor plans and models, but often second thoughts/reality sets in after several days of heavy rains at some campsite with all of youse. Now, its time to go look at Daisy again. Safe travels and enjoy. jon

[rmkrum]

We traveled cross country with two adults, teenager, and up to six smallish doggies in a 22' International.

It's doable, but making up the dinette bed is a pain. Walking dogs was the biggest logistical issue. Bit crowded if stuck inside with bad weather, but for the most part it works for us.

I agree buying the biggest one you are comfortable in and can tow properly is a better idea. I'm too cheap to trade up, and daughter no longer travels with us. Dogs are another story. 😄


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[Jack West]

We currently have a 2013 FC 23' fb which we purchased new, put 25,000 miles on, and spent over 200 nites in. Before the 23fb, we owned a 2001 19' Bambi which we had for 2 years and prior to that a 16' casita.

The low tongue weight and larger bed in the 23fb are wonderful, but something that affected our decision at the time of purchase is that longer models are more difficult to fit into some non-RV park campsites such as those in National Forests and Parks. We do alot of our camping "dry" in those places and are happy with the balance that the 23'fb provides....short enough to fit in tight campsites, but roomy enough for our longer term comfort.

There are only two of us with 2 small dogs on these trips and I think any of the models you mention would be cramped with 4 persons and the dog.

Our TV is a 2006 Tacoma V6 4WD. Good luck and enjoy the adventure.

[m.hony]

Looks like a Flying Cloud Bunk or Classic 30 would be better for your family.

[mpsgolf]

We agonized over a 23 or 25 (I was most concerned with the extra tow weight). In the end we bought the 25. After 3 years, we traded up to a 28. There are just 2 of us and a lab. More room to live, more stowage space ... just sayin'.

[FCStreamer]

It all depends on how you plan to use your trailer. If you will be on the road a lot, then a smaller trailer is easier to deal with. However, if you will be living in it, the more space the merrier.

My wife and I learned during our boating years that we can live in a confined space, but not too confined. Our boat was 38' long. Our AS is 30'. But we don't expect to be literally "on the road" a lot. Most of the time we will be parked. So the more space the merrier, even though its just the two of us. And the dog.

[Artvez]

Originally Posted by 2fromtexas

Heard the International sliding doors open while traveling. Don't know if true or not. We have a 2016 23D FC and love it.

Our 23FB is an International and the sliding doors do tend to open while traveling.

[rmkrum]

Find a round rubber tapered stopper (like a cork for a bottle) that fits the hole in the door, push it in before you travel. Problem solved. Found ours at a big box home improvement store.


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[OTRA15]

Curious whether you are still actively looking, and whether you checked out the FC20 next door to you in Scituate?

Thanks,

Peter

Originally Posted by jck_dmb

Thank you so much! I wish we lived closer to a dealership. Every reply was helpful. I'll keep you posted. My gut is we'll end up with the 23D. I actully like the bunk idea just for storage. None of us would fit in the bunk. Well, Tessie would! The dog. Just don't want to much Airstream when it's just me! That is single handily my sticking point. We love tents... Thanks again! Jaime

Originally Posted by OTRA15

How about this FC20 in Scituate, right around the corner from you?

Go for it!

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/rvs/5567258036.html

Dog is with you!

PS -- Boston AS: https://boston.craigslist.org/search...uery=airstream

[CruizinDux]

MY 2 cents worth. Is the kitchen layout and copious counter space and larger bathroom/shower worth it? Absolutely!

Two peeps and now only the one dog. Sure...one partner needs to crawl over the other to get out of bed in the middle of the might. I simply get out of bed to make way since I sleep on the dinette side. The bed makes a nice and cozy area to watch the TV ....accentuate the positive ; ) and cooking dinner together in the kitchen....doesn't get any better.

Can't see more than two peeps regardless of the dog count. Bailey (62 lbs) lives under the table ( waiting for the” picture from the AS door” to come along) and Gracie (9 lbs) when she was with us, lived & slept between us on the bed. We're 6'4" and 5'5" and fit fine...even with Gracie. We realize we're not at home or in the old pop-top with a queen bed....but we're also not on a 20 "wide ensolite pad at Bernice Lake....we've got each other, heat, cold bee/ice and an inside @#$'r!!!! Life is good.

There are certainly numerous arguments for AND against the 20 & I can understand the negatives ... but for the 3 of us...the 20 rocks, tow's sweet & and fits in to spaces the longer units won't.

Bob

[jck_dmb]

Thank you to everyone who replied and weighed in. It was incredibly helpful. We did look at the 20 FC in Scituate. It was in incredible shape and I LOVED it. We decided to go with a 23D new Airstream. We were concerned about not having a warranty; especially b/c we are new at this and not super handy - YET!. We've decided on a 2017 23D International Signature. Would have gone with the Flying Cloud but we were not able to get one as quickly. I am so excited. Now I'll be stalking the "what do we need" threads. We will definitely reach out to the local Airstream community and hopefully make some new friends. If the response to this post is any indication of what lies ahead... we are very grateful to have ended up sharing your passion. Fingers crossed. I'm hopeful my family loves it as much as I do... or I'll be stalking the "solo full-timers" boards in no time! Thanks again. Jaime

[FCStreamer]

Congrats Jaime on your new AS! Hope you enjoy it!

[wbrisett]

Originally Posted by jck_dmb

We've decided on a 2017 23D International Signature. Would have gone with the Flying Cloud but we were not able to get one as quickly.

Wow, a 2017! When is it due to arrive?

[dkottum]

Congratulations in the new 23D, nice Airstream! Largest of the small Airstreams it is a compact version of the larger rear bed models, which is a good traditional layout. Will slip through the air and down the road nicely behind a variety of tow vehicles.

[AWCHIEF]

Jck, brilliant decision. The 23 is a good all around sized trailer. I have been very happy with mine.

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the update Jaime.

Happy Trails!

Peter