Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-27-2018, 09:37 AM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Phoenix , Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
Thumbs up New Purchase questions

Hi all,

Working on purchasing a new 25’ International Serenity RB. Had a couple questions I wanted to get opinions on:

1) Will most dealers sell and install a Hensley or ProPride hitch if requested, or do they typically just sell a set type of hitch they deal with?
2) Is the Airstream optional solar package worth it if we mainly plan on using campgrounds with hookups? (we plan on getting 50 amp option as well). With the 160W package I asssume it’s mainly keeping your batteries charged - if we won’t be boondocking much, or just for very brief periods, is it worth the cost (and the added weight)?
3) Does Airstream offer a more powerful inverter than the standard 1000W (maybe 2000W?). Again, with hookups not a big issue, but thought I would check.

Thanks to all! Looking forward to finally joining the club!
johndag is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 09:45 AM   #2
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
 
GMFL's Avatar
 
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville , Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
Images: 4
Blog Entries: 52
Short answer is.....
1 No
2 No
3 No

1 Hensley and ProPride can be bought and shipped to a dealer for install it pre set up with the dealer
2 Factory solar is too expensive for what you get.
3 Airstream only offers the 1000 watt inverter.
GMFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 10:10 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
I take issue with "no" answers above. Think of Alice's Restaurant; "you can get anything you want"...it's just more money from the dealer, in most cases. If money is no object and you just want to get it done up front, then dealer is my recommendation. They typically will work with you on the hitch; they want you to be happy out the door...the Solar is expensive, but it will keep your batteries charged while in transit, even though you may be using shore power most of the time. Nice to know you have that backup, and it opens up options for camping...you may find one of the great BLM sites across the US by a lake or river without hookups. You can typically get your dealer to also install most anything, including a 2000W inverter; or you might look at getting one aftermarket. Many folks go solar with the Li batteries, and don't worry about hooking up to shore power...just saying the options are there. My advice would be get the 25 with the hitch, use it for awhile, and determain if you really want the solar or need the inverter...you also did not mention the batteries....the stock batteries are Interstate...lots of issues out the door with these for many of us. If your considering a 2000W inverter, you should also consider better battery selection...my 2 cents.
We have owned 3 25's over the years. We bought a portable 80W solar pack from GoPower years ago, and it does a great job of topping off our batteries and you can take it with you....when you upgrade to your next model! Welcome to AS!
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 10:19 AM   #4
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
 
GMFL's Avatar
 
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville , Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
Images: 4
Blog Entries: 52
My answers were based on the question.

#1 Most dealers do not sell Hensley or ProPride hitches. They will install them with some questionable ability if you order and bring or have sent to them.
#2 factory solar.... Factory installed in not worth the money. You can have better system with better components done after market for less money.
#3 the Airstream factory does not offer a larger inverter. Again you can have this done at a dealer or other place but the factory will not allow you to special order larger.

Be sure you understand that Airstream and your Airstream dealer is not the same business or person.
GMFL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 11:16 AM   #5
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
Hi

Ok:

1) A *good* dealer will happily install any safe hitch you are willing to buy and have shipped in. The quality of that install will depend a LOT on how familiar they are with this or that hitch. A dealer that has never seen a Hensley or ProPride probably is *not* one you want to deal with .... hint ....hint ...

2) Factory solar is great. Unless you are into a full DIY approach including crawling around on the roof, it's not badly priced. Keeping things charged in the odd situation is a "really good thing".

3) Airstream offers pretty much the biggest inverter you should use with the stock batteries. If you are going larger, then more batteries and much bigger wiring are needed. That's all very do-able. People spend thousands of dollars on that sort of upgrade.

Any time you move away from "stock" there is a hidden gotcha. If a setup is stock, then any Airstream dealer anywhere should be able to work on it and fix it. Indeed there totally incompetent AS dealers, that's a different topic. Parts, drawings, and procedures for the stock stuff *should* be available to any AS dealer for a repair.

Once you get into DIY, all of that comfort blanket goes away (for the DIY part). A dealer *may* be able to deal with your custom setup. Finding parts may be an issue ( = they may be able to pull a stock inverter off the shelf, my Victron ... not so much). Even digging into a DIY may not be something they want to do. If something goes wrong with your DIY, the warranty does not cover it. ( = when my "upgrade" converter puked, the LED lights that blew out came out of my pocket).

What one dealer / shop is capable of, the next guy down the road ... not so much. There are some out there that likely can build a AS from scratch. There are others that barely have a clue about how to replace a missing screw. Having / forcing an incompetent one to do something (anything ....) is not likely to end well for you. If they say no to something, don't force it, find somebody else.

Bob
uncle_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 11:52 AM   #6
Moderator
 
moosetags's Avatar

 
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
Images: 5
If you decide to get a Hensley or ProPride hitch, do NOT let the dealer install it. You can easily handle this task yourself. The dealers generally don't know what they are doing when it comes to these installations. If you do it yourself, it will be done correctly. If you let the dealer do it, it will likely be wrong.

As far as the solar and inverter issues go, I cannot be of much help as I have nebver had solar and rarely use the unverter.

Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
moosetags is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 12:15 PM   #7
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
New Purchase questions

The real problem with any dealer installing any Hensley design hitch is that the techs do not take the time to read and follow the instructions that come with them. The tech is paid by the hour and is always in a hurry, makes assumptions, and frankly, may not care much, since he’s not driving your rig with his family aboard.

ProPride is easy to install, even at my age, and a skinny daughter helping hand tools to me. Just read and follow the directions that come with it, and call Sean Woodruff if you have questions. He’s super helpful.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 05:20 PM   #8
3 Rivet Member
 
1975 27' Overlander
Currently Looking...
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 101
Images: 31
New purchase

Started out with 1971 Minuet, went thru 3 bumper pull TT’s... then a Thor class A, now looking for Airstream.. now that Thor owns airstream scared to buy new.
From what I am seeing on all the forums the older airstreams seems to be better quality.
Thoughts?
Squid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 05:25 PM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
KBAR's Avatar
 
2020 33' Classic
Heart Of , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 87
If you are purchasing a new 2019 Serenity model most come with prewired solar. On the inside A frame should be a quick connect for a mobile solar panels.
The Roof should be a Quick connect for 2 solar panels.
Keep in mind that the prewire is of small gauge and can only hold a certain solar charge.

We don't see the need for solar panels atm because we will only be camping where electrical 30/ 50 amp is provided. If we were to join a large rally that had no hook ups then we might consider. (Our 2018 CCD came with prewire)


Most AS dealers I have visited will install a proride hitch. We had ours installed day one just paid the cost. Well worth the money.
__________________
Keith & Barbara

2020 Classic 33 FTB
2019 Ford F250
Blue Ox Hitch
KBAR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-27-2018, 05:30 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
billrector's Avatar
 
2017 27' Flying Cloud
Fort Worth , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 773
1) Don't know about the Henley or Propride but a good dealer should get and install what you want.

2) I would not go with the factory solar for two reasons. 1) You do not plan to boondock so it is not needed. 2) if you want solar, you can to a much better system for a lot less money.

3) You will not need any inverter if you plan to be on shore power all the time. In addition, you will not have the battery power for a larger inverter on a stock Airstream.
billrector is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-28-2018, 09:21 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
2016 28' International
Sioux Falls , SD
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 576
Quote:
Originally Posted by moosetags View Post
if you decide to get a hensley or propride hitch, do not let the dealer install it. You can easily handle this task yourself. The dealers generally don't know what they are doing when it comes to these installations. If you do it yourself, it will be done correctly. If you let the dealer do it, it will likely be wrong.



As far as the solar and inverter issues go, i cannot be of much help as i have nebver had solar and rarely use the unverter.



Brian


x2 !
__________________
2016 Int. Signature 28' w/ ProPride 3P-1400 Hitch
Mich. LTX w/ 16" Sendels, Centramatics
2017 Ram 2500 4x4 Diesel, CG1800 Bed slide, Leer topper
Better to live one day a lion than a lifetime a sheep. Camp hard, camp often
DBinSD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 09:37 AM   #12
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmkrum View Post
The real problem with any dealer installing any Hensley design hitch is that the techs do not take the time to read and follow the instructions that come with them. The tech is paid by the hour and is always in a hurry, makes assumptions, and frankly, may not care much, since he’s not driving your rig with his family aboard.

ProPride is easy to install, even at my age, and a skinny daughter helping hand tools to me. Just read and follow the directions that come with it, and call Sean Woodruff if you have questions. He’s super helpful.
Hi

I'm not at all sure you can ever make a blanket statement about "any dealer". There are certainly dealers out there who have techs that are very familiar with the proper way to put on a Hensley or ProPride .... After doing a few of them a month for years, I'd bet they get pretty good at it.

Bob
uncle_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 09:53 AM   #13
Moderator
 
moosetags's Avatar

 
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
Images: 5
I have experience with three different Airstream dealers. None of these was competent enough to install my Hensley Arrow. I have installed mine on three different Airstreams myself in the dealers' parking lot. I also have experience with a fourth Airstream dealer who removed my Hensley in order to move the trailer. I had had to reinstall it myself before I could pull the trailer away. This was after them telling me that they could handle the trailer with a Hensley.

My experience with most Airstream Dealers is that their service department is a clown show.

Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
moosetags is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 10:13 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
I saw a new 30 Classic yesterday in Buda, and the dealer told me it comes with AMG 12v batteries and solar now, standard. Said they just switched from the Interstates on that model this year....not sure which brand, but interesting extras on the Classic including the automatic leveling jacks and new Polk audio sound system...nice little extras. Have to see if I can back that down my driveway...no wait, first better check with the wife!
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 10:55 AM   #15
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
Quote:
Originally Posted by moosetags View Post
I have experience with three different Airstream dealers. None of these was competent enough to install my Hensley Arrow. I have installed mine on three different Airstreams myself in the dealers' parking lot. I also have experience with a fourth Airstream dealer who removed my Hensley in order to move the trailer. I had had to reinstall it myself before I could pull the trailer away. This was after them telling me that they could handle the trailer with a Hensley.

My experience with most Airstream Dealers is that their service department is a clown show.

Brian
And there it is.

Sadly, the actually competent and VERY honest smallish Airstream dealer in our area went out of business when the freeway ramps next to his business were expanded, and his entire property was taken to do that. Fortunately his service folks went to another dealer, but they are way too far away from me to make it worth the trip. Another local RV outfit is competent to work on stuff like brakes and bearing repacks, plus appliances (maybe) but I would not trust them to work on the shell or frame--they are just not into it.

Most of the time, I do most stuff myself--costs far less, and I know who to yell at if it's done wrong! I can handle darn near anything except stuff that requires welding, and for that there are mobile welders in the neighborhood.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 12:12 PM   #16
2 Rivet Member
 
KBAR's Avatar
 
2020 33' Classic
Heart Of , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 87
1- Most dealers dislike the Hensley Arrow because of the proprietary setup. Most of the dealers would have to disconnect there TV setups to move a AS equipped with the Hensley Arrow.

2- The dealers don't like to waste time on labor cost doing the switch back and forth.

3- Hensley equipment must be ordered directly from the manufacture or private party used.

This is by no means stating the Hensley is a bad product. Those that own one swear by them.


When we purchased our AS the dealer had two sets of Hensley sitting on the ground. They explained they had to remove from customers rigs in order to service the AS's. They noted that there were extra charges for shop time. That was a no go for Hensley on our part.

Would we have liked a Hensley Arrow? Yes, but the cost factor also set in. Our hitch setup was a 1/3 the cost and it tows like a dream.
__________________
Keith & Barbara

2020 Classic 33 FTB
2019 Ford F250
Blue Ox Hitch
KBAR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-29-2018, 01:57 PM   #17
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
I took my AS to the dealer, with a ProPride on it. They merely used my truck (with their driver) to back the AS into their bay, then unhooked and asked me to remember to come back with the stinger when they were done. The hitch stayed on the rig. When I picked it up, they assisted me in hooking up, and I pulled straight out, no huhu... I'm just real sad a decent dealer and service department went out of business through no fault of their own. The state took their property to build a new freeway ramp. (sigh)

My basic attitude is this: If any dealer is unwilling or unable to properly deal with my Airstream and/or my hitch system, without charging me extra, I won't use that dealer.

If I'm in a real nice mood, I might eventually obtain a 'lot bar' for my ProPride, but that's as far as I will go. The main reason I will get one is to connect a power dolly in the future...

IMHO, the (occasional?) dumb dealer is not a reason to get something other than a Hensley design hitch setup, but, as I have said before, that's MY personal opinion, and I'm sticking to it... Last time I checked, the dealer provides the service, and I pay for it. If they want me as a regular customer, they need to accommodate my situation.

So, frankly, unless the job involves seriously heavy lifting, welding, or tools I have not acquired quite yet, I do my own maintenance, upgrades, and repairs. At least that way there are no excuses when something goes sideways with a repair...I know exactly who to blame, and that dude will make it right!

(Yeah, I'm an engineer, and I do talk to myself and get answers--don't we all?)
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2018, 08:34 AM   #18
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,674
Quote:
Originally Posted by gypsydad View Post
I saw a new 30 Classic yesterday in Buda, and the dealer told me it comes with AMG 12v batteries and solar now, standard. Said they just switched from the Interstates on that model this year....not sure which brand, but interesting extras on the Classic including the automatic leveling jacks and new Polk audio sound system...nice little extras. Have to see if I can back that down my driveway...no wait, first better check with the wife!
Hi

Hopefully this means the water levels are down enough that you didn't have to take a boat to get there

I suspect they are AGM rather than AMG batteries.

The trailers that get solar have been getting AGM's "stock" for quite a while now. Since some trailers come with solar as a standard item, they only get AGM's. That was the case the year we bought our Classic. It's equally true on any model / year combo that came with solar as a stock item.

If the Classic has leveling jacks (of any sort) rather than just power stabilizers, that's a massive change. It's not mentioned in any AS publications. It also does not show in any of the pictures ( = they all show stabilizers). My guess is that the sales guy had the two confused. (= do *not* try to use the stabilizers as levelers ...)

Bob
uncle_bob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2018, 01:38 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
gypsydad's Avatar
 
2017 28' Flying Cloud
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
2008 25' Safari FB SE
Georgetown (winter)Thayne (summer) , Texas & Wyoming
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,602
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob View Post
Hi

Hopefully this means the water levels are down enough that you didn't have to take a boat to get there

I suspect they are AGM rather than AMG batteries.

The trailers that get solar have been getting AGM's "stock" for quite a while now. Since some trailers come with solar as a standard item, they only get AGM's. That was the case the year we bought our Classic. It's equally true on any model / year combo that came with solar as a stock item.

If the Classic has leveling jacks (of any sort) rather than just power stabilizers, that's a massive change. It's not mentioned in any AS publications. It also does not show in any of the pictures ( = they all show stabilizers). My guess is that the sales guy had the two confused. (= do *not* try to use the stabilizers as levelers ...)

Bob
Good catch, UB...power stabilizers...not power leveling jacks. And...yea, the batteries were AGM LifeLines….still impressive they are improving all the time...along with the price hike! Lucky for us they just sold their last twin model!
__________________
Empty Nesters; Gypsies on the road!
2017 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2017 F250 King Ranch, 4X4, 6.7L, Blue-Ox WDH
Summer-Star Valley Ranch RV Resort (Thayne, WY); Winter-Sun City (Georgetown,TX)
gypsydad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2018, 02:39 PM   #20
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
Images: 1
snip...
"1... Most of the dealers would have to disconnect there TV setups to move a AS equipped with the Hensley Arrow."

Not necessarily so, you just have to be a little smarter than a PPP...

Most dealers just don't know what there dealing with><><

Bob
🇺🇸
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	472949.jpg
Views:	67
Size:	76.7 KB
ID:	326685   Click image for larger version

Name:	fullsizeoutput_1ecf.jpeg
Views:	67
Size:	105.6 KB
ID:	326686  

__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
2018 International new purchase converter and battery questions Njg Batteries, Univolts, Converters & Inverters 8 07-27-2017 05:53 AM
1973 Safari purchase questions mdrive Dollars & Cents 21 10-21-2010 01:26 PM
First Airstream purchase... need purchase tips, please. movin-in Buyer Guidelines 8 06-03-2010 05:09 PM
Possible purchase need purchase/deposit/title forms LiLNomad Dollars & Cents 5 05-28-2010 12:59 PM
Questions, Questions, Questions LowellN Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 5 10-28-2004 07:23 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:12 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.