Used or new

[Shazam]

This will be our first AS. We are looking at 25ft FC and deciding between a 2015 and 2018. Are there any significant differences between these model years or anything I should inquire about more indepth? What about the dealer offered extended warranty?

Thank you

[GMFL]

Shazam,
Hello from across the river!
As far as the difference between 2015 and 2018. The 25’ FC should be the same. Ducted Air for those units was new in 2015 if my memory serves me well. There was the addition of a interior color choice sometime in the last few years but no major changes.
PM me if you need any other help
Ronnie

[n2916s]

The 2018 will have the balance of the factory warranty. The 2015, on the other hand, is out of warranty but should have had any serious gripes addressed by the previous owner(s).

I am skeptical of dealer warranties. How useful is it if you break something a thousand miles away from the dealer? What is excluded in the fine print? Is there a mandatory (expensive) annual dealer inspection required to keep it in force?

If the 2015 is in good shape, you will save a bundle as the first three years depreciation is the greatest, tapering off rapidly from there.

If you are handy,get the inspection checklist (or a volunteer inspector from the Forum) and leap in!

[GMFL]

I will be happy to inspect it for you if it’s in my area.

[switz]

Note that the first year of the air ducts (2015), many folks experienced them falling out due to a faulty design issue of oversized holes or poor clip design. Airstream really never addressed the issue to everyone's satisfaction.

[Isuzusweet]

Definately go for the 2015.....save thousands, negligible future problems; hopefully a scuff or two just to give it some patina and save you the angst of your first scuff.
Even if you spend money to redo the bedding to a better quality mattress, you're still thousands ahead.
May come with WD hitch and all the accessories that will cost you thousand beyond the 2018 buying price.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

PS Don't bother with extended warranty....save your money and enjoy fixing it properly yourself, the first time.

[majorairhead]

The 2018 may have the upgraded converter and a couple solar panels on top. The upgraded converter is nice, but you could upgrade the 2015 your self, many have done so.

The 2015 will be needing tires in a year or so. Check the tires on the units.

I'd probably opt for the 2015 if the price difference is great enough.

[Bob662]

I vote for the 2015. The current owner can sell for close to what they paid for it, and still be $20-30,000 below current prices. A win-win for everybody.

[Shazam]

Thanks all for the useful info. I've learned a bunch lurking on the forum.
GMFL- Lake Martin is beautiful- PM sent.

[PKI]

New vs used? It depends. If you are DIY capable, get the used coach. If you are a take it to the dealer person, then look at the new ones. They have a longer warranty now.

What I would say is - look at the 27s. Less tongue weight and more interior. Folks think 25 is the one and lots of them get sold. It is a nice mid sized coach. But if you are a twoftitis type person, just consider the 27 now. You will be happier in the end. If you are not a bigger is better RVer, look at the 23s. They are a lot of coach, easy to tow and a great value for two folks. The CB model is even offered in a bunk version for small families. Note - the 23s did not get ducted air until later production. That can hold the 2015 and older to a lower price if your budget is tight.

Do your research now, before you sign. There is a lot of information to consider and that adventure is basically free.

Good luck in your search. Pat

[uraljohn]

Originally Posted by switz

Note that the first year of the air ducts (2015), many folks experienced them falling out due to a faulty design issue of oversized holes or poor clip design. Airstream really never addressed the issue to everyone's satisfaction.

They now drill a small hole at the end of the slot for the air adjustment and then insert back into ceiling hole. Then a small hole is drilled into skin at 4 different intervals while rotating outer duct. 4 rivets or small screws installed and no more falling vents. The technician at JC did this to my 2017 23D when in for minor warranty work. works perfect.

[uraljohn]

The cushions in the 2018 received a major upgrade to a much firmer foam, Big difference. Also the window curtains are blackout. No seeing through them at night with lights on inside. The 2015 may have the dreaded Goodyear Marathon tires. The 2018 will have the Goodyear Endurance E rated tires. Way better and so far no bad reputation for failure. 2015 may still have the standard wheel bearings and not the Never Lube. Not sure on that one. When we purchased our 2017 23D we bought new because the used ones were maybe 5k less and for 2017 several important upgrades were made to the 23D's. We thought the factory warranty and upgrades were worth the difference. Personal choice. Either way, enjoy your new or pre-owned Airstream and welcome to the group.

[Shazam]

All-

We took delivery today of our 2015 25FC. I appreciate for all the guidance and will continue to learn from this forum.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by switz

Note that the first year of the air ducts (2015), many folks experienced them falling out due to a faulty design issue of oversized holes or poor clip design.

I've had three fall out. I look at them, guess how and why they're in there, give them a firm push to lock the plastic teeth, and move on.
The ducted air is such an improvement, it's worth dealing with finding an occasional vent on the floor or bed.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by GMFL

I will be happy to inspect it for you if it’s in my area.

Another👍 for the '15.

But wait until it's cleared by GMFL before any $$ exchanged.🥳

Bob
🇺🇸

[GMFL]

Rick,
Congrats on a beautiful unit. Feel free to reach out any time.
Thanks for allowing me an inside view.

[Shazam]

Ronnie- I appreciate all your help through this process. Unfortunately, we did not have an inspector look at the rig, but the dealer spent several hours going through everything and we spent the first night home camping in our driveway. The only we have not done yet is empty the tanks. That is next weekend on our first visit to a campground. All systems are working well. We are having issues with the Voyager backup camera but I spoke with the dealer yesterday and I am confident he will take care of it.

Since you offered. Here are a few questions. I've researched the answers on the forum but have seen several opinions.
1. TPMS- They are in the 250-350 range. Is it worth the expense? Or is it one other thing on the dashboard to take my gaze from the road?
2. Antitheft devices- We have X-chock. Should we get the Brahma? I see that hitch locks are easily defeatable.
3. We have the AS in our driveway on 30A service with the heat pump set at 50 and the cabinets open. Is that enough to prevent freezing?

Rick