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11-08-2010, 05:43 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2006 19' Safari
Currently Looking...
Newark
, Delaware
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 33
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Classic Slide Outs - Years and Lengths
We recently sold our 350LE Classic Motorhome. My wife and I would like to find a really nice Classic trailer with a slide out. I know that Airstream is no longer making SO's but I haven't been able to determine in what years they were offered and in which lengths. I'm looking for a 25-27 ft trailer but again I'm not sure that SO's were offered in the shorter lengths. Any insight would be appreciated.
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11-08-2010, 05:51 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,156
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To the best of my knowledge, Airstream offered rather minimal (12") slide outs in nothing smaller that a 28 footer, and those were in recent year models. I am not aware of any classic Airstream trailer that had a slide-out.
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)
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11-08-2010, 05:57 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2019 27' Globetrotter
Missouri Valley
, Iowa
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 512
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Delaware,
We have an '02 30' Classic w/ slide. It is just right for us, 2 adults, no pets, to stay 3 months in FL. (We could stay longer in the AS) The mfg years are about '98 - '08 for slides.
The lengths available that I have heard of are 28', 30', 34'
Our 30' weighs about 8400# empty. Hitch wt. about 900-950#
Dan
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11-08-2010, 06:43 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2022 30' Flying Cloud
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 208
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The 28' model was a Safari. The 30' and 34' were Classics. We preferred the Classic for the layout and the windows opened fully. The last year of SO's was '09.
With the slide closed you could walk inside the trailer. Friends with SOB's with the slides in couldn't. Makes it kinda hard to get to the fridg at a rest stop.
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11-08-2010, 07:39 PM
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#5
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moderator
Commercial Member
2016 27' International
Currently Looking...
Wilton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,711
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We have an 01' even though my avatar says we have an 02'. I wasnt aware they were offered in 98' but we are very happy with the layout and overall quality of the coach. Its a bit heavy so your tow vehicle has to be up to the task but I dont think you will have any regrets.
Vinnie
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11-08-2010, 07:52 PM
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#6
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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How far out do the modern slides go? Surely more than 12", that hardly seems worthwhile!
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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11-09-2010, 04:38 AM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
2006 19' Safari
Currently Looking...
Newark
, Delaware
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 33
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Thanks for the replies to date. To Airslides point. We have a Toyota Tundra with the 4.7L engine, rated to tow 8800lbs. A local AS dealer said that we were good for a 25ft. trailer but not much beyond. Don't really want to invest in a new truck at this point. I think that I'd would risk a 28ft. Classic, just need to find a nice one.
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11-09-2010, 07:38 AM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
1972 21' Globetrotter
nc
, North Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 253
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aage
How far out do the modern slides go? Surely more than 12", that hardly seems worthwhile!
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12in. slide is not worthwhile, i dont think airstream frames will handle anything larger.
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11-09-2010, 08:32 AM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
2022 30' Flying Cloud
Phoenix
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 208
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aage
How far out do the modern slides go? Surely more than 12", that hardly seems worthwhile!
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Surprisingly, that 12" opens up a large area with the dinette pushing out. You won't go ballroom dancing. We prefer the 30' SO over a 30' because of that extra room. Between the slide and the refrigerator is a pantry with the microwave above it. This is an ideal place for the microwave. The pantry area is large with two shelves.
Everyone I have met with a SO enjoys them.
The SO adds about 800 lbs to the trailer weight.
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11-09-2010, 10:18 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2008 30' Classic S/O
Dearborn
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,403
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I measured it once, the slide extension is about 20" IIRC.
DW wanted a 34'. I didn't want the extra length (suburban/hensley and 31' trailer is already +50' rig!), or additional set of running gear (and expenses that includes) that goes with the 34'.
We found the 30 (it's really a 31') S/O a happy compromise. It opens up enough to give you the extra space of a 34', without any drawbacks.
We much prefer it over our last 31' Dinette.
I thought Airslide's was the first production year, 2001.. but I could be wrong
There was a year or two in there where they made a 28' & 30' Safari S/O
2009 was the final year for the 30 & 34 Classic S/O
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11-09-2010, 03:00 PM
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#11
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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When I was shopping last December, saw the 30' S/O and went inside, I was done for. It does add a lot of volume and I like it. We sit on the front sofa, fire up a DVD and enjoy the space. And you can easily navigate the interior with it closed.
Just gotta learn the slide and kinda like measure 4 times cut once, you check and recheck for obstacles b4 pressing extend.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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11-09-2010, 05:03 PM
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#12
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moderator
Commercial Member
2016 27' International
Currently Looking...
Wilton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,711
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinSC2
When I was shopping last December, saw the 30' S/O and went inside, I was done for. It does add a lot of volume and I like it. We sit on the front sofa, fire up a DVD and enjoy the space. And you can easily navigate the interior with it closed.
Just gotta learn the slide and kinda like measure 4 times cut once, you check and recheck for obstacles b4 pressing extend.
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Check for obstacles.. We were at a rally replacing a rivet.. operated the slide once fixed... folded up my buddies ladder. Somehow it only bent the hinges on the ladder and did absolutely nothing on the slide. I was lucky this time. Check check check before you hit that button.
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11-09-2010, 05:33 PM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
2005 30' Classic S/O
Delta
, British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 8
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new to us slide out
Hi...we just imported a 2005 30' Classic S/0 from WA state to BC this past Friday. We still have to have it inspected (this Friday) for a CDN compliance sticker, then insure and license. We are thrilled so far and all we have done is tow it for two hours! It will be hubby and I and the two doggies, one med. and one tiny. We are looking forward to enjoying the luxurious butter soft leather sofa, and other appliances which have barely been used. It still smells brand new and even had the large maufacturers sticker still attached to the sofa!! That slide really does make a huge diff. and we are looking forward to years of adventures. I love this site and will have lots and lots of questions for months and years to come. ENJOY!! Shannon
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11-09-2010, 06:06 PM
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#14
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Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
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Mollys Mom,
I think you'll find lots of help here and I'll start with one of the NO NO's that was "presented" to me as a new Slide Out owner, level first/stabilizers down and then and only then do you get to slide it out!
Good luck from a 1st yr. S/O owner.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
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04-02-2011, 11:29 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2020 30' Classic
Derwood
, Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,515
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The "nut" in me prefers the structural integrity afforded by not having a slide out (regardless of the reality of that statement) but I appreciate the increase in space offered - I just know I would be worried about that slide (structure, vulnerabilities, etc.) even though I'm sure they are fine, this past year I have been in some pretty fierce rain storms and one crazy heavy snow storm in the Rockies, sideways wind blown perception - I would have been nervous with the side sticking out (moisture intrusion, wind load, etc.)... Told ya I'm a nut.
Luckily, since they are no longer offered and I wanted a new unit - such a decision was not mine to make.
__________________
John "JFScheck" Scheck
2020 30’ Airstream Classic
**I Love U.S.A.**
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04-02-2011, 01:48 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
2002 30' Classic S/O
Banning
, California
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 79
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S/o
I believe what you told me !
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04-02-2011, 02:10 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2017 30' Flying Cloud
Newtown
, Connecticut
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 90
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John
When we know a bad storm is on it's way. We run the slide in and sit tight. Have a 2003 Safari 28 SO.
__________________
Eric 28
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04-02-2011, 02:40 PM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Between Here
, And There
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 379
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2004 Classic SO
We have a 30' 2004 Classic SO. The slide extends 20" and the usable length of the slide inside the unit is 76"
Therefore 20 X 76 = 1520/144 = 10.55 square feet of additional floor space.
PROS: 10.55 sqft additional space, opens the living area up making things seem more spacious.
CONS: Loss of overhead storage because the slide has to move in and out. Loss of the credenza. 700# of additional weight. Early models did not have a good slide locking system and axles were not heavy enough.
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04-02-2011, 03:16 PM
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#19
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moderator
Commercial Member
2016 27' International
Currently Looking...
Wilton
, California
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,711
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fltlevel510
We have a 30' 2004 Classic SO. The slide extends 20" and the usable length of the slide inside the unit is 76"
Therefore 20 X 76 = 1520/144 = 10.55 square feet of additional floor space.
PROS: 10.55 sqft additional space, opens the living area up making things seem more spacious.
CONS: Loss of overhead storage because the slide has to move in and out. Loss of the credenza. 700# of additional weight. Early models did not have a good slide locking system and axles were not heavy enough.
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Those numbers are the same on the 2001. Its a considerable amount of space. Folks cant believe it when they walk in for the first time. Whats nice is when the slide is in its still very usable and fairly easy to roam about.
Vinnie
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04-02-2011, 04:24 PM
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#20
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Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,403
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The slides carry a heavy hitch weight. Heavy enough that I had to replace my factory receiver on my van with a Class V hitch. I thought long and hard regarding getting the slide. Its operation has been flawless (yes and the stabilizer down message before moving the slide was drilled into my head). We've been in some good storms and the seals do their job. There is one inside and one outside that work together in keeping the slide air and water tight.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
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