2015 Flying Cloud 27FB Twin

[Slympicins]

The DW and I are looking to trade the 2014 Flagstaff Super Lite for a 2015 Flying Cloud 27FB Twin. Love the idea of no slide issues and all the other mechanical problems (they have not happened yet but who knows) for a more simpler life. Not all too familiar with the Airstream other than they have been around longer than I have been.
Can anyone offer up some issues to be aware of before we sink many G's into an Airstream? Any known issues during the walk through? Plumbing issues? Axle issues? Cold walls issue and one that I have been reading about, oxidation at the rivet seams?
If you have anything to help with the possible new purchase, please chime in.
I am a active member of the Forest River forums and I am constantly giving advise but find myself outside my knowledge base here.

Thanks, Chuck

[msmcv51]

Welcome, you will get your answers here.

[Sbb]

I purchased used and know way more now than I did before. All trailers leak, all will get corrosion, all will need upkeep and that cost time and money. I love my little Bambi and it is not perfect, but end of day I like it much better than anything I had before. The Tab comes in second, loved that but there was no bathrooms in them back in 2095.

Welcome to the forums and I am sure someone with far more knowledge than me will chime in.

[Slympicins]

Thanks folks. I guess I can honestly say the same as SSB but was kinda hoping an eighty grand trailer would be a tad different. We or, should I say I, have always like the look of the Airstream which haven't seemed to have changed over the years. We love the Flagstaff but I'm not fancy to all three slides. It has a ton of room which the DW loves to fill the drawers. Our favorite movie is "The Long, Long Trailer" with Desi and Lucy. If you've seen that movie, you will understand. We have had it for a year a day camped crazy in it. I'm always checking seals and the rubber roof as well as all electrical stuff. We have had no issues (Luck) but like the idea of no rubber roof. Anyone can tell me of Airstream roof problems? Again, I know everyone has issues I just want to know the Airstream issues before the big day.

[Slympicins]

Oh and I like the ducted ac in the new 2015's. We have it in the FR.

[dkottum]

The issues are poor delivery inspections and correction of assembly or delivery problems at some dealerships of some Airstreams, filiform corrosion of the exterior panel edges and rivet holes, and water intrusion.

All are manageable without great effort. Go over the trailer well before delivery looking for assembly or damage issues, and use the methods given in the following thread reference as a routine and periodic inspection and maintenance program for your Airstream. It will last a lifetime and look good all the way.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...on-126056.html

[Slympicins]

Thanks dotted that will help.

[Slympicins]

I guess I should introduce myself before I beg for help. I'm retired from the Miami area in 2008. I couldn't stand retirement so I'm working again in Tennessee with a few years left for another retirement (permanent this time). Have kids in the military and we (DW and puppy) love camping in the mountains. East Tennessee has hundreds of beautiful campgrounds to choose from. I always carry parts and tools to help out fellow campers in distress like broken water filters.

[Slympicins]

Tow vehicle is a 2013 Ram 2500 4X4 diesel Lariat crew cab with auto transmission. Silver to match the As.

[Slympicins]

Originally Posted by dkottum

The issues are poor delivery inspections and correction of assembly or delivery problems at some dealerships of some Airstreams, filiform corrosion of the exterior panel edges and rivet holes, and water intrusion.

All are manageable without great effort. Go over the trailer well before delivery looking for assembly or damage issues, and use the methods given in the following thread reference as a routine and periodic inspection and maintenance program for your Airstream. It will last a lifetime and look good all the way.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...on-126056.html

Thanks. Darn spell checker takes over my world.

[Foiled Again]

One of my favorite old time working actors was Slim Pickens.

Anyway welcome to the world of Airstreams. The 27 is a really nice layout. Everyone here is just crazy about the ducted air. I guess it's quieter but really - this is going to make the 2014 models take an even deeper discount than normal. You also mentioned that you love camping in the mountains. Where you open the windows and leave the A/C off?

You already know you like RV's so buying new doesn't have the same potential for disaster as "oh we always wanted to own one" first timers. For them I ALWAYS recommend that they buy gently used so that someone else has already taken the hit on the depreciation. Unless you're planning on spending a lot of time in Florida, perhaps you could find a 2012 - 2014 model and save a lot of money. Your wife will have some shock getting used to the limited storage... I still struggle a little, but basically it is just a matter of setting out 10 items and deciding which 3 or 4 must go to the thrift store or a friend.

There won't be any rallies except in the south before spring, but it might be an excellent idea to hang out at one or two before you purchase. There is usually an open house during a rally and owners will tell you what they like, don't like, or have changed with the model they own. That's a far better way to see Airstreams than at a dealer. OTOH, if your time is your own - go to Jackson Center Ohio and take the factory tour. Especially good timing is on a Friday afternoon as it's sometimes possible to poke through Airstreams that are on the manufacturing line.

Of course one problem with choosing your dream Airstream is that very few dealers have a broad spectrum of the models available. The exception is Colonial Airstream in Lakewood NJ - which is actually rather close to Philadelphia. Just carry lots of hankies to control the drool. And of course if you like to gamble you could also see Atlantic City before the last casino gives up the ghost.

Believe me, what you see in the brochures, pictures and blueprints may not be the best guide for what you'll be happy with in the real world. If you're contemplating blowing $80K... invest $1K in a research trip.

Your real thrill will be feeling (barely feeling) the trailer behind you when you tow and a tractor trailer passes you.

Paula

[Slympicins]

Thanks Paula. I loved Slim Pickens as he rode the nuke just a hollering.
Good suggestions especially taking the factory tour. Hell no to Philly or Atlantic City. Been their done that and scratched it off the bucket list forever. Could be a good idea to find a 2014 but love the ducted ac. Don't like the expense though but it could be the last, last rv. I have spent hours reading up on Airstreams and find there not all that different (as far as issues) as other manufacturers. With fiberglass we have delamination issues. With Airstreams we have corrosion issues so it's a toss. Momma loves her three slides giving what she calls, "Socialbility Factors". That's what she liked about the AS 27FB Twin. We love each other but love the twin beds for more room and she can add more blankets cause I freeze her out at night. Our local dealer doesn't seem to want to move much from the MSRP but is giving great money on the trade (quid pro quo). We have an RV show coming up in a few weeks and just may hold off to see what they will do. We are not in any hurry since it's pretty frosty here now. By the way... Are these AS trailers covered underneath? Are they somewhat four season types?

[ghaynes755]

Keep in mind that not all trailers show corrosion. Depends on how you take care of them. That being said I doubt that there are any fiberglass trailers on the road for 40+ years. Shoot not even sure when they started making FB trailers. And don't remember ever seeing an ancilary refurbishment industry like there is for Airstreams.

The rally idea is a good one. Or simply see if there is a WBCCI chapter close by and go to a chapter meeting. Lots of folks would be happy to have you stop by and talk AS with you.

And it wasn't Slims ride on the bomb that hurt. Only the landing

[Slympicins]

Haha I agree there are very few if any old campers around the world except for AS. I looked up the local group here in East Tennessee and will give them a call. Met a few of those folks here at a rally several months ago but didn't talk to much about the AS cause it was freezing and raining so it was just a good camping chat. Good information. Thank you.

[KJRitchie]

Wait 6 months for the 2016s come in and the 2015s will be on sale. I understand what you are going through, the wife loves all the bells and whistles and space of your Flagstaff but you are the one that has to worry about the maintenance and towing that behemoth. We camp with someone who has a Flagstaff and it has three slides, very spacious inside and has a 40"+ HDTV with home theater seats on one side, another couch, table with 4 chairs, island kitchen, the list goes on and on. Its a monster at 32'+ and a couple of feet taller than our AS. The 27 is going to feel tiny but the twins make it more spacious. Will you really enjoy the rear dinette with side couch compared with the couches in your Flagstaff? While the dinette is great for dining its not comfortable for relaxing and taking the table down every night to make a large lounge gets old. Even when its down its not that comfortable because the cushions aren't like the back rest and side arms of a proper couch. I put up with that because I like everything else about my AS floor plan and we don't want anything longer. We prefer to have the bedroom separated from the living area and that is impossible to find in a 25' SOB.

One thing you have to more concerned with is hail. Most hail won't hurt your Flagstaff like it would the Airstream.

You'e be better off selling your Flagstaff yourself and then deal with cash if you decide to proceed.

As with all RVs its a matter of compromise and what's important.

Good luck.

Kelvin

[Slympicins]

Thanks Kelvin. I heard that about hail damage. I will have to allow time to soak in all this info.