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Old 05-20-2018, 12:16 AM   #1
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As Green as they come....

Hi there,

After renting an RV a couple times and it being the best family trips we have had, we went and bought a Flying Cloud 23cb (w/ bunk). We have a 5 year old boy and 1.5 year old girl. Picking it up in 2 weeks!

I grew up boating most of my life which has a similar feel, but neither of us have any camping / Rv'ing experience. Would appreciate point us to the best threads for recommendations that will help us along the learning curve. Everything from practical tips on what to buy, things you wish you would have done when buying your first AS, etc.

Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you, and appreciate the help in advance!

eric
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Old 05-20-2018, 12:26 AM   #2
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Hi there,

After renting an RV a couple times and it being the best family trips we have had, we went and bought a Flying Cloud 23cb (w/ bunk). We have a 5 year old boy and 1.5 year old girl. Picking it up in 2 weeks!

I grew up boating most of my life which has a similar feel, but neither of us have any camping / Rv'ing experience. Would appreciate point us to the best threads for recommendations that will help us along the learning curve. Everything from practical tips on what to buy, things you wish you would have done when buying your first AS, etc.

Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you, and appreciate the help in advance!

eric

That's a pretty big question, so I'll answer with some larger scale comments:

-- RVing with kids (me too) puts you in the minority, so add salt to much of the conventional wisdom.

-- My guess is that you'll want a bigger trailer pretty soon, so you might want to move to a 25 before you sign. (I am a fan of smaller trailers and traveling light... so the salt has already been applied to this comment! I have two teens and the four of us travel in a 25.)

-- So much depends on how you travel. If you use private campgrounds and full hookups you can do everything with the stock trailer. If you want to boondock and be off grid, you'll need to make mods. If you like to hike and cook and hang out by the fire, then the entertainment is built in; but if you like to go to attractions then you'll need to think about how to simplify the process of getting you trailer set up and then LEAVING to see the sites.

-- Many of the questions and conundrums of RV travel can be solved with money and a cell phone. If you've got those resources and value those solutions, no one will judge you for writing the check. (Heck, there are people on here that own batteries that cost thousands of dollars!) If you don't, then enjoy the process of figuring out how to make things happen without opening your wallet; this too gets plenty of respect. (Plenty of folks in this category too!) I suspect this latter approach is more rewarding... but I personally think it's more important to decide which way you're going to go: end that debate early and you'll have a much more enjoyable time.

I hope that helps. Happy to share the nitty gritty details anytime. I particularly enjoy working those out!
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Old 05-20-2018, 04:38 AM   #3
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... Would appreciate point us to the best threads for recommendations that will help us along the learning curve. Everything from practical tips on what to buy, things you wish you would have done when buying your first AS, etc....
Finding the "Long Long Honeymoon" channel on YouTube and watching their earlier videos would be a good place to start. After that search for other how-to videos that you might want to see - How to use a Zip-Dee awning for example.
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Old 05-20-2018, 04:51 AM   #4
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Congratulations on getting your AS. You'll make so many great memories for you and your children. And also welcome to the forum. It's great to have you with us.

There is a lot to learn but I found that to be part of the fun. One thing that might prove useful is to find the local chapter of WBCCI (the AS club). Contact them and see about local rallies. You can attend any of the rallies as a guest. There you will find many experienced "streamers". Learning from the forum and YouTube is great but to have some actually show you is even better.

Wishing you the best!
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Old 05-20-2018, 06:57 AM   #5
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All of the advice above is good, but here’s a sure fire way to get it right.
Do your first camping trip in your driveway.
Move out into the camper and stay a few days. Whatever you forgot is within easy reach, and you make a note of that item for the next trip.
If your first trip is 300 miles away and you forgot, for example, your insulin, well, that’s a problem!
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Old 05-20-2018, 07:12 AM   #6
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There is a 23CB thread on the forum. It has lots of info. It’s become very large with a lot of info that may not apply to you. A quick scan through It will be beneficial. I am pretty sure one of the guys that contributes to that thread regularly, camps with kids. I’d track him down, send him a PM. Maybe make arrangements to call him direct.
When we camped with kids, we had a pop up. It was fantastic. Took it back into some crazy locations, with five bikes on the pop up, and two canoes on the SUV. Pictures from those trips are all over the inside of our AS.
We never made it to Disney World, but all three learned to fly fish, mountain bike, and paddle a canoe. Great memories. I remember the RV salesman telling me to add an air conditioner. I told him, we will not be hanging out in this trailer. If it’s that hot we are home. We sure used the little propane furnace a lot though.
You’re going to have a blast. What great memories.
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Old 05-20-2018, 05:27 PM   #7
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Welcome from Colorado: Hey, we were all newbies once. You will learn from the first day you take ownership and on for the next 15 years or so. I learn something new all the time.

We camped next to a family with a 2 year old and a baby just last month. They were in a new Globetrotter 28 $$$$. Very nice trailer but maybe not so great for two youngsters. My point is people travel with youngsters all the time. Your focus will be on your children's care, not so much sightseeing. Feeding, naps, early to bed, up three times during the night, taking them to the playground. I have three grandchildren, I know the routine. Love it.

You need to learn how to hitch and tow your new trailer safely. Maybe it's like towing your boat. Start easy and don't drive through a busy city at first. Your "vehicle dynamics" change significantly. Acceleration is slow, braking distances are much longer, wide turns needed, sharp curves taken slowly, visibility restricted, etc. etc.

Your good dealer will teach you the trailer's systems. Not show you, but watch you do it successfully. Hook ups, draining tanks, propane, leveling, 12v systems, and on.

I agree you should camp in your driveway for a night or two.

Buy Rich Luhr's book "Airstreaming for Newbies" at his Airstream Life store. His maintenance book is good too. I recommend both of them.

David

https://store.airstreamlife.com/coll.../books-and-cds
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Old 05-20-2018, 05:44 PM   #8
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Greetings from the Florida Panhandle

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Congratulations on your new baby. May you have safe travels and many great Airstream Adventures with her.


Just remember, RVing/Airstrteaming is not that difficult. There is a learning curve, but it's not launching rockets.. Ask whatever you want here on AirForums, and you will get answers.


Brian
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Old 05-20-2018, 06:01 PM   #9
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I think you may want to take a real good look at a 25. 2 adults plus 2 Children is stretching things a bit thin IMHO. Either way, enjoy the travel with your family.
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Old 05-20-2018, 06:04 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GettinAway View Post
There is a 23CB thread on the forum. It has lots of info. It’s become very large with a lot of info that may not apply to you. A quick scan through It will be beneficial. I am pretty sure one of the guys that contributes to that thread regularly, camps with kids. I’d track him down, send him a PM. Maybe make arrangements to call him direct.
When we camped with kids, we had a pop up. It was fantastic. Took it back into some crazy locations, with five bikes on the pop up, and two canoes on the SUV. Pictures from those trips are all over the inside of our AS.
We never made it to Disney World, but all three learned to fly fish, mountain bike, and paddle a canoe. Great memories. I remember the RV salesman telling me to add an air conditioner. I told him, we will not be hanging out in this trailer. If it’s that hot we are home. We sure used the little propane furnace a lot though.
You’re going to have a blast. What great memories.
That’s me... PM me and I would be glad to talk. We travel with 2 kids all the time in our 23D. Headed to Disney World next week.
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Old 05-20-2018, 11:22 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by e2girardin View Post
Hi there,

After renting an RV a couple times and it being the best family trips we have had, we went and bought a Flying Cloud 23cb (w/ bunk). We have a 5 year old boy and 1.5 year old girl. Picking it up in 2 weeks!

I grew up boating most of my life which has a similar feel, but neither of us have any camping / Rv'ing experience. Would appreciate point us to the best threads for recommendations that will help us along the learning curve. Everything from practical tips on what to buy, things you wish you would have done when buying your first AS, etc.

Looking forward to hopefully seeing some of you, and appreciate the help in advance!

eric
Wow, 10 replies in less than 24 hours! Really appreciate everyone's feedback (even the "go bigger" which I was forewarned...LOL) and will be taking a look at the sites and books recommended.

I'm from BC and picking up our AS from the Seattle dealer as no one in Western Canada had the CB model. So much for camping in our driveway....trial by fire, here we come!

Thanks again!

Eric & Elise
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Old 05-21-2018, 08:24 AM   #12
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.....they are very similar.
"...you don't stop repairing or spending money on a boat 'til it sinks"

Disclaimer....Though we have spent less on both.🤗

Sweet Streams...👍

BTW....'camp' overnight in the Dealers driveway, after the orientation walk thru. 😳

Bob
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Old 05-21-2018, 08:36 AM   #13
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Just go out and do it. Experience is the best teacher. You won't regret the memories you make.
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Old 05-21-2018, 08:46 AM   #14
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Start at Porteau Cove. If things go haywire you can sneak home. Next, Alice Lake PP. I think the only thing you need is a dump hose and a fresh water hose. All else you will figure out after a week end. Start as soon as you can because your area will soon be overrun with folks like me. Jim
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Old 05-21-2018, 09:57 AM   #15
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The 23CB thread is titled for the older model. Look for the 23D. There is also a 23FB thread which has some cross over, but the D thread is more active.

We were surprised to meet a family with three kids in their 23D bunk model. Lots of folks in a small space. They were very happy with the choice. Betting you will be too. Rules on how the space is used will help. All pitching in so mom does not do it all makes a read difference. Simple and easy can be a real win.

Boating and RVing have similarities. We found a 20% upspend typical with a boat. Second anchor, radio, sails, grill, life vests .... Same with RV. Hitch, chairs, mat, grill, fire extinguisher, tools ..... However, the safety focus is on the TV and hitch as opposed to the anchor and PFDs. Your boat tells you it's overloaded by sitting lower than the water line. The RV needs a trip to the weight scales to check and tune. Boats have good training available. RV training is a bit more difficult to find but exists. Try you tube videos. They do help.

Use stuff from the house initially to stock the trailer. Upgrade as you find better solutions. You will have a lot left over from the boat if you kept it.

Hitch - the dealer will offer an EQ or a Blue Ox Weight Distribution Hitch with the deal. Go with the BO. The EQ is too stiff for the AS.

The RV should be loaded as you would a boat. Heavy items in the center over the axle and bulky light weight items in the ends. Storage is not always perfect for that distribution, but doable as you learn.

While you wait for your new coach, read the forum threads. Lots of information is available from folks who have been traveling with a shiny for lots of miles and lots of years. After you read the posts you will start to see individual perspectives on RV use. Dry camping leads you in a different direction than FHU park camping. WBCCI caravans and rally events are different from doing a trip yourself or with a friend. Try a bit of all to get the full experience of a shiny Airstream trailer.

The Seattle dealer is part of the group that includes Boise, Portland and two locations in the SF Bay area. Lots of expertice available from the group. Having to travel to get your trailer is not a bad thing. Traveling through Seattle and Vancouver with a new coach is not such a good thing. You might roll East and bypass the majority of the traffic. At a minimum, stay out of rush hour.

The default in all is go slow, take it easy, and use attentive driving skills. Hard to do when big trucks whiz by, but better than traveling so fast you are whizing by the trucks. Towing a travel trailer is not the same as towing a boat. Much more instability results from the big surface area of a travel trailer. The good news is ASs tow much better than other coaches. The bad news is all trailers sway.

A CB is a new coach and will have 12in brakes, duct AC, firm cushions, 15in wheels with Goodyear Endurance tires and a multi-stage converter. That covers the primary upgrades that folks do. The one thing that may be an issue is the battery bank. Wet cell batteries can get damaged if not held at 50% charge or more. The multi-stage converter will help to protect them, but until you prove they are capable of taking and holding a full capacity charge, be careful with use.

Get a suit case solar panel for off grid charging. Not expensive and a good cost effective solution. Get a Voyager Backup camera. Is expensive, but of great value. Do not use it for backing. Use a spotter. The spotter can see all. The camera view is selective. Get Out And Look is your primary control.

Read about awning use and the hazards of allowing rain water to pool. It is touchy to extend and retract, but not difficult. Practice makes perfect.

Check list are gold. Make them. Use them. Improve them.

Mirrors - yes, yes, yes ..... don't leave home without them.

Leave the bikes at home. Go hiking when you travel. Take a camera to make memories. Make small and controlled campfires or none if possible. Forest fires are a threat. Be aware of the Andersen arch defacement thread.

Most important - have fun, make memories and enjoy the smiles. Pat
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Old 05-22-2018, 12:14 PM   #16
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There is another caution that is worth some consideration. The tank and sewer dump valves behind the axles are located with no skid plate protection. When wheels drop off a curb, significantly steep driveway approach or into a big hole, the rear drops. If it drops too far, damage to the plumbing and tanks is possible. Here is a video that showes the dump valve location later in the discussion (6.00). May help on some other issues too.



Good luck on the new coach. Pat
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Old 05-22-2018, 07:43 PM   #17
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Checklists:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ts-113105.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...st-150041.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...st-118745.html

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Old 05-23-2018, 06:49 AM   #18
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I am similarly new to Airstream. I have plenty of camping time growing up, plenty of trailer time at different jobs and other hobbies, but you must accept that you will make mistakes.

Our first trip was 20 miles from the dealer the day we bought her. We made notes on what we needed for the second trip and we took the things we didn't use home. It was hot (95 degrees... the hottest day of the year so far) and our campsite had the AC and refrigerator panels were on the sunny side. And they took a long time to cool down. But they did. When we were pulling out we did all the things needed...cutting off all the electric items, securing everything, emptying the tanks. Hooked up and started to slowly pull out. Heard a scraping sound. Fortunately, I was going very slow and only moved about 5 inches. The tongue jack was still down. I won't forget that one again. Took her to storage and forgot to turn the battery switch to store. Realized it about three days later. Fortunately, all was well when we returned. Another lesson.

The second trip was a little further off in a more secluded area that was a bit more challenging to navigate into...and back into a spot with many trees. My wife was great as a spotter. I had to take a few shots to get into the space but kept cool and everything went fine.

And now, as we prep for our third trip (including one night boondocking), we have developed checklists for us. I pulled information from many checklists, but personalized them to what we need and don't need. And then I made it a PDF form so I can check off items as I do them on my phone.

And I'm sure we'll learn more this weekend. But that's part of the enjoyment for me.

And one last thing...know your limits. What you can do, what your spouse can do, how far you drive, how much your TV can actually handle.
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Old 05-24-2018, 09:12 AM   #19
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If you don't already have them, get a set of talkabout radios for backing up. We use to use our cellphones, and still do sometimes, but there are places we camp that do not have cell reception and there is a time delay over the cellular network.

And just in case of emergency, when traveling we also keep one on in the truck and one on in the coach for when a passenger has to take a trip back there. In our 25' FB the driver cannot see the coach door when parked straight. If anything were to happen, as the driver, I'm generally blind to what's going on back there.
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Old 06-11-2018, 12:31 AM   #20
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Thanks!

Thanks again to everyone for the advice and well wishes. Finally picked up our 23CB this weekend and had our first night in it. All the hitch recommendations (esp. Blue Ox WDH) were invaluable as it was much easier to tow than expected. Backing up is another story, but that will come with time!

Looking forward to hopefully crossing paths with fell AS'ers.

Have a great summer!

eric
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