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Originally Posted by Backroads
Hello,
NewB to RV scene, potential first time buyer to boot.
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Welcome to RVing and to the Airstream community.
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Considering buying new 34' Limited
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As you're probably aware the 34' was out of production for a couple of years and there are relatively few of these units on the road. Nonetheless, people who have them, like them, and they are very similar to the 30'/31' classic in many regards. The main benefit of the extra 3' of length is that the lounge area in front is more usable and allows you to have people facing each other while conversing without crowding the galley and outside door.
You will want to consider the ProPride hitch and the Maxbrake brake controller. For towing in the mountains you might want to at least consider a disc brake upgrade although it is costly. The work can be done at the service center in Jackson Center after the trailer leaves the factory and before it is shipped to your local dealer.
Here is the
list of modifications I made to my 30' classic.
Here is my
general advice to people doing a factory order of a new classic, mainly about options you should consider when ordering.
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...welcome advice regarding full-timing in this rig?
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If you are completely new to RVing I would recommend, very strongly, that you go on a couple of trips with a friend or in a rental unit before you commit $100,000 to the lifestyle. Some people conclude fairly quickly that it's not their thing.
Airstreams are optimized for travel, not for long stays or for cargo capacity, so consider what kind of lifestyle you want and how much stuff you need. I like living in my Airstream from time to time but some people want more space.
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Have heard/read past issues with water damage to floors to select AS models...any issues with new AS...in articular the 34' Limited that I may need to be aware of? No slides on the model we are considering.
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Current production uses plywood floors that are not especially prone to this sort of damage, though over the course of years anything will rot if there are water leaks.
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Plan to tow with 2500 Diesel 4x4...was advised to install the "V" hitch. Any advice regarding hitches?
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Again look at the ProPride (or the Hensley) for weight distribution and sway control. On the truck side of things there have been a few cases where the factory GM hitches have failed with hard use. Only some years and models are affected so the details mattered. I have a 2004 2500 'burb and had weld failures on the factory hitch. I have an aftermarket hitch now that I believe is better.
If you're getting a brand new truck I believe that the current production ones have a different hitch without any known problems so you should be OK.
Ask lots of questions and tell us more about what you're doing. Who, where, what, all affect your decision and should affect the advice you receive.