New Flying Cloud

[philspr12]

It's a great day.

My wife and I just purchased a 2012 Flying Cloud FB (27 ft) in Buda, TX. Will pick it up in a couple of weeks - and look forward to participating in the community.

My first (of probably 50,000 questions), is there is list somewhere of the hoses/etc., I will need to acquire when I go to pick it up?

Spent the last week at Alumapaloosa doing research, and think the greatest thing we saw was a bunch of happy Airstreamers!

Phil

[Jack46]

Phil, Congratulations. We took delivery of our FC 30' (our second Airstream) in February and love it. Others may offer additional suggestions, but my list of needed hoses would include:

2 - 25' white, fresh water hoses. You usually will only need one, but a spare (and additional length) is worthwhile.

1 - 25' (gray) hose for hose down, flushing duty.

1 - "Y" water connector, so that both hoses may used at the same time. Also consider hose "quick disconnects" - a time saver.

2 - sewer hoses, plus connectors - both, when connected together should fit in the storage tube. However, I recently purchased a Sewer Solution system. Have not used it as yet, but it receives high marks on this forum. This system will require one or two extra 10' and or 4' "gray" hoses to be set up properly.

Consider purchasing a 30 amp power extension cord (when you need it, you have it) plus a 30 amp to 20 amp converter when you find that 20 amp service only is available. I also carry a 30 amp to 50 amp converter, but that has less utility.

I also used an external water filter. A couple of other worthwhile items are a water "thief" in the event you find yourself without a threaded water connection and (can't think of the correct name) a sewer hose support when you need to run black/grey water "downhill" to get it to the intake.

I'm sure there will be other items I'll think of. As when I rode motorcycles, over time I also seem find a better "gadget" than what I had at the time. Hopefully your posting will help you the first time. Good luck and see you "down the road". Jack

[philspr12]

Thanks, Jack! Always nice to talk with someone who has been there! Phil

[OB Bambi]

One more thing with the hoses...you might buy a inline water pressure regulator. It just costs a few bucks and it regulates the water pressure coming into your trailer. It is better than blowing out your pipes.
Randy Bowman

[Scott J-24]

Phil,

Congratulations on your new 27' FB. We got our 2009 27' FB a couple of months ago and just LOVE it! You have made a great choice. I second Jack's recommendation for 2 white fresh water hoses. We went with a 50' (that came with the AS) and a 25' along with a couple of hose holders to make storage a little easer. The PO also had a short clear hose ~ 1 foot long attached to a connector with an on/off ball cock to fill the fresh water tank. Have fun and welcome to the forum.

[Rust]

Congratulations
We just bought a 2011 28 foot flying cloud a month ago, we had it out once but have been busy getting it ready for our first major trip in September for a month.
I also had lots of questions.
Like mentioned
2 water hoses
1 extension power cord
1 extra sewage hose
1 External water filter would be good as well.
I believe the airstream come,s with built in pressure gauge.

Good luck george

[TBRich]

Welcome to the Forums! You'll discover all sorts of gadgets and gizmos you want as time marches on, but the suggestions you have received are all good.

If you feel that you might ever run out of fresh water in your tank, you might want to invest in a 6-gal hard-sided water jug... Our Bambi's fresh water tank is not that large, so we often need to haul water to the trailer from a spigot. We take the flat-shaped jug (empty) and fill it in the campground.

However, when we know we are going to need to bring our own extra water, we take a couple of the 7-gal squarish containers, full. (The difference in weight between full a 6-gal and a full 7-gal is significant when you have to schlep it. That's why we take the 6-gal for transporting in the campground.) Don't bother with those collapsible 5-gal water containers unless you want one for emergencies...they are like trying to handle a 40-lb lump of jello when they are full.

Most of all, have fun! You'll love your rig.

[moosetags]

For the plumbing and sewer you will need two 25' potable water garden hoses, one regular 25' or 50' garden hose, one RV pressure reducer, one in-line water filter, and one hose splitter with two valve controlled outlets. I would also highly suggest using garden hose quick connects. These will save you a lot of time and grief. I prefer the brass ones. Also carry a pistol grip hose sprayer. You will need it to rinse things off.You will also need at lest 20' of sewer hose. I use the Sewer Solution, and have for several years. Many prefer the 'stinky slinky'. I would rather not deal with its mess and smell. If you choose the 'stinky slinky', you will need adapters and joiners to get it down the sewer hole.

You will also want to carry at least 25' of cable TV coax. If you add the push on connectors to both ends of your cable, it will save you time. I prefer the 90 degree connectors. Also always carry a double male cable connector.

A 50 amp to 30 amp pigtail adapter is also a good idea. I have been at two campgrounds that only had 50 amp outlets. A 30 amp extension cord is not a bad idea either. I've used mine 3 or 4 times.

One more tip, use an 18 volt cordless drill to lower and raise your stabilizers. It works 1000% better than that stupid crank handle they give you with the Airstream.

I know that a lot of this stuff sounds complicated and no fun. There is a learning curve, but it ain't launching rockets. It will come, and you will have the time of your life.

Brian