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[Salsa Master]

We don't have our Airstream as of yet, but we have it narrowed down to 2 units. 1st pick by my wife is 2014 Flying Cloud 25 with the rear Twin Beds. The 2nd is an International Signature 23FB. Our deciding point is what vehicle to use for towing. We looked at a 2014 Jeep GC V6 Laredo E which won't tow the FC 25. We can tow it with our current V10 Ram 4X4 that gets terrible mileage or buy a new PU.

We are selling 2 motorcycles, both our cars and a Toy Hauler. Once they start moving a decision will have to be made.

Any comments concerning either unit would be appreciated.

Thank you

[Janet H]

They are both nice ... tough choice. How do you anticipate using your trailer? For longer trips the 25 would be more comfortable - loads more storage. Will you be traveling with kids, pets, etc?

Keep in mind that tow vehicles come and go. You'll likely have the Airstream for a loooong time. Welcome to the forum

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, we have had a 2005 Safari 25FB since new. We have camped in it for almost 1,400 nights, and have towed it 115,000 miles. We have really enjoyed it. The floor plan worked really well for us. That being said, we just traded it in on a 2012 Flying Cloud 23FB. We wanted to downsize.

Brian

[mutcth]

Just to throw this out there - last weekend and this weekend I'm towing our 2007 23' Safari SE with a 2014 Grand Cherokee with the V6 and 8spd automatic. It's a company car - usually I tow with a Hemi V8 powered Durango.

I'm amazed by how well the V6 pulls the trailer. The 8 speed automatic makes the difference; it's a big improvement over the old 5 speed auto.

I like this combo for easy towing, easy parking the solo tow vehicle, and easy shoehorning into tight campsites.

Best luck, whatever you choose!

Tom

[n2916s]

I'd keep the pick-up. By the time you trade it in and eat the instant depreciation on a new vehicle you will be out a wheelbarrow full of cash that would have bought many gallons of gas to feed that v10.

When in doubt, always go for the larger trailer -- far more Airstreamers (for that matter, RV'ers in general) trade up than trade down. We have a 31' and somehow manage to always be short of storage...

Mike

[dkottum]

It's hard to think of two Airstreams more different than a FC 25' rear twin and a Int'l 23 FB. The 25 rear twin maximizes living space and the 23 FB is all about bed and bath.

We had a 20' with the tiny living space (a dinette) in the middle and traded for a rear bed 25'. Get the 25' rear twin and you'll never regret it. There is very little difference pulling down the road, the tires and brakes are larger, and the tank capacities are larger.

If the front dinette seating is not comfortable enough, it's a fairly easy conversion to recliners. We had Airstream do ours.

[Salsa Master]

Originally Posted by Janet

They are both nice ... tough choice. How do you anticipate using your trailer? For longer trips the 25 would be more comfortable - loads more storage. Will you be traveling with kids, pets, etc?

Thanks all for the welcome's. We won't be traveling with pets as its hard to take tropical fish and cats camping. That is why the teenage granddaughter likes that job. We've gone dry camping at several lakes in our area for years. Now that both of us are retired we plan on traveling the West some more as well as Canada which we really like. Family and friends are also in the Mid-West to visit.

Keep in mind that tow vehicles come and go. You'll likely have the Airstream for a loooong time. Welcome to the forum

The AS will more than likely be the last TT that we get. I'm sure it will out live the both of us.

Originally Posted by n2916s

I'd keep the pick-up. By the time you trade it in and eat the instant depreciation on a new vehicle you will be out a wheelbarrow full of cash that would have bought many gallons of gas to feed that v10.

We were planning on keeping the V10 because it is a great wood hauler and an excellent 4X4 for getting around in Montana winters.

When in doubt, always go for the larger trailer -- far more Airstreamers (for that matter, RV'ers in general) trade up than trade down. We have a 31' and somehow manage to always be short of storage...

Mike

We used to have a larger 5th wheel and sold it to get the smaller toy hauler. Over the last over 7 years I think I've had a motorcycle in it 3 maybe 4 times.

Originally Posted by dkottum

It's hard to think of two Airstreams more different than a FC 25' rear twin and a Int'l 23 FB. The 25 rear twin maximizes living space and the 23 FB is all about bed and bath.

We had a 20' with the tiny living space (a dinette) in the middle and traded for a rear bed 25'. Get the 25' rear twin and you'll never regret it. There is very little difference pulling down the road, the tires and brakes are larger, and the tank capacities are larger.

If the front dinette seating is not comfortable enough, it's a fairly easy conversion to recliners. We had Airstream do ours.

One thing we both like is the dinette and lounge in the FC 25 with the rear twins. Once a year we get together with friends for a week and we have the traveling coffee camper. We usually have 10 to 12 people in the unit from 6:00 to about 8:00 a.m. for coffee, tea, hot chocolate and wonderful conversation. By the way, I really like the front of your AS.

[Salsa Master]

Originally Posted by mutcth

Just to throw this out there - last weekend and this weekend I'm towing our 2007 23' Safari SE with a 2014 Grand Cherokee with the V6 and 8spd automatic. It's a company car - usually I tow with a Hemi V8 powered Durango.

I'm amazed by how well the V6 pulls the trailer. The 8 speed automatic makes the difference; it's a big improvement over the old 5 speed auto.

I like this combo for easy towing, easy parking the solo tow vehicle, and easy shoehorning into tight campsites.

Best luck, whatever you choose!

Tom

Thanks for the info as that is very helpful.

[murreywalker]

Dot ton was very helpful when we were trying to make up our minds between the 25 FB and the rear bedroom.

We ultimately opted for the FB twin.

Our previous was a 23 FB queen.

The 25 is not only longer, but it is 6" wider. That might not seem like much, but if you have a chance to go in both, you will notice the extra width immediately.

Most of the places we frequent, we back in, so we have the scenery when we set down in the dinette. The 25 has more lounge space, and that was for us.

Good luck, whatever your choice!

[tkowalyk]

We have had a rear bed, and now have a 27FB.

We like the FB layout much better - here is a picture that shows why.

[tkowalyk]

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

We have had a rear bed, and now have a 27FB.

We like the FB layout much better - here is a picture that shows why.

Ah ya forgot to mention - this is from Disney Fort Wilderness Campground. Here again for the International Wine and Food Festival!

[Salsa Master]

Last night the final decision was made and we are going to buy a FC 25 Rear Twins. When I do the annual coffee club get together the forward lounge will be great for that. We will have at least 10+ at any one time enjoying fresh ground coffee, tea or hot coco. Some of the areas we camp in are noisier towards the front of the TT. Besides, the view of the lake and bridge while sipping coffee in bed is so much more inviting.

We found a brand new 2014 at a great price and as long as it doesn't get sold before Jan 1, 2014, we'll be in good shape.

[TouringDan]

Congrats. Sounds like you made the right decision.

Dan

[PharmGeek]

Awesome - hope you can find a way to hold it (a deposit?) - hate to see it sold right from under you.

Good luck!

[Salsa Master]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Awesome - hope you can find a way to hold it (a deposit?) - hate to see it sold right from under you.

Good luck!

Less than 4 days and you'll have yours.

They only take deposits if you're going to pay for it in full either cash or financed within a week or so time frame. That we understand because of flooring costs. Our situation requires that we wait until after Jan 1st. We also have prospective backups as they have a 25FB and 25RB in stock. All three have Ultra Leather which is our favorite.

I also got a call from a gentleman tonight that is very interested in acquiring my 21' (25' over all) Toy Hauler. He has a new truck coming that will tow it just fine. Maybe all the stars will align properly for everyone involved.

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by Salsa Master

Less than 4 days and you'll have yours.

They only take deposits if you're going to pay for it in full either cash or financed within a week or so time frame. That we understand because of flooring costs. Our situation requires that we wait until after Jan 1st. We also have prospective backups as they have a 25FB and 25RB in stock. All three have Ultra Leather which is our favorite.

I also got a call from a gentleman tonight that is very interested in acquiring my 21' (25' over all) Toy Hauler. He has a new truck coming that will tow it just fine. Maybe all the stars will align properly for everyone involved.

Please PM if you need any help or advice from Missoula.

[Salsa Master]

Good Bye everyone. Thanks for your kindness. I'm leaving the forum as I guess I wasn't meant to be an Airstream owner.

[SteveSueMac]

Odds are good on some lot somewhere by 12/31, there will be an unsold 2014 that works for you. No need to leave - keep reading and learning. You'll get the right one at the right time. Good luck!

[Condoluminum]

Steve-
Sorry to see such an abrupt departure, and hope all is OK.. It really is worth mentioning that Airstreams are a "national market" and a number of dealers sell nationally, and factory is cranking out new units at rate in excess of 30/week.. Point is that other FB 25's will be available, especially in dead of winter (early January..) when flooring is expiring on Sept and October units.. Deals are available from internet-focused dealers or smaller dealers eager to keep busy in wintertime...

And as for your truck/Jeep thing, a lot of folks use larger Grand Cherokees, but not many Laredo's due to shorter wheelbases and lighter rear end weights.. Any of newer 1/2 ton pickups (especially Ford Ecoboost V6 F150's can easily tow a 25FB, and lots of folks with smaller budgets use late model Tahoe's or Durango's or Ford Expeditions.. with smaller V8's and tow packages... They'd all get much better mileage than the Ram V10, which is a little more than needed...

Wish you well on next chapter..

[Salsa Master]

To be honest, a dealer ended up increasing the price of the Flying Cloud 25 Rear Twin we drove over 350 miles to purchase and that ticked us off. We left with a very bad feeling and 2 months later we are now the owners of a new Winnebago motorhome. My wife was expecially sad because she had fallen in love with the Airstream. I guess it wasn't meant to be for us.