New owner of an International 28!

[noeljoy]

We just purchased a 2017 International Signature 28! After 10 years of Airstream dreaming, we are getting ready to live the dream.

I'm still deciding whether we want to add a solar package option. We are in Washington State (so lots of rainy/cloudy days), but we do a fair amount of camping in National Parks. I'd love some advice on whether to pull the trigger on this and what options might be best.

Thanks so much!

[Camano20]

Congratulations.

Pictures???

[dbj216]

Hi and welcome to the Airstream community. You picked an excellent "forums" website on all things Airstream. I've participated for years and have enjoyed the good advice and good folks who participate here. I trust you will too.

You folks picked a very excellent Airstream. Plan on it lasting 50 or more years. We love traveling in our 30 year old Airstream and some folks think it is a new one.

The solar question is highly dependent on how much "boondocking" you plan on doing as you travel. National Parks can be a bear to get a campsite. Just a lot of people enjoying these national treasures. We stayed in a traditional RV park outside of the National Park and made day trips in. That said, many folks like finding a spot without electricity or water. Your new trailer is fully capable of doing that quite nicely. The furnace, water pump, and lighting all drain the batteries down. And we missed our 115v AC power for our "devices".

Our "old fashioned" trailer with old fashioned batteries is good for two to three nights without electricity. A sunny day and solar power would charge the batteries back up if we didn't park in the shade as we often do.

I think I would travel a bit in your new Airstream and then see if you have "electricity anxiety" like we did watching the battery indicator going from good to low. Then you will know if solar is worth the expense.

David

[AlinCal]

Stayed last night in a 96 Excella 28 AirBnB just outside Yosemite. Loved the size and can only emagine how nice your new trailer is!

[noeljoy]

Thanks so much David. We've done quite a bit of boondocking with our tent trailer... but then we didn't have much draining the batteries outside of the heater and lights. Thanks for the advice. We'll spend some time with our new trailer and see... just as soon as we get to take it home!

[noeljoy]

Our trailer is arriveing from CA this week. So the only photo we have is in front of an International Signature that is the same in all ways minus the twin beds. I'm hoping for lots more pictures when it arrives in state!

[noeljoy]

[Camano20]

I will be looking for you on the road on the Island.

[noeljoy]

Hopefully next week we'll be rolling her onto Camano! Where are your favorite places to camp in state? We're looking to expand our local camping. We've even done the State Park just because it's beautiful and close to home. I'd love to hear your favorite WA state sites

[Tyvekcat]

Welcome! Yeah we're kinds partial to the 28' as well.
It pulls good, not to big, not to small, plenty of room. ( Even for a cat).
I'm sure you are excited and hope you enjoy your new AS. !
Safe travels !

[Orondo]

Congrats! You're going to love the 28! We have a 2016 International Signature and could not be happier. Spend time with the dealer at PDI and take good notes. One "quirk" about the 28 is the door. It's a "suicide door" (hinged on the right) which can be a disaster if it ever opens when it's not supposed to (think driving or in high winds). We are always super careful with our checklist on departure and use both door locks ALWAYS and keep an extra hand ready when camping with windy conditions.

We're in North Central Wa and enjoy the state parks up and down the Columbia. There are many great places to explore with your new home. Enjoy the journey and reach out if you need anything after you take possession.

Bill and Angie - aka Orondo

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Orondo

One "quirk" about the 28 is the door. It's a "suicide door" (hinged on the right) which can be a disaster if it ever opens when it's not supposed to

Whoever thought of this is a genius. I'm making one for sure. Simple/effective.

[Orondo]

I like that simple error proofing device too! This would be a great visual symbol at departure.

Since I posted the "suicide door" item I wanted to clarify for the OP that the right side hinge depiction I described is FROM THE INSIDE LOOKING OUT. It can truly be an issue opening the door in high wind situations (I've seen the resultant body damage on a pre-owned AS). I know someone out there is thinking - "that guy doesn't have a clue." While that may be true in other cases, I do know (most of the time) right from left. I just wanted to defend my honor

[rmkrum]

Even doors in houses are usually described from the inside looking out--you have it correctly described as far as I know...the suicide door is hinged on the right--as is my 2007 international 23FB. And the door is aimed right at the forward dinette window (that never, ever gets opened!).

[dames7]

Make the switch to AGM 6V Lifeline battery given you more AMP hours and to a better converter. Most people find out while boondocking that without good batteries and solar panels you can only hang out for a short time. And generator (propane) is a must.

[noeljoy]

That is genius! Thank you

[noeljoy]

Originally Posted by Camano20

I will be looking for you on the road on the Island.

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Whoever thought of this is a genius. I'm making one for sure. Simple/effective.

Does anyone know where you would pick one of these up?

[dbj216]

The exterior door block is ingenious. I think I'll make one. David