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FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 09:07 PM

I am about to become a new and proud owner of a 2009 20' Flying Cloud. This has been years in the making. I live near Burlington, VT and am eager to get out on my first adventure. Anybody have any favorite suggestions for a first trip?

TBRich · 05-24-2009, 09:21 PM

Welcome to the Airforums and a big congratulations on your new baby! You'll have a blast with it...

Not being from your neck o' the woods, we can't suggest a first trip destination, but for a shakedown trip, we'd suggest making it fairly close to home, an "easy" park to navigate...and take the phone number of the dealer in case you have questions or problems. And don't be afraid to ask for help from other campers in the park if you run into a problem...most are willing and eager to help out a fellow camper. We've been helped out, and we've helped out a few times, too...

Happy trails!

Roy B · 05-24-2009, 09:24 PM

Congrats ,

I know you are excited, if you ever get down to the southern part of the country the north georgia mountains are incredible, but you have a wonderful state where you are , I look forward to getting up that way someday. Where ever you head out first have a great time and good to see you here on the board.

Roy B

FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 09:30 PM

Thanks for your enthusiasm and suggestions. I appreciate your thoughts remembering the that excitement on your "first." Feels like Christmas Day is coming this Tuesday afternoon. Happy Travels to you too. See you on the road.

FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy B

Congrats ,

I know you are excited, if you ever get down to the southern part of the country the north georgia mountains are incredible, but you have a wonderful state where you are , I look forward to getting up that way someday. Where ever you head out first have a great time and good to see you here on the board.

Roy B

Thanks Roy. Never been to the mountains of Georgia. Sure like to though. My girlfriend is from Georgia. Down along the ocean. Her DAd had a fishing business. She is my Peach :-)
Thank you for your kind remarks and enthusiasm. Can't wait to take off. Tuesday night can't get here fast enough...

Alice&Billis · 05-24-2009, 09:44 PM

Congratulations...keep it close to home and simple for that first shake down and consider carefully what type of equipment you'll want to stock the coach with as you get to know your Airstream. Half the fun of a travel trailer is stocking it with good equipment.

smeltersmoke · 05-24-2009, 09:45 PM

We have owned our 2008 Safari SE 20 (almost identical to your Flying Cloud 20) since July 24 2008. It has approximately 15,000 miles and 45 camping days on it. I am composing this reply in our Safari parked in a little RV park owned by the town of Holly, CO. We are here to attend a family Memorial Day celebration. We, my wife and I, think that the Safari SE/Flying Cloud 20 demonstrates the best use of space of any smaller Airstream model. It is a dream to tow and very comfortable for the two of us and our dog. Make sure that the Airstream dealer goes over all details of operation. Ask many questions. Take it slow and easy during the learning curve period and, for that matter, always when towing. If you have some family or friends that are into the RV lifestyle, It is very comforting to have them along for the first outing. They can teach you the ropes and etiquette of camping. My best advice is just enjoy your new Flying Cloud. I'm certain that you will soon love it as we love ours.

FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice&Billis

Congratulations...keep it close to home and simple for that first shake down and consider carefully what type of equipment you'll want to stock the coach with as you get to know your Airstream. Half the fun of a travel trailer is stocking it with good equipment.

Dear Alice&Billis,
Thanks for your suggestions. I'll remember what you say about trial and error. Been reading a fair amount of other people's input here and in books. Are there any "favorites" you could recommend of yours?
And thanks again...

FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smeltersmoke

We have owned our 2008 Safari SE 20 (almost identical to your Flying Cloud 20) since July 24 2008. It has approximately 15,000 miles and 45 camping days on it. I am composing this reply in our Safari parked in a little RV park owned by the town of Holly, CO. We are here to attend a family Memorial Day celebration. We, my wife and I, think that the Safari SE/Flying Cloud 20 demonstrates the best use of space of any smaller Airstream model. It is a dream to tow and very comfortable for the two of us and our dog. Make sure that the Airstream dealer goes over all details of operation. Ask many questions. Take it slow and easy during the learning curve period and, for that matter, always when towing. If you have some family or friends that are into the RV lifestyle, It is very comforting to have them along for the first outing. They can teach you the ropes and etiquette of camping. My best advice is just enjoy your new Flying Cloud. I'm certain that you will soon love it as we love ours.

Dear SmelterSmoke,
Thanks for writing me. And CONGRATULATIONS on your recent Safari SE. I am soooo glad to hear you love yours soooo much. I went back and forth between a '09 FC 23' but felt the floor plan was far better thought out or at least for my perceived needs/wants. The only concern I have is the small tanks if I choose to dry camp from time to time. Suppose I could bring a couple 5 gal water bottles but I'll sort that out with experience. Any idea how many gals. of fresh water you use per day by chance? I have an Aussie named Marley who'll be my faithful companion on many an adventure. Thanks for the tip on asking the dealer to thoroughly explain all features and functions. He offered to give me his cell phone/home number in case I had any questions. Loved your photograph!!! How do I attach photos?? Happy travels and enjoy your family gathering!!

smeltersmoke · 05-24-2009, 10:22 PM

Flying Clouds,

We have never run dry. But then, we have only dry camped for one night at a time. We have filled up the gray and black tanks, but have always been close to a dump station. My initial concern was running out of hot water during a shower, but that six gallon water heater is quite amazing, it can recycle very rapidly. If you don't dilly dally during your shower two people can take a comfortable shower in a relatively short period of time. As for attaching files, scroll down from the message reply window and you will see additional options. Click on "manage attachments" and just follow directions.

Again, have a great time in your new Airstream and welcome aboard.

Bill

FlyingClouds · 05-24-2009, 10:30 PM

Thanks again, Bill! I love photography and will look forward to posting photographs of road trips in the very near future. Thanks for the tip on how to post photos. That was helpful. Glad to hear the water heater can recycle quickly. That is nice to know as well. I read that the handhled showe by oxygenics is quite powerful for rinsing and miserly on water usage. Have to see how I like the one that comes with my FC.
Happy and safe travels to you and your wife. Many thanks.
Chris

**moosetags** · 05-25-2009, 12:36 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Congratulations on your new baby. You're going to have a blast.

We're writing this tonight in our Airstream in Oxnard, California

Safe travels.

Wayne&Sam · 05-25-2009, 04:50 AM

We dry camp three nights at a stretch all the time with no problem. You learn to take efficient showers! My wife is on Cape Cod for nine nights right now dry camping but taking some showers in the campground facilities. She may also have to start up the generator at some point.

Enjoy your new Airstream!

FlyingClouds · 05-25-2009, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

Congratulations on your new baby. You're going to have a blast.

We're writing this tonight in our Airstream in Oxnard, California

Safe travels.

Dear SuEllyn and Brian,
It's amazing to see how many other Airstreamers have offered their encouragement and enthusiasm via the Forum. I feel extremely welcomed and can see that the Forum really works.
10 years ago I was in Oxnard. I was on a solo bike trip from Medford, OR to L.A riding my bike all along the coastal highway. It was an insanely memorable trip. Would love to come out your way again and head pu to the Lost Cove area. Do you know of any places suitable for my trailer there?
Happy travels to you guys and maybe we'll meet one day...
Chris

FlyingClouds · 05-25-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

We dry camp three nights at a stretch all the time with no problem. You learn to take efficient showers! My wife is on Cape Cod for nine nights right now dry camping but taking some showers in the campground facilities. She may also have to start up the generator at some point.

Enjoy your new Airstream!

Dear Wayne,
Thanks for your reply! I appreciate your tips on dry camping. I am eager to work out my "system" as it were. I can see how you guys stretch it to make it work. Sounds good.
Can you share any of your favorite places? And where is a good place to stay on the Cape??
Can't wait until this Tuesday...Getting the trailer brake installed and the hitch and sway bar!! Then, Miles To Nowhere...
Happy and safe travels to you and your wife.
Chris

Airboss · 05-25-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alice&Billis

Congratulations...keep it close to home and simple for that first shake down and consider carefully what type of equipment you'll want to stock the coach with as you get to know your Airstream. Half the fun of a travel trailer is stocking it with good equipment.

Yes my Airstream has better and newer items in it then my home..Just the way I want it.. Be sure to post some photos of it here on this thread too..WE WANNA SEE IT!!!!

FlyingClouds · 05-25-2009, 10:55 AM

Hey Airboss,
When you say stocking your AS with "good equipment" give me your top 5 favorites. Just curious what they are and why?
Chris

TBRich · 05-25-2009, 02:16 PM

Here's a list of our six most "handy" items for our Bambi:

1. A set of Fagor Multi-Functional Nested Cookware Amazon.com: Fagor Commercial 15-Piece Multi-Functional Stainless-Steel Cookware Set: Kitchen & Dining (We got ours at Camping World but I can't find them on their website any more.)

2. "Snapware" stackable food storage containers (for frig & cupboards)...Got ours at Costco, but here's their website: SNAPWARE® : Innovative Home Storage

3. Over cabinet door hooks (Bath Bath & Beyond and Camping Worlds): Bed Bath & Beyond - Forma Over-the-Cabinet Hooks

4. A flexible sewer hose support system...here's one type available at Camping World: Flexible Sewer Hose Support - Product - Camping World

5. A set of leveling blocks...here's the type we have: RV Leveling Blocks - Product - Camping World

6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (we have Pressure Pros)...love them! Not cheap, but well worth the expense. We got ours through 68 Overlander .

You'll have a lot of fun just finding stuff for outfitting your trailer...especially when you can find it in stainless steel or brushed aluminum!

FlyingClouds · 05-25-2009, 02:43 PM

Dear TB, Greg, Annie & Sadie,
Thanks for your top five favorites! Will check out each of the links you sent in greater detail. How about your top five faves for destinations...
Thanks a lot,
Chris

Air2Go · 05-25-2009, 05:00 PM

According to the website for "The Largest Boat and Airstream Dealer in Vermont," their sole FC 20 is no longer for sale...so, I'm guessing you are the lucky owner. Great choice.

As far as favorite destinations, I'd recommend the Province Lands National Seashore (Provincetown, MA), which is just a little over 5 hours/340 miles from where you are. Wonderful campground near the beach. Be sure to take your bike along, and please do post some pics of your new Airstream (the dealer never put any of this unit on his website).

I don't imagine you'll be sleeping much tonight, so I hope you have a good book

.