Soon To Be Owner Of 31' Classic

[hatteras]

Hi: I'm a "soon-to-be" owner of a 2005 31' Classic Dinette. I am confused about the GVW on this trailer. The factory says 10000; the present owner's manual says 8700. Any info regarding this, or any other factors of the 2005 31' would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Jaxon]

Look on the streetside front of your camper - should be a plate with nifty info stamped on it. That'll give you your campers weight. For best results, take it to get weighed (empty, no water, drinking, gray or black).

Welcome to the forums! You've got one nice rig!

[Silvertwinkie]

Sometime during the 2005 model year, Airstream upgraded the axles on most of the Airstream line, including the Classic. At nearly the same time, they increased the height of the front rock guards.

If you have a unit with rock guards that nearly reach the front windows, the odds are that you also have the upgraded axles as well. Most of the additional GVWR is for NCC more than extra accessories and such.

If I recall correctly, the changes were not at the start of the 2005 model year, but at least 3-4 months into it. So some 2005s that are out there would still have the standard rock guards and lower capacity axles.

[hatteras]

Thanks, Bill & Kim. The trailer is in AZ and we are in San Diego. I will be able to check out the plate on Monday before closing the deal. The trailer shows just like new. I wasn't aware of any 31 footers having a GVW other than 10000. I'm wondering if they used a lighter axle or something on that year. Are you aware of any "negative" aspects of the 2005 vintage ? Thanks for the info. Roger

[Bluebird]

Hatteras:

I have a 2005 Classic 30 manufactured in February 2005. I have a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. The 30 and 31 are the same lenth; just different interiors. I believe that prior to February 2005 the 30's and 31's had a GVWR of 8,700 lbs. I was looking at a 30 manufactured in late 2004 and its GVWR was 8,700 lbs. The 34's GVWR were also increased at this time.

In addition to the heavier axles Airstream included disc brakes as a standard item. Mine does not have disc brakes as my Airstream was in a transition period where they had the heavier axles but not the disc brakes. I believe that Airstream increased the price due to heavier axles and disc breaks by $5,000. However, I can add disc brakes for about $2,500. The heavier axles primarily added to the net carring capacity which I like.

There should also be a weight rating sticker on the inside of closet door. This will list the GVWR, and the CCC.

Good luck.

[Bluebird]

Also, we the quality of our unit has been very good. We have had some minor issues taken care of under warranty. We have not had any major problems like I've read on these forums. I also have a friend who has an International 25 and the quality of his unit has also been very good with few problems.

They are great trailers and you will enjoy it.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by hatteras

Hi: I'm a "soon-to-be" owner of a 2005 31' Classic Dinette. I am confused about the GVW on this trailer. The factory says 10000; the present owner's manual says 8700. Any info regarding this, or any other factors of the 2005 31' would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

hi hat' and welcome to the forums and 'streaming...!!!

these to threads and associated links n pdf files will help u sort this '05 out....

and the 2nd link includes the specs/options and other details about 05 classics.

airstream math doesn't add up!!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f296...res-27055.html

IF the unit production date is AFTER feb/march it likely has the higher ratings....

IF the unit production date is BEFORE dec/jan it likely has the lower ratings...

like bluebird notes,

the axles, brakes and larger segment protectors are mix n matched during the mid winter months, and...

along with the riveted plate OUTSIDE, there is a paper certificate INSIDE on the close door with these details too...

cheers
2air'