First trip and initial thoughts on the 23D

[VTSmitty]

Originally Posted by wbrisett

Our second issue is one that plagues a lot of folks. We have to store our Airstream between uses and the storage facility doesn't have electrical hookups. Even disconnected, there's quite a bit of current draw from various things (there was a recent thread on this somewhere on this board).

This is what we use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're in Store mode the biggest draw is the propane detector. With this disconnect, the battery will have the same charge when you come back as when you left.

[rlhendren]

Originally Posted by RFP

2. Since we are 'separate sleepers' in an RV, I did an easy mod to allow me to use the front bed without having to fiddle with the backrest cushions. Simple 'spacers' level-up the bed base, so I can pull out the base and slide out the lower cushions and have the 34" wide bed nearly instantly.

Attachment 276180
Attachment 276181

By the way, does anybody know the max weight capacity of the slide out bed platform?

[PKI]

That's much better. Well done. Good luck on finding places to visit with your new to you coach. Pat

[Troutboy]

Rob, very cool mods and nice craftsmanship. For the extra workspace, what did you use and where did you buy the material. I will do this for ours.

Thanks!


Thx
Troutboy, aka Rich

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Rob, very cool mods and nice craftsmanship. For the extra workspace, what did you use and where did you buy the material. I will do this for ours.

Thanks!


Thx
Troutboy, aka Rich

Good morning, Rich (wow, what a trout in your avatar!)

Here's the thread I posted about this mod: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f38/...3d-158887.html

If you check it out, be sure to read to my last post where I 're-made' the sliding panel with Baltic Birch.

When I posted the thread, we had not yet actually used the new gizmo, but now we have... and it works perfectly, even better than I had hoped. And, it looks like it belongs there, and not something just stuck on.

It's a relatively easy project, the most important part is the ability to measure and to cut accurately.

Rob

[RFP]

After thinking about this tread for a while, the only [minor] complaint I have about the 23D is that the toilet it too darned high off the floor.

[rlhendren]

Originally Posted by RFP

After thinking about this tread for a while, the only [minor] complaint I have about the 23D is that the toilet it too darned high off the floor.

I think we can probably all agree that the bathroom in the 23D leaves a bit to be desired - small, awkward angles, etc. The bathroom in the 23FB would have been much nicer, as would the bed. But I was pretty certain that the dinette (where I will be spending most of my time) would not work for me in the 23FB. I'd rather have the seating space of the 23D over the bed/bathroom space of the 23FB. But that still doesn't stop me from being envious of those that have a 23FB!

By the way, do you have any idea what the max weight capacity of the slide out bed platform is?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by rlhendren

I think we can probably all agree that the bathroom in the 23D leaves a bit to be desired - small, awkward angles, etc. The bathroom in the 23FB would have been much nicer, as would the bed. But I was pretty certain that the dinette (where I will be spending most of my time) would not work for me in the 23FB. I'd rather have the seating space of the 23D over the bed/bathroom space of the 23FB. But that still doesn't stop me from being envious of those that have a 23FB!

By the way, do you have any idea what the max weight capacity of the slide out bed platform is?

Linda and I were pretty, shall we say, "unimpressed" with the bathroom arrangement when we saw it in an Airstream that we 'toured' at Mesa Verde National Park in mid-2015. Since that time, though, we've become quite comfortable with it and revel in the luxury of the 'large' (to us!) shower.

I stuck my phone into the base under the potty to see if there would be a practical way to lower the thing three inches or so... looks like three inches is out of the question, and I wouldn't go to the considerable trouble it would take to drop it only an inch or so.

As for the front pull-out bed extension, no, I don't know what it will support but it's probably considerable... the mechanism is really beefy. Fully extended, it doesn't even flinch at my scrawny 170 pounds.

Rob

[patnal]

How do you like the size of the bed? It's the same size as the 16' Bambi that we have, but its not as enclosed. We find the Bambi bed is too small for 2 of us but I really love the 23D layout. I don't want to have to make up a bed every night though. Hubby thinks we should just consider the 25. Did you all consider the 25? Thanks.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by patnal

How do you like the size of the bed? It's the same size as the 16' Bambi that we have, but its not as enclosed. We find the Bambi bed is too small for 2 of us but I really love the 23D layout. I don't want to have to make up a bed every night though. Hubby thinks we should just consider the 25. Did you all consider the 25? Thanks.

Of course, I can only answer for us, but, no, we didn't consider the 25. The twenty-five footers are magnificent trailers, loaded with desirable stuff, but the 23 "fits" us perfectly. When we are in the Airstream, we are "separate sleepers." Over a half century in a king size bed means that we are just not going to sleep together on anything smaller. And, when it's nighty-nite time, we have our own little rituals... Linda likes to read, and I usually turn out the lights and pretend to think important thoughts 'till I fall asleep (usually in about 45-seconds!). So, having separate sleeping areas is just the thing for us. Linda gets "The Queen's Chambers" at the back and I luxuriate in my 34" wide front bed.

For my bedding, I use my trusty old Marmot sleeping bag. It has a zippered-on bottom sheet and that sheet a pocket that fits the cushion at the head of the bed (a happy accident of Marmot's then-current design). The whole thing takes seconds to set up/put away, is supremely comfortable, and stores handily under the read bed.

And, yes, the bed is hard to make up... there are a couple of "tricks," even so, making the bed in the morning just means that everything else that happens during the coming day will be easier

Anyway, the 25-footers are a thousand pounds heavier and ten thousand dollars more than our beloved Fortune Cookie!

Rob

[rlhendren]

Originally Posted by RFP

I stuck my phone into the base under the potty to see if there would be a practical way to lower the thing three inches or so... looks like three inches is out of the question, and I wouldn't go to the considerable trouble it would take to drop it only an inch or so.

As for the front pull-out bed extension, no, I don't know what it will support but it's probably considerable... the mechanism is really beefy. Fully extended, it doesn't even flinch at my scrawny 170 pounds.

Rob

What about raising the floor? (just a board or mat cut to shape)

And thanks - the platform seems pretty sturdy, but I have some pretty large and clumsy friends!

[RFP]

Originally Posted by rlhendren

What about raising the floor? (just a board or mat cut to shape) [ snip ]

Yep, raising the floor is certainly a viable option (although I'd be sure to 'stub my toe' on the thing and never, never, never learn not to do it again!)

However some (several?) have done this very thing; apparently with good success. Scrolling down in this thread shows what some have done: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f446...3d-157080.html

[switz]

To reduce the draw down of the battery when storing any Airstream, put an On/Off switch inline for the sub-woofer 12Vdc power. Also make sure that "wonderful" (expletive deleted) radio is powered off too.

We have significantly upgraded our 2015 23D International Serenity and really like it in the smaller parks. Making the bed is like professional wrestling.

Modifications & Repairs to 2015 23D International Serenity

The 2015 23D International Serenity came with no "AIRSTREAM" name on the back of the trailer, plastic protective film still attached to interior aluminum panel, defective installation of toilet and shower, bathroom door stops installed on wrong side of door, one eye brow shade had broken strings. Replacement required both since ½" folds were now 1" folds.. One wheel bearing set scored when checked with less then 2,000 miles due to lack of grease. Other three were marginal on grease so all were repacked during the modifications. Replaced countless rusted screws from salt air. Repairs to shower, toilet area and pantry drawer. Replaced defective cabinet door hinge.

Installed 15" SenDel T03-56545T wheels and Michelin LTX (P) 235/75R15 XL tires with Centramatic wheel balancers #200-221, Dill 1506-453 TPMS
Installed Tekonsha Prodigy RF brake control head on front of now empty battery box.
Installed auto adjusting drum brake upgrade and four sets of Timken bearings (#4 and #17 bearing sets and #441151 seals) built a larger spare tire carrier
McGard 24138 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks and McGard 64010 Chrome Bulge Cone Seat Style Lug Nuts

Maxim skylight with white frosted lens installed
Two MaxxFan 00-7000K fans installed
Truma "AquaGo comfort" instant on water heater installed with custom external door hatch
Installed 10" Rocky Mountain mattress with their fitted sheets
Installed all available Airstream stainless steel parts
Flooring replacement with Marmoleum Vivace (hole worn by dinette table leg in stock flooring in 2000 miles)
Brass wear plate installed under dinette table leg
WiFi Ranger, XM/Sirius and Verizon MiFi antennas installed
Voyager wireless rear camera installed with lighted power switch
Winegard Rayzar autotune TV antenna replaced crank-up TV antenna
Installed Rigid Industries LED reverse lights
Rewired all electrical outlets to Hubbell 20 amp GFI
500 watt solar system with Magnum MSH-3012 inverter, Blue Sky 3024iL solar controller and 300 amp-hour lithium battery, Magnum ME-ARC control, Blue Sky IPN Pro remote control
All original storage intact under front cushions.
New main 30 amp circuit breaker panel and new six circuit sub-panel
Power outlets added to rear storage area, both hanging closets, in furnace air return space under dinette, rear of trailer
12Vdc outlets in hall and front under dinette
Special 12Vdc power outlet behind refrigerator for Viavir 450P portable air compressor
Special blocking plate w/3 fans to cool refrigerator
Added front outside power inlet with automatic transfer switch
Custom Hickory panels for ship's clock and solar controls, Converted to a Hickory dinette top and added a Hickory lift up side table by the sink, made Hickory spice rack like in Classic
Custom curtains made by a friend
Replaced all plastic cabinet catches with brass ball catches
Power on/off switch for subwoofer
Installed Dometic CU434 stove and Vitrifrigo DP150i refrigerator
Modified center support web under bed to make more accessible storage plus LED lighting for that space
Installed fold-up cup holders on both sides of the bed

Camping Ready my scales 9 May 2016

Tongue………928
Front….1,280……1,246 - total front axle 2,526
Rear…..1,376……1,233 - total rear axle 2,609
Total Axles……….5,135
Total Trailer….6,063

[rlhendren]

Originally Posted by patnal

How do you like the size of the bed? It's the same size as the 16' Bambi that we have, but its not as enclosed. We find the Bambi bed is too small for 2 of us but I really love the 23D layout. I don't want to have to make up a bed every night though. Hubby thinks we should just consider the 25. Did you all consider the 25? Thanks.

I agree with Rob. The 25 is super nice and I wish I could have gotten one. There were lots of reasons why I didn't get a 25:

1. Found the 23 first, locally, it was a good deal, and it's more than adequate for me.
2. The 23 leaves me with excess cargo and towing capacity with my current truck.
3. It's just me, and a 25 just seemed a bit excessive for one person and mainly weekend trips.
4. The 23 is already a tight fit in my driveway and the 25 is 3 feet longer.
5. I can see around the 23 without adding tow mirror extensions to my truck.

Reasons why I should have gotten a 25:

1. I can seriously see myself retiring and full-timing in the future, and I'm sure I'd rather have a 25 for that.
2. When it's more than just me, the extra room would be really nice.
3. Outside storage! (23 only has the one bay at the rear).
4. A walk around bed!
5. Bigger bathroom!

[patnal]

Thank you both for your responses, I appreciate it.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by rlhendren

Reasons why I should have gotten a 25:
[ snip ]
4. A walk around bed!
[ snip ]

Wow, Ryan, if you can do that, you have a lot smaller feet than I do! While there is "some" space behind the bed, when I tried it, it was more like a stumble-and-fall-around bed

[rlhendren]

Originally Posted by RFP

Wow, Ryan, if you can do that, you have a lot smaller feet than I do! While there is "some" space behind the bed, when I tried it, it was more like a stumble-and-fall-around bed

I knew someone was going to call me out on that! hahahaha

Okay, how about: A rectangular bed with room between the bed and wall.

[thiel]

Originally Posted by switz

T
Installed Rigid Industries LED reverse lights

Power outlets added to rear storage area, both hanging closets, in furnace air return space under dinette, rear of trailer

Special 12Vdc power outlet behind refrigerator for Viavir 450P portable air compressor

Switz,

I'm particularly interested in the three mods above. Can you share a little more detail on how you did them? (the power outlet in the storage area especially..)

Thanks!

--Thiel

[mefly2]

Enjoy !