Sliders Unite!!

[jcanavera]

Originally Posted by tadpoletim

I am looking at buying my first airstream and have found one with a slide - 2005 Classic 30'. I am wondering why there are so few sliders out there and is there a problem with them? Any feed-back based on experience or knowledge would be appreciated. Cheers.

That's a good model and slide. I have a 2004 30' Classic slide. There are so few for a couple of reasons. First is the fact that the slide made the trailer a lot more expensive. Second is while Airstream built the slides well, they weighed a lot. I had to change out the factory installed hitch on my 3/4 ton GMC van to upgrade it to a Class V hitch. The factory hitch platform supplied by GMC had a 1,000 lb limit when used with a weight distributing hitch. I'm using a hitch receiver built by Hidden Hitch which is rated for 1,400 lbs hitch weight. I using an Equal-i-zer hitch which is also rated for 1,400 lbs. I think the Airstream specs for my year of trailer was about 1,260 lbs.

Third is the gross weight capacity of the trailer. I'm not sure what the 2004 specs are but mine is 9,100 lbs. This leaves me with 660 lbs. of weight capacity in the trailer if the fresh water tank is full (60 gallons). My 3/4 ton van is rated to pull 9,900 lbs. so I'm okay there. I do have a 6 liter gas engine with a 4.10 rear axle to handle that load.

I normally only take one trip a year where I hall a full tank of water and my trailer usually is carrying at least 500 lbs. of stuff (food, clothing, supplies etc), not counting the water. So on that one trip a year I'm pretty much at 9,100 lbs. Typically we tow without much water in the tank so 8,600 lbs is my normal towing weight.

As I noted the slide is built well with an awning that opens over it when you extend the slide. That same awing can be pulled out further to extend shade of the double windows within the slide unit. The Classic also has electric stabilizer jacks that ease the effort to extend the jacks. The jacks must always be down before extending the slide and they stay down until you retract the slide.

The slide itself was built as a fiberglass shell and then was clad in aluminum. There is more bracing in the floor to support the trailer when the slide is extended. It also has a wood block/magnetic system that locks the slide in place when you retract it.

All in all there just wasn't enough interest in the slides and Airstream eventually discontinued them. We love ours and have no regrets.

I've attached a few pictures. The interior picture is when the trailer was new in the dealer's lot. The slide out is retracted.

Also be aware that this is the heaviest trailer that Airstream had built on a tandem axle. I've replaced two sets of ST tires and now have 16" LT tires for additional reliability.


Jack

[Al and Missy]

We just bought a 2001 in February. We love it! Previously we had a Safari 25 that had been modified to replace the sofa with recliners. We liked the comfort of the recliners but had to eat outside or on TV trays and had no guest seating.

I wanted a dinette or table to sit at and the dinette and sofa combine for good guest seating.

I had to adjust the slide mechanism on mine, actually just the position of the slide on the rails. Before you drive it very far, make sure there is a uniform gap all around where the slide goes into the body. My 2002 does not have the electric "paddle locks", but mechanical braces you have to install prior to travel. I initially was concerned about them popping off due to vibration but we saw some pretty rough roads on the Cajun Country Caravan with no problems.

Interestingly enough I just weighed my tongue on a Sherline scale at a rally this past weekend, and was pleasantly surprised to see only about 950# with a pretty full black tank, full propane and a moderate camping load.

When I traded I moved the 16" Michelins I put on the Safari to the Classic.

Other than the weight considerations, I don't think there is much you need to worry about the slideout that would be different from any other trailer.

Good Luck with your search.

Al

[Farmer Dan]

Tim,
We have owned our '02 30' Classic w / slide since '08. We have had no problems aside from normal maintenance. We have taken it from SW Iowa to SW Florida each year and, since retiring in late '09, have lived in it for 3 months each season in FL. My '10 F150 pulled it very well and my '15 F150 w / Ecoboost pulls it like a dream! My hitch weight is 840# and the trailer w / full propane is about 8400#. The slide, although only moving 20", really makes the living area seem spacious. We love our slide as do most owners!!

Dan

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

We just bought a 2001 in February. ....

Al

Brain fade - we have a 2002 Classic 30.

Al

[Al and Missy]

Is anyone close to their Classic 30 Slider? I need to know the distance between the dinette seat back and the microwave cabinet when the slide is out. Trying to find a trash can to fit in there. I can get to mine tomorrow so don't go to any trouble, but if it is parked in your driveway I'd appreciate a measurement.

Thanks,

Al

[boondockdad]

Sadly, my Airstream and I are apart at the moment.

I know my sons guitar hard case fits in that spot with a little room to spare, and that is sitting here measuring 6-1/2"

My 3D model measures 7-13/16"

I'm willing to put money on the accuracy of that model...

[tadpoletim]

I measured the space between the dinette and the microwave cabinet with the side out. On the floor there is 81/2" and above the wood skirting board 9". I imagine it should be easy to find a bin to fit. Good luck.

[Al and Missy]

Thanks! I didn't make it to the trailer today so that's a big help.

[lrw]

I found a flexible one at the Container store that will fit. You could look online.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by lrw

I found a flexible one at the Container store that will fit. You could look online.

Thanks! We have looked almost everywhere else, but not there.

Al

[TinShack]

We have a 28' so I'm not sure if the space is the same, but we we use a SimpleHuman Step can and it fits in the space perfectly. The width of the can is the same as the width of the slideout fascia and it's a pleasing stainless steel to match the Airstream.
https://www.amazon.com/simplehuman-S...h+can+260992SS

[lrw]

We have a Classic 2007 slide out

[lrw]

People are always surprised when to learn our Airstream has a slide. Only trailer we ever owned so can't compare. Sometimes think about downsizing to be able to pull with a smaller truck or large SUV.

[STREMN]

Originally Posted by lrw

We have a Classic 2007 slide out

Please consider joining ranks with other Slide-Out Owners in the Slide-Out Society Owners Registry. Here's a link to the thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f366...159166-35.html


I see that this thread started a couple years before the Slide-Out Society, but it's all for the same purpose! We corresponded with the Mothership and they've given us a number of @617 units produced over 10 years.


We've also scheduled a Slide-Out Society Get together at Stone Mountain SP in North Carolina in September. Here's a link to that thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f288...-171620-6.html


All the best!


Tom - Slide-Out Society #025
AlumaSlider Get-Together, 28-30 Sep 2018, Stone Mountain SP, NC

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by TinShack

We have a 28' so I'm not sure if the space is the same, but we we use a SimpleHuman Step can and it fits in the space perfectly. The width of the can is the same as the width of the slideout fascia and it's a pleasing stainless steel to match the Airstream.
https://www.amazon.com/simplehuman-S...h+can+260992SS

We have one very much like that. I guess we are just trashy people as we seem to have to empty it every day, sometimes more than once. We have 8-3/4 inches between the microwave cabinet and the dinette back and are trying to find a larger can. So far the only one that fits is white plastic. Prefer the stainless.

Thanks anyway!

Al

[pappy19]

We have had our 2002 30' Classc SO, since early 2010, and the second owner. Two years ago in June, my wife had bypass surgery and a stroke the day after. That night she had brain surgery. It has been a tough ROW to Joe for both of us. I used our AS while she was in hospitals and rehab facilities. But now it is painfully obvious that our AS is not going to be useful to us under our current situation. Fortunately, I have a grandson that travels a lot with his profession and he is buying both my F250 and our Slider, so at least it stays in the family. So if you see 2074 around Denver, say hello to Brad, as I am sure he is the youngest AS owner at 23.
Pap

[STREMN]

Originally Posted by pappy19

We have had our 2002 30' Classc SO, since early 2010, and the second owner. Two years ago in June, my wife had bypass surgery and a stroke the day after. That night she had brain surgery. It has been a tough ROW to Joe for both of us. I used our AS while she was in hospitals and rehab facilities. But now it is painfully obvious that our AS is not going to be useful to us under our current situation. Fortunately, I have a grandson that travels a lot with his profession and he is buying both my F250 and our Slider, so at least it stays in the family. So if you see 2074 around Denver, say hello to Brad, as I am sure he is the youngest AS owner at 23.
Pap

Pap, - Sorry to hear of the medical issues. All the best to you and yours for better times! It's nice that you can see your Grandson continue on in your Slider.


Tom - Slide-Out Society #025
AlumaSlider Get-Together, 28-30 Sep 2018, Stone Mountain SP, NC

[GCinSC2]

Pappy,

Best wishes to your family. And safe travels to a fortunate Grandson.

Gary

[Al and Missy]

Pappy,
So sorry to hear of your wife's problems. Best wishes to you both, and safe travels to your grandson. Tell him to check in here and tell us about his new trailer and travels.

Al

[NTENDED]

Slides add one more thing to break. I say "Nay."