Modification of an 2008, 23FB into an 23 Twin

[Joce4me]

Hi, I just want to show the community my mod of my Airstream 2008 23FB.

I found difficult to move around the bed of the 23FB as it is sold. So I decided to changed the setup for 2 twin beds. And when I say twin beds, it is real standard 39 inch beds not 34 inches as the Airstream install into the 25FB and other twin models.

So for those of you who would like to give it a try, here is a picture of the final modification.

Good luck.

[rodsterinfl]

VERY NICE. I really like what you did. Look at the open floor space. The bath is behind you? You definitely improved that stream! The fact that you stayed standard on size is good too. What about length, standard size as well?

[Sbb]

Very nice, looks great.

[field & stream]

Terrific modification. We have the front L-lounge model with the rear corner bed, partly because the standard front bed always seemed a bit too acrobatic for us.

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

VERY NICE. I really like what you did. Look at the open floor space. The bath is behind you? You definitely improved that stream! The fact that you stayed standard on size is good too. What about length, standard size as well?

Left side is standard, right side is 4 inches smaller because I wanted to keep the 2 drawers but I had to shrink the drawers a bit. If I would have removed the 2 drawers, I could have had a standard size on the right side.

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by Joce4me

Left side is standard, right side is 4 inches smaller because I wanted to keep the 2 drawers but I had to shrink the drawers a bit. If I would have removed the 2 drawers, I could have had a standard size on the right side.

The drawers look like this now.

[Joce4me]

Thank you

[knunut]

Incredible. I want one. I've thought it could be done ,but didn't have the 23 to measure it out in. Wish we lived closer,would love to see it.
We thought we would like to move up to the 25 twin.But we would need a new tow vehicle and trailer. Too much $$. But getting a used 23 and converting to this would solve my problem. Beautiful !!

[Joce4me]

Hi, thank you. It is easy to do. All you have to do is to remove the previous frame bed and build 2 twin frames. You need basic tools that's all.

[KJRitchie]

I've always wondered if twin beds could be installed in a 23 fb. Great job. Where did you get your custom mattresses?

I wish I had the time, tools and expertise to do this on my 25fb. Going to have to contract the work.

Kelvin

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

I've always wondered if twin beds could be installed in a 23 fb. Great job. Where did you get your custom mattresses?

I wish I had the time, tools and expertise to do this on my 25fb. Going to have to contract the work.

Kelvin

Plenty of storage under both. I bought standard twin mattresses that I cut with an electric knife. Perfect fit. If you want to drive in Sherbrooke, it would be a pleasure for me to do it for you.

[KJRitchie]

When you modified the drawer width did you have to remove the wardrobe from the wall? Is the wardrobe and drawer frame a one piece assembly? When we do our 25fb twin we plan to remove the drawer frame under the hanging closet to make room for the mattress and use the drawers in the nightstand. Our drawers are 10" wide and both will fit side by side in the nightstand. Another wide drawer will be built below the two small drawers. We are going for the 34" x 78" mattress with a 24" center aisle.

What is the length of your shorter mattress?

Kelvin

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

When you modified the drawer width did you have to remove the wardrobe from the wall? Is the wardrobe and drawer frame a one piece assembly? When we do our 25fb twin we plan to remove the drawer frame under the hanging closet to make room for the mattress and use the drawers in the nightstand. Our drawers are 10" wide and both will fit side by side in the nightstand. Another wide drawer will be built below the two small drawers. We are going for the 34" x 78" mattress with a 24" center aisle.

What is the length of your shorter mattress?

Kelvin

Hello Kelvin, sorry for the delay. I had to remove only the left panel and then cut it the required lenght (to fit the bottom of the hanging closet), cut the front drawer panels to fit the new dimension) and reinstall the drawer sliders. I am sure you can use the drawer frame for your nightstand but I dont know what would be the apparent color of the right panel which is hidden. If you remove completely the drawers, you will probably need a support to help holding the upper part (hanging closet). When your project will be completed do you mind sending me some pictures at my personal email address: joce4me@hotmail.com Do not hesitate to ask me more questions if you have some. Good luck.

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

When you modified the drawer width did you have to remove the wardrobe from the wall? Is the wardrobe and drawer frame a one piece assembly? When we do our 25fb twin we plan to remove the drawer frame under the hanging closet to make room for the mattress and use the drawers in the nightstand. Our drawers are 10" wide and both will fit side by side in the nightstand. Another wide drawer will be built below the two small drawers. We are going for the 34" x 78" mattress with a 24" center aisle.

What is the length of your shorter mattress?

Kelvin

The shortest mattress is 72 inch long

[KJRitchie]

Thanks for the update. The shop we are intending to have the work done likes to do renovations during the winter so the job wont start after the New Year. Right now they are too busy repairing RVs for people who travel south for the winter.

The support of the shirt closet has me worried. To put a support rail on the wall it should be attached to a rib but I'm not sure if there is one back in that spot. The 2008 Classic 25fb had a twin bed version so I doubt the external rib structure is any different. Because of the mouse fur on the walls I can't see any rivets on the internal panels. This is one reason I want someone experienced with RV renovations to do the job. I don't have the tools, expertise, time nor adequate facilities.

I will post milestone photos once the work starts. I'm pretty sure they will allow me to inspect the progress and take photos.

Kelvin

[Joce4me]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Thanks for the update. The shop we are intending to have the work done likes to do renovations during the winter so the job wont start after the New Year. Right now they are too busy repairing RVs for people who travel south for the winter.

The support of the shirt closet has me worried. To put a support rail on the wall it should be attached to a rib but I'm not sure if there is one back in that spot. The 2008 Classic 25fb had a twin bed version so I doubt the external rib structure is any different. Because of the mouse fur on the walls I can't see any rivets on the internal panels. This is one reason I want someone experienced with RV renovations to do the job. I don't have the tools, expertise, time nor adequate facilities.

I will post milestone photos once the work starts. I'm pretty sure they will allow me to inspect the progress and take photos.

Kelvin

How much is it going to cost you?

[KJRitchie]

We are still awaiting the estimate. They are so busy right now he is behind on estimates. We told them we are not in a rush. The owner has been in our AS to see what we want. We are also having them install a new vinyl floor since the bedroom is carpet and some of the vinyl is buckling in the kitchen and dinette area. I'm also going to have them perform a pressure leak test, and reseal all the roof vents, replace all the bolts in the stabilizers since some of the bolts have broken off probably due to over torqueing at the factory. I may order two Maxxim skylights to have them install during the roof resealing.

This is the local company we are considering

RV Repair Springfield, Missouri

There is a downloadable service catalog that explains the type of work they perform. They have a good reputation and my brother-in-law has had a 5th wheel and his current older Class C in for work and was pleased.

I've contacted a couple of Airstream restoration companies in Texas that advertise here on the forums but they are too booked with work.

Kelvin

[bolerama]

I am deeply impressed! This is such a smart modification. I hope Airstream has seen it. They need to add this to their floorplans.

Lisa

[bettybeready]

Smart idea! Just what I've been wanting!