Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-28-2008, 12:06 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Fiamma's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Tiny spot on the map , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Safari 25 SE Lounge version--opinions?

Does anyone here have the 23' or 25' Safari without the dinette? I'm a few years out from buying, but plan to buy a newer used model (probably), and have my eye on the 2008 25' Safari SE. I honestly would rather have the cushy couch, credenza and fold-out table along with a bit more floor space than a dinette. I rarely use my kitchen table in my house, where space is not at a premium! I plan to full-time in my Airstream (travel nursing) with my dog and cats (and possibly the boyfriend). No kids, but the dog is a Newfoundland mix, so we'd BOTH appreciate the floor space.

Does anyone have any feedback on this floor plan? Got it but wish you had a dinette? Have a dinette and wish you had the lounge area? Is this particular floor plan popular or harder to find--meaning, will I have trouble locating a used one in two or three years?

Another question--is Airstream planning to continue the SE models? I love the aluminum interior but do not love the dark laminate of the Internationals, or the beach theme of the Ocean Breeze (cute but not my style). The panoramic windows seem pretty spectacular, too.

Thank you, and feel free to pipe up with any advice or opinions, I'd love to hear them!
Fiamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 06:17 AM   #2
Moderator
 
moosetags's Avatar

 
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
Images: 5
We have an '05 25FB that we have spent over 225 nights in. We really like this floorplan. We also looked closely at and seriously considered the lounge model before buying our sweet Lucy. The major consideration was the bed situation. The corner bed in the lounge model would not work well for us. We really like the queen bed in our FB (the FB twin bed model would also work). The FB gives the feel of a larger tailer with a separate bedrrom. We find it quite comfortable to relax in Lucy's dinette area. We work on the computer and watch television there. We also like the FB because the dinette is at the back of the trailer, and when you have a nice campsite view, you can enjoy it from where you are actually sitting.

We are not big fans of the panoramic windows. We don't think that the improved view is worth the extra cost or the heat transfer in hot weather.
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
moosetags is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 06:33 AM   #3
3 Rivet Member

 
2004 25' Safari
1971 27' Overlander
1957 22' Caravanner
Jourdanton , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 214
We have the '04 version of of the 25'SE without the dinette. Never once have we missed the dinette. It is a great layout for two (or one with large dog!) The table sets up easily. We carry a couple of Ikea folding chairs behind the sofa that we bring out when we have the grandchildren along. That enables all four of us to sit around the table. Also with a cushion thrown onto the seat of one of those chairs--voila, a footstool! For awhile we really wanted a FB model, but have since installed solar and a lot of upgrades. Therefore this Airstream will be ours for some time to come.

We have spent 3 months (Alaska trip) in the Airstream at one time and are about to embark on a five month (another Alaska trip) journey. If this floorplan didn't work for us, we would be throwing things at each other by now!

Paula
pienjim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 06:42 AM   #4
4 Rivet Member
 
starflyte1's Avatar
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 355
We had a 23' that had the lounge and the lounge and pull out table were fine. We travelled 10,000 miles with that model before we traded for, what we consider perfect, 25' FB SE. The bath and corner bed in the 23' did not work for us.
__________________
Pat
AIR# 16756
WBCCI# 6167
starflyte1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 07:54 AM   #5
Aluminut
 
Silvertwinkie's Avatar
 
2004 25' Safari
. , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
We use the dinette all the time. It's a personal choice, each is different. I know folks that bought without one and then on the next run, made sure it was there. We play cards, games, eat, and use it as a bed (folded down).

It's a very useful piece IMHO, but I can totally understand and respect those that don't care for it.
Silvertwinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 07:58 AM   #6
Colonial Airstream NJ
Airstream Dealer
 
Colonial Airstream's Avatar
 
1961 16' Bambi
1997 19' "B" Van Airstream 190
Millstone Township , New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 578
Images: 79
The 25' A/B SE was introduced in the 2008 model year (was just a regular Safari or Classic in previous years) and is currently our favorite floor plan. Unfortunately, the 25' A/B will not be included in the 2009 Flying Cloud (Safari SE) product line. I know there are only about 12 or so left on the market and only about another 15 or so were ever produced. I would suggest if you are truly interested in owning a 25' A/B SE, grab one now before they are all gone.
__________________
Patrick Botticelli - Colonial Airstream 595 State Hwy 33 Millstone Township, NJ 08535 - 1-800-265-9019 www.colonialairstream.com
Colonial Airstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 08:11 AM   #7
4 Rivet Member
 
starflyte1's Avatar
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 355
Hi Patrick, Sorry to have to ask, but what is A/B?
__________________
Pat
AIR# 16756
WBCCI# 6167
starflyte1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 09:41 AM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
Fiamma's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Tiny spot on the map , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeatAirstream
The 25' A/B SE was introduced in the 2008 model year (was just a regular Safari or Classic in previous years) and is currently our favorite floor plan. Unfortunately, the 25' A/B will not be included in the 2009 Flying Cloud (Safari SE) product line. I know there are only about 12 or so left on the market and only about another 15 or so were ever produced. I would suggest if you are truly interested in owning a 25' A/B SE, grab one now before they are all gone.
Thank you, Patrick--thanks everyone!

I'm currently a full-time nursing student, and unfortunately won't have the income to purchase my Airstream until 2010. Meanwhile I'm learning, saving, learning, planning, and everything that I learn confirms that an Airstream is what I want to live in, so these aren't idle questions, I promise!

Patrick, a few more things--are the A/B versions going to be available on future models in other lengths? The 23' is a wee bit tight for full-timing, I think (for me and the beasts, at least), but I don't believe that I want to move past a 27'. Foiled Again (I think it was she) had some great points about fulltiming in those length models. If the boyfriend comes along, a bigger unit will be necessary.

The Safari SE will be Flying Cloud from 2009 on? Nifty. Will it maintain the aluminum interior and panoramic windows? (Great point on the windows, moosetags). Anything else that it will have that is different? How about that great rear bathroom? Will ANY model, Safari or otherwise, have that rear bath, and if so, can you ditch the dinette in it?

While we're at it, what can you say about new stuff in 2009 models in general?
Fiamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 11:03 AM   #9
Colonial Airstream NJ
Airstream Dealer
 
Colonial Airstream's Avatar
 
1961 16' Bambi
1997 19' "B" Van Airstream 190
Millstone Township , New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 578
Images: 79
The Safari A/B Se is the floor plan with the Front Sofa, Flip-Up Dinette table, Center Bath and Rear Bedroom. The A is the twin bed floor plan and the B is the Queen.

Colonial Airstream NJ*- 2008 Airstream Safari SE 25'

(Fiamma) Sorry, Airstream has not officially released the 2009 model year information yet, but the A/B Floor plan will not be available from Airstream in 2009 and the SE model will be renamed to the Flying Cloud with some minor updates etc.
__________________
Patrick Botticelli - Colonial Airstream 595 State Hwy 33 Millstone Township, NJ 08535 - 1-800-265-9019 www.colonialairstream.com
Colonial Airstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:08 PM   #10
Aluminut
 
Silvertwinkie's Avatar
 
2004 25' Safari
. , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeatAirstream
the 2009 Flying Cloud (Safari SE) product line.
Not to shamefully hijack, but.......

Any pics of a Flying Cloud?
Silvertwinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:14 PM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
Fiamma's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Tiny spot on the map , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Hijack away! I want to see them, too! :P
Fiamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:19 PM   #12
Colonial Airstream NJ
Airstream Dealer
 
Colonial Airstream's Avatar
 
1961 16' Bambi
1997 19' "B" Van Airstream 190
Millstone Township , New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 578
Images: 79
Sorry, Nothing I can share at this time.
__________________
Patrick Botticelli - Colonial Airstream 595 State Hwy 33 Millstone Township, NJ 08535 - 1-800-265-9019 www.colonialairstream.com
Colonial Airstream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:29 PM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
Fiamma's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Tiny spot on the map , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Thank you for the information that you have been able to share, it's very helpful! Love that the Flying Cloud is coming back as the SE. I am surprised that the A/B option isn't being continued--one can hope that they'll change that for 2010. The FB and rear bath in the Safari are great additions, though, and one can't have everything.

I do hope that they offer that Safari Sport rear bath in bigger Safari/Flying Cloud models, it's a really lovely feature. I've been drooling over pics on your website.
Fiamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:33 PM   #14
4 Rivet Member
 
starflyte1's Avatar
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 355
Thanks, Patrick!
__________________
Pat
AIR# 16756
WBCCI# 6167
starflyte1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 01:53 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Foiled Again's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach , Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
So Patrick when CAN you share?

Hijacking wildly now, but when WILL the 09 models be public?

Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
Foiled Again is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 02:55 PM   #16
Aluminut
 
Silvertwinkie's Avatar
 
2004 25' Safari
. , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
I can appreciate that fact. Any idea when we might be able to get a peek or when you expect the mother ship to grant permission to release info? Airstream of Arkansas was going to let the cat out of the bag a week or so ago, but it would seem they had to change that commitment as well.

Part of the hijacking was not entirely for my own needs, I was also pointing out to the thread starter that another model is coming out with new things that may be worth looking at before picking up the current offering.
Silvertwinkie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 03:16 PM   #17
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Bakersfield , California
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 9
Patrick,

I too will be very disappointed if the 25' lounge with rear queen (lateral) is no longer available. If this is a favorite floor plan, why do you think it's being discontinued? I notice you have two in stock, but I would have custom-ordered mine.

The FB lounge (on top of the folded dinette) is too far away from the TV, even at 23", located at the end of the bench.

shovelbum
shovelbum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 03:22 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
2007 25' Classic
Hydes
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 713
This floor plan was discontinued after 2007 or late in 2007 for the 25' Classic as well. 2008 offered only the 25" FB. I'm glad I bougt mine in 07 as I really like this floor plan, although the FB does offers more counter space in the kitchen.
craftsman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 03:40 PM   #19
2 Rivet Member
 
Fiamma's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Tiny spot on the map , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 62
Quote:
Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie
Part of the hijacking was not entirely for my own needs, I was also pointing out to the thread starter that another model is coming out with new things that may be worth looking at before picking up the current offering.
Hee! In all seriousness, hijack away. It's not truly hijacking, though, because it's all pertinent info on the subject and I'm learning tons!

I, too, wonder why they would discontinue this floor plan. Was it too specialized? Did it not move as quickly as a traditional (dinette) floor plan? It seems like it would be nigh on perfect for singles and many couples.
Oh Great Airstream Gods, bring back the Lounge Plan, please!
Fiamma is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-28-2008, 03:50 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
3Ms75Argosy's Avatar
 
1975 Argosy 26
1963 24' Tradewind
Seattle , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,341
Images: 7
Did any of those center baths come with an L lounge in front... Now THAT would be perfect for me!

See, everyone has an opinion!
Marc
3Ms75Argosy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
fantastic fan install version two Frank's Trailer Works Roof Vents, Skylights & Fans 1 11-23-2007 06:01 AM
Members listing in new version jaco Our Community 14 04-16-2004 12:43 PM
Rivet Lounge PeterH-350LE Our Community 68 09-24-2002 11:22 PM
DeLorme Street Atlas version 10.0 Pahaska On The Road... 14 09-07-2002 02:48 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.