Considering a used 23'. Comments?

[Sam.A]

There's a one-owner 2010 23' Flying Cloud that's coming available locally. It's been at the dealer getting new seals. Tires are new and everything is in working order. Condition is excellent+ as it was kept inside a storage facility. We will see it in the next few days when it's back from the shop.

If we were to purchase this, it would be our first Airstream. It has the rear bedroom and the bed looks pretty small on the floor plans we've seen.

Does the front table/sofa area convert to a bed?

Does anyone have a 23' with rear bedroom? Comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

~Sam

[uraljohn]

We have a 2017 Int Serenity 23D. This has the rear bed and bath area. We love it. Bed is fine. Bath small but useable. Great thing about this floorplan is much more "Living Space". We originally looked at the 23 Front Bedroom floorplan. Bigger bathroom, bigger bed. BUT, very little "Living Space" The small kitchen area and only place to sit is the dinette. The 23D, now called the 23CB (corner bed) devotes about 2/3's of the interior to "Living Space". Yes, the dinette area converts to bed, and the lounge area pulls out to make a bed. We took delivery 1 June and have been on 4 trips already. If the one your looking at is in good condition and priced right, go for it. Our Airstream is the first travel trailer we have ever owned. After looking for 2 full years at almost every brand out there, we decided to start at the top. No regrets. Happy travels!

[RFP]

We agree completely with 'uraljohn'

We absolutely love our 23D (front dinette, rear small-ish bed). The rear bed is "The Queen's Chamber," and the front bed is mine... and "yes," the front couch converts to a bed nearly instantly and it's plenty roomy. I use a rectangular down sleeping bag for my bed... it stores under her bed.

We really, really love the "living area" up front. Lots of room to have company and not to have to squeeze around a dinette amidship. The twenty-three is a perfect size for the two of us... highly recommended

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Sam.A

There's a one-owner 2010 23' Flying Cloud that's coming available locally. < snip >

~Sam

Sam,

I just noticed that you are in Covington, LA. I have some warm memories of Covington. After Katrina came through, I went down to Covington and "helped out" for a while... I worked in the "Special Needs Center" that was set up in the High School. I cooked and served many a meal to those sweet people, each of whom had a "story." Each person I met there, locals and volunteers alike, made a big impact on my life. I was - and remain - grateful for the opportunity.

I really hope that Covington has recovered... and I hope you, and yours, were OK through it all.

Rob

[RFP]

Also, Sam, there is an entire thread devoted to the trailer type you are considering... reading through it may give you more insight about this particular size and layout.

Check it out here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ad-166085.html

[PKI]

The 23 rear bed coaches are unique in that they are the smallest with have dual axles and a layout much like the larger trailers. Unfortunately, the corner bed can be a deal breaker for some. I had never considered using it for the wife and the front couch for the husband. Not too different from the twin option that others find appropriate.

The key here is what works for you. Guess if you can buy it for what you can trade it for on a new coach, it's money in the bank.

We find the narrow footprint to be helpful when traveling. We also like the ease it can be turned around, backed and towed. Unless you need more space or dislike the layout, it will serve you well.

You should replace the 14in wheels and tires with 15in. See the tire threads.

Hope your research works out well. Pat

[jftompkins]

First AS 23FB ‘17....great towing with tandem axle; for us floor plan just fine for two w/ preference for larger bed; travelled 6000 mi first year and fall weekend trips to game days....not one issue; sadly now winterized...advantage for some might be wider range of campsites due to shorter length...

[GMFL]

Love our 23D. Great trailer. Check out the 23D thread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ad-166085.html

[McDave]

The 23’ is about the longest trailer you can get if you want to park in cramped spots. Of course, if you don't need/want to park in cramped spots, you could get a 25’ or longer and avoid the compromises of a cramped corner bed or alternatively forgoing a couch. After 3 years, I’m not inclined to trade my 23’ for anything longer....yet.

[weirdstuff]

On our maiden voyage (day 10 of a 14 day trip) in our brand new 2018 23CB (the one with the small rear bed).

We are ABSOLUTELY LOVING this trailer!

The bed is small, so I'd really advise trying one out first if you have any doubts. Or...just figure that, if it's too small for the two of you, that one of you can sleep up front.

EDIT: Just wanted to add that there are 2 of us, plus our 50 lb dog, and we have plenty of storage space. We have a bunch of cabinets that are only 1/2 full, and a couple of them have nothing at all in them. This surprised us! Tons of storage!

[wbrisett]

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

The bed is small, so I'd really advise trying one out first if you have any doubts. Or...just figure that, if it's too small for the two of you, that one of you can sleep up front.

+1 ... We took our 2016 23D in for some very minor warranty work (needed a new sea level panel as the old one sometimes wouldn't display tank levels). While on the dealer lot we poked around the new models. We loved the open living space of the 23D over the 23FB when we looked at buying the Airstream a few years ago. In fact, it was this living space that convinced us to buy the 23D. We're still 'young' (early 50's), so crawling over each at night didn't seem like a bit deal and our college-aged daughter spends a lot of time with us still when we camp, so the front area is her bed at night.

Bottom line, when we looked at the 25 and 27 ft models, we realized how much we really did want a full queen bed. We loved everything else about the 23D, ok... the bath wasn't a huge seller for us either, but with just the three of us, it's usable... So, with the numbers right, we traded in our 23D and bought a 27FB.

To be honest, if I had to do it all over again, I would make sure I really could live with the corner bed. It's a bit expensive to 'trade up' when you realize you really can't live with something. (and on Saturday we pick up the new 2018 27FB for those who want to know).

[Sam.A]

Originally Posted by RFP

Sam,

I just noticed that you are in Covington, LA. I have some warm memories of Covington. After Katrina came through, I went down to Covington and "helped out" for a while... I worked in the "Special Needs Center" that was set up in the High School. I cooked and served many a meal to those sweet people, each of whom had a "story." Each person I met there, locals and volunteers alike, made a big impact on my life. I was - and remain - grateful for the opportunity.

I really hope that Covington has recovered... and I hope you, and yours, were OK through it all.

Rob

Hi Rob. Thanks for your post Katrina help! Covington's in great shape and life is good!

[Sam.A]

Thank you all for your comments and the link to the 23D thread. I really appreciate hearing from real-world users and to hear the likes and dislikes.

I have a 2007 Ford F150 5.4L and am not too keen about buying another truck, so the 23' sounds like it could be pulled reasonably well with what I have.

We will do some serious evaluation of the bed arrangement. I'm not opposed to sleeping in the front and my wife taking the rear bed. It sounds like that's been an acceptable arrangement for some folks.

It's 6 of one, half-dozen of another. Larger bed with smaller living quarters, smaller bed with larger living quarters. Decisions decisions!

[m.hony]

Yes, the front sofa/dinette/lounge makes a bed...

[banderabob]

Originally Posted by Sam.A

Thank you all for your comments and the link to the 23D thread. I really appreciate hearing from real-world users and to hear the likes and dislikes.

I have a 2007 Ford F150 5.4L and am not too keen about buying another truck, so the 23' sounds like it could be pulled reasonably well with what I have.

We will do some serious evaluation of the bed arrangement. I'm not opposed to sleeping in the front and my wife taking the rear bed. It sounds like that's been an acceptable arrangement for some folks.

It's 6 of one, half-dozen of another. Larger bed with smaller living quarters, smaller bed with larger living quarters. Decisions decisions!

We had a 19' Bambi before acquiring our 23D, so we were used to the rear bed. It's a double size, and while someone has to climb over if there are 2 in bed, it works for us (both under 5'7" and 140). The extra feet in couch sitting is what swung us. We love it.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Sam.A

< snip >

It's 6 of one, half-dozen of another. Larger bed with smaller living quarters, smaller bed with larger living quarters. Decisions decisions!

Well, we had never thought of it like that! Since (1) we've been sleeping in a king-size bed for a half century, and (2) we are "no touch" sleepers, the idea of sharing any bed smaller than king is not appealing to us. We actually view our sleeping arrangements as quite generous: Linda in the 48" wide rear bed and me in my great bed up front (as I recall, it's about regular "twin size" when converted from sofa, an operation that takes all of fifteen seconds.

Originally Posted by m.hony

Yes, the front sofa/dinette/lounge makes a bed...

Yes, and a very nice one, too. Here's a thread that I posted some time ago showing a super-simple "mod" that I did to make "my" front bed perfect http://www.airforums.com/forums/f46/...3d-158474.html

But remember, everyone's different and what's perfect for us may not sing to you.

Rob

[Countryboy59]

We looked at the CB, but the corner bed in our 19' was way too claustrophobic. Ended up not getting the 23 anyway.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by RFP

-- snip -- remember, everyone's different and what's perfect for us may not sing to you. -- snip --

Well stated - we could never consider separate sleeping - we could care less that the there is no couch - we like the reasonable sized bathroom - we like the double sink - our 23FB sings to us. (we would like the new ducted AC and 12in brakes)

The 23s are great coaches if the smaller space works for you. The D/CB model is a nice compromise if a small bath and corner bed works for you. The FB works well if you want a larger bed and bath. The smaller coaches are an opportunity to save initial cost if the use of a single axle is acceptable for your use. The 20 has nice living space, the 22 is a smaller version of the 23FB with a narrower profile if tight spots are your thing. The 16s are cute and functional and the 19 adds some space to your life. The Basecamp is more usable than it appears to be at first consideration and a really nice hard tent with amenities.

But go sit in the bigger coaches before you buy. Know yourself before you buy. If you go for a 23, join us on the dedicated threads and tell us what you are doing to optimize your smile maker. Good luck - investigate first. Pat

[LazyGray2]

I say jump on the deal! We ❤️ Our 23D Flying Cloud! Reasons already stated:
Tandem axels, narrower profile, nice lounge converts to bed, tows like a dream with our Toyota Tundra.

[rodsterinfl]

Nice floor plan. This was one of the choices that I had when buying. There are pros and cons to EVERY floor plan. What I like about the model is the lounge area. The console with sofa is nice for movie watching/evenings sitting around. That may sound odd camping but I cannot tell you how many times I have been thankful for a sitting area inside because of rain, cold, etc. The floor plan, similar to my 25' I bought used, provides, IMO, the most versatile use as the table folds up against the wall and the sofa is built-in sitting that faces the correct way for TV watching, etc. The dinette layout eats up the floor space and is not a problem with this setup. If it is in good shape GRAB IT!

That of course is all to do with how you plan to use it. How long will your ventures be? How many will travel, etc. The 23 has the largest shower. The corner bed issue is mainly based on 1)couples crawling over each other and 2) bed making is difficult. Bed making can be solved with a fitted coverlet and sleeping cocoons- sheet sets designed like a sleeping bag- really neat. The other caveat on 23' is the tank sizes. Longer ventures can be supplemented with a rolling portable dump tank. Pick up a Thetford 35 gallon tank for about $200 and you will have more dump storage than any Airstream- about 56 gallons for grey water. Sounds nice. Make sure you can sit on the toilet, get in the shower, try out the bed and, the sofa is a jackknife. They are semi-comfortable as a sofa or a bed. I bought an inflatable mattress for mine and it is now as comfortable as any bed when I need it. If it is like mine, you may be able to get a double size inflatable. It would extend a bit over the side but not much and be a bit larger than a twin inflatable. Check the top area of the sofa extended down.