UpSized - '09 25FB Classic to '11 30 Classic

[JFScheck]

It's Done - just "upsized" from my '09 25FB Airstream Classic to my new '30 "80th Anniversary" Airstream Classic.

But first - Big "ShoutOut" to Colonial Airstream with special thanks to Patrick, Lauren & Billy! This is the second Airstream I have purchased from Colonial, their attention to detail, knowledge, integrity and patience (coupled with a fabulous Service Department) makes this one of the best Airstreams dealers as recognized from Airstream via consecutive awards!

Now, onto my trailer....

Just a few quick pictures that I snapped off with my "Baby SLR" - none great but good enough to let the pictures do the talking - for now. Look for some better pictures in the future once I get a chance to break out the "Big Guns"...

How does she tow? I'll let you know once I get back home - but for now it's time to get a little "R&R" at the "Stone Pony" here in Asbury Park (15 minutes away from Colonial Airstream) then quick detour to Gettysburg before I park her back at her new home.

And now for a few pictures...

[cms4140]

Very nice John. Thanks for sharing the pics!

-Chris

[wheel interested]

Congratulations! That's so pretty. I love the Praline and shiny hickory and flooring, beautiful and great layout. And I dare say you look very happy there! Enjoy and keep the pics and stories coming. I like the cool 80 year emblem too.

[SteveH]

Very, very nice!

[Jammer]

Nice. I see that they have changed the thermostat and placed it below the TV instead of behind it, both improvements. Everything else looks familiar.

You'll want to consider changing out the dinette light bulbs for a slightly lower wattage. With the 50A setup you'll want a 30' cord with a 50a connector on it for ease of handling and to save wear and tear on the big cord. I have a thread with other less critical mods elsewhere.

[golfgal]

Very nice - congrats! We bought our 2010 at Colonial last July and also were very impressed with the folks there and also the service department.

[tpi]

Very nice! I'll trade ya

[mojo]

Well then, now we know the real reason why that Touareg couldn't pull that 25' anymore and ya had to get a big F350...

and well then since ya got that big truck...

well then ain't she sweet!

[au_ee]

Very nice. Congrats.

[newroswell]

WOW, fantastic Scheck! Welcome to the 30'er club!

[moosetags]

Congrats on the new Baby.

[Boondocker]

My name is envy.

[JBinKC]

Even with my fingers in my ears and singing, "La, La, La, La," as loud as I can, and trying not to look at any threads about new Airstreams, this sneaks up on me. And it's my old buddy Scheck! I knew not to look at that thread "Upsize." And look at that smile on his face! Don't you just want to slap him? Until now, my big worry was whether all of the national parks will be closed this spring while I'm on my first Wally Byam Southwest Adventure Caravan. And now this! As William Mountfort would say, "Ha! hold my Brain; be still my beating Heart." I don't need a new truck. I don't need a new camper. "La, La, La..."

[Silver Otter]

What a beautiful new addition to your family! We are also in love with our OLD 30 which has about the same layout. Room to roam and the comfits of home. Congratulations on a great adventure wagon.

[4RXLA]

Best wishes for many years of trouble free enjoyment with the new truck and trailer! You should be set for a while.

[ASwifey]

Well I can tell you that that F250 is gonna love puling that 30!

Congrats! I can only hope that you love your new trailer as much as we love ours

[JFScheck]

Towed my new baby today with the F-350 for about four hours heading home from Colonial - the long way via the mountains. Here are a few quick notes....

Did not notice difference between the disc brakes and the drum brakes on the new trailer - was expecting a negative delta. Purposely braked hard a few times. All smooth stops. I will keep keep an eye out as I monitor the drum brakes, really scarred they would feel so different, again - nice and smooth...

As expected - the PP hitch and F-350 combined to make a very stable tow platform. Caught myself around 75 (even 80 a few times) and soild through the whole speed range - had some strong showers and lots of big rigs. Again, rock stable but I was expecting this...

Backing up the 30 vice the 25 was not difficult at all - just need to start the turn a little eairler. Did notice the need to pull out a little more before executing my turns when moving forward so to keep the wheels off the curbs (btw, tow mirrors on the F-350 are great, no excuses hitting tires or side of trailer with objects with these mirror appliances as long as one can use them).

F-350 engine a beast. Went up over a few steep grades, plenty of power, diesel brake works well going down hill. Lots of power to accelerate into traffic... Can't wait for break-in so I can see mpg numbers. So far pretty good but let me wait before I post anything for the truck to be broken in.

I'm sure I will post a more detailed report when I have some time, just wanted to give everyone a "quickie".


Can't wait to take her back out on the road for some ventures!

[4RXLA]

John,

The Ford ITBC is a very good unit in my opinion and is probably contributing to your drum brake performance. Having towed a 26 SOB and now a 31 Airstream I agree with you that backing and cornering are not very different. My 31 tows and maneuvers much better than my SOB ever did. I take it you have the new 6 speed tranny?

[JFScheck]

BTW - thanks to everyone for all the great wishes - hopefully in 25 years I'll be posting with this same trailer but in the Classic's" section.

Doug - new Ford Diesel Engine & Ford Tranny.

[blmitch5]

Nice unit and thanks for the updates! You shouldn't need a bigger one so 25 years will be easy to do! My Bambi looks like a guest house compared to your mansion! Happy travels!