International 28 vs 27FB

[Roadtech]

I know this has been discussed many times on this forum, but I thought there might have been some changes in recent model years that might influence the decision on going with the 28 rear bed model or the 27 front bed model. I currently have a 2014 27FB. We are thinking about a new International in this same size in order to get the ducted air system and we want to go to twin beds. We had a hard time deciding before on the 27FB vs the 28 and will now go through that again. We really like the separated sofa and dinette arrangement of the 28 over the 27FB. Now that we have lived with the 27FB for a few years, having the dinette/sofa combination in the rear hasn't really been that big of a plus for us. One of my main concerns is the difference in the showers. The 27FB shower is adequate for me (I am 6'3" tall), but just barely. I have read here that the 28 shower has less foot space in the shower. I would love to hear from anyone that has experience with both showers and how they compare in height and the other dimensions. Also, any other thoughts comparing the two floor plans would be appreciated.

[Olrocker]

We have yet to use our new (to us) 2013 Signature 27FB, but when we were comparing it to the 28 at the same dealership the 28 felt smaller inside for some reason. Maybe the dinette sticking out. Also the 28 has more tongue weight, which was a consideration for us towing with a Tundra.

Cheers!

[Roadtech]

Another question I have is, with the ducted air, it seems like you would not need the second air conditioner, since the air is distributed throughout the trailer. We have the two air conditioners in our current 27FB without ducted air. Most of the time, we only run one unit when we are in the front or back to get air there, since there are no ducts. It would be nice to save the money and also go to the lighter 30 amp cord and get the front 30 amp connector for a generator in the truck bed.

[BAB]

I had a 2012 28' Intl CCD, prior to ducted air. My '15 Classic has ducted air. I ended up adding the second AC to my 28 after the 2d year. The standard 15,000 BTU was OK at night, but struggled to cool the rear .... which is where you sleep. And, if it was hot and humid, having both was a big plus. One factor is 2 A/C's = 50 amp service. The ducted in the Classic is terrific, and I think it does a better job distributing A/C in the rear with only the front unit operating. Were it me, though, I'd opt for 2 units on a 28' Intl. When you need it, you really need it and the one standard A/C is marginal. At least I thought so.

[dkottum]

Tongue weight. When we were comparing front and rear bed 25's we noticed and were told the front bed models will load heavier in front because that is where more of the storage is.

[switz]

Check out the Airstream literature.

The trailer with the heaviest tongue weight is the 28' model Flying Cloud at 976 pounds. The same floor plan International models are second at 950 pounds tongue weight. Both of these 28' models have a GVW of 7,600 pounds.

By contrast, the largest trailer Airstream currently makes is the 31' Classic which has a tongue weight of 773 pounds and a GVW of 10,000 pounds.

These tongue weights have no hitch parts attached, so the loads can only increase.

Also the 28' models have a four gallon smaller black water tank than the 25FB, 27FB and three gallon smaller than the 30' models.

It pays to really study the published details as well as visiting the floor plans for extended periods to determine the one(s) that will work for the buyer and their proposed tow vehicle.

The wide body models are 25' and longer and the tongue weights (with the exception of the 27FB models) exceed 800 pounds. This means one needs to really check the hitch capacity of the proposed tow vehicle and the "real" net payload capacity of said vehicle.

[rheiniger]

We went through the same debate before purchasing. Same points. Finally decided we liked the 28. Then looked at them in person, there was a 27FB, 28 and a 30 lined up in a row. Definitely would have chosen the 28 over the 27FB, but then considered the 30. The extra touch of length made the living area feel much more spacious, had the layout we liked, less tongue weight than the 28, and over 50 gallons of water for those times when a water hookup isn't available. The price wasn't that much different but I didn't like the maximum gross weight. Then looked at empty weight. It was a little higher, but my theory is we will carry about the same amount of stuff on a 30 as we would on a 28. This has proved out when running over the scales. Fully loaded with our stuff AND water, all axles are under their ratings.

We also got the solar package which we love although we occasionally need a generator to supplement. The ducted A/C is definitely an improvement and is nice, but if you've got 50 amp available, the two units are far better than just one. When we have to run one, we close the vents right under the unit and open the vents wide open at the other end of the trailer. That tends to balance it out.

Good luck on your decision!

[Chick Squad]

I looked at the 28, 27fb and 30 flying clouds. I like the solid cabinets due to being a full timer. I had a 2015 23fb, but just not enough room. And the ducted AC-DC and heat is so much more quiet and efficient!

I went with the 27 fb. It felt roomier and I don't like the separate dinette. I like being able to make the dinette into a lounge area. Lots of ideas on this on pinterest. I saw in the AS spec sheet the 27 fb is actually 28 feet, and the 28 is 27.5. This extra room must be in the shower! The 28's seems smaller to me. Must be the dinette. The 30 was longer but I didn't feel I got much for it, considering it was about 20k more.

As for solar. I paid for the factory solar package for the 2015 23fb and it worked great. Kept my batteries topped off with no complaints. Did I put on my new 2016 27fb? No. Here is why. The dealer drilled into roof and it leaked during heavy rain. Not only that, they cut water pump wires. Now It will always need to be monitored for pulled and dried caulking. For that money, rediculous. I'll wait a while and get some portable solar. A friend works in the biz and said cheaper, more efficient cells are getting ready to hit the markets. I'll wait.

[KJRitchie]

Toured a 2016 28 Serenty and 27 International today. First time seeing this floor plan. Don't like the kitchen layout. Why doesn't Airstream have exposed drawers between the oven and the under sink cabinet. Must get old having to open a cupboard door to get any items out. The hall closet was too small. The queen bed is a tight fit and the side wardrobes are too small. Airstream should put in a comfortable couch instead of the L lounge.

The 27fB has a better closet, exposed wide kitchen drawers and more leg room around the queen. The best would be twin beds in the 27. Two handing wardrobes plus the large hall wardrobe and the nightstand.

Kelvin

[TG2500]

We've had both. Loved the separate couch and dinette on the 28. Meant our son would still be in bed and we could still use the dinette.. That said, the bathroom sink in the 28 drains into the black tanks which is - as noted in prior threads - smaller than some other trailers. Also, the external dump valves aren't nearly as protected (based in location and how the are put together) than the other.

While we loved the 28, the smaller black rank and bath toilet draining into the black tank were real problems for us - we moved to a 26U last tear. Smaller but like the layout and systems setup better

[Roadtech]

Originally Posted by TG2500

We've had both.

Since you have had both, how did the shower roominess compare?

[ArkFortyCal]

We actually like the idea of the bathroom sink draining into black water tank on the 28. On our old 25FB, we would always fill the gray tank up and the black tank would only be a 1/4% full. Having the bathroom sink drain into the black tank on our new 28 we felt could extend our grey another couple of days.

This of course wasn't the reason we switched models, we wanted the extra space in the 28Twin for our two dogs.

[Plasma800]

Originally Posted by Roadtech

Another question I have is, with the ducted air, it seems like you would not need the second air conditioner, since the air is distributed throughout the trailer. We have the two air conditioners in our current 27FB without ducted air. Most of the time, we only run one unit when we are in the front or back to get air there, since there are no ducts. It would be nice to save the money and also go to the lighter 30 amp cord and get the front 30 amp connector for a generator in the truck bed.

I dunno bout that.... had I to do again, I'd have two a/c's

When parked under a lot of shade, it's ok... but if you're in the open, even before summer fully hits here, the one a/c won't keep up.

but like you, I like the 30 amp service over 50. I've been considering adding a second ac by removing the fan in the bedroom, but running it from an extension cord.

[KariRich]

We just bought a 27FB and we absolutely could not be any happier, it is roomy, the A/C actually pumps too cold at night and we live in Florida. We also think the living space is roomier without the dinette.