20-footers

[idroba]

Originally Posted by subfan1

Speaking of dry camping; when filling the fresh water tank in the back of the trailer there is a lot of water that pours out while filling. I'm thinking of making some sort of bib so the water runs off over rear bumper onto the ground.
Does anyone have this problem while filling their fresh water tank? What are you using to prevent water from coming out while filling?

It sounds like the vent for your tank is not working right. When I fill my 20' the water goes in smoothly, and only when full do I get any leakage or blowback. If the vent is not working, however, you will have issues. I understand that the 20's have water tank venting issues now and then when the vent line becomes crushed or tangled under the shower.

[Wild Child]

We are back from our 10 day trip to MD and VA with our 20' and had a great time. We LOVE this trailer! And we have been learning lots as we go along. We are new to trailering, but Hubble is an avid tent camper/hiker so not too new to camping. I have reluctantly gone in the past, not being too big on the roughing it thing. I like the amenities and glamping!

We bought our trailer late in the season last year, so only got to take it out for 3 short weekend trips.
For this trip we were really looking forward to an extended stay in it.

The Airstream pulled beautifully. We had super weather, at times a little hot while in VA - but we made use of the AC and were comfortable.
Our Trip:
We had dropped off the unit at Colonial for some warranty work the week before. They are about 4-4.5hr from our home. Colonial had the fridge cooled down & ready for loading with our supplies and pick up. Since they are located in NJ it just made sense that we leave for our trip right from the dealership.

We stayed at Assateague State Park in MD for 2 nights and saw the wild ponies. What a great place to go! It's a beautiful park. We had the ocean right next to our site and fell asleep listening to it each night. We walked 4 miles into the National Seashore Park looking for the ponies - joking that they were probably in the CG by the comfort station. Guess what? They were! We saw a family of six grazing through the CG. Got lots of pix.
Our next stop would be Williamsburg, VA. We went over the loooonnnggg bridge/tunnel that takes you over the Chesapeake Bay. That was pretty cool...in a scary sort of way.
We stayed one night at the Williamsburg KOA. Not a favorite and won't be heading back. Our intention was to go to Colonial Williamsburg - but decided to skip that and head towards our nest destination.
From there we moved onto to Charlottesville KOA in VA. We really liked that CG. A bit more rustic, some sites were wooded and super nice couple running the CG. It had less frills but was more in keeping of what we like...very quiet. We stayed 2 nights and toured Monticello, James Monroe's house and visited Jefferson Vineyard for a wine tasting, a brewery for a night out dinner and Mitch's Tavern for lunch. We loved this area and scenery was amazing.
Our last stop (or so we thought) was to be just outside of DC. We had reservations to stay 5 nights at Cherry Hill Park. Cherry Hill is a very large RV park with 410 sites. All the sites are close to one another. We reserved a premium site so that we could pick one away from the highway. The staff was super nice. They have the tourism thing down to a science. A very busy park - but can't beat the location for going into DC.
We decided to leave a day early and head home as it was hot and we had a good amount of DC fun, plus we knew we had a long trip ahead of us back to MA...but instead Of going straight home, we decided to head to Moheghan Sun Casino for one more night of fun! So off we headed to CT, the casino is almost home for us - about 1.5 hours away.
As we were pulling out from Cherry Hill, I noticed the wall panel adjacent to the bathroom had pulled away from the door frame a bit. So I called Colonial and asked if we could swing by and have them check it out. Being Saturday, I don't hold out much hope that they could accomodate us. But they said sure - stop by and they'd look at it. Just no promises if it could be fixed on the spot or if a part had to be ordered. We drove straight up from DC and got there by 12:30. They looked at. They fixed it. I LOVE those guys! Oh, I almost forgot to mention - we needed a replacement surge protector as the new we bought was fried and Colonial overnight the replacement to the CG for us.
After our Colonial stop, we arrived at the Casino in CT about 5pm. We boondocked in their parking lot with other RVs & went in to the casino for dinner and gambling. We had a blast!
During our trip, we saw a lot of BIG rigs touring. And I do mean BIG! Our 20' unit looked TINY in comparison...but The 20 footer always looked reallypretty!
Overall we had a fantastic trip. If we take another 10 day trip, we will stay longer in each of the stops as we were at 5 locations in 10 days.
If anyone has questions about any of the CG, let me know. I will be happy to answer.
We are looking forward to going to Cape Cod next weekend and off to a Region 1 rally in Portland CT the following weekend. Hope to meet some fellow streamers soon!

[Wild Child]

We haven't been able to figure out how to post pictures from our iPads to the forum threads. I have pic to share - just not sure how to get them posted!

[renderit]

You have to use a web server based photo sharing service like Photobucket or similar. Most are free. You follow their instructions to download (usually drag and drop) and post them to your library. After they are in there look at the picture in your library and on the right of the photo you will see a bunch of link info. Find the one called IMG and copy the link (in photobucket you just click the link) and paste it here.

[subfan1]

Originally Posted by idroba

It sounds like the vent for your tank is not working right. When I fill my 20' the water goes in smoothly, and only when full do I get any leakage or blowback. If the vent is not working, however, you will have issues. I understand that the 20's have water tank venting issues now and then when the vent line becomes crushed or tangled under the shower.

Appreciate the tip. I pulled my filler out today and saw that there is a major kink and completely block the vent. I installed a outside "stint" on the hose secured it with 2 tie wraps and then wrapped with black vinyl tape. Hopefully this will work. We are leaving on our 4 week trip throughout the west desert states as far as Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone then in Aug to Yosemite for my month long volunteer assignment.


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[Wild Child]

Renderit - Thanks for the photo upload info. I will give it a try!
I like your screen name...are you in the graphics field? My background is graphic design, currently employed as a project manager and work with designers who do renders.
We are still new to Airstreaming and learning so much from the forum and by getting the trailer out on the road. So many thanks to all posting.
This past weekend we were at a small campground in Eastham, MA - Cape Cod. The CG was great and the weekend was awesome. We didn't want to come home!
Next weekend we will be heading to CT for a lobster fest with fellow NE Streamers. This will be our first rally. Can't wait!
Thanks again for the pix tutorial.

[renderit]

I was intense 3d graphics back about 18 years ago when I started using that moniker. The trailer above by the way is our "old" 16 Sport we just traded on our new 20. I gotta lose 4 feet of loft in that storage barn to get he new one in there. That will be worth 10 pounds of sweat guaranteed.

[pencraft]

Hi, of all the Airstream floorplans, I have been enchanted with the 20' that have the nice kitchen galley in the L-shape with a front bedroom. It sounds like that is the exact model that several of you have. A couple of questions:

First, do you think it would be big enough to live in for a half a year for one person and two small dogs? Currently, my house is only 1,000 square feet so I don't have to have tons of stuff with me. Just wondering if there is adequate storage and the like.

Second, I know that this floor plan is available in Safari 2008 models, Flying Cloud 2013 and 2012 models, but how about other years/trim levels? Any advice on specific models to search for would be appreciated.

Third, are there different sized refrigerators in different years? I thought I remembered seeing a full-size fridge in some of them; but, couldn't figure that out today.

Finally, recommended tow vehicles.

Thanks! Great reading all the posts in this tread.

[Wild Child]

Originally Posted by pencraft

Hi, of all the Airstream floorplans, I have been enchanted with the 20' that have the nice kitchen galley in the L-shape with a front bedroom. It sounds like that is the exact model that several of you have. A couple of questions:

First, do you think it would be big enough to live in for a half a year for one person and two small dogs? Currently, my house is only 1,000 square feet so I don't have to have tons of stuff with me. Just wondering if there is adequate storage and the like.

Second, I know that this floor plan is available in Safari 2008 models, Flying Cloud 2013 and 2012 models, but how about other years/trim levels? Any advice on specific models to search for would be appreciated.

Third, are there different sized refrigerators in different years? I thought I

remembered seeing a full-size fridge in some of them; but, couldn't figure that out today.

Finally, recommended tow vehicles.

Thanks! Great reading all the posts in this tread.

Hi and welcome to the forum!
While I can't advise on tow vehicles or refer specs, I can give you my pov of live- ability of the unit.
I think that one person and two dogs could maybe live in the unit for six months. But you need to ask yourself, can I live in one room for that length in time? And if the weather is inclement - could I still do it?
We absolutely love our 20' - but this is our one and only AS so we still have stars in our eyes...that with a good bottle or red wine & some nibbles make all things good.
Are you near a local dealer where you can at least sit in a unit to kinda test it out? We thought we wanted the 2014 22' safari until we sat in a 2014 20' FC.
The newer models may have some amenities that make full time living a bit easier. it's worth doing the homework on. Good luck and have fun - it is an adventure!

[Wild Child]

Also, I forgot to mention that Colonial Airstream in Lakewood NJ has quite a few 2016 20' due in to them. Check out their website for new inventory. Thiese units have the new vented ac units....nice!

Continual ships all over the country and world. Patrick Botticelli is the #1 sales US rep who is awesome to deal as well as the rest of their support team.
Sorry for blantant plug - but we bought our unit from Colonial and they are awesome. They have been so patient with our dopey questions and concerns. We are 5 hours away from Colonial and felt it was worth the drive to go to this dealer.

[jayseejay]

Originally Posted by Wild Child

We haven't been able to figure out how to post pictures from our iPads to the forum threads. I have pic to share - just not sure how to get them posted!

I just upload directly from the iPhone or iPad using the forums app and the little picture icon at the bottom of the post. Joe

[pencraft]

Thanks Wildchild (hope I am getting that right!). Good advice on thinking of the 20' as a single room.

[subfan1]

Started our summer trip and we are now at Zion NP 105 today, good thing for AC at watchman CG



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[Wild Child]

Originally Posted by subfan1

Started our summer trip and we are now at Zion NP 105 today, good thing for AC at watchman CG
Attachment 241670


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Looks awesome! What is your TV? Looks like a nice set up. Have a great time!

[FCloud9]

Originally Posted by subfan1

Started our summer trip and we are now at Zion NP 105 today, good thing for AC at watchman CG


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Hi there Subfan,
Great looking setup....be sure to report back after your hike up to Angels Landing!
We did those 25 switch backs and "spine of the mtn." back in March heat wave of only 88° and
cannot imagine leaving the air conditioned shuttle bus in 105°.

However, you can really beat the heat wading in the narrows....have a great time and enjoy your 20 footer.

See you down the road,
FCloud9

[subfan1]

Originally Posted by Wild Child

Looks awesome! What is your TV? Looks like a nice set up. Have a great time!

Hi Wild Child, thanks.
We tow with our 08 Tahoe


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[subfan1]

FCloud9
We are going to hike a few places it's just too hot. We will do the Narrows though.
Thanks


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[TCwheels]

Right now we're camped at the marina in St. Clair, Michigan in the RAIN! So, I posted this as a reminder of our great weekend up north closer to home a couple weekends ago...



WBCCI #7246 Michigan Unit,Texas Hill Country Unit (associate member), AIR #91367

[BearScream]

Hello all. Just had my first trip after getting my VW Jetta diesel hitched to my 20 at CanAm in Ontario. Made me wish I were Canadian and lived nearby. Great experience!
Initial impression is the Jetta diesel, manual transmission, seems to newbie me to be super as TV, delivering a phenomenal 28-29 mpg towing highway (and double that solo!). It seems to be a fine choice for anyone concerned about lowering fuel costs.

From London, Ontario, I towed back on US90 to Syracuse, overnighting at a truck stop (that was a learning experience!) and then down US81 to Philadelphia for a family visit.
Photos: right, at CanAm; left in Phila.

[FCloud9]

Hi Bear a scream,
Love your setup! We have never been to a rally but it would be fun to attend a FC 20' rally with a subset of 20 footers with VW tow vehicles! Those of us with VW's could enjoy sitting at our campsite without other campers walking by and with the usual greeting " so you really tow that trailer with a Volkswagon".

See you down the road,
FCloud9

BTW - we just had our FC 2014 state inspection and one of the LED tail lights had all center bulbs out.....called our dealer - Colonial Airstream, as still under warranty and received replacement within 48 hrs. Colonial continues to impress us during first year ownership!
Install ( well removal of old unit ) a bit of challenge but picked up a special inexpensive trim remover kit from Harbor Freight and all lights are good to go. Leaving for few days at the beach before the July 4th crowds hit the shore....then we get ready for extended Adirondack, New Hampshire and coastal Maine adventure for the rest of the summer?