25FB vs 27FB - length EXCLUDING the coupling and drawbar

[Timofeevich]

I have a couple of questions that I am trying to find the answers to :

1. Does anyone know the official length of both 25FB and 27FB EXCLUDING the coupling and drawbar, but INCLUDING the rear bumper ? (The official drawings from Airstream with dimentions of both 25FB and 27FB would help a lot and would be highly appreciated).

2. Which of 25FB built 2005 onwards (except Classic, due heavier weight) are available in Twin Beds configuration, i.e. Safari, Flying Cloud, International, Ocean Breeze, Serenity, Signature) ?

3. Airtream is now introducing 25B (rear Queen Bed) and 25A (rear Twin Beds). Does anyone know if this layout will be seen available for Internationals (Signature & Serenity) as well ?

Many thanks to all of you who know the answers and give their valuable input to clarify this matter !

[dkottum]

Your questions and more are included in this Airstream brochure:

http://colonialairstream.com/Airstre...l_trailers.pdf

These measurements of length are for the entire trailer, coupling and all. The A-frame and coupling on our 2012 FC25B extends three feet forward of the trailer.

doug

[mutcth]

According to the brochure, they did offer Ocean Breeze and CCD 25FB and 27FB with twin beds. I don't believe they were/are available in Serenity models.

Tom

[Timofeevich]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Your questions and more are included in this Airstream brochure:

http://colonialairstream.com/Airstre...l_trailers.pdf

These measurements of length are for the entire trailer, coupling and all. The A-frame and coupling on our 2012 FC25B extends three feet forward of the trailer.

doug

Thanks Doug !

I would like to go for a one that is legain in the UK and Europe. It seems that 27FB is much longer than maximum allowed 7m [22' 11.6''] excluding the coupling and drawbar. Looks like 25FB is within Eurpoean legal requirements for maximum length, but I still can't find any official confirmation that 25FB is less than 7m [22' 11.6''] excluding the coupling and drawbar.

The UK legislation says that trailers and caravans towed by vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM, known as maximum permissible weight or gross vehicle weight) of 3.5 tonnes [7700lbs] or less are limited to a maximum body length of 7m [22' 11.6''] excluding the coupling and drawbar and a maximum width of 2.55m [8' 4.39''], unless it has an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate. A vehicle with an IVA can have a maximum width of 2.6 metres [8' 6.36''].

[Bill M.]

What is the coupling? The drawbar is part of the hitch. Does the UK call what the USA calls the A-frame or tongue the coupling? The way I read the Airstream lengths they are from the tip of the A-frame to the rear of the bumper. Airstream makes and sells trailers for Europe, so they should know the regs and what trailers comply. Maybe an email to Airstream would be helpful.

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by Timofeevich

The UK legislation says that trailers and caravans towed by vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM, known as maximum permissible weight or gross vehicle weight) of 3.5 tonnes [7700lbs] or less are limited to a maximum body length of 7m [22' 11.6''] excluding the coupling and drawbar and a maximum width of 2.55m [8' 4.39''], unless it has an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate. A vehicle with an IVA can have a maximum width of 2.6 metres [8' 6.36''].

I think you'll have a width problem. The 25Fb and 27FB are, according to the brochure, 8' 5.5" - just a hair too wide.

Do individuals get a IVA or is that something manufacturers do?

Tom

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Timofeevich

The UK legislation says that trailers and caravans towed by vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM, known as maximum permissible weight or gross vehicle weight) of 3.5 tonnes [7700lbs] or less are limited to a maximum body length of 7m [22' 11.6''] excluding the coupling and drawbar and a maximum width of 2.55m [8' 4.39''], unless it has an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) certificate. A vehicle with an IVA can have a maximum width of 2.6 metres [8' 6.36''].

Both the 25 and 27 are 102" wide, plus the amount the awning sticks out.

[Silver Goose]

When we took the tour at JC a couple of years ago, they had a couple on the line being built for export to Europe. They were 90" wide and equipped with surge brakes as I recall electric brakes are not permitted in the UK and maybe elsewhere. Here's a link for a brochure for the models made for export:

http://www.airstreameurope.co.uk/ass...URE%202010.pdf

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by mutcth

I think you'll have a width problem. The 25Fb and 27FB are, according to the brochure, 8' 5.5" - just a hair too wide.

Do individuals get a IVA or is that something manufacturers do?

Tom

If you import a trailer yourself and it exceeds any of the permissible dimensions then you must seek an IVA yourself. I don't know how flexible the DVLA (vehicle licencing people) or Customs are on these things and what you might expect to "get away with" in terms of the trailer being only marginally too big. If you buy a European spec. trailer through the European importers then they all meet the permissible dimensions anyway so an IVA isn't required.

[pattonsr]

Per Colonial, there is a 25A (twin) Serenity like the FC 25A. The only catch is that it is a custom order. $2000 for cabinets and $500 custom charge so for $2500 you can have it.

[Timofeevich]

Originally Posted by pattonsr

Per Colonial, there is a 25A (twin) Serenity like the FC 25A. The only catch is that it is a custom order. $2000 for cabinets and $500 custom charge so for $2500 you can have it.

Does it mean that Serenity can also be custom ordered in 25FB Twin at additional charge ?

[pattonsr]

Email Pat at Colonial. He will get back to you with the answer.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

What is the coupling? The drawbar is part of the hitch. Does the UK call what the USA calls the A-frame or tongue the coupling? The way I read the Airstream lengths they are from the tip of the A-frame to the rear of the bumper. Airstream makes and sells trailers for Europe, so they should know the regs and what trailers comply. Maybe an email to Airstream would be helpful.

We were trying to confirm reservations at a place that says the trailer can't be more than 28'. The spec for our 2012 Flying Cloud 27FB is exactly 28' but I haven't measured it myself. Can anyone confirm the measurements in the tech specs for length are in fact from tip of A-frame to the rear of the bumper? Thanks!!

[switz]

Most other bands list the length of only the box not including the hitch forward from the box. Airstream lists from the edge of the lip on the front of the ball socket to the rear most part of the bumper. One needs to know what the length restriction refers to in terms if overall length or "box" length. The Airstream hitch sticks out forward about three feet.

[SteveSueMac]

Thanks switz. The site is talking TOTAL length including hitch. Can't exceed 28' but I think with the ProPride hitch installed over the coupler, there are a few extra inches if that hanging over the lip for box that receives the stinger. We'll triple check and report back. Appreciate the info!!

[Condoluminum]

You could also contact the Airstream dealer in the UK and ask them which are legal and which are not.. Pretty sure the UK models built in Ohio for export have different lighting, narrower width (old 90 or 94") and other mods to allow sales there.. Local dealer may charge more, but if you get stuck with unit on dock you can't legally import, that would be worse than paying a little more...

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