Flying Cloud 25FB - Insurance, tires, hitch

[ScottP]

Hello All,

New to this forum, but occasionally participate in the Airstream Interstate Forum.

We purchased a 2014.5 Interstate last May. We love the AI, but are looking for additional sleeping capacity. So today we purchased a rarely used 25' FC. We won't be towing* the FC with the AI.

*Tow: We have a 2015 Yukon XL on order for a tow vehicle. I'm sure there are better tow vehicles, but a kid hauler was also necessary (can I depreciate the cost of the children?)

Insurance:

Our AI ext is about $765 per year with $1k deductible for a value of $150k+/-

Our agent quoted the trailer at $740/year with $1k deductible for a replacement value of $50k +/-

We went around the quote several times and there wasn't flexibility. So perhaps the AI quote is incorrect or I need to evaluate another agent for coverage?

Can someone share with me whether the trailer quote is consistent with market pricing for a 2012 25' FC?

Tires:

Tonight I read two separate posts, where the owner of a new, or newer, trailer swapped stock 15" wheels/tires for 16" wheels & Michelin LT tires. I'd like a safe trailering experience and hassle free trips. I'm willing to pay for an upgrade on tires/wheels if there's an ROI of peace of mind. Advice?

Hitch:

Advice on hitch?

I read the boondockdad blog where he swears by the value of the Hensley Hitch. Is there a hitch which performs better ....?
Is there a hitch to avoid?

Thank you, in advance for your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and opinions.

Best, Scott

[rmkrum]

I'm absolutely convinced that ProPride is the best hitch for my trailer and TV combo. I swapped out a Husky brand WD only hitch that kept me nervous every time I used it.

I loved the customer service, found it easy to install, and particularly over the fact that I can change the offset height of the hitch myself, without the need to ship heavyweight metal parts back and forth

The ProPride is an improved version of the original Hensley, works better on the airstream and avoid having to drill any holes in the A-frame, a serious plus in my mind. I've put over 5,000 miles on my setup and flat would not tow any other way. I like the total lack of sway and the ride I get.

Call or email Sean at ProPride with a question, and he answers right away, day or night. I'd suggest asking him what size bars you need before you order, that saves a lot of time.

My 18 year old daughter and I put it together with common hand tools and a floor jack to to the heavy lifting. You will need a 250 foot-pound torque wrench for some of the bolts. You can get one from Harbor Freight or a big box hardware store like Lowes.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[ScottP]

Thanks to Moosetags and rmkrum for your advice.




Scott

[lsbrodsky]

Scott,

Your insurance question: I pay $342 annual with Nationwide, $1k deductible on a 2012 Serenity 25FB

I also have a ProPride and upgraded to 16" Sendel wheels with Michelin LT tires for peace of mind. Very happy with that decision.
Larry

[aliner]

Scott,
On my 2005 25', although a little older, I pay about $180.00 a year with $1000.00 deductible. I have a Pro Series Trunnion Bar weight Dist. Hitch which works great! I have the standard 15" wheels with radials and have had no problems and see no reason to upgrade to 16"s unless you decide to pull your trailer at speeds greater than 65 MPH.

[BoldAdventure]

Insurance:
Gosh darn it. Thought my perfect credit was helping me with insurance. I paid $637 for our 2007 with $1000.00 deductible and agreed upon value. And I paid the whole year! We're with Progressive fulltimers.

I'm 32 so maybe that has something to do with it.

Tires:
LT tires are worth the investment, proven over and over again, multiple threads on the subject. With a 25fter if you can't bankroll the investment, the Michelin's come in a P rated tire in 15inch size. Search for Switz's post on the subject. He has a detailed break down of the load ratings and ran the size. Also, many state you can recover your cost selling your old ones. There are folks who want 15 inch tires and rims.

Hitch:
Propride. This is an investment. I can't count how many threads I've read leading me to this conclusion on this hitch. But it's the hitch I've personally settled on. I haven't purchased mine yet, as we have a Reese setup that came with our Trailer, and I plan on my big 16inch/disc brake conversion first, but before we go fulltime and leave this state, there will be a Propride between our AS and our TRUCK.

Best advice, read nonstop. Make your own judgements.

[m.hony]

My insurance is $661.92 on my 2013 Classic 30'.
I agree with the selection of a ProPride wholeheartedly even though I don't own one. I have owned an Eazlift and currently own an Equal-i-zer. Both are good hitches, but I think the ProPride will be better.
I also agree with 16" LT truck tires, although I still have the GoodYear Marathon 15" trailer tires. When it is time for new tires I will consider whether to get a 15" LTX or 16" LT and 16" wheels.
The only problem I can foresee with the Yukon as a tow vehicle is the lack of trailer towing mirrors, but there may be a good aftermarket solution that I am unaware of. Bigger mirrors enhance the experience.

[m.hony]

Has anyone used FCIS insurance?
I got an advertisement from them today.

[aftermath]

I went with AAA insurance through MetLife Auto and Home. I have full coverage on the Airstream with $200 deductibles for an annual premium of $285.

I am running LRD Maxxis and am very happy with my Equalizer hitch.

[ghaynes755]

Scott

2014 FC 25 $557 with $500 ded. BlueSky. Includes replacement coverage.

[m.hony]

I guess I should at least investigate rates. I might save money.

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by m.hony

I guess I should at least investigate rates. I might save money.

Unfortunately, Bluesky doesn't write policies in AL or MS! I am paying $800 a year, $500 deductible from Progressive. When we go full time, I will find something cheaper.

[m.hony]

Yeah, but...
I'm assuming FCIS dies because they sent advertising to my house.

[Tincampers]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Yeah, but...
I'm assuming FCIS dies because they sent advertising to my house.

Never heard of them. Checked their website, pretty skinny on information. They do sell everywhere except Hawaii and Mass.

[m.hony]

I'm assuming FCIS got our address from WBCCI.

[Tincampers]

Doesn't say much for WBCCI.

[ghaynes755]

Insurance companies partner with clubs like WBCCI or Escapees. They also partner with the manufacturers. So source could be any of those. They will also grab information from motor vehicle registrations and credit bureaus. Not telling how they really get your name.

[rmkrum]

I add a distinctive second address line to trace stuff like that.

Example "Suite V" for voter registration address. Tells you real quick where it comes from.

Adding something extra like
"Mailstop xxx" is another good way to trace sources.




Sent from my pocket Internet using Airstream Forums

[m.hony]

The advertisement actually mentions WBCCI and rallies. WBCCI sends an invitation when the trailer is bought. Who gives them info? Airstream?

[atheness]

I recently read an article on RV insurance that said if you get it through your regular auto insurance it won't cover all...contents,etc. Does anyone have info on this? As for the hitch, what is the basic cost of the ProPride? You all are great...