Two questions for me too - 2010

[hartmany]

This is my first post and feel stupid that I'm asking this question.

1st: I'm trying to fill out my profile and I don't see my trailer listed. We just bought a 2010 30' Flying Cloud. (In the Airstream company brochure, many specifications were TBD too)

2nd: I found a checklist for buying a used rig, but was wondering if such a list is out there for picking up new at the dealership. We are first timers and really could use any advice on common delivery problems.

Thanks.

[Kevin245]

Welcome hartmany,

We're glad you've joined us and congratulations on your 1st post.

We'll look into your profile/model issue.

Regards,

Kevin

[Kevin245]

While you wait for some replies here are two recent threads on new unit delivery that may help you.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f296...light=delivery

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...light=delivery

Kevin

[Janet H]

The 30 footer has been added to the model list and you shoudl be able to update your profile.

[hartmany]

Thank you guys. Looks like I've got some work to do going through this punch list. This is all very exciting!

[2airishuman]

hart'

these threads may also be useful...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...ist-24733.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f468...red-36895.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f353...nge-44216.html

you can call the dealer and ask them to FAX or email a copy of the PDI now,

so there is time for U to look it over before the closing/purchase.

the OWNERS manual is online and reading it or printing a copy is a good idea BEFORE the purchase.

see about HALF WAY DOWN this page link...

Airstream, Inc :: Travel Trailer Manuals

make a list of questions as you browse the manual...

1. a total noob to rv'n will have more or different issues

than an experienced rv'r moving from brand b to brand A.

2. the important thing is to make SURE the unit is totally SHIPSHAPE before signing anything.

fixing needed repairs BEFORE u buy are the dealer's problems...

fixing those SAME issues AFTER the purchase are YOUR problems.

this isn't like buying car it's like buying a HOUSE,

but without an independent inspection or title search or agent.

so do YOUR diligence CAREFULLY, so as not 2b surprised or sorry afterward.

then go camping and have FUN!

and expect to break a few things on the first 100 trips or so...

and we expect PHOTOS here immediately after buying...

and whenever anything funny happens (extra points for OH crap! moments)

cheers
2air'

[Jammer]

Hartmany

As with so many things there are different approaches.

2air's approach is thorough and in many ways is the right one to take. He speaks with the voice of experience having encountered problems in his new trailer that ultimately required a journey to Jackson Center for resolution.

I chose a different approach, deliberately, and am dealing with problems as they occur and putting a degree of trust in the dealer to address them. To be sure, such an approach has certain risks and pitfalls. It is also less stressful. And, for me, it's working out OK. My traylah has certain persistent problems with the air conditioning....

...which I wouldn't have found camping out at the dealership in April in Minnesota, even if I stayed a week.

Your actual mileage may vary.

[2airishuman]

actually those threads and suggestions aren't based on any 1 buying experience or 30 years of a/s ownership.

read the threads AND the links in the threads...

u will find a lot of folks suggesting it's important to go over things closely,

and easy to SKIP going over things during the excitement of delivery.
________

there are also a BUNCH of examples from members here who accepted a trailer with known issues...

some minor and some that would take COMPLETE disassembly of the insides to fix.

then get a promise by the dealer that "we'll take care of that later, sign here please..."

only to find the dealer could NOT fix it or the factory wouldn't authorize the repair...

and the reality is,

many new buyers end up paying to travel 100s of miles (or 1000s) to j/c for OEM repairs.
_________

folks assume these units leave the factory at somewhere near the perfection of new cars...

not only do the trailers NOT have the same attention to detail as cars,

but the delivery trip is SUPPOSED to shake things loose that the dealer then fixes BEFORE the sale.

some dealers do spend hours going over new units and finalizing the build.

others just WASH them and hope 4 the best.
________

IF one happens to live NEAR a good dealer or LIKES traveling regularly for repairs that's fine.

and is folks wanna accept whatever condition a new unit is in, that's ok too.

the goal is simply to promote AWARENESS and foster a spirit of EXPECTATION...

that leads to better built trailers with fewer problems and happy buyers who do NOT regret the purchase.

there's no reason to OBSESS over the process, but some preparation is a good thing.

cheers
2air'

[hartmany]

I showed up to the dealership with a list of items to check. The guy doing the walk through was surprised, but understanding and patient. Thanks for contributing. She's all ours!!!

[2airishuman]

out standing !

fresh pix AND a follow up report.

good looking rig, u r now OFFicially a streamer...

enjoy it.

cheers
2air'

[cosmotini]

Hartmany,

Congratulations! That's a nice layout. I had the opportunity to go thru one recently at our local dealer. I had to leave because I was getting the itch to trade.

The one I went thru had the 2 super comfortable recliners up front. Does yours?

[subfan1]

Nice looking rig Hart...
How did the toy do towing it home? I hope they took their time and set your rig properly? What type of hitch did you go with?
Congratulations!

[hartmany]

2airishuman - Thanks. You've been such a great source of info!

cosmotini - "itch to trade" with an '08 27'? Funny. Normally, I prefer the recliners. I have a 2 year old and 3 year old, so the couch makes their perfect bed feet to feet.

subfan1 - We're new to this (first time towing, first trailer), so we went with the Equilizer with sway control bars. The guy said it was probably unnecessary, but I have to err on the side of safety right now. We didn't tow her home yet. Found a nice wine country campsite in Paso Robles near the dealership and have to wait until next week for an extra day off work. Hopefully, they're as patient with us for the hitch tutorial as the walk through (3 hours). I really want to report a good transaction with this dealer.

[87MH]

Originally Posted by hartmany

... We're new to this (first time towing, first trailer), so we went with the Equilizer with sway control bars. The guy said it was probably unnecessary, but I have to err on the side of safety right now....I really want to report a good transaction with this dealer.

If "the guy" was the Dealership salesperson/checkout guy, then you ALREADY HAVE made a report on their professionalism and expertise - and it wasn't good.

I quote below from the Owners' Manual for your Flying Cloud.

"...Then hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle with load equalizing hitch properly adjusted as shown on the following pages...

Also, we recommend a friction sway damper or hitch with built-in sway control be provided for your unit. Please consult your dealer regarding this equipment."

"The guy" at the Dealership was obviously schmoozing you, and not in your best interest...is it any wonder why "sales people" are held in such low esteem.

Obviously "the guy" either did not read the manual, or did not understand it - either way, he committed a serious error in making you believe you did not need these factory recommended safety items required for towing.

Bet he did not tell you about the "required" PM on the sealant around the rear of the trailer either...or did he?

[87MH]

Good for you for attempting to "do it right the first time"

Your kids will appreciate the fact that you are taking the family Airstreaming...I promise you that you are instilling good memories.

With any luck your Airstream will be passed down to one or the other of them when you decide to "park it" permanently.

Go to the Forums, any Forum Camping Opportunity, or even a WBCCI function for unbiased, factual, and experience driven advice. Don't be swayed by the dark side, inexperience,...or salesmen.

Great pics of your purchase inspection - looking forward to pics of your family's first Airstreaming experience.