2015 Classic - Owners' Thread

[BAB]

Congratulations to Page and Bob. The best part is YOU WILL NOT BE HOMELESS!

[Sjcjr]

Has anyone installed the Fiamma bike rack on a 2015 Classic? If so, are you happy or unhappy you did so and why?

[ghaynes755]

Rod

I setup the stinger so that the top of the stinger that goes into the trailer head was at 15". 14" worked for my FC25 and according to the AS hitch info the head of the Classic is 1 inch higher. That worked out perfectly.

I'm running at 6". Front fender is within 1/2 inch of unloaded condition. I'll hit the scales as I leave Rapid City. CAT scales are next door to where I am camping, Americas Mailbox's small campground.

Not sure on the Fords but GMC says their target is to measure the wheel well and be at the halfway point between the unloaded and loaded without WD engaged. So in my case I use that as the guideline and then check with the CAT scales. For the FC25 is was a couple of 100# less after hookup.

And for right now I am at 80#. Lots of opinions on PSI settings. Seems to be riding well at 80 and nothing is moving that I have left on the counters even with some rough highway joints on the trip. Towing at 67-68mph.

[beetlebob]

Babs If you could not tell we were starting to get nervous

[overlander63]

Are y'all heading to Florida this afternoon, or waiting until tomorrow morning?

[Nelson428]

Congratulations!! Enjoy


J. Nelson
WBCCI # 5314
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[beetlebob]

Have closing on the house work. Funny how you don't miss things once you sell them. Empty house(yea). Going soon to get and then have to add the electronic stuff. Will be at Alumiapluzza. Think Airstream needs to start prewiring for WIFI boosters and cell phone boosters. Everyone has one now and not going away.

[Pagey]

Make that Alumapalooza. :-)

[Remax gal]

So Pagey and Beetle Bob...have you picked up your baby yet?? Ours is due in Orlando on Wednesday!! Such an exciting time!


Laura & Tom

[Nelson428]

Hey y'all don't forget to post pictures.


J. Nelson
WBCCI # 5314
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[beetlebob]

If all goes well we will be in it Saturday wit a trip to Disney on the way home. No better place to break in an Airstream than at Fort Wilderness.

[BAB]

Trusting Terry's knowledge, I torqued my wheel lug nuts to 110. I had the occasion to remove a number of them. What I found was that every single lug nut was rusty. The lug nuts were probably fine when they went on, but I have a sneaking suspicion that the chassis of my trailer sat out in the snow in the A/S backlot prior to the build. Which means there are 24 rusty wheel studs on my trailer. Which means that IF I have a flat tire on the road I may well have issues removing a wheel. Rusty wheel studs and cheap lug nuts (soft plating) spell disaster. I think this will constitute a warranty fix.

[Jim Flower]

I replaced one of my Michelins last weekend (110 lbs ft) since it had suffered from a little premature wear and tear on the outside edge due to a slightly misaligned axel. Most of the lug nuts were not only rusty on the inside but also suffered from cracked plastic on the outside. Not vey impressive quality. Where does one get a better lug nut?


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[BAB]

I bought McGard 64010 Lug Nuts. A set of 4 costs 12.99. Around $78 to replace all of them. I am very unimpressed with what came on my Classic. They seem to have a very soft overlay of chrome, so if you don't have your 3/4" or 13MM socket on ABSOLUTELY perfectly, it is very, very easy to round the edges. Naturally, if you get them round enough you can't get them off without a special socket (made by Irwin). Once you get the bad lug nut off with your Irwin tool you throw that lug nut away because you have destroyed it. I don't normally get excited about lug nuts, but I am very agitated about the set that came on my trailer. I think they are borderline at best.

[Jim Flower]

Originally Posted by BAB

I bought McGard 64010 Lug Nuts. A set of 4 costs 12.99. Around $78 to replace all of them. I am very unimpressed with what came on my Classic. They seem to have a very soft overlay of chrome, so if you don't have your 3/4" or 13MM socket on ABSOLUTELY perfectly, it is very, very easy to round the edges. Naturally, if you get them round enough you can't get them off without a special socket (made by Irwin). Once you get the bad lug nut off with your Irwin tool you throw that lug nut away because you have destroyed it. I don't normally get excited about lug nuts, but I am very agitated about the set that came on my trailer. I think they are borderline at best.

Thanks, BAB. Are the 1/2 inch - 20 thread count the correct ones? $14.97 Amazon .ca Lets see, $12.99 U.S.,plus 20% exchange equals about $15.60 can buck. Mercy! I just convinced my self that I am getting a deal. May as well buy 24. There also seems to be a bit of a nasty reaction between the nuts and the wheels. Dissimilar metal or salt? This is not good. Once you start, there is no end. Maybe just squirt everything with some WD 40 and watch the sun set with a cupa. Jim


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[ghaynes755]

I called the factory yesterday and Gretchen in customer service did some checking. Torques on the 16" wheels should be 125-135 ft/lbs. Checked some of mine and they were fine. Also they were marked, maybe Colonial did that when I asked them to check them. Line parallel to the hub. Easy to see if something has moved.

Do like the the idea of the McGards. They make a quality product.

[bobcat1959]

Had that bike rack on the 2013 classic, the rear area is the same as our new 2015 classic, it limits access to rear storage with or without bikes. Have not put one on the new trailer but like the one that swings out to the side, still allows you rear storage access. Yamaha & others make a receiver type unit that is bolted on the rear of the trailer.

[beetlebob]

OK Babs. Not seeing my Classic yet from what I have read you have what the automotive industry has been using for the last 10+ years. If you use the proper tool they will last a long time. Now the rust. YES there will be rust on the threads and the inside of the nut. It is metal and bare metal to say the least. Go to the local auto part store and buy some anti-seize. A little goes a long way and expect to get some on you. Yes they are dis similar metals(steel to aluminum) so put a little on the mating surface(LITTLE). Last when torqueing the lug nuts if you are using an extension you WILL loose torque, unless (AGAIN) you are using the proper tool. 3/4 in. torque rated extension no longer than needed to access. Now I might say a few things different next week when we are in ours this is what I have read. If you did not throw away the old ones I will take off your hands in Jacksonville at the rally.
Babs did I see somewhere the you have a 2000 watt convertor/charger to sell?

[Al - K4GLU]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

I called the factory yesterday and Gretchen in customer service did some checking. Torques on the 16" wheels should be 125-135 ft/lbs. Checked some of mine and they were fine. Also they were marked, maybe Colonial did that when I asked them to check them. Line parallel to the hub. Easy to see if something has moved.

Do like the the idea of the McGards. They make a quality product.

Interesting. Airstream has been telling people 110 lbs for years. Wonder when they changed? I have appt at JC on May 11. Will see what the people in the shop say since they will be removing my wheels. I have 16" wheels/tires.

[Sjcjr]

Bobcat: What fold out rack are you referring to? I'm not familiar with such. Also, I see that you have the power awning option on your classic. Any problems with it thus far? I'm considering it as an option on my unit(2016---not scheduled for production until late June---long and agonizing wait!) but have read about several complaints.