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Bambii · 11-24-2016, 06:20 AM

Hi! My husband and I are considering our first airstream. We are considering a used international signature 25fb 2013 with a few upgrades and 2017 25fb into signature new. I would buy a used 2015 or 2016 if I could find one, but the best price I got was for a 2017 (high 60's). The used 2013 is much more affordable, I can deal with the cosmetic differences but the biggest thing seems to be the ducted a/c. Is it that big of a deal?

Is there anything else I missing between these model years that would make a big difference in your decision?

Also the new one is at a local dealer, and the used one is cross country. Honestly I don't really know what to check to make sure the used one is in good condition (I'd probably hire a mechanic to check systems?)

Thoughts?

KJRitchie · 11-24-2016, 06:40 AM

Ducted A/C is a big improvement but having said that we decided to stay with our 2008 Classic 25fb vs trading up to a newer model. The ducted A/C will be a lot less noisy and will distribute the air better generally. Living in Georgia you will be using the A/C a lot so in the long run it may be worth it to get the ducted A/C. For resale the ducted A/C would be more sought after in the years to come. The best thing to do is have the dealer hook up the trailer and run the A/C and heat pump in the new model and compare to a used unit.

What upgrades are included on the 2013; solar, inverter, battery upgrade, awning package?

There are volunteer inspectors available using the search function on the main Airforums page if you decided to go preowned.

Kelvin

SeaLevel · 11-24-2016, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambii

I can deal with the cosmetic differences but the biggest thing seems to be the ducted a/c. Is it that big of a deal?

That is one of the reasons why we went with a new trailer, along with the warranty period. There are valid reasons to go either way though.

Bigventure · 11-24-2016, 02:13 PM

Ducted AC only makes a difference if you sit around in the trailer and watch tv. With regular AC you raise the volume a little.

At night it cooler an it doesn't run that much.

If you boondock you won't use the AC. Boondockers tend to follow the weather i.e. If it's to hot move.

The years of the same model are the same for the most part. The tank monitors, radios are different brands. Ultra leather is different shades.

I would go for the one that cost the least. A new one depreciates a lot once you drive it off the lot. The Airstream warranty is only on the stuff they make. The parts they buy to put the trailer together, are not part of there 2 year warranty.

alantbird · 11-25-2016, 11:13 AM

Our big DP has it and I'm not impressed. U still get major fan noise at the intake. Next unit will have under belly HVAC

nwdionne · 11-25-2016, 11:17 AM

Keep looking for a 2015 with ducted air. They are out there.
I get irritated with the AC on our 2015 D FC but it is doable.
Starting to look for a 2015 or 2016 FC twin. I do want ducted air though. In no hurry to trade, waiting for a good deal.
Good luck on your search.

KWN306 · 11-25-2016, 02:06 PM

Yes, ducted is worth it. We have a 2015 23FB with non ducted and it sounds like a jet taking off when the A/C runs. Just ordered a 2017 30' Fly Cloud, to us from us with love on Xmas.

larryglarson · 11-25-2016, 03:51 PM

We moved up to the ducted '16 FC and it is great, hard to believe how much better.

slowmover · 11-25-2016, 04:00 PM

Outside of the new hydronic heat system, the ducted AC is the single change I'd like on my trailer from the past thirty years.

I spend most of my time in a hot climate. Non ducted AC is genuinely loud, even after some extra noise attenuation.

1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

Rich Jenkins · 11-25-2016, 05:38 PM

Ducted air was a must for us. I would not buy an AS without it.

Jaxon · 11-25-2016, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigventure

Ducted AC only makes a difference if you sit around in the trailer and watch tv. With regular AC you raise the volume a little.

At night it cooler an it doesn't run that much.

If you boondock you won't use the AC. Boondockers tend to follow the weather i.e. If it's to hot move.

The years of the same model are the same for the most part. The tank monitors, radios are different brands. Ultra leather is different shades.

I would go for the one that cost the least. A new one depreciates a lot once you drive it off the lot. The Airstream warranty is only on the stuff they make. The parts they buy to put the trailer together, are not part of there 2 year warranty.

.
Agreed. We have a 34' with slide and when we need AC, we'll turn on the rear unit when we're in the salon, vice-versa when we're in the bedroom. We hear it but it's not noisy at all. If you only have one AC unit, replace the old AC with a new one which are more quiet - still save you $$.

Find yourself a good used one that's had the bugs worked out and use the money saved for camping and for all the goodies you'll need for camping.

Have fun looking & dreaming!

.

ShinyPete · 11-26-2016, 04:30 AM

Bambii-

FWIW, we agree that ducted A/C would be a great upgrade, as we had it on our motorhome and do miss it. If Airstream would build us a Serenity 30 fb (and they don't, only an rb), we just might upgrade someday........but I doubt it!

We bought our Shiny Pete, a 2014 27fb Flying Cloud in October of 2013. We got a great deal, and buying new allowed us to trade in our 13 year old motorhome, with less hassle than selling it ourselves. Turned out our dealer was selling out and was moving iron as they say from his floorplan before the sale. Good for us! Thank you Mr. Bxxxx!

Having non-ducted A/C, we did experiment this summer over easily 40 nights aboard with leaving the fan running on low and letting the compressor cycle as needed. If it is hot, and not damp, it works really well, and you can get used to the "engine" running even if your inside for a spell. It works great at night for noise control too.

I bore you with all that to say, don't discount a pre-15' coach if you find the floorplan you want, at the price you want. Re-read Kelvin's #2 post again. If the used coach has thousands of dollars of upgrades, even better! Airstreams are seriously expensive as a new purchase, and although it worked out for us, man, you can save a lot of money if you find what you want used...........

Hope this helps.

slowmover · 11-29-2016, 08:09 PM

I'll add a note to this. RV campgrounds are notorious for poor, low voltage electric. Temps may be reasonable, but with humidity up, AC is required. Running on low Fan will overload the system. In other words, it's pretty much high Fan all the time.

Have seen two older SOBs catch fire with owners away leaving AC Fan on low thinking that would save money. Didn't.

Ducted is huge to me being in Texas. Would love to have it.

1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

dkottum · 11-29-2016, 08:23 PM

We live in Minnesota lake country and rarely use our Airstream in summer there. We spend 6-7 months during the winter in the southern states. So in maybe 1400 nights Airstreaming, we have turned the A/C on maybe three times, never overnight, outside of system checks.

It depends on where you travel.

dkottum · 11-29-2016, 08:23 PM

We live in Minnesota lake country and rarely use our Airstream in summer there. We spend 6-7 months during the winter in the southern states. So in maybe 1400 nights Airstreaming, we have turned the A/C on maybe three times, never overnight, outside of system checks.

It depends on where you travel.

chaseav · 12-05-2016, 05:39 PM

Ducted AC seems to be the biggest single, upgrade that Airstream has made since the 90's. I like it for the simple reason that it's what Airstream is going to be doing going forward and everyone seems to prefer it. (Those who defend non-ducted AC probably are jealous!) I think one of the reasons these older models are so much cheaper is BECAUSE they don't have ducted AC. But it's true, if you're not going to use it much (we use it constantly) and you can do something better with the cash, it might be worth it. Resale (if you plan to sell someday) will be better on ducted AC.

As for buying new: I sell what I'll refer to here as "used mobile assets" for a living... I've seen too much. Buy new. (Unless you're super far from your dealer and might not be able to take advantage of the warranty!)