27 vs 28 footer

[DaddysBus]

Good afternoon,

Airstream Interstate owner here! We're looking at trading in the rig for a trailer (3rd kiddo on the way) and are looking at the International Serenity. While looking at the trailers and specs we found the 27 and 28 footers with twin beds as our sweet spots. With that said we are having a hard time finding out what advantage you have with the 28 rather than the 27. It looks like the dinette moves over, but is there really a measurable difference?

Thank in advance for your help!

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by DaddysBus

...but is there really a measurable difference?

Yes. About 12 inches.



Sorry, couldn't help myself...

[OTRA15]

One big difference is in the galley, and the sink in particular. In the 27' that round "island" of a sink is almost useless IMO, sticking way out without any usable counter space nearby. The 28' sink is nestled in nicely in a traditional rectangular counter.

I would ask the chef in your family which is preferable. Better yet go sit in each model, and let the cook decide!

The main reason we got our current FC20 was the corner galley with two sinks -- the best galley in an Airstream until you get up to 25' IMO. Your proposed 28' galley is nice, with the dinette opposite to make good meal prep counter space.

Cooking in the 27' galley would be a drag IMO.

Good luck!

Peter

https://www.airstream.com/travel-tra...pecifications/

[wulfraat]

They are pretty much the same length. I think it comes down to which floor plan you prefer and works best for your family. That being said I don't own either one and vote that airstream bring back the 25'SS (six sleeper) floor plan!

[ShinyPete]

Bus-

FWIW - Our take (owning a 27fb, our Pete) is that the kitchen in the 27 is better for us than the kitchen in the 28. There is no dedicated pantry in the 28 (and a big one in the 27), and the 28 requires opening a door to access the drawers in the kitchen.

Also, due to the layout of the wheelwells, there is no "cut-in" space in the 28 shower; a small area in the 27 yes, but I use that small area for one foot when showering. We do like that separate dinette in the 28 though!

Alas, it's an Airstream, so how can you go wrong? Just our observations.......

Now if I could talk them into building a 30' fb twin............We're sold on the rear lounge and the view out the back of the coach.

Hope this helps.

[SteveSueMac]

There's probably not a wrong choice. The new 26U looks tempting too. Best advice is to hang out in a few of them on the lot and imagine yourself living and camping in it. One might just sing to you...good luck!

[Caffeinated]

27 FC FB. The kitchen counter is actually a couple of inches longer in in the 27, the pantry is better, imho. The shower step is useful, and the view out the back at the dinette can be fab. Hey, they make choices because different folk have different needs. Airstreams are cool.

Mike

[DaddysBus]

So very helpful, thanks a million!

[twbucksr]

The 28 does not have a wrap around window in the bedroom as it uses the corners for more closet because the main wardrobe is smaller in the 28 than the wardrobe on the 27. We have decided on the 27FB and are going to have a counter with drawers added across from the galley (like the Tommy Bahama) for additional storage and counter top sf.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by twbucksr

The 28 does not have a wrap around window in the bedroom as it uses the corners for more closet because the main wardrobe is smaller in the 28 than the wardrobe on the 27. We have decided on the 27FB and are going to have a counter with drawers added across from the galley (like the Tommy Bahama) for additional storage and counter top sf.

Assuming that your 27FB floor plan has that round "island" sink sticking out on its own, with very little counter space nearby, I am wondering how the cook feels about the layout. It seems like meal prep and cleaning up would be much more of a struggle with the sink so isolated. [See comments and link for AS floor plans Post #3 also.]

Have you actually been inside the various models as part of the decision-making process?

Your additional counter and drawers will help a lot, but that sink . . . .

How about a small flip-up counter to the right of the sink at the main door? That would be an improvement. Our 25' years ago had a small counter that flipped up at the doorway (you could still shimmy by to get out), but it improved the counter space a lot.

Thanks,

Peter

[DaddysBus]

We've been inside, and of course coming from an Interstate it seemed palatial I think we are leaning toward the 27fb as it stands because of various items folks have mentioned!

Now moving on to researching the solar package upgrade etc. I don't think you can go wrong with the 27 or 28, it's just a matter what suits us best with the 2 (soon to to be 3) kiddos.

[hollonre]

Though I risk stirring up the tow vehicle/weight and hitch crowd, one difference between the 27 and 28 that people miss is the tongue weight, which goes from 791 lbs. on the 27 ft. models to 976 lbs. on the 28 ft. models.

[ChuckFeldt]

One difference I found is the toilet position. The 27 puts your knees into the door and sink cabinet. The 28 is more spacious.

[silverlabs]

Originally Posted by twbucksr

The 28 does not have a wrap around window in the bedroom as it uses the corners for more closet because the main wardrobe is smaller in the 28 than the wardrobe on the 27. We have decided on the 27FB and are going to have a counter with drawers added across from the galley (like the Tommy Bahama) for additional storage and counter top sf.

The 28 twin, which is what the OP mentioned was their sweet spot does have the wrap around windows in the bedroom. Wardrobes are moved up over foot of bed with a nice cabinet and drawer between the beds. Then another full closet next to the shower.

Good luck on your decision. Not sure you can go wrong with either.

Chuck

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

Yes. About 12 inches.



Sorry, couldn't help myself...

I think they are both the same length. The Coach part.

[Amsterdamer]

The "28" is actually slightly shorter than the "27". My guess is that the "28" is an older floor plan, so they named the newer, slightly longer version "27".

"28": 27'11"
"27": 28'

The big difference to me is that the "28" has a booth with one side to the back of the sofa, so whoever is sitting on that side of the booth can't see the people on the sofa.

We also like that the dinette on the "27" has great panoramic views. We chose the "27" for it's openness and pano windows at both ends after we sold our 31' bunk house.

[gecko]

We have a 28' 2009 International Ocean Breeze and love it. Hard choice over 27 (which is actually same size or bigger--go figure!) We like the double closet and pantry in the 27 that the 28 lacks. But we found that the bigger closet made for a longer hallway and therefore the coach did not seem as bright inside as the 28'. We jav been very agressive at reducing stuff onboard and don't miss the extra storage space.

We'ré all about light (one of the several reasons we prefer the Internationals over the more reasonably priced Flying Clouds -- vista windows over dînette instead of more upper cabinets), so easy choice for us.

There are tons of threads on rear bedroom vs front bedroom. We see the advantages of both, depending upon what park you're in. Front living area especially nice if you like to people watch and like bedroom privacy. But many places have better views out the back, so front bedroom is then preferable, if you don't mind your bedroom in the middle of the park. We make up our queen bed as a lounge during the day (which won't work for you with twins I guess (although maybe you could set them up as two chaise lounges?) That way, we can enjoy a spot with the better view out the back.

Either way, all great coaches! The advice to spend lots of time in each while imagining how you would live in them--cooking, sleeping, showering, hanging out, entertaining--is excellent.

Have fun, and congrats on the new family member!

[MelGoddard]

I traded my 25' FC for a 30' FC because it has all the advantages of the larger unit, and none of the disadvantages of the shorter ones.😆

[Rich Jenkins]

Another vote for the 30' FC.

We had a 27 FB and just could not stand the layout. In the show, or sitting in the lot at a Colonial, you think the rear dinette and sofa make a lot of sense.

In real life though, only one person really can squeeze in to watch TV. The other side you have to crane your neck around. The sofa itself is a flat board that doubles as a bed. It only has a thin cushion. It is very uncomfortable to sit on.

We traded up to a 30 Rear Queen and are MUCH happier. The towing / backing experience is virtually identical. However, you get a real dinette where four can eat comfortably. The rear L shape works well.

(We removed the rear L and put in a small matching electric Loveseat in ours).

Just more to think about.

[dcasr]

Originally Posted by DaddysBus

Good afternoon,

Airstream Interstate owner here! We're looking at trading in the rig for a trailer (3rd kiddo on the way) and are looking at the International Serenity. While looking at the trailers and specs we found the 27 and 28 footers with twin beds as our sweet spots. With that said we are having a hard time finding out what advantage you have with the 28 rather than the 27. It looks like the dinette moves over, but is there really a measurable difference? Thank in advance for your help!

_______________
There is another factor that in 46 yrs of trailering has been an issue for us in many campgrounds. We are 29' 3" long and have a forward door. We can back into many spots and overhang the end of the "pavement," gravel or whatever and leave more room out front. Also we have twins in the rear and can often have more quiet and sleeping privacy backed in. With a door to the rear as I believe the model you were interested in has, you need to keep the AS farther forward so the door steps are still on gravel/pavement. You also have your beds forward which is a little less private than to the rear. We've had forward beds and rear beds and like the beds to the rear better, but think about it before you decide what's right for you. Forward or middle doors however, are positioned better for longer trailers where getting your entire unit nestled in and some space for your TV parked can become an issue. See you down the road!