Visit our Popular Forums

Adventure.AS · 06-12-2017, 09:17 AM

I would recommend the street side awning package as it will help to keep the trailer cooler. We don't need a second air condioner.

Today it is 95° F and humid in NYC and the A/C keeps the trailer cool (75° F) and more importantly takes out the humidity. Two A/C would keep the trailer colder, but unless she he A/C is running continually it won't lower the relative humidity and the trailer will feel clammy and you can end up with condensation on the inside skin.

weirdstuff · 06-12-2017, 09:33 AM

Regarding the a/c....do you think that, if you have 2 a/c units, that it will cool the place while running much quieter? The a/c in our Interstate was so loud that we couldn't sleep with it on.

I hadn't been concerned about one breaking. Should I be?!

How much is it to add 2nd a/c when I order the trailer?

mastercaster · 06-12-2017, 10:39 AM

We too got the awning package. Well worth it in my opinion. The second a/c was $2150. It cools much better with two. Not any quieter though. But the ducted a/c is quieter than the old style. Not sure where all you'll be camping. But here in Texas two a/c units was a must when we were looking for another Airstream. I'd say 90 degrees and above, the extra a/c is worth having.

MWBishop · 06-12-2017, 11:58 AM

We sent with:
1. No convection option (as mentioned above).
2. Awning package (mostly for street-side refer).
3. Dual A/C (hot here in South, but bought a 30A cord when no 50A service).
4. Backup Camera.

Power awning not available on 26U, but I like the manual anyway. Very easy.

I too found the camera to be almost useless for backing up.
However, I tilted it up a little and and use it for a rear view camera when towing.
It's an great safety feature because it adds more situational awareness.

weirdstuff · 06-12-2017, 02:15 PM

You all are helping very much in our discussion as to which options to try to get.

I think the one unknown, is the solar. Some people say not to get that from factory because it's not a great system. But, it sure would be easier to do it that way. Anybody have advice/experience with this? We had Lew do the 200w solar system in our Interstate. But, he's up in Hood River, OR, so, not convenient.

So, need to figure out how much solar to add, and where to have it done! Thinking maybe 100w will be plenty.

Our local dealer said that, for a $500 refundable deposit, they will get whichever 25' model we want, by switching it for one they already are getting from the factory in August.

This is tempting, but, I'm not sure if we're supposed to negotiate a deal now, and then give them deposit, or wait until it's here to negotiate. The latter seems like a bad idea from a negotiating standpoint.

We're not in a position to sign full sales contract now, because we don't have the money yet (we're selling a condo we own, then will have $).

mastercaster · 06-12-2017, 03:46 PM

Again, you can get solar done cheaper elsewhere. I don't think the factory outfit is bad, just expensive for what it is. I've had two of our Airstreams outfitted with factory solar. Never had an issue. Have the dealer find the unit you want or order it. Negotiate the purchase price along with any other add ons you want from them. Then put the deposit down.

weirdstuff · 06-12-2017, 03:52 PM

btw, reason I asked about the timing of the deposit and negotiating because, if we gave deposit now, this unit would come in in August. If we miss this ability for him to swap out the unit, we'd have to then place our order, and, supposedly, wait 6 months for the unit. So, it's just the opportunity to get it sooner that's appealing. Of course, if it comes in August, we might not have $ yet, nor do we have a place to keep it, nor do we have a truck to tow it with.

Rich Jenkins · 06-13-2017, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

Regarding the a/c....do you think that, if you have 2 a/c units, that it will cool the place while running much quieter? The a/c in our Interstate was so loud that we couldn't sleep with it on.

I hadn't been concerned about one breaking. Should I be?!

How much is it to add 2nd a/c when I order the trailer?

Yes, in the sense you can run Zone 2 (lounge) while sleeping, and Zone 1 (bedroom) during the day.

New AS comes with 2 year warranty. If it breaks, you get it replaced.

Yes, it happens. We had to wait a week in Mesa AZ last year for a new Dometic unit to be shipped to us.

Rich Jenkins · 06-13-2017, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

You all are helping very much in our discussion as to which options to try to get.

I think the one unknown, is the solar. Some people say not to get that from factory because it's not a great system. But, it sure would be easier to do it that way. Anybody have advice/experience with this? We had Lew do the 200w solar system in our Interstate. But, he's up in Hood River, OR, so, not convenient.

So, need to figure out how much solar to add, and where to have it done! Thinking maybe 100w will be plenty.

Our local dealer said that, for a $500 refundable deposit, they will get whichever 25' model we want, by switching it for one they already are getting from the factory in August.

This is tempting, but, I'm not sure if we're supposed to negotiate a deal now, and then give them deposit, or wait until it's here to negotiate. The latter seems like a bad idea from a negotiating standpoint.

We're not in a position to sign full sales contract now, because we don't have the money yet (we're selling a condo we own, then will have $).

Our factory solar does ok for charging the batteries.

If we were serious boondockers, I would skip it for an aftermarket set of panels and controller, though.

weirdstuff · 06-13-2017, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Llando88

Our factory solar does ok for charging the batteries.

If we were serious boondockers, I would skip it for an aftermarket set of panels and controller, though.

How many watts do you have? 100?

We are not serious boondockers, but do like to do so occasionally. And, like you, would really just be looking at having enough to keep the batteries charged.

We had 200w on our Interstate, though in hindsight, I wonder if 100 would have been enough.

Though, I also do not yet have a full understanding of how the fridge works on the trailers...when you're not plugged in, is that running off the batteries? And if so, is 100w gonna do the job (generally speaking)?

Rich Jenkins · 06-13-2017, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

How many watts do you have? 100?

We are not serious boondockers, but do like to do so occasionally. And, like you, would really just be looking at having enough to keep the batteries charged.

We had 200w on our Interstate, though in hindsight, I wonder if 100 would have been enough.

Though, I also do not yet have a full understanding of how the fridge works on the trailers...when you're not plugged in, is that running off the batteries? And if so, is 100w gonna do the job (generally speaking)?

Don't quote me, but I believe our 2016 30' FC has two 55W panels.

The fridge runs on AC or propane. If you are not plugged in, all the fridge needs to use the gas is a small amount of 12V for the control board.

FWIW last year when we had our 2016 27' FC with no solar, we ran our fridge on propane, and just on the battery, sitting in the parking lot of The Rio casino in Las Vegas for three days.

I daresay even the stock Airstream solar panels would keep the fridge running on gas pretty much until the gas ran out.

mastercaster · 06-14-2017, 05:12 AM

the Airstream solar package is 160 watts. 2x 80 watt slim panels.

TravlinMan · 06-17-2017, 07:26 AM

As a power awning owner, I'd go with manual. I've never had an issue with it but I don't see much benefit and I don't like how much circuitry is under the sink. It looks like the manual ones have more flexibility in configuration than mine, they always have em lower than mine goes. Its not a huge power draw to open or close when boondocking but I'd rather not draw power at all for an awning. It's fun pressing a button and goin and doin other things while it closes and it's great when you forget about it and go to sleep and realize the wind has picked up. That is the best reason to get it, but not enough in my opinion. Mine just came with it.

The factory solar is terrible. Even my salesman said he'd go aftermarket.

TravlinMan · 06-20-2017, 09:33 AM

I would like to retract my statement about the manual awnings being able to go lower than mine, after speakin with zip Dee on the phone. Turns out there's a good way to drop it low, although ya won't be able to open your door too much in that position. Same with the manual tho. Course, if it fails in that position it wouldn't be fun.

HI-OH-AG · 08-08-2017, 09:51 AM

We just bought a 25' International Serenity fb twin. We had a Propride hitch installed and the unit tows like a dream!! The large front storage compartment above the Batteries is a bit of a problem as it can't open all the way because of the hitch! Any solutions out there?

astroboy18 · 08-20-2017, 05:56 AM

we just took delivery (yesterday) of a 2018 Serenity 25'FB Twin. LOTS of research and folks on here help tremendously so I will share too. Skip the power awning, too many bad things can happen plus save the $. DO get the awning package (awnings on all other sides too). We got 2 solar panels. Yes solar can be installed afterwards but why not let the factory do it perfectly AND have it under warrantee? Do not fret about the tires. AS upgraded the standard tires for 2018 and they are rated to 110 mph. We will NOT regret having the twin beds. Opens up the space so nicely compared to one big bed that takes up the entire bedroom! Doubt my/our sex life will suffer at all with separate beds. Get the microwave that doubles as an oven. Negotiate your best price (discount off their list price should be AT LEAST 20%) then make them include the anti sway hitch. Hope this helps!

Countryboy59 · 08-20-2017, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astroboy18

we just took delivery (yesterday) of a 2018 Serenity 25'FB Twin. LOTS of research and folks on here help tremendously so I will share too. Skip the power awning, too many bad things can happen plus save the $. DO get the awning package (awnings on all other sides too). We got 2 solar panels. Yes solar can be installed afterwards but why not let the factory do it perfectly AND have it under warrantee? Do not fret about the tires. AS upgraded the standard tires for 2018 and they are rated to 110 mph. We will NOT regret having the twin beds. Opens up the space so nicely compared to one big bed that takes up the entire bedroom! Doubt my/our sex life will suffer at all with separate beds. Get the microwave that doubles as an oven. Negotiate your best price (discount off their list price should be AT LEAST 20%) then make them include the anti sway hitch. Hope this helps!

We ordered the queen...and got the 27' for extra room around the bed. Our bedroom has always been off limits to guests anyway...