Classic 30 vs 33

[madogkenno]

Preview
Just purchased the 2018 Classic 30 rear queen.
They are trying to sell me a "Trident" coating over the factory clear coat - saying it last 7 years - $about $2,300 - is it worth it?

They are trying to replace the two new Interstate batteries with new dry cell batteries - saying the batteries will last longer and with as much power loss. $600 - is it worth it?

[m.hony]

Coating?
No!
Batteries?
Yes!

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by madogkenno

Preview
Just purchased the 2018 Classic 30 rear queen.
They are trying to sell me a "Trident" coating over the factory clear coat - saying it last 7 years - $about $2,300 - is it worth it?

They are trying to replace the two new Interstate batteries with new dry cell batteries - saying the batteries will last longer and with as much power loss. $600 - is it worth it?

Hi

Dry Cell = carbon zinc (= what's in a 1890's flashlight)

AGM = absorbent glass mat ( = an improved form of lead acid battery)

I'd bet they are talking about AGM and not Dry Cell. Their price for the replacement batteries isn't giving you anything for the Interstates in the trailer. You could use the "stock" batteries for three years and throw them away. Two of those years are in warranty. Then spend the same $600 (or maybe a bit less) on new AGM's.

If they are AGM's, "lasts longer" means 4 to 8 years vs 3 to 6 years.

Bob

[paiceman]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Dry Cell = carbon zinc (= what's in a 1890's flashlight)

AGM = absorbent glass mat ( = an improved form of lead acid battery)

I'd bet they are talking about AGM and not Dry Cell. Their price for the replacement batteries isn't giving you anything for the Interstates in the trailer. You could use the "stock" batteries for three years and throw them away. Two of those years are in warranty. Then spend the same $600 (or maybe a bit less) on new AGM's.

If they are AGM's, "lasts longer" means 4 to 8 years vs 3 to 6 years.

Bob

I don't think one needs to do anything with the clear coat. My opinion, just not worth it.

Run the batteries you have until they die, trade them in, the "cores" are probably worth about $25.00 a piece - if the dealer won't give you any money for them, call Interstate directly, they will buy the cores.

Bud

[james.mileur]

Agree with all above, maybe dealer thinks since there are no water caps for AGM batteries, they are dry? Not, just no maintenance.

[sbowman]

Our opinion new 33' AS vs. 30', dealer coating, and batteries.

1. Have looked at and touched AS new 33', not impressed. For the money and comfort, 30' was the way to go for us. Dog navigation in a 30' is more user friendly.
   
2. Dealer coating not worth the money. Hand wax once a year w/good wax and the shine will last years, feeds the clear coat. Lot of opinions on which wax to use. We like NuFinish. Wax on Wax off, bullet proof.
3. For batteries, read and educate yourself. Again there are a lot of opinions. Pricing ranges between $124 to $400 per battery, depending on type you choose. More shopping on pricing you may find plus or minus on what I have indicated. We choose Interstate lead core pop top and fill.

Happy and safe travels, sbowman

[uncle_bob]

Hi

We played around in the 33' at the Hershey show. The bathroom in the 33 *is* impressive. If you are 6'4" and a bit "large" that shower does look nice. Other than that, not a lot that sticks out as a big deal plus. Our three dogs most certainly like the 30' layout better ....

Bob

[Zybane]

I think that is rather the point though. An Airstream IMO isn't the place to put a big and impressive bathroom. There are much more important things. Especially when it negatively affects everything else in the trailer and layout. The rear of an Airstream is the most valuable real estate of the trailer.

Rear bath, dark mid-living and front bed is a silly layout. I don't think the 33 will sell well.

I wish they would have made a 33 with a reverse floor-plan of the 30 Classic.

Front bedroom, mid bath, rear living with panoramic windows on either end but with everything stretched out a few feet. The basic 30 classic floor-plan can't be beat.

I would have traded in my 30 classic in a heartbeat for that. I bet a lot would.

[james.mileur]

Yep, that would have been a winner.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Zybane

I think that is rather the point though. An Airstream IMO isn't the place to put a big and impressive bathroom. There are much more important things. Especially when it negatively affects everything else in the trailer and layout. The rear of an Airstream is the most valuable real estate of the trailer.

Rear bath, dark mid-living and front bed is a silly layout. I don't think the 33 will sell well.

I wish they would have made a 33 with a reverse floor-plan of the 30 Classic.

Front bedroom, mid bath, rear living with panoramic windows on either end but with everything stretched out a few feet. The basic 30 classic floor-plan can't be beat.

I would have traded in my 30 classic in a heartbeat for that. I bet a lot would.

Hi

I'd love to see a 28' (as in < 29' long) version of the 30' Classic. I might not buy one after seeing the compromises. I do believe that the "recliner couch at one end" is a winner in terms of layout.

I agree that the 33' seems to be a bit of an orphan each year. Last year they nuked production part way through the year. This year the crowd *should* include us if it includes anybody on the planet. In our case it most certainly did not.

Bob

[rogerdog1]

SJKW, could I pls pick your brain re: the T4 In-Motion dome?
Does it work well when travelling in the northeast? Do you have to reprogram it to pick up all 3 satellites?
Does the HD work, most of the time, or does it often revert to SD programming, due to losing a satellite?
Does it switch satellites when you change channels, and is there a delay?
Thanks, in advance, for addressing these questions!
Bob

[sjwk2094]

Bob

Sorry it has taken long to get back to you.

Sent something out yesterday and went to the forum mail and not to you. Sorry about that.
Will answer the best I can.
We have not traveled to the Northeast so don't know how it would work.
Mainly in TN. and Al.
Once you turn system on it will start looking for the satellite in reference to the channel you are watching. If you change channel and that channel needs a different satellite it will search for that satellite. Does this fairly fast.
Will pick up all three satellitie's.
Do not have to reprogram does this by its self
HD does work most of the time unless weather conditions rain etc. will revert back to SD or will loose the signal totally.
It does switch satellites when changing channels does not delay to bad.
Hope this helps.

SJKW