New Owner - 2017 Classic

[larryasmin]

We're picking up our new 30' classic today. I have a question though: we want the solar panel option but this one doesn't have it. Is there anyway to add the AS solar option after purchase? The dealer is trying to sell us an after market product for which they would have to rivet into the ceiling. That doesn't sound like a good plan to me. Thoughts ? Thanks!

[paiceman]

The roof is pre-wired. Lots of people know more than I do about the solar, we had it installed on our Classic just to charge the batteries while in storage as we do not boondock unless we have to. Any solar panels on the roof have to be drilled and mounted. Ours were as was our Satellite antenna. We've done both on prior Airstreams and not had any issue. I go up each year to check and make sure the caulking is holding up and when it's not I peel and replace.

Bud

[charlesk]

Check the solar thread. You might also want to check with member Lewster.

Enjoy the new classic.

[paiceman]

Great suggestion by charlesk and Lewsiter is down in Naples FL.

Bud

[switz]

Lew is also in the Eugene, Oregon area (in the summer) which is a few miles from AM Solar.

We were able to do a simple solar solution on the roof of our 2014 Classic. We have nine 100 watt AM Solar panels going into a Magnum MS-2812 inverter/converter (rated 2800 watts) via a TriStar solar charge controller and keeping a 600 amp-hour lithium battery full. Every outlet in the trailer is powered from either shore power or the battery. Can even run one air conditioner from the battery. One can use 90% of the power in a lithium battery where a Lifeline AGM battery may manage 50% and lead acid under 50%.

The factory 1000 inverter in their solar system can not even power their microwave let alone a toaster or hair dryer. The factory option system only powers three to four outlets (they have a blue sticker on them) to identify them as inverter powered outlets - they are dead when the inverter is off.

Note that the advertised "rating" for solar panels is a marketing tool. The real world power is 75% of that. So on a bright day and proper alignment with the sun, we might see 675 watts to charge the battery. On our 2015 23D International Serenity, we have five 100 watt AM Soar panels on the roof and usually see 360 watts to charge the 300 amp-hour lithium battery that weighs less than the two factory stock Interstate batteries.

One needs to chat with a solar professional, not an Airstream dealer, to get the job done properly. We used A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, TX for all of the modification work on both trailers and it was done properly the first time.

[Jtermini30]

[Rollrock]

Congratulations and happy trails....

[kendrick.l.j]

I bought the '17 Classic twin back in December and after a bit of a rough start getting to know about the heating system I Love it. I have had the pleasure of meeting one other couple in person that owns the same unit and find myself staring at theirs admiringly then it hits me that I have the same one. Silly. It is nice and I hope you will enjoy it for a long time.

[Nelson428]

Congratulations [emoji898] and enjoy

[Crazycanucks]

Any reviews on Airstreams rear view camera and 200w solar pkg ?
Wasn't sure if there might be better value options out there....
Camera in cdn$ is 950 installed and 200w solar is 1800.00 installed.
Picking up our new 26u in a few weeks and still undecided about these two options

[Jtermini30]

I can't make any observations on the solar at this point, however, the wireless camera works well. I am coming from a 40' coach and the camera performs well and doesn't have any connection problems. The setup also has sound which works ok

[paiceman]

We only use solar feature when in storage as we only boondock if we have to. Camera is OK, I use it more while driving than when backing up, running lights must be on as that is where the camera is wired into.

[switz]

Realize that solar panel ratings are based upon theory. The real performance is 75% of the literature number. So our nine AM Solar 100 watt panels on the Classic can in theory, on a great sunny day create 675 watts, - we have seen 625 watts. The 23D with five AM Solar 100 watt panels does make 375 watts.

The 200 watt option might create 150 watts. Airstream charges a very high price for the cheapest components they can buy. They do not place the panels with expansion in mind and the #10 wire they use is nearly maxed out on the long runs of the longer trailer models.

Before buying the way over priced Airstream option, read the solar primer at AM Solar to better understand what solar can and cannot do.

http://amsolar.com/diy-rv-solar-instructions/

Then read Lewsters posts. He is the resident solar guru on this forum.

Both of our trailers use the AM Solar packages with Magnum inverters and lithium batteries.

[james.mileur]

With regard to the camera, ours works much better, consistent connectivity, when I followed the pairing procedure, on screen at startup. The Service tech at delivery said, "Just turn it on, it pairs automatically." It does, it just does better when you follow the procedure. Hasn't blinked off since, with much stronger connect signal. Love it. And according to my Navigator, not allowed to back up without it ;-) On the road, it sits on the dash under the rear view mirror and is now an integral input to safe trailering.

[dmslawson]

Originally Posted by Jtermini30

Got the call the other day the Classic is in!


2017 Classic
2014 RAm Eco Diesel

Welcome to the Classic club!

You probably are already familiar with other threads concerning new Classics: bathroom mirror detachment and the possibility of denting the fridge door on hard contact with the pantry handle. If not, be prepared to avoid damage in those two areas.

Otherwise, our first year's experience with our Classic has been very positive. We've put our rig to the test with a cross-country journey last Fall and enjoyed every mile!

[AIRHEDS]

Congrats! The Classics sure are perty, but then again, we may be biased.

[mojoe7009]

Originally Posted by DavidLawson

Welcome to the Classic club!



You probably are already familiar with other threads concerning new Classics: bathroom mirror detachment and the possibility of denting the fridge door on hard contact with the pantry handle. If not, be prepared to avoid damage in those two areas.



Otherwise, our first year's experience with our Classic has been very positive. We've put our rig to the test with a cross-country journey last Fall and enjoyed every mile!

Fixed the refrigerator door ding situation using the push/pull flush mount knobs used in the Airstream Interstates. Made by Sugatsune.

[dmslawson]

Originally Posted by mojoe7009

Fixed the refrigerator door ding situation using the push/pull flush mount knobs used in the Airstream Interstates. Made by Sugatsune.
Attachment 279993Attachment 279994

I sure hope the folks at the factory read this!

[mojoe7009]

The fix looks better now than when I took the picture. The second hole can still be seen in these pictures. I had just finished the installation but was in the process of filling and finishing the remaining hole. I don't have a picture right now but the holes are no longer visible. Here is the part number:
Sugatsune PK03CR Series Diameter (1.56") Knob,39.5 mm Diameter (1-9/16") PK-03
Exact ones used on the Interstates. Available on Amazon for $24.

[mojoe7009]