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Old 07-20-2017, 07:24 PM   #1
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2016 27' Flying Cloud - We Made Some Changes

Background:

Newly purchased April 2016 and we've been really pleased with this particular model ... initially I didn't think there would be much we would change. But as it turns out we have made a few changes over the course of the 12 months since purchasing this Airstream. So, it's time to create this thread (I created a similar thread on our previous Airstream entitled "2015 22' Sport - We Made Some Changes.")

I'll start with some of the changes we made which are pretty common to changes other Airstream owners make to their Airstream:

1. Fantastic fan vent covers (front and rear)
2. Stainless steel oven vent cover
3. Stainless steel water heater cover
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:31 PM   #2
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More Changes

1. We felt the need for a wardrobe mirror and decided to install it on the interior of the bathroom door (it seems to give the affect of enlarging the bathroom while serving it's originally intended purpose).

2. There didn't seem be a good place to hang towels for drying so we opted for installing a couple of hooks on the bedroom wall.

3. We utilize the drawer below the lounge at the front entry for storing dog food, dog treats, doggy pooh bags and dog leashes. We discovered we were always grabbing the sides of the drawer to open it. So we decided to purchase and install a door handle from Airstream that matched the hardware already in the Airstream.
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:33 PM   #3
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Just a Little "Decorator" Touch - Not Really a Change

It was time to add a little color to the interior ... so what could be any easier than a couple of colorful rugs from the Home Store?
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:36 PM   #4
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How About that Airstream Registry - One of the Neatest Airstream Ideas!

And it's really not a "change" but we are really appreciative of the Airstream Registry. So Volando (spanish for flying) needed his name registry placed near the front entry where everyone can see his name.
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:44 PM   #5
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I regret this change! Don't do it!

Ok, so now for the big change of regret. That medicine cabinet that weighs 2 tons ... you know the one, right? I think my idea is great ... the service shop just didn't install what I wanted installed. I asked for gas struts (like the ones that lift the bed to access the storage under the bed) ... but what I received is what was described as "Airstream's inexpensive recommended solution" for a bracket to hold the medicine cabinet in its upright position.

This is the problem with this "inexpensive recommended solution" ... the weight distribution isn't correct ... so when the bracket is engaged, the bracket strips out the screws from the cabinet. It was apparent the service shop had experienced this during installation and tried to make the repairs ... but the repairs simply didn't work.

The service shop was very good to replace the mirror and I've since reinstalled it. I'll be purchasing the gas struts and installing them at a future date and will then attach photos of the installation. I'm confident the gas struts provide adequate support with the correct weight distribution ... fingers crossed.

Attached are photos of what not to install. By the way, this "inexpensive recommended solution" happens to be the bumper storage bracket. Repeat ... I REGRET THIS CHANGE ... DON'T DO IT.
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:47 PM   #6
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Next Change - Tinting the Windows

As you might expect, summer temperatures in Texas get a little warm ... the last trip to the Frio River in the Hill Country convinced us that it's time to tint the windows. I've always wondered why Airstream doesn't tint the rear wrap around windows, the front wrap around windows, those small oval windows (I can't remember what those are called) and the skylights. Or at least offer it as an upgrade. So the first week of August we're on the schedule to have these windows tinted. Photos forthcoming when that occurs.
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Old 07-20-2017, 07:49 PM   #7
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Changes to your Airstream Would be of Interest

Please share any changes you've made to your Flying Cloud, 27' (or any model for that fact) you would like to share.
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Old 07-20-2017, 08:34 PM   #8
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The only real change I have made to my FC 23' FB is to change out the converter/charger. The trailer came with a Parallax 8355. That is a single stage battery killer. Even before I took delivery of our new trailer, I had a 3 stage Progressive Dynamics 4655 sitting in the garage waiting. The Parallax never even made the first camping trip.

Changing it out is simple. Remove 2 wires from the AC breaker panel, a HOT and a NEUTRAL. Remove 2 wires from the 12v DC fuse board, a HOT and a GROUND. Slide out the old converter and slide in the new. Attach 2 wires to the 12v DC fuse board, a HOT and a GROUND. Attach 3 wires to the AC breaker panel, a HOT, a NEUTRAL and a GROUND.

You need the charge wizard. The unit comes with a replacement 12v DC circuit board with the charge wizard control if you want to swap out the board. I did. You can also buy an optional charge wizard pendant instead of swapping out the board.

That is the entire process.
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Old 07-20-2017, 08:59 PM   #9
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:08 AM   #10
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Excellent - I also have similar hooks in the bedroom for the bath towels. Previous owner (or AS) had a series of towel road in the bathroom (two on door, one on wall over toilet) that made the bathroom feel really crowded.

The only downside is that I occasionally get into the shower without moving the towel to the hook by the shower and have to reach out when I'm done showering.
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Old 07-21-2017, 01:02 PM   #11
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Frank, one of the first things I did was tinted all my windows. You can buy tinting at the big box stores. Easy to do with dish soap and razor knife. Fun sitting inside and watch people looking at themselves in their reflection.
Another thing I did beside the hooks was to take an adjustable shower curtain rod and cut it short enough to fit in the shower. Can use it for extra drying area with or withou hangers.
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Old 07-21-2017, 02:09 PM   #12
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According to Parallax, the 8355 is a three stage charger -

"The 8300 Series brings output amperages to 30 amp shore services that have never been seen before. The 8355 is a 30 Amp Power Center with a three stage 55 Amp Converter Charger."

It "can also be upgraded to TempAssure™ technology by installing the Parallax 4400TAU module to maximize battery charging."


I added a second sewer hose holder under the belly. I use the Rhino hose for full hookups and the inexpensive flex hose for dump stations where you are likely to get small holes from scrubbing on concrete.

I upgraded to AGM batteries so I don't have to check water level.
USB powered blue and green christmas lights create a great reflective effect.
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Old 07-21-2017, 06:30 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amsterdamer View Post
According to Parallax, the 8355 is a three stage charger -

"The 8300 Series brings output amperages to 30 amp shore services that have never been seen before. The 8355 is a 30 Amp Power Center with a three stage 55 Amp Converter Charger."

It "can also be upgraded to TempAssure™ technology by installing the Parallax 4400TAU module to maximize battery charging."
It is only a 3 stage charger if the TempAssure is installed. I contacted Airstream to see if they installed TempAssure. Airstream said no. If you want to run a sensor on a wire from the converter to the battery, you can make it 3 stage.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Parallax 8355 Owner's Manual
TempAssure™ (Patent US 7,245,109)

Your 8300 system may include the (optional) TempAssure™ module and sensor
cable. When properly installed, the TempAssure™ system employs technology that
allows the output voltage of the converter to be varied by the temperature of the RV’s
“house” battery system. The benefit of this feature helps to provide a more appropriate
charging voltage for the “house” battery system exposed to varying ambient
temperatures. For example, in cold climates the output voltage of the converter will be
increased, which results in a more fully charged and maintained battery. In hot climates
the output voltage of the converter will automatically lower, which will aid in reducing
excessive out-gassing of the battery caused by the battery requiring a lower “float”
voltage.
Also with the addition of the TempAssure™ module and sensor cable, the 8300 series
converter will automatically start out in a “boost” mode for the first 4 hours of operation
every time the 8300 series converter is powered “on”. The output voltage of a
TempAssure™ equipped 8300 series converter will still be temperature compensated,
even while in “boost” mode.
Your RV manufacturer’s installation may also allow you to manually trigger the “boost”
function by pressing a switch. (optional wiring configuration)
While the 8300 series converter with the addition of the (optional) TempAssure™
module is designed to provide a better means of charging and maintaining the “house”
battery, Parallax Power Supply strongly recommends proper battery maintenance be
performed by the owner on non-maintenance free batteries following the battery
manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Old 07-21-2017, 06:51 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheriff1 View Post
Thank you for sharing your photo. Where did you purchase the gas strut for your medicine cabinet?
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Old 07-22-2017, 05:30 AM   #15
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Love you mirror, how did you attach to the door?
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Old 07-22-2017, 09:18 AM   #16
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My Eurocliner & custom built folding table in my 25rb.
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Old 07-22-2017, 02:32 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank&Mike View Post
Thank you for sharing your photo. Where did you purchase the gas strut for your medicine cabinet?


Online someplace ... I recall having to buy like 6 at a time so I'm sure I have spares, I'll look around and gift them to those that need them.
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Old 07-22-2017, 02:37 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dames7 View Post
Love you mirror, how did you attach to the door?


The upper mirror was factory, the lower one was an added medicine chest from Lowes. I think it was about $80 shipped. I pulled it out when it went to insurance heaven not knowing if I might be able to use it in the new Airstream. (Doesn't work in the 30' as it turns out)
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Old 07-22-2017, 03:39 PM   #19
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Yep - wondering the same thing. The darn thing could hurt someone if they let go unintentionally! Your picture looks like exactly what I have been hoping to find!
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Old 07-22-2017, 08:08 PM   #20
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Can you please comment with more detail on the fan covers?

We also had a 22 sport. It was damaged in a minor accident at our storage facility, and we traded up to a 25 twin rear bed. So we went from the plan fan in the 22 to the fancy fans in the 25 with the motorized open/close and rain sensors.

I am assuming your next project will be the audio speakers? Wow the sound was so much better in our 22 with the ceiling mounted speakers. (But all in all I of course would prefer the ducted AC over the ceiling mounted speakers).

Here's my contribution. Not fancy but quite effective. I cut down a fabric hanging shoe bag and stapled to the back side of the closet door. Also added to the shirt wardrobe (6 pockets) and put 1 single pocket on the upper cabinet door above the pull out pantry (table cloth clips go in there).

For the kitchen, our kids gave us the John Boos cutting board. We love it for a couple of reasons. Fits perfectly between sink and stove for prep and hot landing surface. Can stride across the sink for wet prep. Can move outside for prep on the pic nic table. It goes on the bottom of the wardrobe closet when we are in transit.
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