The 23FB forum

[PKI]

New subject - the denser foam on the seat cushion makes them more rigid. That squares them up. Consequently, the drag of the frig door on the front cushion is not present unless the cushion is not positioned correctly on the seat base. Being able to open the frig door when seated in the dinette helps a lot.

Also found a temp solution to additional storage. We are using a Costco clear plastic box on it's side behind the table. Sitting on the cushion it provides storage for paper goods.

Found the table is much more stable if the lock pin is rotated into it's locked position. Convinced I knew it locked, but got out of the habit and forgot about the feature.

It helps to travel in your rig. Lots of little things show up to improve it's use.

You all stay safe out there. . Pat

[GettinAway]

Originally Posted by PKI

New subject - the denser foam on the seat cushion makes them more rigid. That squares them up. Consequently, the drag of the frig door on the front cushion is not present unless the cushion is not positioned correctly on the seat base. Being able to open the frig door when seated in the dinette helps a lot.

It helps to travel in your rig. Lots of little things show up to improve it's use.

You all stay safe out there. . Pat

Where did you get the denser foam? If you wouldn’t mind.. Sorry if you’ve already posted it.
Also, your statement about travel “in” your rig, are you saying you’ve spent some time in the trailer as someone else puts it down the highway? I’ve thought about doing that, but just haven’t taken the time. I’m sure there’s a few here that will point out the safety or legal issues, but I’ll take the chance. I’m just curious what you noticed?
Thx

[RFP]

Originally Posted by GettinAway

Where did you get the denser foam? If you wouldn’t mind.. Sorry if you’ve already posted it.
< snip >
Thx

Well, I'm not the person that you asked but I have some very recent experience with this...

Here is the foam I bought: https://www.foambymail.com/LHQ/lux-h...lity-foam.html

And here's where I posted my experience to the 23D thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ml#post2163864

We absolutely could not be happier!

Rob

[GettinAway]

Thanks Rob. We have just the two bench seats with seat backs. I think the seat backs are ok, but the seats are too soft. Even though we’ve been using them for 8 years. This might change the comfort of the bed when we convert the dinette, but that’s been twice in 8 years, and our guest was happy to get a place to sleep.

[PKI]

Originally Posted by GettinAway

We have just the two bench seats with seat backs. I think the seat backs are ok, but the seats are too soft.

We just replaced the seat cushions. Cheated. We had our local upholstery shop replace the foam with high density material. Very happy with result.

Search for other posts to get more info. Several folks have made the upgrade. It is not just a 23 model change.

Ride inside. No,the Lacy ride was enough to deter that thought. The comment was about getting out and using the rig. The more you use, the more you learn.

We also are experimenting with alternate storage, shifting the table top for easier seating, and considering alternate back cushions to provide lumbar or just a thinner surface for more table clearance. Also found that sitting in the car on a rainy afternoon was reasonably comfortable seating for a couple of hours. Never would have considered the option under normal circumstances.

Stay safe on the road. We want to see lots of smiles. Pat

[cajohnson]

I'm just winterizing our 2018 Flying Cloud 23FB for the first time. On our old 19' FC there was an under-sink water filter you took out and replaced with a hose for winterization. I can't find one on this model. Is there one and if so where is it.
Thanks.

[dolson]

Our 2015 has a filter under the galley sink upper right hand cupboard. Also has a replacement pipe.

[PKI]

My understanding was that the late model coaches do not have the internal filter. As above, our 2015 was fitted to accept one under the sink. We never installed it and use an external filter. Adding extra fittings increases the number of potential failure/leak points, so the elimination of an internal filter sounds like a good decision. Pat

[mistacolin]

Originally Posted by PKI

My understanding was that the late model coaches do not have the internal filter. As above, our 2015 was fitted to accept one under the sink. We never installed it and use an external filter. Adding extra fittings increases the number of potential failure/leak points, so the elimination of an internal filter sounds like a good decision. Pat

I have a 2018 and it doesn't have the filter anymore.

[Xplore]

Originally Posted by mistacolin

I have a 2018 and it doesn't have the filter anymore.

Same here.

[cajohnson]

That's what I thought. And assumed - which is why I went ahead and winterized.
Last trip out was last weekend (three hours north to Glacier National Park). Plumbing has been winterized and after a good inside/outside cleaning this weekend it'll be buttoned up for the winter.
So far I've had time to read through the first eight pages of the 23FB forum. I'll get it wrapped up next week since I'm having rotator cuff surgery. That'll force me to slow down, smell the roses and read the forum.
Anyway, I mention that because I don't know if this has been covered or not. Is anyone else having trouble with battery life?
On our 2015 19 foot Flying Cloud Bambi it was pretty easy to keep the batteries up above 12 volts while boondocking. We almost never needed to supplement the charging with our generator when out for the weekend. That's not the case with the 23FB.
Did Airstream put in cheaper batteries? I can't believe we're using substantially more power. I know the fridge is bigger and there's more to heat etc. but it seems like a dramatic loss of battery life.
cj

[earthdog]

Winterizing our 2018 23FB Flying Cloud. Previously had Casita so have experience winterizing that. On the 2018 23FB I drained fresh water tank, opened low point valves coming out of fresh water housing. There are also two black low point drain knobs inside the compartment under the pantry. Can't get those to turn. Don't want to force them and break something. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Bobbo]

Turn harder. They are stiff.

[PKI]

Think the low point valves are under the coach. Suggest a call to your local service department and a review of your manual to clarify the location of the low point valves.

It is likely that those valves under the pantry are isolation valves which are open to allow normal flow. That would make it hard to open them any more, so do not try.

Since the 2015 we have may be different than your newer model, take care in how you proceed.

Let us know what you find. Should add to the collective knowledge.

Pat

Edit - since we have a conflict in information - take care. It is possible that since our unit was winterized when we got it, maybe our valves were open from day one. Interested to hear what you find.

[GettinAway]

I have a 2011, and the same two valves in the compartment below the pantry. Mine open and close without much effort. I always drain them when winterizing, along with the two that are beneath the fresh water tank. Don’t forget the bypass for the hot water tank. I have the line added in by the pump. It draws the antifreeze right out of the jugs. Really makes it pretty easy. I blow the lines out first. It seems like belt and suspenders, but it’s peace of mind for me.

[cajohnson]

I found the shut offs under the pantry hard to open but they did and they did drain a little additional water. I however have been known to screw things up in the past so please don’t confuse me with a guy who knows what he’s doing.

[GettinAway]

Originally Posted by cajohnson

I found the shut offs under the pantry hard to open but they did and they did drain a little additional water. I however have been known to screw things up in the past so please don’t confuse me with a guy who knows what he’s doing.

Ha! I should add your disclaimer on all my posts.. I’ve been known to take a project or two into a shop for completion.

[PKI]

All you 23 owners with 2017 and newer units. Are the wheels 5 or 6 lug?

Considering an upgrade on the brakes and looking for a path forward. Disk brake kits exist, but it should be easier to install 12" drum assemblies to replace the 10" units on our 2015. A half loaf solution, but would fit or current needs. Unfortunately, I'm not finding the solution I thought would exist.

Your help is appreciated if you have any information. Pat

[Xplore]

Originally Posted by PKI

All you 23 owners with 2017 and newer units. Are the wheels 5 or 6 lug?

6 lug

[PKI]

Thank you very much. Not happy with the answer, but it's what I suspected.

Pat