2015 Airstream Model Year Updates and Improvements

[Nozz]

Patrick, I think I know what the new "TBA" system is... it's ducted air. I can see all the rectangular vents throughout the 2015 videos, both the FC and new Classic. It's subtle, but it's there. Am I correct?

From what I see.
1. ducted AC
2. FC looks to have larger wheels/tires (not 100% though)
3. Skylight? Multiple skylights?
4. Mirror on the wardrobe door (or is that just a 28' option?)

Nozz

[switz]

On the Classic video Patrick made, click on the title in white letters above the viewing area rather then the arrow in the middle of the viewing area and the link works.

The video of the new Classic did show there are the roof lockers above the dinette seating area with lighting underneath like in the current model 30. It did show that there is no storage or hanging closets space on either side of the queen bed due to the wrap around windows. The electric lift bed will use some of the storage area under the existing queen bed design for the lifting mechanism. The video did show a pull out pantry similar to the one in our 25FB International. The closet might have two doors so could be slightly wider then the closet in the model 30. So I wonder how much real storage area will be in the new model?

The video showed two switches in the curb side storage area in the banana wrap and a brief glimpse of different stabilizer arms, so they may be powered. If so, I hope there is a manual over ride.

It will be interesting to read the factory description of all the glitz items (like in a Cadallic and probably just as trouble prone in the first model year). I would think the 2016 model year would be a good purchase choice to get the kinks out of this major model change.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by RVDreamer

It looked to me like there were reverse lights inside the tail lights. There appears to be clear white glass circles in each tail light. My guess is that they light white when backing.

On the plus side, the 16" wheels, ducted A/C, power reclining sofa seats, oven and stove top look like wins.

Agree, but there are more features I don't like than features I like-
Get 16" wheels for mine and renovate removing mouse fur and padded vinyl ceiling, and wallpaper for more wood and aluminum.
Power awning, power stabilizers, and hospital bed I can take 'em or leave 'em, but ducted air is a good feature. What about that ugly gray looking floor? I guess it compliments the black counters and stainless appliances...

[switz]

Reminds one of the International Signature series with the dark cabinetry and bare aluminum walls.

[m.hony]

I am not a fan of cherry wood. I like hickory, oak, or maple better.
Not going to trade anytime soon.
I do like the panoramic windows in the rear.

[Colonial Airstream]

New System Upgrade:

[Al - K4GLU]

Once again Patrick's link brings up Page Not Found. This should work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-_OVrgH_zQ

[murreywalker]

While the ducted air would sure be a plus, it's unfortunate they added a hump and didn't take the time to integrate the entire system into the end caps.

Nice reporting, Pat!!

[Al - K4GLU]

Thanks Patrick for posting the updates on Air Forums for the Facebook haters.

[Landrum]

We actually like the noise from our AC. We typically run the fan all night for white noise. I've seen several stories on AF about water dripping from the AC into the trailer. Where is that water going to go when the AC drips in the ducted system?

Too bad you can't please all the people all of the time.

[MacPDX]

2015 prices?

[lovingtahoe]

Thanks Patrick! Is the shower in the new classic the same as in International models?

[switz]

We know that the 2015 single Classic model starts at $121,750. Based upon the 2014 identical option items prices, the list price should top out close to $132,500 plus a fudge factor for the option price increases, so probably closer to $135,000.

When one looks at the Colonial Airstream website, we see literally dozens of 2014 Flying Clouds and International models with prices close to or over $90,000. The average base price for the 2014 Classics was around $95,000. A fully loaded with all options 2014 Classic would crowd $107,000.

[gypsydad]

2015 25Twin Video- Thank you Patrick! Very nice!

[Colonial Airstream]

Originally Posted by lovingtahoe

Thanks Patrick! Is the shower in the new classic the same as in International models?

As far as I can tell it is the same as the 30W Internationals and Flying Cloud

[Rocinante]

Thanks for the updates, Patrick, much appreciated.

The feature requests I've seen most often repeated here in the forums are as follows (your experience of the forums may of course differ):
* 16" wheels with non-ST tires for every model
* More reliable tank sensors
* Top-quality multi-stage converter
* More comfortable mattress on the bed
* Top-quality factory installed solar system (MPPT controller, etc.)
* No more filiform corrosion
* Frames that don't rust
* Subfloors that don't rot
* Quieter AC system

Looks like the new model year got a few of those, which is nice. We're still in love with our 2014 International Signature 27FB. It's just so beautiful, and a comfortable, relaxing place to hang out wherever we camp.

[RVDreamer]

Originally Posted by NeatAirstream

As far as I can tell it is the same as the 30W Internationals and Flying Cloud

Hi Patrick,

Thanks for the updates. You mentioned something about a new antenna. Is it one of the automatic HD antennas that tune in HD TV signals?

With the ducted air, is a dual A/C system still available?

[drew05]

Patrick, thanks for all of the updates!

[m.hony]

What about the rumor of a Classic motor home that is basically a new GM 4104 bus with a Duramax engine and Allison transmission with an Airstream chassis? GM was supposed to have manufactured the buses in 2013 and Airstream was to do the interiors in 2014.

[RVDreamer]

Originally Posted by m.hony

What about the rumor of a Classic motor home that is basically a new GM 4104 bus with a Duramax engine and Allison transmission with an Airstream chassis? GM was supposed to have manufactured the buses in 2013 and Airstream was to do the interiors in 2014.

That's not a rumor. Airstream announced the new Classic Airstream back in 2013.

According to the news release, the first units were not due to roll out until sometime in 2015, so I would think that might be a model year 2016.

Here is a link to the announcement.
Airstream announces new Classic Motorhome! | ViewRVs.com RV Blog