2012 Airstream 27FB International

[daveharc]

Hello,

We will finally be picking up our new Airstream from the dealer next week and are supposed to be getting an orientation on the trailer's features/operation after the paperwork is complete. Are there any items we should ask the dealer to explain in detail regarding our Airstream's operation prior to taking our new Airstream off the lot? We are definitely newbies to RV travel trailers!

I have never owned any type of travel trailer before but I have towed a fairly large boat without any special type of anti-sway hitch. The trailer purchase price included a Equalizer hitch which the dealer indicated would be installed by them prior to us leaving. I have a Prodigy brake controller already installed in my truck that I use when towing my boat so I'm hoping it will work with our new Airstream.

Thanks!!!

-dh-

[kidsgone]

Congratulations on your new baby! Didn't say which model you bought?!?
When you do the walk thru,video tape it. We did and I can't tell you how many times we've looked back at it! We too were RV travel trailer virgins and have survived!! Mostly thanks to the wonderful people on this forum! Make sure that they show you how everything turns off and on and make them turn it off/on!! Alarms...don't forget to check alarms before you go on a trip!! I guarntee they will go off at 2am and you won't know what to do unless you test them. We, too, have an Equalizer and they will make noise, but hubby sprays it each trip and now it is noise free.
I believe one of the most important things to look for is for the hitch to be properly adjusted. It has taken us 3 tries at different dealers to finally get it right.
I would also advise you do the walk thru BEFORE you sign the paperwork!!! If they won't let you, tell them to forget it. Check tires...any bulges??
We had a few problems, but all is fine (knock on wood) and we are having a blast! Next week we leave for Maine and much cooler weather.
Enjoy the adventure and ask questions anytime...
Andi

[kidsgone]

Just noticed...a new International! We love ours!!
Andi

[steverino]

Congratulations!
Definitely have the dealer demonstrate (twice is even better) deployment and stowing of the awning. There are several steps which are not obvious, but once you do it a few times, it's easy.

As well, hitching. We also have the equalizer, and is simple to do.

I also agree that doing the walkthrough prior to signing the papers is a good idea. That way you can get everything handled before they throw you the keys and say goodbye. In our walkthrough, we discovered that the bedspread was the wrong color, did not match the interior decor, and there was a stained drape. Things that you don't discover (the leak that caused the stained drape), well that's what warranty's for. Try every window, every knob, every switch, every valve. You will likely find that new trailers have sticky windows - they can loosen them up and lubricate the seals so you don't have to. Heat up the oven - that way you test it, and also burn off the residual oils that invariably set off the alarm the first time you really use it.

Enjoy your new Airstream - we certainly are with ours!

Steve

[dmoore]

If possible, I'd recommend spending the night in your new baby at the dealer's. Some dealers even have hookups. Do your walk through, then spend the night getting acquainted. Chances are you'll have a few more questions in the a.m. If not possible to stay at the dealers, then a campground close by could be a good option if you don't live close to the dealer.

You're gonna love it!!!!

Debbie

[Scott J-24]

We got our 2009 27' FB International in a private party sale and the PO gave us a great walk thru. He turned on all the appliances, showed us how to turn on the oven, what each switch did, where the fuze panel and spare fuzes were, how to deploy and stow all of the awnings, etc..... We took lots of pictures and videos. He actually cried as we were about to drive off because he was so sad to see her go.

We were really glad we took lots of photos and videos because when we took our first trip and started setting up camp we would look at each other and ask... "how do we ______?" (fill in the blank). Then we would grab the camera, play back the video and say "oh yea, that's how you do that". Another good reason to take photos is because we would LOVE to see photos of your new AS.
Have lots of fun in your new AS, it has a great floor plan and you are going to love it!

[Kosm1o]

If possible, have a local Airstreamer do the walk through with you. Someone who is not emotionally attached to it will see more than you will and will be looking for trouble. Sort of like an independent home inspector. There are many on this forum who volunteer to help. BTW, congrats, we have a similar size and really love it. In spite of the odds and ends of little problems spoken of on these forums, Airstreams are well built trailers and will last a long time.

[casa3805]

Welcome to the forums. When you leave the dealer, you will be able to get any questions answered here.
1 piece of advice. Lock the door, lock the door, lock the door.....
Pound that into your memory banks!
Enjoy that Airstream!

[moosetags]

Congratulations on the new baby!

As others have said, do a thorough walk-through. Don't be afraid to ask any question, but please keep in mind that sometimes the salesman giving you the orientation is not an RV camper, and may not have any idea what he or she is talking about.

That being said, there is a learning curve in becoming a competent RVer, but it is not launching rockets. Just take your time, and ask questions here and of experienced RV campers

Have many great Airstream adventures, and safe travels.

[Gringo]

We bought the same trailer, only the 2011 model, in May. The guy who gave us the walk through was a really nice guy, and a full timer in his own RV. But he didn't know much about Airstreams.
If you can get the manual beforehand, it would be good to read through it and then jot down any questions you might have from that, and go over them. And make sure you have a set of manuals with the trailer, all of them. Awning, furnace, fridge, ac, power distribution, etc.

Open every cabinet, every drawer, every slide. Operate every switch, and if you don't know what it's doing, ask. Run every appliance. Play with all the air conditioning vents. Open all the windows and make sure they work right. Raise up the bed and look underneath. Try all your keys, and by the way make sure you get at least two sets of keys. MORE if you can talk them out of them.

I had to ask to get the spare installed.

And it's a good idea to do a lot of this before signing the contract. It's a great time to ask if the dealer will throw in some kind of prep package, usually the sewer hose, ac power cord, some toilet paper, etc. But whatever you can get. Maybe a set of screw jacks.

Congrats. You're gonna love this trailer.

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from Ga. . . Welcome to our group ! Mr Kosm1o had the idea, contact an Airstream owner in PHX area (a list can be found on this forum) & get them to do the walk thru with you. Big Help to know Which questions to ask and what to look out for. You're gonna love that Airstream !, regards, Craig

[Scott J-24]

I recommend going to the bookstore (or downloading) to get this book. As a fellow rookie I found it an interesting and fun read. Does it have all of the answers... no, but it is a good start. For the rest of the answers we have "Airforums".

[Fly at Night]

I didn't know a travel trailer from a hole-in-the ground when I bought mine.

Don't feel like a dufus if you are overwhelmed during the first walk-through. After it was done, I was standing outside my trailer looking pathetic, the dealer owner saw that and felt sorry for me, and ordered them to do another walk-through. The second one was much better!

It has been a learning experience ever since. The members here will jump through hoops to help.

Just check your unit for leaks when you get it. If it's raining leave it outside and/or put the hose to it. That waterproofing AS likes to brag about isn't as "cut and dried"
as they'd like us to think. I see you're in AZ, may not be as much of a concern as us on the wet coast, but you may be headed to the rainforest someday and a leaking trailer sure can put the "damper" on things.

Most of all, enjoy!