Just about to order 2012 30' Flying Cloud - What have I forgotten?

[Hibby]

My wife and I plan to order (this week!) a 2012 30' Flying Cloud in the sofa layout, with leather option. We are adding a solar panel now so it's done at the factory rather than as an aftermarket installation.

There are certain modifications and additions that make sense after we've taken delivery, but are there other things that I should consider adding or changing at the factory? Solar was the only option that I am aware of, and I've heard of people deleting the "moonroof" to help reduce heat in southern states, but we live in Michigan. The "tundra" package?

Thanks!

[dkottum]

The factory inverter works well with the factory solar, when you don't have shore power. You will then have inverter outlets at the dinette, blu ray player, both tv locations, and at the dinette for computer use. The inverter switch is conveniently next to the solar indicator.

The full awning package adds a shallow awning to the roadside, and an awning over the rear window. The interior will be cooler and have less glare from the sun.

Convection microwave option is terrific, and you can still have your propane oven.

These are very useful options, nicely installed, and the price can be negotiated along with list price on your trailer if you order them with the trailer.

doug k

[Hibby]

Doug,

Thanks! Is the convection microwave an option? I thought it was standard on all of them now? My dealer gave me the impression that there weren't really many options to choose from except from the color scheme and leather/fabric. He suggested solar because he knows we do a lot of backwoods travel. I also saw on the floorplan that the second LED TV is optional, which I also thought was standard.

Airstream's website is lacking on detail. Is there anywhere to find all of the choices?

[Kosm1o]

I don't know where the new models put the microwave/convection oven but ours was below the stovetop and was totally useless unless you like to cook on your hands and knees. We removed it and instaled a microwave in the cabinet above the stove and put in a simple toaster oven in the newly vacated space. I would get a gas stove before that convection oven if you can. We could never cook anything in ours without the operators manual close in hand.

[Jack46]

We bought our 2011 30' FC off the floor. We always thought we'd want the recliners, but the sofa is terrific - we added our own ottomans that also provide additional storage.

Ours came with the optional bedroom a/c unit - and 50 amp service. We have not yet experienced a summer in Texas, but so far, we have not used it. It is also quite noisy in the small space.

We never used the oven in our 28' International, so we don't miss it in the FC. We gained a couple of extra storage drawers instead. The convection/microwave is very good, though it does have limited capacity.

We have the optional LCD TV in the bedroom, but we only used it a couple of times.

I don't know if it was an option or not, but our trailer came with an outside faucet and spray setup . We spend time at the beach and it has come in very handy.

Our International had the optional awning package, but we found that the street side and rear awnings did not add much to our comfort and they were expensive.

The larger bathroom is great as is the two storage closets. Our FC is only three feet longer than the International, but it feels like thirty.

I hope this helps. I think you'll really enjoy the Flying Cloud.

[moosetags]

If I were ordering a new Airstream, I would definitely leave off the sky light/sun roof. Ours has been blocked since new. I wish it wasn't there.

Brian

[Hibby]

Moosetags,

If I lived in Florida, I would agree with the skylight delete! Our hot days in Michigan are usually 90 degrees and we don't get many. My wife is actually disappointed that the skylight on the newer models is frosted, instead of clear.

We have a convection microwave in our 22 Sport and love it, but we are on our knees when we're using it. I agree that it would be nice overhead, and the gas oven might be more practical since we do quite a bit of boondocking.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Hibby

Moosetags,

If I lived in Florida, I would agree with the skylight delete! Our hot days in Michigan are usually 90 degrees and we don't get many. My wife is actually disappointed that the skylight on the newer models is frosted, instead of clear.

We have a convection microwave in our 22 Sport and love it, but we are on our knees when we're using it. I agree that it would be nice overhead, and the gas oven might be more practical since we do quite a bit of boondocking.

Wife and I looked at a new 2012 International 30' Saturday. It had the convection microwave only located to the lower left of the stovetop. No gas oven and in it's place were a set of drawers. I didn't think to ask the dealer, but I assumed that the convection came with the gas oven not instead of. I would assume that it could be ordered with both. A 25' Flying Cloud we also looked at definately had both.

[dkottum]

I don't know if I was clear on the inverter option. It is not standard and does not come with the solar package, must be ordered separately. You will want it because of all the inverter-specific outlets wired into the trailer. The skylight brightens the kitchen, and has a shade.

The awning package helps with shading the trailer, gives some rain protection to open windows, and presents a stunning appearance when all are deployed.

I am unaware of the convection convection microwave location on the 30'. Not sure I would give up the gas oven for it, but that's a personal choice.

The dealer should have a list of options, but I wouldn't trust them. Here's the factory options I am aware of, maybe someone else can add to it:

Solar package, Inverter, Awning package, Convection microwave, Ultra leather upholstery. All useful. Are there more?

doug k

[Hibby]

I would want the inverter option, and wasn't aware that it was a choice, so I'll make that clear to my dealer.

Thanks!

[ASwifey]

We love ours! We upgraded from a 2007 25FB CCD to our current 2010 30ft Flying Cloud. It suites us perfectly.

We added the full awnings, everything else was as we found it on the lot.

We love the skylights, we just use insulation inserts, and close the covers when it's hot outside. The couch option is so versatile. We also have a storage ottoman for a foot stool. Something else ours came with that we really like is the duel water heater option, both gas and electric. I personally use my oven every trip, and seldom use the microwave. We rarely use the TV/DVD in the bedroom, but is sure is nice to have it as an option.

Good luck.

[dkottum]

I think the propane/electric water heater is standard.

A second air conditioner is an option coming with a 50 amp service.

A bedroom tv is optional.

I don't know if a blu ray player is an option or standard.

doug k

[Jack46]

Our microwave/convection is installed to the left of the stove top, but like Hibby, since it is set so low, it is a more difficult to set up.

[fmr.capt.evi]

Unless you order the convection microwave, you will lose BOTH of the drawers in the galley...an unfortunate compromise for a 30' trailer.

[BAB]

Lots of advice! I ordered my 2012 28' Intl CCD with the Ultraleather, inverter (essential,I think if you want to watch TV when boon docking, computer, etc), also the two extra awnings and the 2d TV in the BR. I passed on the solar as you can do much better having this installed later -- less money, larger unit. I've also added 16" wheels and LT tires AFTER I bought it. I have the convection/microwave as well, and granted you are on the floor to use it. Since I've bought two of the Honda 2000's for A/C in the summer, I can always have power if I absolutely need it. There really aren't all that many options, and think that a lot of these choices are personal. You're gonna love the interior....all that gorgeous aluminum just sparkles....even on a cloudy/dark day. Congrats to you!

[Hibby]

I drove to the dealer and brought their 30' FC home and pulled it into the drive to make sure we wouldn't have any ground clearance issues (sloped driveway). Big problem: it fits perfectly and no clearance issues. Now we have no excuses.

I'm making a list:
1. Inverter option
2. Convection microwave
3. 26" TV in the bedroom instead of the 22". The 22" looks way too small!
4. Full mirror in the bathroom, instead of the round 12" mirror

Keep 'em coming!

[Hibby]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between having the heat pump that is now in the newer models vs. the standard furnace from prior years?

[Kosm1o]

You still get a furnace which is really what you need in cold weather. The heat pump is also the air conditioner and can be used instead of the gas furnace but, like the ac, is noisey and we opt instead for an electric heater since you need electric service to run it anyway. If it were an option, I wouldn't order it but I think it is standard equipment on many models.

[Hibby]

Thanks Kosm1o... I was able to pull up the information on it, and Dometic has a PDF that I was able to download. You are correct, it is standard now as part of the air conditioning unit.

[Lougeorge]

We live in Michigan and are planning an AS purchase next month. Wondering if you would identify your dealer and your impressions so far.