Hello All

[HankandLois]

Greetings all…over the last few months I’ve read with amusement and enlightenment the posts sent in by the many. On a daily basis I’ve learned about towing, restoration, insurance, and yes, even skin corrosion. Through it all, more then ever, I wish to buy my first Airsteream. I’ve downloaded the brochures, looked at floor plans, and visited my local dealer. I’m leaning towards a 31’ classic dinette, however, the 28’ safari is a strong second. That being said, I would like to know what, if any, from a construction standpoint, is the difference between the Classic, the International, and the Safari. Thanks in advance for the answers.

[overlander63]

The Classic is built in the classic manner, hence the name. The Safari is built with standard RV windows that only party open, and have "stick and staple" construction. International is basically a trim package. CCD is built like the Classic, but with different interior appointments, and a bare aluminum interior skin.

[HankandLois]

Wow…thanks for the turbo fast answer…soooo I guess my thinking of the Classic 31 is the better of the two choices.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by HankandLois

Wow…thanks for the turbo fast answer…soooo I guess my thinking of the Classic 31 is the better of the two choices.

IMHO, they are better built, but much heavier. If tow capacity is an issue, you may have to go with the Safari type, they can be thousands of pounds lighter than the Classics. And while I'm at it, welcome to the forums.

[CanoeStream]

And while Terry is welcoming you, let me add my vote for the hinged at the top windows. They are standard on the Safari Special Edition (SE) line, CCD, and yes, even the Classic. They give great air circulation -- a little breeze and my Safari SE is all aired out after a day of pulling in the sun. You'll see the difference if you look at a standard Safari window while you are roaming dealer lots.

Any new over 25' will demand the payload capacity of at least a 3/4-ton tow vehicle. You'll not regret the extra expense for diesel if your experience is to spend a lot of time on the road. Many threads ... so little time.

[HankandLois]

Thanks again for the advice…my TV is a Dodge 2500 diesel, I should have the capacity to handle the Classic 31. It’s the bank account that concerns me! However, my plans are to travel on a very regular schedule and I want something that will take the road punishment.

[CanoeStream]

Dodge? You'll never break that!

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by HankandLois

Thanks again for the advice… It’s the bank account that concerns me! .....

A good option may be to look for used but not very used. If you are patient you may find a unit just a couple of years old for a BIG discount.

[HankandLois]

Thanks Janet…that’s the way I think it will happen…I still have two daughters in collage and the green room is a little lite!

[Mike Lewis]

HankandLois----I add my welcome here also. We have an 06/30' Classic and love it. We are fulltming in ours so we looked for something that felt a bit more "homey". Personally I think over all the Classis are more comfortable for everyday life. The 31 and the 30 ft models {this is a bit confusing} are the same length. The 31 with a dinette is a very popular model. The difference between it and a 30 {which has a dinnette standard} is the 30 has more living room space but smaller closet and bath area. We felt we spend more time in the living area than the bath so that was our choice. It's a trade off either way. As to tow vehicle you have all the vehicle you need and more.---pieman

[HankandLois]

Thanks Pieman…now all I have to do is tell the wife!!!!