Need some basic AS info/advice

[jimmijo]

Hi

New members here with plans to purchase our first AS in the summer of 2011. Plans are for extended use for 2 to 3 months at a time with pets. After seeing some models we think we want a 27 ft with factory installed solar panels and LED lighting. Still not sure what the differences are between the Classic, International and Flying Cloud models other than the interior decorations. Would appreciate any advice.

Thanks

[Aage]

Hi, jimiijo, and welcome to airforums.com!

I think you have started on the best way to find out exactly which model is best for you, that is, go and see them, sit in them, and get a good idea of what you like and don't like.

Even if you ware talking about new, and have floor plans and glossy photos to look at, NOTHING beats actually sitting in them.

Classic, International and Flying Cloud; features and trim levels, in broad terms.

If you are buying used, you will see that, in general, the larger the trailer, the lower the price. Travelling for extended periods as you plan to do, you may find out that 31' or even 34' is your best buy.

But you will know quickly as you spend some time to get around and look...

[CanoeStream]

Hi jimmijo. Welcome to the forums!

In the new offerings, I love the 27' FB International -- think it's only been out about 3-4 years. So maybe not many of those 'used' would be recycling yet. Depends how patient you are if you go that way.

I followed family purchase of a new Chev wagon ... let's just say many years ago. My dad kept a fix list of a dozen or more items. So I did that in my new '06's 2 year warranty period -- worked well and kept out the frustration. Any new purchase is going to have more issues shake out after the first full season or season-and-a-half on the road. Use 'em. Tally up your dealer's honey-do list. Works to keep you happy.

[n2916s]

We have a 1986 31' Sovereign that we half-time in. Had it for five years now and over 45000 miles of travel. Lots of closet space, lots of water, grey and black tank capacity.

Sure, has it's share of dings, scratches and odd discolorations but, then again, so do I. Have learned how to fix most everything, pack bearings, adjust brakes... Actually, tinkering is lots of fun.

Very, very comfortable.

Watertight and, most important, fully paid for!

Lots to be said for "previously loved"...

mike

[THEPILL]

Welcome!
Another thing to consider is your tow vehicle. Make sure you have enough Before you buy a Trailer

Good Luck, there is a wealth of information here.

Shane

[jimmijo]

Thanks for the ifo. Planning to get a Ford 250 diesel. Towing specs indicate a 16,000 lb rating.

[BillTex]

Welcome, you should be fine with that TV...good choice.

Classics/Excella's tend to come "fully loaded", and obviously, have the more "classic" look on the interior. They are also the heaviest, so you would need that 3/4 ton truck.
Classics also will have the largest tank capacities...if you will be off the grid...that can be important.

Most of the other stuff is personal preference. Go to a dealer and/or rally and poke around. The interiors can be very...different?...between models...

The 27FB Classic is a very nice layout...

B

[dkottum]

The differences are, for the most part, cosmetic. Classic is farmhouse style with solid woods, surfaces. International is modern styling with laminates, aluminum walls. Safari is traditional style with laminates, aluminum walls.

If you like the 27', also take a look at the 28' for more spacious living, dining, kitchen layout. The view is to the rear on the 27, to the front on the 28.

You don't need a diesel to tow either one, however pickup choice is dependent on individual need for payload. Towing with diesel is easy because of broad torque curve, gas requires keeping rpm's up going up/down hills by selecting lower gears.

That's it in a nutshell but the trend is to make it a lot more complicated.

Doug K

[jimmijo]

Thanks. The tank info was very helpful as we hope to spend the majority of the time off the grid.