Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 04-17-2017, 12:36 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
2017 20' Flying Cloud
Williamson County , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 813
Images: 1
New to the Forum Looking at 23FB and new Tow Rig

We are downsizing and moving within the next 2 years. One of our likely plans is to hit the road and travel within the USA and Canada during Spring and Summer each year.

Just starting to look at Airstream options and review the loads of information on this forum.

Right now the 23FB with Queen looks like a possible choice. We like the floorplan much better than some of the larger Airstreams (shower/lav at opposite end from bed), but of course that is just a first look and who knows where we will be in a year.

As far as tow rig, looking at Ford Expedition, but still not convinced that gasoline turbo motors are great for towing and long term reliability. Not intending to get into a debate about that, just that is where we are right now in our decision making.
SYC2Vette is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 02:50 PM   #2
PKI
Rivet Master
 
PKI's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek , California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
No reason to debate. You have a strong first choice on both Coach and TV. Folks like the turbos and it's nice to have a little boost at altitude.

More likely, you need to consider how your final choice will match up with your travel lifestyle. The 23FB has almost everything. Note the International has the round sink. Stick with the FC for the double.

23FB = two axles. New gets you 15in tires. Old gets you 14in and you should consider an upgrade.

Short queen. But you can put a full size queen on the platform with a bit of plywood added to the foot and a fiddle to stiffen it. Suggest an innerspring mattress. The foam works and is a bit easier to get into place, but the IS should deform less and provide better support. Note, you may end up with a need for stronger spring lifts for the bed. Grainger is your friend.

East West bed configuration is not a walk around. Expect to climb over. If this is problematic, look at the coaches with a North South bed.

Frig is smaller than 25, but bigger than 22. Look close to see if it is big enough for you. We find it works well, but bigger can be better.

The oven and microwave are both used by some and never needed by others. Better to have both as an option, but worth considering your use.

AC is not ducted on older 23s and is loud. The newer 23s have ducted air and the quiet is a very nice feature. Consider carefully.

Bathroom is nice. The normal complaint is that it consumes too much of the limited floor space. The positive is you can toilet and shower with some room. There are bigger coaches with similar space. The window is liked for ventilation. Much more private if covered or eliminated.

Closets are nice. Two is a unique feature. His and hers is priceless!

Dinette only = limited seating. This may be the primary drawback to the 23. Spend some time sitting in the dinette and seriously reviewing this seating. The older 23 needs a cushion foam upgrade. The newer ones are supposed to have it standard.

The Fantastic fans for a while have been single direction. They only blow out, unless the switch has been upgraded. The very old ones had bidirectional switches.

Storage is tight. The cubby under the bed that is accessed from the outside. It is small. Make sure the grill you want will fit. Much of the setup parts fit either in the cubby or the rear bumper box.

The storage under the bed is big, but it puts more weight on the tongue. The 467+/- will climb quickly to 600 or more as you load to travel.

The disadvantage of the SUV is that it is a bad idea to travel with a gas generator inside. There are options including propane, but you have to work it out.

The 23 is only 8ft wide. 5.5inches less is not a lot. Maybe no scratch when the bigger coach gets one. Maybe frustration at the small size after a few years. It is all about you.

Good luck with your research. Pat

Edit - CanAm set up a Corvette to tow a 23. Someday I'll find that picture.
PKI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2017, 02:51 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
2019 27' Globetrotter
Missouri Valley , Iowa
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 512
We just traded our '89 25' Excella for a 26U Flying Cloud w / rear twins It is nice ! The wide bodies start with the 25' trailers and really add a visible and usable difference to the interior size even though it is only 6". As for the tow vehicle, we have been towing our 30' Classic w / slide, the Excella and the Flying Cloud with a 2015 F150 SCrew w / 3.5 Ecoboost engine. Not yet in the mountains, though. I have no doubts that the EB engine will do the job easily with the rig you mentioned.

Dan
Farmer Dan is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Use your Trailer and Tow Rig in photo shoots and film! creativefilm Commercial Listings 15 10-04-2005 03:54 PM
Perfect tow rig Barbara Peerenboom Tow Vehicles 0 08-16-2004 05:29 PM
What a week! Finnaly did hook our 59 to it's new tow rig. 59toaster Our Community 9 06-26-2003 07:44 AM
your tow rig john hd Off Topic Forum 25 01-14-2003 09:49 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:02 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.