2015 30' Flying Cloud Trip Review

[paiceman]

We just concluded a seven week, 10,000 trip from Western PA to as far west as OR and as far south as AZ. Temperatures ranged from 28 Degrees to 108 Degrees. I wanted to give a brief report on the performance of a new 2015 30' FC and our 2015 F350 6.7 Diesel for those interested and hesitant about quality or lack there of. We may just be lucky, but a great trip.

Truck - 2015 Ford F350 6.7 Diesel Crew Cab with 6' 6" Bed Platinum Addition - running 20" Michelin E rated tires. Truck performed flawlessly. Fuel mileage ranged from a low of 11.2mpg to a high of 17.1 mpg (here I was on flat terrain close behind two semis in a row with a strong tail wind) but it was nice to see. Speed was about 63MPH most of the towing trip at times up to 75MPH for a couple of hours, maybe longer. We climbed numerous mountains, and went down as well, engine brake is exceptional. Back roads with 8 degrees and turns no issue at all. I've towed all my live so am fairly attuned to what is going on with a tow vehicle. Two oil changes done while on the road.

Trailer - 2015 FC 30' Front Recliners 1000, W inverter, 2 A/C units and 16" Michelin tires installed as an option by the factory on Sendel wheels (Tires worked great at 108 degrees in the shade and running 70 MPH on a two lane from Lake Powell, AZ to Kanab UT. Checked for pressure every morning and for any sign of problems every stop. No major issues with anything. Hitch is Equalizer with 1,000# bars. A/Cs make a lot of noise when they are forced to work hard all day, ie Lake Powell in the sun at 108 in the shade, but they did keep us cool at 76 degrees. Heat pumps make a very load sound (going in to have them looked at this week by Airstream of Western PA. Electric jack makes a loud grinding noise (I actually think I bent it at some point) That is it, nothing came apart despite using a one ton and heavy bars. All appliances worked fine and we used everything numerous times. Ducted HVAC system is nice, but as stated our units make a lot of noise, could be an issue but if not I would not run out and buy a new unit for just ducts.

That pretty much sums it up, oh, I added a 50 gallon fuel tank in February to replace the 26 stock tank on the F350, more than worth it. We can virtually drive all day, pick our spot to fuel for both price and ease of entry and exit. Sometimes not possible with the stock 26 gallon. Had it put in down in FL at Nations Ford in St Petersburg, so as not to impact the warranty, if it would.

Take Care

Bud