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 11-23-2014, 06:26 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
First Timer

We are about to purchase 25' Flying Cloud and are new to RVing. Any suggestions for a maiden voyage would be very much appreciated. How far from home should we go and for how long, etc...? Also, when it takes a day or two to reach a destination, what's the best way to plan for stops/overnights? Many thanks!

Rich
RichP21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 07:03 PM   #2
Moderator
 
moosetags's Avatar

 
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach , Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,156
Images: 5
We use an Android app called RVPARKY to locate campgrounds as we travel. Depending on the circumstances, we sometimes overnight at a Wal-Mart parking lot or a truck plaza.

Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
moosetags is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 07:43 PM   #3
Sbb
begorragirl
 
Sbb's Avatar
 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Denville , New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,029
Images: 2
Welcome and congrats. Where are you? Up North where weather can be a pain? Or more South? Just make a plan and go, travel maybe four hours or so away since it gets dark early and you really want to take your time enjoying your new adventure. Perhaps stay in full hookup place so you can try all your bells and whistles.
__________________
2006 Bambi CCD ("EireStream!!")
2010 Funfinder
2005 T@B
2001 Teardrop, Mountain Hardware Tent
For some perfection takes a little longer...
Sbb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 07:58 PM   #4
3 Rivet Member
 
indy's Avatar
 
1962 22' Safari
Vintage Kin Owner
kansas city , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 195
Images: 22
Blog Entries: 1
I agree with Sbb some where close with hookups and enjoy your adventures!
indy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-23-2014, 08:53 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
TBRich's Avatar

 
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson , Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
Images: 64
I agree...not to far from home and with full hookups would be good. I think we went 45 miles to a state park. While you are there check all the systems both with and without your hookups... run your frig on both propane and electric to make sure everything is working to your expectations. Practice your holding tank dumping routine, etc etc ... in short, try everything out, including your AC and furnace even though you may not need them. You can do alot of systems checks in your driveway, actually, except for the AC ...and even that if you've had a 30-amp service installed.

But most of all enjoy yourselves and have a great time! Welcome to the good life!
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
TBRich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 06:20 AM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
Many thanks, all very good suggestions and you all seem to be in agreement that the first trip should not be too "adventurous" and more to check out all the systems. Very helpful. Thank you. We look forward to if!

Rich
RichP21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 06:33 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Gearheart's Avatar
 
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener , Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
Images: 1
Short trips at first are best. You also need to shake down your kitchen and other take along stuff to find the compromise between what you think you need and what you really need.
Gearheart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 07:18 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
paiceman's Avatar
 
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair , Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
Images: 1
You might consider close to the AS dealer if possible. In that way if something goes wrong they can usually get you in ahead of the line and get the warranty work done. Trying all the systems is key. We had 30AMP installed in the garage so we could test systems, now gone to 50AMP but can still test everything except both ACs running. Word of caution if you do have it installed make sure they do 110V, despite being told three times our licensed electrician installed 220V and when we "tested" his installation boom, converter blew. $1,500 later all was well with the AS and house, he paid for everything without any discussion.

Enjoy the AS
__________________
2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
paiceman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 07:51 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Msmoto's Avatar
 
2015 30' International
2009 27' FB International
2007 25' Safari
Currently Looking...
Greensboro , North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,564
Images: 135
Go online and search out a book.... Spend a few hours just walking around becoming familiar with all the check list items before departing, hook and unhook two or three times and when you are ready head out on the road. Stop rest areas, check the trailer again, then find a large empty parking lot and practice backing...SLOWLY... so you can drop it between trucks at the Flying J and not be embarrassed

But read all the books from Airstream on pulling a trailer, especially following the safety precautions

Then, enjoy..... Most of us consider pulling an Airstream the finest way to travel. While I am clearly biased, I consider Airstream the Prevost of the trailer trade.
__________________
Happy trails and Good Luck
Ms Tommie Fantine Lauer, Greensboro, NC
AIR #31871 KQ3H

www.fantinesvoice.com
Msmoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 08:00 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
lsbrodsky's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods , North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
I towed the trailer 120 miles to get it home, but our shakedown trip was to a KOA just a few miles from home. It was a great opportunity to be in a full service campground and just a few miles from all of my tools and stuff.
I had a moderate list of desires after spending a few days in the trailer...
Larry
lsbrodsky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 08:20 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
First camping night should be in your driveway ...after you do it, you'll understand ...
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-24-2014, 08:40 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
lsbrodsky's Avatar
 
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods , North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
I could not check out my tank draining setup in my driveway, but I do agree you can check out everything else.
Larry
lsbrodsky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 12:29 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
2022 Atlas
Homosassa , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 729
Enjoy your new A/S. Close to home is a good place to start just to do a complete systems check and to get comfortable with hitching and towing.
Tater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 06:27 AM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
Thanks to all for really good advice. Can't say enough about how good if feels to have knowledgable AS owners as a resource. Absolutely, first trip will be close to home (maybe close to dealer) to check everything out. Many thanks again for your help.
RichP21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 07:44 AM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Gearheart's Avatar
 
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener , Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
Images: 1
Read the thread " What is your favorite OOPS story" It'll give you a handle on what not to do.
Gearheart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 05:58 PM   #16
Retired
 
tvketchum's Avatar
 
2008 30' Classic
Currently Looking...
Livingston , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 850
Images: 2
Two hours or so for travel, but get to the destination before dark. That way, it is easier to see the site, to back in. Have a spotter, with some inexpensive walkie talkies, to make this easier. The close in distance allows enough travel to feel how you combo tows, but, not to far to go get important but fogotten items, or to go buy replacements.
__________________
Tom
AIR 71620
WBCCI 5809 Reg 9 Unit 155
2008 Classic 30'
2019 F250 4x4
tvketchum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 06:21 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
Oops stories are very enlightening - lessons learned. Thanks for reference.
RichP21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 06:22 PM   #18
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 65
Understood, spotter is a must! Thanks.
RichP21 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
Can Hardly Wait First Timer Steve32653 Member Introductions 3 07-11-2006 03:33 PM
First timer jmo1979 Member Introductions 2 05-03-2006 08:18 PM
Advice for Airstream purchase-First timer Jim H. On The Road... 4 03-30-2006 12:53 PM
First timer Schmidt Member Introductions 6 01-30-2006 05:19 PM
First Timer scotta Airstream Motorhome Forums 6 03-29-2002 10:48 AM


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 08:46 AM.


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