30' Classic vs. 30' Flying Cloud - Same frame?

[SCOTTinNJ]

So the newer 30' Classics have a GVWR of 10,000 lbs while the Flying Clouds have an 8,800 GVWR.

I have a Flying Cloud and the axles are rated for 4,400 lbs each, thus the 8,800 lb rating.

I assume the Classic axles are 5,000 lbs each, but maybe someone can confirm?

Does anyone know if the Classic frame is different than the Flying Cloud frame? I really have no reason for concern with the 8,800 lb GVWR, but out of curiosity I was just wondering. If I ever needed new axles (maybe in 20 years?) could I just slap on 5,000 lb axles?

[rostam]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

... If I ever needed new axles (maybe in 20 years?) could I just slap on 5,000 lb axles?

You are REALLY planning ahead

[switz]

Since the floor plans are not identical, the Classic frame and Flying Cloud frame would have a different axle locations and the Classic frame would made to handle the additional 1200 pounds of GVW. Putting 5,000 pound rated axles in to replace 4,500 pound rated axles might cost a little more and would make a stiffer ride for the lighter trailer.

Loaded for camping, our 2014 31' Classic scales 9,259 pounds on my scales. We have a 1,200 pound tongue weight, so the axles are actually supporting 4,076 pounds front and 3,983 pounds rear as shown below:

.........1200..........
2034............2042
1921............2062

The lighter street side rear resulted from the replacement of the six gallon water tank water heater with an instant on Truma AquaGo Comfort water heater.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by rostam

You are REALLY planning ahead

Just curious really.

[slowmover]

Check with Andy at Inland. I've seen axle weight upgrades a number of times over the years, on this forum. They're minor, not major, as you're thinking.


1990 35' Silver Streak
2004 555 Cummins

[m.hony]

The Classic has (2) 5,000# axles.
There is no reason why you couldn't put (2) 5,000# axles under your Flying Cloud, but do you need more than 8,800# GVW?

[kb0zke]

Remember that Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is set by a combination of factors, and axles are only one of those components. Changing the two 4400-pound capacity axles to two 5000-pound capacity won't give you 1200 pounds more carrying capacity. If it would be that simple a LOT of people would no longer have coaches that are overweight. I suspect that the wheels, tires, brakes, and frame are all factors. The weakest component is most likely the one that sets the weight limit.

I understand that some people have actually gone through the necessary certifications to get the GVWR of their trailers increased. I don't know what all is involved, but I suspect that the cost of the new axles is only a small part of it. It might be educational to hear from someone who has actually done that.

[m.hony]

Seems like the actual frame, outriggers, and a-frame would be exactly the same from one 30' trailer to another.
The Classic is actually 31' 3' long.
The Flying Cloud 30 is 30' 11" long.
I guess there are differences...

[DPRoberts]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Seems like the actual frame, outriggers, and a-frame would be exactly the same from one 30' trailer to another.
The Classic is actually 31' 3' long.
The Flying Cloud 30 is 30' 11" long.
I guess there are differences...

Until I saw a Classic in person at the dealer a few weeks ago, I thought the Classic was just a different trim level - like how Flying Cloud vs International is just a different decor.

The Classic 30, while greatly resembling the other 30' models, is actually a slightly different floor plan. To start with, as you mentioned it's 4 inches longer than the other 30' models. The door is further towards the rear by quite a bit, which means the Classic gets a window between the door and the front of the trailer. It also means that there's less room in the galley area, so the pantry gets moved from the curbside to the streetside (as compared to the other 30 models). The holding tanks are slightly different sizes (37 grey and 39 black in the Classic vs 38 gallons each for the others). The bathrooms are oriented in opposite direction with a slightly different arrangement in each - and don't quote me on this, but I'd swear that the Classic bathroom is wider but shorter lengthwise. The queen beds are the same sizes, but the Classic twin beds are 2" wider than the other models, and I'm fairly certain that leads to deeper interior/exterior storage.

All in all, I like those arrangements on the Classic 30 better. I wish Airstream would make an International or Flying Cloud version of the Classic floor plan.

[m.hony]

...and my 2013 Classic is a little different than the 2015-up Classic, but a floor plan that ran a course of 20-30 years.
I like the older Classic 30 floor plan. It may be my favorite floor plan.
My trailer, like the new ones, has (2) 5,000# axles.
At 8,800# on the trailer axles I think the Classic does weigh more than the Flying Cloud.


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[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Seems like the actual frame, outriggers, and a-frame would be exactly the same from one 30' trailer to another.
The Classic is actually 31' 3' long.
The Flying Cloud 30 is 30' 11" long.
I guess there are differences...

Ah, that helps.

And no, don't need more payload by any stretch. just something I was wondering about. been running quite a bit lately. gives one time to think about silly things.

[slowmover]

It's why you should ask at Inland or at Can AM. May not be worth it. And then again, it may.

[JPAS]

The two frames are actually pretty different in terms of cross members and outrigger locations as well. Having different holding tank setups and of course the classic rear trunk are just a few of the things that influenced where the cross members and outriggers are on both units.