 |
|
07-12-2017, 03:33 PM
|
#21
|
2 Rivet Member 
2004 25' Safari
2013 27' Flying Cloud
El Prado
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 25
|
We enjoyed our 2004 25' FB Twin Bed Safari very much for seven years, and now have upgraded to a 2013 27' Flying Cloud, again with the twin bed arrangement. I have to agree with those who say the 27' option is well worth looking at. The extra two feet makes a big difference. Above all, don't go shorter than a 25'. For all the reasons cited elsewhere, we prefer the twin bed option. As for the FB/RB discussion, the Safari was a RB and the FC is FB. So far, we don't notice one being superior to the other.
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 03:40 PM
|
#22
|
Rivet Master 
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
|
I would not begin to guess how many times the gang polarizes on size of trailer and FB or RB. We made our decision rather quickly as our AS was a lightly used 25 FB and my wife loved the Serenity décor. It helped that it had all of the options I wanted.
I will not tell you how to make your decision but I will say that I am still happy with ours. First, we have been in public campgrounds where a trailer bigger than 25(26) could not fit in the slots with nice views. Second, our own experience is that the vast majority of places we have stayed have the nice view out the rear. Third, we like sleeping together.
Yes, there are compromises and inconveniences. Yes, I occasionally envy the brand new 30 or bigger with all of the whiz bang features and 2 A/C's, but I am too old to make the mistake of buying another Airstream.
Larry
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 04:13 PM
|
#23
|
Rivet Master 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
Spokane
, Washington
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,007
|
This all comes down to your wants and your style of "camping". We have a 25FB with the sideways bed. I prefer the FB because of what someone already mentioned. When you back into a spot you usually have the best view out the back where the table is located. With an RB you will always have a nice view of the back of your truck. The views always change, the back of the truck not so much.
We are relatively short people so getting up and out of bed isn't a deal breaker for us. The twin would be a better option and more storage too. I do not want a convection oven. Having a microwave would be nice but for either you will HAVE to be connected to power to use them. We use our oven and would not want to do away with it. I agree, the 27 would be a great improvement. You get both! And a better bed and more space.
On the FB the fridge vents out the roof of the trailer. On an RB, the fridge vents out the side. The advantage is that you can put a microwave above it. The disadvantage is that these come with cooling fans. There have been many posts here about trouble with these fans. There are also a lot of "fixes" shared so you can work around the noise if that is the case. Do a search on noisy fridge fans.
We love ours but realize that no matter what coach we pick, there will be some advantages and some disadvantages. You are right to ask for opinions before you jump. Compared to our days in a tent, it is all good.
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 04:37 PM
|
#24
|
3 Rivet Member 
1990 34' Limited
2013 27' FB International
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 208
|
If I'm buying a new one there should be no reason they cannot install the convection microwave along with a regular gas oven. I have a 23' Flying Cloud with everything. AM solar and Lew Farber will be my choice for solar. Boondocking should be something to consider. Finding hookup sites during holidays and camping season can and will be a issue at times. Boondocking opens so many options for you. So gas cooktop, oven and water heater is needed. If you can't find what you need there are Airstream refurbishing companies across the nation. They can customize whatever you need. Just another option to consider
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 05:17 PM
|
#25
|
Rivet Master 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
In 1400 nights of camping with our living space in the front and bedroom in the rear where it belongs, I can never remember parking and looking at the tailgate of our truck. We always disconnect the truck and park it alongside, usually have to, and usually because we need the truck on its own. Unless at a Walmart, where the view out the back or front is not that great.
But the o.p. asked about Airstream optional equipment; the RB/FB arrangement has been discussed endlessly. Everyone likes what they have until they get something else, then they like that better. What else is new.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 06:49 PM
|
#26
|
4 Rivet Member 
2015 25' Flying Cloud
GILBERT
, Arizona
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 377
|
Added note, my wife does want a 27ft and when she srr the 30ft she wants one of those, why so she can bring more STUFF.
This why I am very happy with my 25ft Twins.
Party 6 people, dinner for 4 and sleep 2.
__________________
David & Nancy Ames
WBCCI # 9403 -- AIR # 95597
2015 FC 25' RB
2013 Chevy Tahoe LTZ
|
|
|
07-12-2017, 07:00 PM
|
#27
|
Rivet Master 

2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,241
|
Acquired the 2013 25FB International Serenity sight unseen while in the UK. All was well until we both were in the trailer and I got the side of the bed next to the front windows. I sat up and cracked my head. There was no "graceful" way to crab walk down the bed to make a head call without waking my wife. The dinette seats were slightly more comfortable than a concrete park bench.
Saw the last official 34' Classic (#25 of 25) as a repossession on the dealer's lot. We immediately liked the hickory interior. So we ordered a 27FB Classic. We had one more trip in the 25FB and suddenly realized the last 15' of the 25FB and 27FB are identical floor plans and we really disliked that seating arrangement. For less than $3,000, we changed the leading characters of the VIN (keeping the assigned build serial number) to those of a 31" model 30 Classic with twin beds and dual A/C option. The wife just loves it.
Then we acquired a 2015 23D International Serenity for a special project. At least the mattress is in line with the frame so no head knocking on the roof locker, but it is a three man wrestling match to make the bed and we have a smaller version of the 25/27FB model dinette area which we can now live with for the weekender trips we take it on
Both trailers have spent considerable time at A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, TX being truly customized at considerable expense.
While my wife is in the UK helping take care of her decling mother along with one of her brothers, I have been solo since 29 April 2017 in the 23D at our Airstream only RV park in Lakeside, AZ working with eight of the other members to dig trenches, laying and assemble conduit and backfill all the trenches for our park wide upgrade to 50 amp service from 30 amp only installed over 40 years ago.
The 23D works really well for just one person and everything is very easy to hand.
So, one needs to really get inside and spend quality time WITHOUT the salesman yapping inside in the various models to get a warm butt feeling that one likes a specific model.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 12:09 PM
|
#28
|
2 Rivet Member 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
stratford
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 39
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627
Another vote for the twin bed arrangement. We have 25'FB which works well for us. I will agree with the comment about poor seating arrangement when you must be indoors. I removed the dinette and the curb side seating and replaced it with a recliner and a self made folding table. The street side seating is as designed. A FB has the furnace under the street side seating or I would have put two recliners in it.
Here is a picture. Hopefully it helps see the options.
|
May I ask where you purchased the recliner? It looks great!
This is something we want to do with our 25' Flying Cloud. Thanks!
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 06:49 PM
|
#29
|
1 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
Langlois
, Oregon
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum
We originally wanted a base model FC25, but a factory fresh FC25 Rear Bed arrived at the dealer the same day we visited. It had every available factory option, which become price negotiable just like the trailer. We thoroughly inspected the trailer for any factory defects, found none, and purchased it all at a good price the same day. We have never regretted the factory options, and have used every one of them. We added/upgraded several non-factory items as well over time as we became familiar with it during some 1400 days/nights we traveled in it.
Airstreams have lousy seating comfort, basically a plywood bench with thick foam pads, except for the Classic model, which has a sofa. We took our Airstream FC25RB back to Jackson Center and had the seating changed to recliners, a center console, folding table, and storage cabinet installed. This conversion can only be done on the 25 Rear Bed model because the furnace location prevents it on 25-27 Front Bed models.
Our Airstream 25RB is a queen bed model, we put a Sleep Number RV Queen Radius Corner mattress in it and loved it. Some people don't like the East-West orientation of the bed which makes access more difficult for one person. Consider the twin bed model if you believe this may be a problem.
|
Just purchased 25 FC rear twin, do you recall what it cost to have the couch conversion you described.
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 08:04 PM
|
#30
|
Site Team

2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,992
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by patnal
May I ask where you purchased the recliner? It looks great!
This is something we want to do with our 25' Flying Cloud. Thanks!
|
The recliner was purchased from Lambright Comfort Chairs. They do not have internet connection so you need to talk to Vernon Lambright directly. He can be reached at (260) 768-4820. It took about 4 weeks after date of order and it was shipped directly to us in two pieces that we assembled.
The recliner is a wall hugger unit and can be covered in most any covering. We chose an Ultraleather fabric.
If I can be of further assistance let me know.
Bob
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 08:06 PM
|
#31
|
Site Team

2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,992
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by patnal
May I ask where you purchased the recliner? It looks great!
This is something we want to do with our 25' Flying Cloud. Thanks!
|
The recliner was purchased from Lambright Comfort Chairs. They do not have internet connection so you need to talk to Vernon Lambright directly. He can be reached at (260) 768-4820. It took about 5 weeks after date of order and it was shipped directly to us in two pieces that we assembled.
The recliner is a wall hugger unit and can be covered in most any covering. We chose an Ultraleather fabric.
If I can be of further assistance let me know.
Bob
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 08:16 PM
|
#32
|
3 Rivet Member 
2022 30' Classic
Granville
, Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 160
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627
The recliner was purchased from Lambright Comfort Chairs. They do not have internet connection so you need to talk to Vernon Lambright directly. He can be reached at (260) 768-4820. It took about 5 weeks after date of order and it was shipped directly to us in two pieces that we assembled.
The recliner is a wall hugger unit and can be covered in most any covering. We chose an Ultraleather fabric.
If I can be of further assistance let me know.
Bob
|
Looks like they sort of have an Internet presence through a distributor.
http://www.lambrightcomfortchairs.com
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 08:25 PM
|
#33
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,747
|
Hi
There's nothing wrong with going through the decision process with the resources on the web. I would strongly suggest that if at all possible, find a dealer with inventory. Head over to their lot, even if it involves an overnight trip. Spend lots of time in each of the candidate models. If you think a 25 to 28 makes sense, look at the 23's as well. Take a look at the 30's. You may well decide that your original 25' decision was the right one. After spending time in each of them, it will be a much better informed decision.
Bob
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 09:57 PM
|
#34
|
2 Rivet Member 
2016 25' Flying Cloud
stratford
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 39
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans627
The recliner was purchased from Lambright Comfort Chairs. They do not have internet connection so you need to talk to Vernon Lambright directly. He can be reached at (260) 768-4820. It took about 4 weeks after date of order and it was shipped directly to us in two pieces that we assembled.
The recliner is a wall hugger unit and can be covered in most any covering. We chose an Ultraleather fabric.
If I can be of further assistance let me know.
Bob
|
Thank you!
|
|
|
07-13-2017, 11:47 PM
|
#35
|
Rivet Master 
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DrT
Just purchased 25 FC rear twin, do you recall what it cost to have the couch conversion you described.
|
We asked Jackson Center to use the production line folding table and center console for the Airstream 30 Recliner, plus make a custom cabinet under the TV, which also covers the converter/charger. We wanted a factory look to perfectly match our interior, and it did. It was about 1 1/2 days labor for one tech and the rest was materials, Villa International recliner chairs, cabinets, plywood and hardware totaling about $4200.
This made our Airstream absolutely comfortable for our 6-7 months travel each year. Only the 25 Rear Bed models have the clear space for this conversion, and they may have moved the converter/charger since our 2012 FC 25RB. The plywood has also changed finish, and the production line no longer produces a recliner Airstream. They may have the templates though, give the Service Center a call.
Here's some in-process photos we took of the conversion.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/398600...7637145551816/
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
|
|
|
07-14-2017, 09:19 AM
|
#36
|
Rivet Master 

2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,241
|
Back in the 2013 model year, the twin bed option did not exist for the International trim line models unless one paid around $4,500 for the after build swap out. Now it is a no charge option at build time.
As a Monday morning quarterback, I sometimes wonder if we had originally acquired the 25FB International Serenity with twins if we would still have that 25FB today. We would have certainly done something to improve the dinette and the "cushions" along the lines of many the ideas folks have presented on this forum.
We really like the twin bed option in our Classic for both the storage and ease of access.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
 |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|

Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|