2015 International 30 vs 2015 Classic

[Antique Pedaler]

Question! Is the Classic cabinerty really cherry or ash or some hardwood with a cherry finist. We did our Bambi II in real cherry and it was pricy.

[ZBoater]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

From a power perspective the 6.2 Litre in the Raptor won't notice the 1000 pounds of weight difference. We use that motor in 3/4 tons to tow 16,000 pound fifth wheels and it pretty much plays with them.

The Raptor's huge tires and long travel suspension in theory make it less stable on the road towing but it is better than the specs would suggest. I think the shock control helps quite a bit. Handling is going to be about the same with either Airstream. So what I am saying is take the towing difference out of your deliberations it is really not going to be a noticeable difference.

I think it really gets down to which unit you like better. You can add many of the Classic features to the Signature if there are a few you like. On other hand the Classic is gorgeous. Even the price difference is not as big a factor as it appears when you think of how long you can own an Airstream.

I hope this helps.

Andrew T

Thank you for that perspective. I may have been putting too much emphasis on the weight difference. The Classic is indeed a gorgeous trailer. One of the reasons we remain undecided...

[Msmoto]

Looks like walnut to me....


Ms. Tommie Lauer
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[EarlM]

I am sure your raptor can tow the classic I see folks on here towing 34 ft trailers with small SUV. Hensley or Pro Pride hitch will make a big difference

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Which international? The Signature or the Serenity? I like the recliner's option in the 30' international. My taste is more toward the Serenity - I just think the Signature is way too dark. The new Classic is the first one that ever really appealed to me, but the prior classics had oak or hickory - not ash stained to look like cherry. Really like the window coverings on the Classic - first ones that don't look like a coffin lining.

Frankly YOU are going to be the one living in it day after day. Don't set yourself up to yearn - if you're ready to consider spending that kind of money get the one you bond with! If your tow vehicle won't handle , well get a well used Ford Chevy or Dodge 1 ton. (Even a beater truck will look good pulling an Airstream).

BE HAPPY

The 2015 Classic owners say the Cherry wood is real-

[ZBoater]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The 2015 Classic owners say the Cherry wood is real-

When we saw it it certainly looked and felt real. Looked stunning. Very beautiful and felt very solid and well made. It would certainly explain some of the weight difference with the International. That and the Corian countertops.

[demijac]

The longer you plan to use your new Airstream, the less important the price difference between models becomes and the more your decision should be based on quality and what your gut and heart really want. You will have no regrets spending the money for what you really want if it meets or exceeds expectations and you use it frequently.

[ZBoater]

My wife and I are planning for the long term. 10 years+. We've had our current boat for 12 years and are selling it now to make the switch to RVing. We are not interested in buying something every couple of years. We want to buy one and enjoy it for a long time. It's worked out great for us with the boat, so we're planning an encore.

[BAB]

It was great having Tommie tour my new SilverLeaf II. She has a wealth of experience and tons of good ideas. (The wood is real Cherry....BTW.) I think the Airstream product line can indeed be confusing for a newbie -- it was for me. And, to really make a call as to which one is right for you -- well, ideally you'd go to a dealer that had one of each kind. I guess Colonial would be a good option -- if you live in the Northeast anyway. I do think floor plan makes a huge decision, and what works for one person may not for someone else. Tommie and I both LOVE the bath (shower especially) in the Land Yacht -- it is amazing! But, the Land Yacht just doesn't cut it kitchenware. Who wants to open a door to get to the door of your bridge? Maybe if you're drinking Rodier Cristal. I strongly support the idea of buying one size bigger than you think you want. It worked for me in my last trailer...I wanted a 25, but bought a 28.....and it was an awesome trailer. Now with a 30, I appreciate even more having more "hangout" room for guests and family. And, as we all know, once Aluminitis hits, there is no vaccine or inoculation that works -- you have to just buy one and GO!

[Rocinante]

Yep, we were also very impressed by the Land Yacht bathroom. Outstanding! However, I found that when I opened the overhead compartment in the living area, that huge door didn't rise up high enough to avoid clunking my head as I reached into the compartment. We had the same observation as BAB about the galley.

Overall it's a beautiful model, and to be honest it would be well outside our price range, but I have to say we're pretty darn happy with our International Signature.

Oh, and our International Signature has Corian countertops - that's standard for the line as far as I know.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by demijac

The longer you plan to use your new Airstream, the less important the price difference between models becomes and the more your decision should be based on quality and what your gut and heart really want. You will have no regrets spending the money for what you really want if it meets or exceeds expectations and you use it frequently.

I agree with this principal, but it causes me to buy things I really can't afford-
A working man earning $45,000 per year probably has no business owning (or financing) any Airstream, but...
At the time a Hickory wood Classic 30 was all I would have- a Hickory wood Classic 30 or no trailer- go back to tent camping-
I also probably should have never bought a Pathfinder, Road King, Tundra, or Avalon, either-
A classic example of champagne taste on a beer budget- I just bought an Avalon Monday when I should have bought a Corolla-
Especially if you have to finance you should get what you want. Otherwise you will regret the debt and the payment.

[boondockdad]

Both coaches are impressive.

For me, it would come down to weight.

The one thing I've noticed is wear and tear a heavy trailer puts on a TV. It's substantial.

I guess if you're leasing, or turn over vehicles often, it isn't an issue. But, for us, we're limited on vehicle choices since our TV needs +16,000# GCWR and eight passenger seating.

[Msmoto]

@BAB

Yes, I enjoyed the tour of the new Classic. Thanks.

And, now that I have a bunch of new ideas for mods on my Serenity, I am off to purchase materials.

[EarlM]

Shop, Shop and more price shopping and buy the Classic Much for the buck in my opinion.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by dkottum

You've made quite a jump from a 25 to a 30. I wonder if your towing expectations can be met by the F150 Raptor, primarily stability. A ProPride or Hensley hitch and wheel/tires more suited to towing may help. Do some research on the truck and how it may be set up to tow a large trailer such as a 30. The experts on this sort of thing is Can-Am Airstream in London, Ontario. Call them and discuss this truck and trailer combo.

An AVION 10 meter tri-axle can be successfully towed by an F-150. Maybe not Donner Pass in February, but they'll tow as well as any Airstream ever made and they probably all weigh 20% more than a comparable Airstream.

[BAB]

I have been told that it is Brazilian Cherry....think that the stain makes it look like Walnut. Whatever it is, it is an elegant finish -- and the cabinetry work is first rate throughout the trailer. My Intl Signature was also very classy, but there is definitely something about real wood vs. composites and plastics.

[Riverdrifter]

Airstream Life magazine Spring 2013 had a very interesting article about the power it takes to tow an Airstream vs a white box trailer and basically showed research about drag and the amount of horsepower needed to overcome drag at various speeds. At 60 mph it takes about 40 hp to overcome drag on the Airstream vs 78 hp to overcome drag on the white box. This is not addressed in the towing ratings given us by truck makers. It is a very interesting read on the subject. I have a 30' International Serenity. I have a 2007 GMC 3500 Crew Cab 8' box 4WD Dually with a Duramax engine. I also have a 2014 Ram 1500 4WD Crew 6 1/2' box 8 speed transmission with a 3.21 axle ratio. I use a Blue Ox Swaypro hitch. Both trucks tow the trailer effortlessly. Both get about 12 mpg when towing while the Ram gets 20 mpg unloaded and the GMC gets about 17 mpg unloaded. Since the Ram has back up camera, satellite radio, blue tooth etc, we prefer to use it unless we need the 8' box to haul more toys. So I'm sure you won't have a problem with the Raptor with either trailer. Rick

[KJRitchie]

Zboater hasn't posted anything since 3/25.

The max payload of the Raptor in his signature is only 1120 lbs.

Maybe he deferred an Airstream purchase.

Kelvin

[ZBoater]

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I am waiting to sell my boat before I purchase the Airstream.

I am going to give it a shot since I am keeping the Raptor. But I am probably going to try the International and not the Classic. It's 1000 lbs lighter.

[Msmoto]

If you go with the International there are several changes one can make to create a lot of the "Classic" features. I have made multiple mods, seen on a different thread "Serenity modifications " or something like that. PM me for details.


Ms. Tommie Lauer
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