Visit our Popular Forums

FloydCoVa · 02-10-2018, 04:06 PM

My wife and I found a 2015 23D flying cloud for sale to day and we are considering the purchase. This trailer is very clean ,barely used and very little signs of use that I can see. Is there anything we should know good or bad about this particular model year? Thanks in advance for your help.

More about us. We have a camping background,mostly with our horses. Now we are getting ready to retire next year and want a Airstream! We have settled on the 23d for size and layout. Should we consider this 2015 23d or order a new one. We could save some serious bucks on this one.

uraljohn · 02-10-2018, 04:41 PM

We love our 2017 Int Serenity 23D. Perfect for two people (we have been out in it for up to a month), easy to pull, decent wardrobe space, plenty of storage. You get a slightly smaller sleeping space and bathroom, but the upside is much more everyday living space. I added a flip up counter extension to the left end of counter (like in the 25' model). If you can save some good $$$, go for it. We purchased new because we wanted a specific model with oyster ultra leather, factory solar, and rear vision camera. 2017 was also first year for 23 footers to get 15" wheels with never lube axles and 12" drum brake increase. These influenced our decision, but nothing wrong with getting a deal on a great 2015 23D. Good luck and Happy Travels!

GMFL · 02-10-2018, 04:43 PM

It’s a great trailer. Here is our thread

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f142...ad-166085.html

The 23D the a great platform many of us have made some great adjustments/ upgrades to make them even better. Fill free to pm me your contact info and I can answer any other questions you my have. 2015 has ducted air which is a improvement over my 2014.
Thanks and good luck.
Ronnie

RFP · 02-10-2018, 05:05 PM

We too, have a 2014 23D and absolutely love it. Like Ronnie, above, we "hang out" over on the 23D thread and love the ideas and info there.

I'm in the final stages (!) of getting over the flu, so, I spend a lot of time just staring off into space :huh. So if you would like to chat about this maybe tomorrow afternoon, just PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call.

By the way, we bought ours used, too... the only way to go.

Rob

PKI · 02-10-2018, 05:52 PM

The 15 needs an upgrade from 14" to 15" wheels and tires. Do it immediately.

The 15 has 10" brakes which are functional. The 12" are a serious and good upgrade. Both should be replaced with a disk brake upgrade for serious users. Casual users will do fine with either if they limit their travel speed and maintain adequate following distances.

The 15 does not have ducted air. If you mostly travel in shoulder season or areas that do not require much AC, minimal problem. If you will use the AC for a significant period of time, the 16 or later with ducted air is worth your serious consideration. Ducted air reduces the noise considerably. Suggest you try both and compare.

The 15 has the older style 120 to 12 volt converter. The new multi-stage is much better, but an after market multi-stage can be purchased for around $200 and is easy to install if you can change an electrical outlet and understand what a printed wiring board is.

An added consideration is the application of nano-coating to the coach exterior. If it was not done to the 15 you will need to wax the skin twice a year. Not all believe there is value in the nano-coating or trust the applicator. Investigate the value and make your own decision. It is likely a poor practice to apply the coating except on a new coach.

The 23 sewer connection is quite low. You may need to raise the coach for added clearance. You should investigate and determine if lift blocks are your solution. The 15" tires help about an inch.

We like the Flying Cloud. A new one would allow an alternate trim if the FC is not your true love.

We would not trade our 15 and the $s necessary to get a 17/18. However, we do fit the considerations listed above. If you don't maybe you would.

Good luck with your investigation. Hope to see you down the road with a smile.

Pat

FloydCoVa · 02-10-2018, 06:16 PM

Thanks everybody for your valued input. I worked all night last night and cam home at 7:30am and hopped in the car and drove to see the trailer. I am spent and need sleep.ill be back on tomorrow. Thanks again Scott

FloydCoVa · 02-11-2018, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uraljohn

We love our 2017 Int Serenity 23D. Perfect for two people (we have been out in it for up to a month), easy to pull, decent wardrobe space, plenty of storage. You get a slightly smaller sleeping space and bathroom, but the upside is much more everyday living space. I added a flip up counter extension to the left end of counter (like in the 25' model). If you can save some good $$$, go for it. We purchased new because we wanted a specific model with oyster ultra leather, factory solar, and rear vision camera. 2017 was also first year for 23 footers to get 15" wheels with never lube axles and 12" drum brake increase. These influenced our decision, but nothing wrong with getting a deal on a great 2015 23D. Good luck and Happy Travels!

Thanks for your post, that's what I was after...what a new trailer has that a 2015 doesn't . We knew about the ducted air and wanted that but... Didn't know about the brakes,knew about the tires and rims. This trailer has basically what we want, being completely stock, we can make it ours. Being relatively new to trailers not sure about going solar or a small generator. This just might be the right trailer for us even if it missing some of the preferred items,and save some money along the way. Scott

FloydCoVa · 02-11-2018, 09:09 AM

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have read many of your posts,so many I almost feel I know you guys.

PKI , great advise. If we do go ahead and get this trailer we can make it ours... Some things will take time and some things will be done right away. Tires and rims will be first.
This trailer has a factory installed 1000watt inverter. We would add the street side and rear awning,they are installing new interstate batteries.

The reasons I'm hesitant on getting it is we weren't ready to buy now. I have one more year to work before retiring and have lots of thing going on right now. We went to this dealer to sit in a 23d, the only one we have seen in our area in the last year.We are trying to do our home work. So now we find this trailer, sit in it and the layout fits us. Big enough to to have everything important and still small enough to to have a camper feel. I know it's not perfect as there are give and takes with all layouts. We like it and 23d in this shape don't show up every day. So we are working toward getting it as I really haven't found any real deal breakers. Enough rambling. Thanks for your input. Scott

smsmith50 · 02-11-2018, 09:41 AM

Good for you! From my perspective, a newer used 23d is hard to find. I looked for quite a while when I decided to upgrade from a 16' Sport. I live in Wisconsin, and when I found a 2015 in Arkansas, perfect condition and good price, I jumped. Mine is an International, Salsa leather, and I love it. Easy to maneuver and just right for two people and a couple of German Shepherds. My ac isn't ducted, and I wish it was, because I use it when others around me have smoky campfires going and I don't want to open the windows. It is loud. Other than that, the 2015 is really nice. Good luck and enjoy!!

Fred L · 02-11-2018, 03:31 PM

Copper Hill.... any connections with the Va Highlands folks ? I spent a night there last year when I bought my 23. I bought it from some nice folks in Alabama and hired a fellow to tow it halfway. Met him in Ft Chiswell, changed the wheels and tires out in an abandoned mall parking lot, installed my weight dist hitch and tried to connect to my 7 pin, all on an 88 degree August afternoon with the sun beating on me and no water to drink (I worked so hard on making sure I had all the right tools for the work at hand, I forgot the basics..). All that after a 9 hour drive in the morning to get there.
Quite a memory, especially after trying many different options for the electrical connection, I threw caution to the wind and made the drive to the Highlands where I had a reservation.

Some wonderful folks there and one gentleman who was the host at the time gave me the full walk through on the trailer and ended up getting my 7 pin connection working.
Hopefully you plan to spend some time there.
My wife and I may be down this spring.

We love the 23 (our Safari is basically the FC) and you hit the nail on the head in regards to my thoughts, ie that it is a perfect combination of - a big enough quality trailer, that still has a camping feel to it.

FloydCoVa · 02-11-2018, 06:27 PM

Fred hello. No connections to Highland Haven. We do how ever live about 5 or 6 miles from them. We have lived here for about thirty years and never visited them until last summer after we started resurching travel trailers. Nice place and a grand view. We were courious about Airstreams so we went for a visit. The place was full, we stopped a lady that was walking her dog and I asked " what's the big deal about air streams?" Well I don't recall her name bud she invited us to her and her husbands 22 sport, gave us a tour and sat and talked about a good hour. We thought we wanted a sport but after researching on the forum and visiting dealers we landed at the 23d.

When you go back to Highland Haven make sure to spend a Friday night in the town of Floyd for food and Blugrass music. People meet up on the main drag and you might see 5 or 6 different Blugrass bands all playing some great music,or you can pay and go inside the "old country store" where the have a stage and ice cream.

Almost forgot... You mentioned traveling to pick up your trailer and putting new tires on it. Well this is our delemma, just went to look and check out the layout of the 23d. Not wanting to buy just yet , more like next year this time. We ended up putting a deposit down to see if we can move things along now. you don't see a lot of the 23d for sale , this clean ,this close and used very often. Also it to will get upgraded tires and rims asap!

Fred L · 02-11-2018, 07:53 PM

Well I certainly do hope it all works out well for you.

I was thinking the same, wait for retirement, but why not just start early. Then we found a very nice and exceptionally clean 23, so jumped in (or up) with two feet. Came close on a 19ft, but it fell through.
The 23 fits us based on what you mentioned in your post, but I also felt I wanted 4 wheels under the trailer, for road safety and weight capacity.

If we do make it down, will shoot you a pm.

Floyd is on the list, love Bluegrass.
I almost thought I would be staying in Highland Haven for a few days and in that case had planned to head over.
My family is in Va / NC. I have spent a lot of time in Va from Tidewater to Lynchburg to Purcellville, beautiful state. Came close to considering Bedford for a place to retire.

FloydCoVa · 02-14-2018, 07:37 PM

Well it's ours! The loan went through late this afternoon. We will pick it up on March 16. The dealer will go through everything with us on that day. We are getting real exited now! Now trying to figure out insurance...

GMFL · 02-14-2018, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Well it's ours! The loan went through late this afternoon. We will pick it up on March 16. The dealer will go through everything with us on that day. We are getting real exited now! Now trying to figure out insurance...

Congrats on the start of your dream. Glad it all worked out for y’all. Safe travels and don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any question.
Thanks
Ronnie

GMFL · 02-14-2018, 09:11 PM

As far as insurance, you should be able to add it to your auto policy. Our is set up as an agreed value of $65000.00 and cost us about $140.00 per year. Again. Welcome to the 23D family!

switz · 02-15-2018, 06:28 AM

We explicitly chose one of the last new 2015 23D International Serenity with the street side and rear awning package, inverter which was discarded and convection microwave upgrade. With our planned solar array, we were able to remove the crackup Winegard television antenna for the fifth 100 watt solar panel location and install the Winegard Rayzar round auto tune antenna. We preferred the old systole air conditioner for ease of maintenance as there were many issues with the ductless units having the air registers fall out of the oversized holes in the ceiling.

Fred L · 02-15-2018, 07:25 AM

Thanks Lou. The Rayzar was the other option I was looking at. Any issues with reception and rough idea on distance it covers.
Also were there any modicications needed (ie enlarging the hole in the roof) to accommodate it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

With our planned solar array, we were able to remove the crackup Winegard television antenna for the fifth 100 watt solar panel location and install the Winegard Rayzar round auto tune antenna. .

Fred L · 02-15-2018, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Well it's ours! The loan went through late this afternoon. We will pick it up on March 16. The dealer will go through everything with us on that day. We are getting real exited now! Now trying to figure out insurance...

Wonderful news, just in time for spring.

As for insurance, our cost was about the same as Ronnies when we put it on the auto insurance, but being an older trailer, its half the value.

I did some extensive calling to various insurance companies to arrange "agreed value" and was told no each time.

There are some good threads and one recent one here on AF, that delve into the details of RV trailer insurance. If you are unable to get Agreed Value, make sure to ask your insurance company how they would value your trailer were it to be a complete loss. Some use NADA values which are sometimes 1/3 of market value. Ours indicated that they would locate similar units to ours that were sold or for sale and do a comp.
Would prefer to have the "agreed value", but wasn't to be.

EarStreaming · 02-15-2018, 05:03 PM

A bit late to the party as we just got back from our Disneyland trip and catching up on my reading. Congrats on your purchase! A new chapter full of adventures. We're a family of four and feel the 23 is perfect for us. As mentioned previously, do visit us 23'ers in the provided link thread as there are loads of awesome mods and ideas 😁

switz · 02-16-2018, 12:33 AM

Since Winegard made the crank-up and the Rayzar, the Rayzar comes with two round plastic cover plates for the hole in the ceiling (comes with white (for the Classic) and grey (for the 23D) as it worked out). The wiring was compatible as well. The reception ability is less than the crank-up, but we hardly watch television broadcasts anymore, but movies instead and if possible stream the video from the internet. We canceled Dish and cable TV service and just stream at home. We were paying $$$$ for one station and the rest were useless to us. Really got tired of all the Big Pharma ads with auctioneer speech speed disclaimers.

My wife loves the "series" stories on DVD where there can 10 to 20 hours of story and that fills many evenings. Also, in the 23D we can unlatch the television and rotation it around so we can watch from the bed (stock wall mount).