Help with buying used International 23D

[fishbisquit]

Hello!
My wife and i are going to be looking at a used 2016 International Serenty 23D soon. Wondering what we should be on the look out for? From the photos it looks to be in great shape. Just wondering if this model has any quirks or things we should check on when inspecting it?

We are coming from a 2018 Bambi 16 Sport that we bought new. So we have experience with an AS but no experience buying used.

Thanks!

[uraljohn]

We looked for 2 years before we purchased a new 2017 Int. Serenity 23D in May of 2017. At first we were looking at used 2012/2016 23D's. So along came the 2017 models with some substantial improvements. !5" wheels/tires that were Goodyear Endurance tires instead of the 14" wheels/tires with Goodyear Marathon tires (bad reputation for blowouts), 12" drum brakes instead of 10" drum brakes, way better/firmer cushions, black out curtains, ducted A/C (not sure 2017 was first year for ducted air on 23' Airstreams, but it sure is nice). You get the picture. After shopping and pricing New vs Used, we bought new. 2 year warranty exactly the interior color we wanted, etc. We paid about $5k more for new over a used trailer.

Fast forward 2 years. We sold our 23D (loved it, 17K miles of smiles) for just $3k less than we paid for it. We replaced it with a new 2019 FC 25 RBT.

Nothing wrong with a 2016 23D, but if you go up just one model year you get some really important upgrades. The larger wheel/tire combo and larger brakes were enough to convince me. The other upgrades were icing on the cake. Just some food for thought. Good luck with your shopping and Happy travels.

[uraljohn]

Make sure you read the entire thread devoted strictly to the 23D models on this forum. Some very talented folks that have solved some minor problems associated with the 23D models. It may take you a couple of hours to go through it but worth it for the great info.

[fishbisquit]

Thanks!
I've been looking for differences in the 2016 to 2017-2020s. The tire size does sound like a big upgrade. I know this 2016 does have the ducted AC. That was one of the only things I did not like about our 16' Bambi. The AC was really really loud in our Bambi.

This one seems priced pretty competitively and I think there may be some wiggle room to come down more. So I'm guessing I'll have to price out the upgrades in the 2017 and see if I feel the 2016 is at enough of a discount.

[fishbisquit]

Other than the move to 15" tires, are there any other significant changes between the 2016 and current models?

Is there a resource that lists model year changes?

Sounds like it's possible to upgrade the stock 14" wheels and tires to 15" myself, later. Is this correct?

Thanks,

[GMFL]

Call me if I can help. 334-332-0003

[FloydCoVa]

Hello fish, we went through the same thing early 2018. We have had no serious problems with our 2015 23d. We popped one rivet and had one screw come loose. We have been out five times this year with one extended trip to northern Mich. Everything works and works good! Yes I have made many up grades all of which came from the 23d thread, that support system is priceless! You will have maintance to perform, for instance I had to reseal the vents, antenna on roof. The first up grade was new 15in tires and rims and a battery cut off switch. You might find this thread interesting. Have fun, Scott

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...-177626-2.html

[dbdreams]

I looked for a used 23D for 6 months, ended up buying a new 2017 for only a couple thousand more than a good used one. The main draw to the 2017 and later years for me was the wheels, tires and bigger brakes as I do tow in the mountains. From 2017 on the 23s have the same wheel, tire and brakes as a 30! Should be overkill !
On a 23 D (or CB) the awning package should be considered a must. We love ours, in fact when it was totaled last year we looked at a 28 for a while
but bought another 23CB, for us it is almost perfect.

Happy hunting!

[uraljohn]

GMFL is exactly the person to talk to about the 23' Airstreams. Very talented and has huge experience with them Call him!

[PatLee]

Adding to uraljohn's good points: You'll also get a THREE year warranty versus two.

[fishbisquit]

Hey Everyone!
Thanks for all the responses so far. Update.
So we made an offer and owners accepted! Either tomorrow or Tuesday I will be going over the unit a little more closely with the sellers to make sure everything is working. I'm planning on checking all appliance and checking plumbing as much as I can. I really trust the owners. They seem just as OCD about upkeep as myself. The owner told me that he keeps the AC on in the Summer when it's parked at their house to avoid any moisture. They bought the AS new from the same sales person we bought our 16 bambi from and we talked with him and he said they are good AS owners. Anything specifically I should look for that maybe I haven't thought of? Also the owner is going to include either a blue ox or equalizer WD hitch. I am planing on going with he blue ox.