New International 27-Happy

[Renagade69]

I picked up the International 27 FB Twin beds, hatchback, solar, and dual air a few weeks back. I waited a few weeks before posting to look it over. The dealer North Trail RV in Fort Myers was impressive. They gave me the best pricing by far and were the closest dealer to me. I waited exactly one year because hatchbacks take longer to build as there is only one assembly line that does them. So far I am impressed with it. There are a few items I am fixing as I do not want to drive to the dealer. The air filter screws are stripped.
The dealer never once asked for another dollar at closing. They gave me the AGM batteries promised also. I know Airstream threw in another panel and deleted the battery. We bought it for 119k plus tax and retail now is 145k plus tax. I can't say enough. They gave me the employee price. It was a 2 unit deal. My friend bought the same one on the same day. His comes in soon.
We booked our first trip for right after Christmas for a week. Going to be interesting as I never owned an RV before.

[pjshier]

We like our International 27 FBT. After fixating on a 26U, a trip to a couple of dealers - one in Las Vegas and one in Oregon - over a year's time put us onto the 27 FBT. Fortunate to find a six month used one in Oregon.

Wish we had the hatch back, though! Enjoy!

[Bearstream01]

Hi Renagade
Congrats! Im new too! When you said your air filter screws were stripped.... I was just watching this video and at 14:20 they start talking about filters and how the screws strip. I currently have an email out to Phil for the vent kit. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOtyK1X_HM

[Hans627]

Congrats on getting your new AS. It sounds as though North Trail RV treated you well. It is good to know about pleasant experiences as we often hear about the negative ones.

I also made the modification to the air filter screws as shown in the video. Much better.

And I'm glad to see you have your first trip planned. I would suggest jointing the Airstream Club (airstreamclub.org) as there are a lot of great local units in FL.

Enjoy your upcoming adventures!

[Saluda372]

Congrats and enjoy.

[barnhawk]

Congratulations! I still have about another month and a half before I pick my my new International 25 FBT (no hatch for me). I have only been waiting since July but it sounds like you got the better deal on the pricing. Please post some pics when you get a chance.

[Renagade69]

I have another way to fix the air filter screw holes. I ordered some 6-32 rivnuts in aluminum instead of the jack nuts. The drill hole size is #12. Just a little bit larger than the stock screw and has plenty of room everywhere to do without blowing out a side.
I will post pictures after it's done. You can install thumb screws or Phillips's head. The video did give me a great idea about the bowel on the drill.

[Gibson3798]

Would someone please post a link to that vent kit? Thanks!

[Bearstream01]

Hi Gibson
There is no link. You have to email Phil at noloxsolution@gmail.com

[Renagade69]

I installed the Nuts today and SS 6-32 screws. Looks like a factory screw size with the proper thread thickness.

[KRL]

Originally Posted by Renagade69

I picked up the International 27 FB Twin beds, hatchback, solar, and dual air a few weeks back. I waited a few weeks before posting to look it over. The dealer North Trail RV in Fort Myers was impressive. They gave me the best pricing by far and were the closest dealer to me. I waited exactly one year because hatchbacks take longer to build as there is only one assembly line that does them. So far I am impressed with it. There are a few items I am fixing as I do not want to drive to the dealer. The air filter screws are stripped.
The dealer never once asked for another dollar at closing. They gave me the AGM batteries promised also. I know Airstream threw in another panel and deleted the battery. We bought it for 119k plus tax and retail now is 145k plus tax. I can't say enough. They gave me the employee price. It was a 2 unit deal. My friend bought the same one on the same day. His comes in soon.
We booked our first trip for right after Christmas for a week. Going to be interesting as I never owned an RV before.

Sounds like a sweet trailer - it is very similar to the model we are considering. I like the hatch back also, but I worry that it is another place where the enemy - rain water - can get in. What are you thoughts about lithium batteries? KRL

[Renagade69]

I love Lithium. I have Battleborn in my Skiff and plan on getting them. I will be going to the Miami Boat show to the Battleborn booth for the show special for my Airstream as I have bought them there for two other applications before. They give the best price there. I will also be at the Tampa show this weekend. If there at that show I may be able to get the Miami price.

[Renagade69]

I had the hot water heater replaced with an upgraded Truma Aqua Go. The maiden trip showers were good until you try and conserve water. You will get a blast of cold water waiting for the Girrard to fire back up. Had it done at the Truma Factory Lakeland center. I had them leave the door un-caulked so I could paint it. The photo below is painted. It took two cans of Tamiya Polycarbonate PS-12 Silver Spray Paint. You can only paint the white cover. Black is non-paintable.
They had to raise the regulator pressure because the Truma has more BTU's. I was surprised they didn't cut the pex and reconfigure. They just used stainless braided hoses. It required the rear gas kit. For anyone that decides to tackle it themselves.
I saw the display with a clear 1-liter bottle at the Tampa RV show. You can see how they work. They have a recirculation pump, temp, and flow sensors in line. In eco mode, it will recirculate the bottle to 40 degrees and in comfort mode, it will keep the bottle at 120 degrees.