Our new 2023 International 25 FBT w/recliners

[Kimbrey]

Here’s our new 2023 International 25 FBT that that we’ll pick up tomorrow. We purchased the unit in July but elected to leave the unit there until Ultimate Airstream could work it into their schedule to do some modifications. Ultimate is in the same facility…Portland. Finished!!!

We had a SOB unit that was very nice but just couldn’t get comfortable with the bench seating which was similar to the Airstream units. We wanted recliners, ultimate said very doable. The SOB dealer felt it wasn’t possible to modify. We sold the SOB and purchased the International.

Soooo…Ultimate removed the bench seating, installed a small cabinet along the wall as you enter the door, installed the recliners with a flip up table between, installed a small bench seat over the furnace, built the gourmet cabinet which I’m sure we’ll like the storage space, built drawers to replace the doors/plastic bins under the bunks and, and, and replaced the toilet seat with a soft close one.

[G8trwood]

Very nice!

[Genebuilder]

Nice redo. Curious tho. Did the rework change weight and balance of the trailer? Did you weigh tongue and side to side to see how the redo affected trailer weight distribution? Especially after packing one side wall cabinet full of goods?
May not be a worry. As a pilot, I always think about weight and balance of moving objects, particularly at speed and violent maneuver.

[Kimbrey]

Originally Posted by Genebuilder

Nice redo. Curious tho. Did the rework change weight and balance of the trailer? Did you weigh tongue and side to side to see how the redo affected trailer weight distribution? Especially after packing one side wall cabinet full of goods?
May not be a worry. As a pilot, I always think about weight and balance of moving objects, particularly at speed and violent maneuver.

We didn't use or take the trailer home after purchase. Just left it at the dealer since Ultimate Airstream is there also so no experience with weights, towing before the remodel.

Today leaving the dealer was the first time towing. My truck is a 2022 F350 diesel that was purchased mainly to tow my boat. It hardly knew the trailer was behind us. Some stiff winds were experience which I could hardly feel. A bit over 15 mpg for the 3 hour drive home which was a lot of interstate.

Ultimate Airstream weighed the trailer before and after. This is the result. I'll definitely keep close tabs on the weights. I'm sure we won't be loading heavy as there is zero plans for long trips, full timing et cetera. We're locked into a 28 day schedule for my wife's cancer treatment so basically a 2 week trip would be about the max.

[Genebuilder]

Best wishes for your wife. Thanks for the weight info.

[Hittenstiehl]

That looks fantastic.

Really like when owners take the time and money, to personalize their trailers to their own use. It's a delicate balance to find good seating that meets the goal of comfortable lounging and dinner in the same spot.

Nice pictures also. I called them years ago to see if they work on vintage trailers, but they don't.

We are also having a discussion of couch, recliners or bench seating.

[JeffKim]

Looks great! I hope it's not inappropriate to ask, but curious what something like this costs (ballpark)?

And yes, best wishes. Hopefully you can leave that behind you soon and use it the way you intended.

[Hans627]

Hello. Very well done and much more livable for two people (I'm making an assumption that it is two people).

If I was closer to Portland I might consider having similar mods done to our AS.

May I ask where the furnace was relocated?

[GOUSC]

Outstanding results for your project. I really like the look and functionality. You will surely enjoy it.

Also, I wish your wife well with her cancer treatments. Take care of yourself as being the caregiver can take its toll as well.

[Kimbrey]

Originally Posted by Hans627

Hello. Very well done and much more livable for two people (I'm making an assumption that it is two people).

If I was closer to Portland I might consider having similar mods done to our AS.

May I ask where the furnace was relocated?

Furnace wasn't relocated. It's under the small bench seat aft of the gourmet cabinet.

And yes two people.

[Lara Me]

Ultimate did two projects- a grand lounge and drawer install, and isotherm fridge install. Excellent work. The prices are a bit steep but no complaints on the work or follow up.