2021 Classic quick questions

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Chas & Cindy, congratulations on your new Classic! You definitely bought your 2nd Airstream first; advice often found on the forums.

Your Classic will come with a very heavy 50A cord with a straight plug. I picked up a Valterra Mighty Cord with a right angle plug. It’s more flexible, lighter and the 90 degree plug does put less stress on the trailer’s connector. Airstream provides a 50A to 30A dog bone. I’d wait to see what comes with your trailer before you over-buy some of this stuff.

We use the popular Camco blue filter right at the hose bib without a pressure regulator. Never had a problem without a 2nd regulator. I’d also get the Zero G drinking water hose. It’s so much easier to carry and takes up less storage space. By the way, it’s burst tested to 600 PSI.

Inside the trailer we bring our Big Berkey water purifier and leave it on the counter. We use that water for all cooking and drinking. We store it in the shower when traveling. Also, we found collapsible bags for transporting purified water that’s left in the Berkey for on the road.

Good advice from TimT about an EMS. We have a Progressive Industries EMS-50PTX external unit but you could also get the hardwired version and permanently install it. Each has their one benefits but both do the same job. Ours saved us from an under-voltage situation that likely would have damaged our AC.

Later once you’ve done a few trips look at the Anderson Leveler blocks and LevelMate Pro Bluetooth leveler system. Both have made the arrival setup easier.

Good luck and enjoy your new Airstream!
-Jeff

Jeff - thank you! Long time 5th wheel owner but first time AS purchase. Appreciate the info and pics. I have already purchased the Anderson LBs and LevelMate Pro - great advice!

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by Gigler

We have a 2020 33 Classic FB and have been living full time in it for the past 6 months. I recommend a water softener, water filter, surge protector, a hard plastic sewer hose with two 20’ lengths that attach, wheel chocks, leveling blocks, a 2” mattress topper, wash mitts, Walbernize, screen for drains, make sure your satellite tv cable is exposed and not behind a wall in the rig.

Thanks! My wife said great idea on the mattress topper. What do you mean "make sure your sat tv cable is exposed"?

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by superChop

Welcome to the AS family! You are receiving excellent advice! We own a couple of vintage AS’s and would add a little advice that applies to inspecting and preparing all new trailers:
1. External surge protectors have been the most discussed item for theft potential in our three years of traveling. Our decision was to have the surge protector installed internally.
2. Batteries - have lithium batteries installed.
3. Delivery - Stay at the dealers over night and check every system to ensure they work, every light/switch 110V outlet, every USB, pumps water, water heater, dump valves, stove/convection oven/oven, refrigerator, AC, fans, TV’s, electric screen (12V and/or 110V) towel heater in bathroom, or any other electric or electronic system. Tongue jack, run it up and down several times. We have a camper at Top of Georgia AS Park, that had his new Classic spit ball bearings on first use, electric awning, jacks, etc.
4. Lift kit was offered as a suggestion. This will provide you the opportunity to install larger wheels and purchase Michelin tires, and replace the std Good Years and improve clearance.
5. Your WD/Anti-sway hitch is important to your towing comfort. Top of the line trailer (Classic) should justify top of the line hitch, which has been discussed at length on these forums, but Pro-Pride and Hensley are the most expensive, heaviest and apparently the most efficient at keeping your trailer under control.
Finally - Hope you are not planning on towing this beauty with a 1/2 ton TV? Join WBCCI, obtain a membership number, place it on your trailer, join a local club, attend rallies and caravans and enjoy being embraced by your kindred travelers!

Thank you! I have a RAM 2500 Limited with the Cummins and an Equial-I-zer #1400 hitch.

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by BryonJ

ACTUAL TONGUE WEIGHT: be sure to not trust the dealer or the specifications. The 33' Classic is heavy on the tongue. With minimal stuff, ours comes in at 1,300 lbs. With a tank of fresh water, we're up to 1,640 lbs! According to Airstream, this is normal and the trailer can handle it. We ended up buying a Blue Ox Sway-Pro Weight Distribution Hitch rated from 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. on the tongue Of course, this was after the dealer sold us an Equalizer rated at 1,400 lbs on the tongue.

WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR: always a good to idea to regulate it at the source. That said, I've never had too much pressure - always too little.

WATER FILTER: Definitely a plus. We use a high quality in-line one.

OTHER ELECTRICAL THINGS TO CONSIDER: I have come to not like the stock Airstream power cable as it gets too stiff in cold temps. Have yet to replace it, but will do so before too long. As for the connection to the trailer, the straight in connection works just fine. We do use a portable power management device and this sometimes is a pain at the electrical box in the campground.

MAINTENANCE: It's not a bad idea to put together an Airstream specific kit. Rivet kit and sealants are critical.

GLYCOL: be sure to get an extra quart of the new glycol. We found that ours was on the low end from the factory and before winter was out we were adding fluid.

A 90 degree fitting at the fresh water inlet has been nice addition.

WINTERIZING: Check your manual, ours (2019) had the procedures for the 30' Classic. The 33' Classic is entirely different. Airstream did finally send us the correct ones.

Check the thermostats individually - ours were wired backwards. You should have 4 (four) even though you will see only 2 (two) covers. Each has 2 wires, one for the Alde and one for the air conditioners.

Most of all - enjoy this beautiful travel trailer. Happy travels.

Thank you!! AS of Tampa said I was fine with #1200 and I asked for #1400 - I was told that would be fine but looking at your weights, looks like I need to upgrade that again. I think their largest is #1600. I had an earlier post that said anything over #1400 would be to stiff and cause issues with the AS.

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by gator.bigfoot

If you're going to get a torque wrench, then learn to use it correctly. But more importantly is a breaker bar. You'd be amazed at how tight those lugs can be. And you need to get them off and you shouldn't be using the torque wrench for that job.

Thanks. I need to add that to my list. I've never used one before - I'll have to watch some YT vids.

[zapper]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

Morning - I am picking up my 2021 Classic FB in a month. I’m in the process of purchasing all the gear and have a couple of quick questions.

Would it be better to get the straight connection for the 50 amp connection or get the 90 degree on the side of the rig? I know you screw on the ring and it probably doesn’t matter but since I’m buying new, thought I’d ask.

I read on the features list there is a water regulator built in. Should I still buy one for outside at the water source to protect my filter? I saw a video where someone said the new Classics have a built in water filter - can anyone confirm? I don’t see that anywhere on the model sticker.

Also:
Is there something you got that you’re damn glad you did?

And:
Is there something that you didn’t buy that you damn wish you had?

Thanks everyone - have a great day!!

Yep bought a surge protector that analyses the polarity of the plug. Didn't have one on my 25' burned out the wiring faulty wiring at pedestal. After my purchase I found several parks not up to code. Asked to be moved to another space. Saved me big bucks and frustration.

[rbs]

tire pressure monitor, saved us twice

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by rbs

tire pressure monitor, saved us twice

I was going to purchase the TST TPMS - the standard one, not the Flow Thru. Not sure if I’ll have rubber or metal stems. I’m driving home 600 miles after pick up and can’t get them changed.

[jan55255]

I spoke to the dealer and they do install the 3” lift kits, she said they usually install 2-3 a year.

The 2021 comes with a TPMS standard. As for a torque wrench, I use one to change my vehicle oil, I’m good. I would recommend a 4 ton bottle jack, Amazon has a few in a case. If you have lugs nuts that are too tight, you can use a 24” breaker bar with a socket and bottle jack to get them off.

Any recommendations on the internal surge protector? We have a 30 amp one the hangs from the power receptacle and never used it because it hits the ground. It’s not ideal if it rains. We’d like an internal one.

Also, thanks for adding the pop rivet gun. Added that to my Amazon cart. What size are AS rivets, 1/8”?

[superChop]

Interesting - I was checking Apple Maps to see how far you live from us in middle Georgia. Apple Maps did not find a Vickery, GA? Perhaps you are like Robert Cross and live in outer space (joke)?

[Gigler]

Originally Posted by jan55255

Thanks Gigler for the list. We have most of those items; I added the Walbernize products to our list. I'm not sure what you mean by the satellite cable being exposed. Also what kind of water softener? I've seen people at seasonal parks with home water softeners, I didn't think there were compact RV models.

On The Go OTG3NTP1DS Double STD Water Softener https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SQFXLNE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_1ZQEFb51R2F3V

If you intend on using a satellite tv system such as Dish or Directv make sure the cable you need to connect to the external dish is VISIBLE inside your cabinet next to the stereo. Airstream has not been running the cables into the cabinet and leave them behind the cabinet in the wall. Above is a link for the portable water softener. I use it if when I test the water for hardness and the test indicates hard water. Using one will prevent lime scale and sediment from accumulating in your plumbing system that over time will diminish your water pressure through faucets.

[Gigler]

Originally Posted by AnnaBelle33

I was going to purchase the TST TPMS - the standard one, not the Flow Thru. Not sure if I’ll have rubber or metal stems. I’m driving home 600 miles after pick up and can’t get them changed.

TPMS comes standard on a Classic so you won’t need to buy another. The tpms system works great!

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by superChop

Interesting - I was checking Apple Maps to see how far you live from us in middle Georgia. Apple Maps did not find a Vickery, GA? Perhaps you are like Robert Cross and live in outer space (joke)?

Lmao. I live in Vickery Village - we are in Forsyth Co. Martians call it Cumming, GA. Where are you guys?

[AnnaBelle33]

Originally Posted by Gigler

TPMS comes standard on a Classic so you won’t need to buy another. The tpms system works great!

Standard? How do I get the readings?

[Wazbro]

I believe most pop rivets are 1/8". Good idea to also carry some 3/16", sometimes they pull out and need larger replacements.
A digital torque adapter and breaker bar can save space in a trailer, instead of torque wrench and breaker bar.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1