Classic 30' or 33"-Which is better?

[Huck 559]

We have a 2021 25FB Flying Cloud that we are either selling or trading for either a Classic 30' or 33'.
Do ya'll have an opinion on the 30' vs the 33'?
Any guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you

[CBWELL]

Both have quite different floor plans. What works for some doesn't work for others. Some people like queen beds, some like twins. The most important thing is "what works best for you". Spend time in both before buying, note what you like about each , and what you don't like. Then make a decision.

[jeffb831]

The bathroom in the 33 is a major upgrade, especially if living in the trailer for extended stays.

[BGClassic]

It's all about the floorplans and what suits your needs. We love our 33, especially the shower and bathroom. We looked at Flying Clouds and Classic 30s, never liked the airplane-style separate shower/toilet.

There's not much difference between the 30 and the 33, not even three feet. We took ours to Alaska and back, for a four month trip. The 33 is a couple's trailer. It's just the two of us and our dog.

Good luck!

[kb0zke]

I wanted a Classic, but as I researched, I discovered that they had things that I didn't want. One day I forgot to put in the upper age limit on rvtrader, and our 2021 Flying Cloud popped up. Couldn't be happier.


As was mentioned, the two trailers have very different floor plans. We didn't care for having the bedroom at one end and the bathroom at the other, so that eliminated the 33' models.


Pay attention to what you want and need, and buy accordingly. Don't worry about the length or trim.

[Sparr]

We’ve had both first a 2017 Classic 30 and now a 2023 Classic 33 which for us was a game changer. The floor plan gives us more space and the shower ton’s of space more than a class A.

[rbs]

we like the bathroom on the 33, but the rest, not so much

[BGClassic]

We like everything about our Classic 33, except maybe the wardrobe doors. We have been back to JC for two warranty repair visits, and they can't get the doors right. They will not stay in the tracks. We just took them out, and keep them at home.

I also just saw (on Reddit) there is a recall for the couch foot rest motors or switch. JC will send letters in May. I have one that has been an ongoing issue.

[jeffb831]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

We didn't care for having the bedroom at one end and the bathroom at the other, so that eliminated the 33' models.

Good point, especially if you will have others sleeping in the trailer. The mid-bath layouts don't force you to pass through other people sleeping to use the bathroom.

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by Huck 559

We have a 2021 25FB Flying Cloud that we are either selling or trading for either a Classic 30' or 33'.
Do ya'll have an opinion on the 30' vs the 33'?
Any guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you

To be honest, between a 30' or a 33' or a 25', I'd pick the 25'.

But, it all depends on how you use it, where yo go, etc.; we're actually in a place where our 20' serves our needs best. But we're not full-timers, we like the national parks (and they have smaller sites in many cases).

What are you wanting to be different? What's your usual style of camping?

Between the 30' and the 33', it's revolving around the bathroom, what do you prefer?

[SC RVer]

Before you make a decision on the current Classics (2017 and beyond) you may want to research the issues with the Alde heating system. You will most definitely want to have a competent service near by as you may very well see your Classic spending more time there rather than traveling or stored. Good luck.

[SallyForth]

If you demand a luxurious bathroom, the Classic 33FB is the way to go. This Classic 33FB bathroom requires / uses a macerator toilet, which the Classic 30 RB does not.

If you answered yes to the above, you can stop here.

If you get up in middle of the night to go the toilet, the Classic 33FB is less conventient that the Classic 30RB. And, if you opt for the Queen Bed in the Classic 33FB, getting in and out of bed can be an issue.

If you want a home theater in your trailer, the Classic 33FB is the way to go.

If you prefer an open, airy interior, many prefer the Classic 30RB.

If want more windows looking out over your campsite, the Classic 33FB is the way to go.

If you want more cargo carrying capacity, the Classic 30RB is the way to go.

If you are concerned with trailer tongue / hitch weight, the Classic 30RB is the way to go.

The current Classic 30RB is actually 31' 5".

The current Classic 33FB is actually 33' 3".

Both the Classic 30RB and 33FB have the same 10,000 GVWR.

If interior storage is important, you might prefer the Classic 30RB. With the twin bed layout in the 30 RB you get two additional overhead lockers -- one over each bed.

The unobstructed external storage of 30RB, being in the rear, is easier to access than the front locker of the 33FB which is behind the propane locker.

On a personal note, I prefer twin beds, and I prefer not to worry about front end separation issues. (Is there such a thing as rear end separation? Stay tuned, I'll let you know.)

[BGClassic]

Excellent points, SallyForth.

I actually prefer the macerator, even though more care is needed; it needs soap added occasionally, and must be winterized with RV antifreeze. On the plus side, the black tank is easier to keep clean. We have clogged it, but a plunger works, just like at home.

We both get up in the middle of the night at times, and I think you get used out it. We also share that queen bed with a Golden Retriever.

Love the projector TV. Over the air TV stations, and add an Apple TV for streaming. Pepwave (Airstream Connect) router is not the best, but it works. decent wifi enabled AM/FM radio with bluetooth and USB capability. DVD player comes in handy when off the grid.

The front storage locker can be hard to access, but I got in there and re-mounted and wired the 12VDC box, and added a solar breaker. I don't need to store much in there, I have a F350 with a long bed. Don't worry about tongue weight, either. So far so good on FES, I run very little WD on the Propride hitch.

We also like the Alde for heat and hot water. Silent heat, and 2Ah draw for off the grid.

[Huck 559]

Thank you all for your thoughts. The feedback is very helpful and given us a lot to think about. We live in Florida and Montana so we primarily use our Flying Cloud to stay in as we drive cross country two times per year. We do take a few weekend trips.Have a great day everyone.

[rheston1947]

It's true, you should spend time inside both the 30 and 33' Classics to see what strikes your living/travel style.

We have the 2019 33' Classic with the twin bed set up. As a retired couple this is the perfect for us and there's still space to share with two of our grandkids when they don't want to stay in their parent's trailer. The bath in the 33' is a nice spacious, upgrade compared to other layouts. The separation of the bath from the bedroom keeps the noise down when used at night.

The twin bed setup allows more maneuver space with two large drawers for under bed storage.

Since we never use the TV mounted on the wall in the bedroom we are only just now looking at removing it and using that wall space for something else.

[Rosey Jet]

The 33’ wastes some of the best views possible, especially when backed into panoramic spaces. Why waste the grand windows to the bathroom, unless spend a lot of time on the head.

[Saullman]

We purchased a classic 33 FB in 2023. We really like the Fukll Bathroom in the rear with the full size shower and all the amenities. The new 2025 classic 33's have even more amenities, but again you need to find as dealer that is well versed in making the necessary repairs when things break fall apart during the warranty period. I would highly suggest that you purchase the extended warranty as well.

[jstanford]

It all depends on what you're looking for and what layout you prefer. 30 vs 33ft is less relevant if you ask me. Classic is definitely a better designed product. It's higher quality (we rented many Airstreams) and bought Classic. We have 30 ft 2018 Queen bed (back) style and love it. 33ft's bathroom is great but it didn't make sense to us. We can't sit in the bathroom to enjoy the natural beauty. Bathroom's purpose is a quick clean up/rinse up and it doesn't need a window. We enjoy the view back and front as well as side of dining room with our layout. Twin could be a bit better perhaps for two reasons - it gives the perception that the vehicle is longer (bc of the pathway) and less motion impact on your partner if you toss and turn a lot. Otherwise, it's ideal for us.

[Knotflying]

Originally Posted by SallyForth

If you demand a luxurious bathroom, the Classic 33FB is the way to go. This Classic 33FB bathroom requires / uses a macerator toilet, which the Classic 30 RB does not.

If you answered yes to the above, you can stop here.

If you get up in middle of the night to go the toilet, the Classic 33FB is less conventient that the Classic 30RB. And, if you opt for the Queen Bed in the Classic 33FB, getting in and out of bed can be an issue.

If you want a home theater in your trailer, the Classic 33FB is the way to go.

If you prefer an open, airy interior, many prefer the Classic 30RB.

If want more windows looking out over your campsite, the Classic 33FB is the way to go.

If you want more cargo carrying capacity, the Classic 30RB is the way to go.

If you are concerned with trailer tongue / hitch weight, the Classic 30RB is the way to go.

The current Classic 30RB is actually 31' 5".

The current Classic 33FB is actually 33' 3".

Both the Classic 30RB and 33FB have the same 10,000 GVWR.

If interior storage is important, you might prefer the Classic 30RB. With the twin bed layout in the 30 RB you get two additional overhead lockers -- one over each bed.

The unobstructed external storage of 30RB, being in the rear, is easier to access than the front locker of the 33FB which is behind the propane locker.

On a personal note, I prefer twin beds, and I prefer not to worry about front end separation issues. (Is there such a thing as rear end separation? Stay tuned, I'll let you know.)

SallyForth says it best.

Another thought is to buy a lower trim and send it in for customization and set it up your way with the $$ that would have gone to a Classic.

We are doing this now with our 24 30' International.

[ROGUERN]

Originally Posted by Huck 559

We have a 2021 25FB Flying Cloud that we are either selling or trading for either a Classic 30' or 33'.
Do ya'll have an opinion on the 30' vs the 33'?
Any guidance is much appreciated.

Thank you

My wife and I have a 33 Classic FB since December and have stayed in it for at least 60 of those days. ( mostly evenings). The bathroom is the selling point. Having never experienced any other Airstream, I’m assuming that all of them are as whisper quiet on the inside as ours, great heating with the Alde system, and a build quality fit and finish that is like a custom home. I think if you’ve never know the layout with the bathroom and are used to its location else where you would not miss it in a 30.