Need some advice - moving up to 30' ?

[Renascence]

My wife and I have been looking for a long time at 27' Cloud and Globetrotter models and have occasionally 'looked in the door' of a 30' Classic. Big mistake looking in the Classic - we now are thinking somewhat about the Classic 30' as our upgrade and we haven't bought our first AS yet.


Our questions are, if you wouldn't mind sharing;
How many current Classic 30' owners moved up from something shorter than 30' and what was the previous model and length?
How long did you wait to move to 30' or did you start at that length?
Why did you to move up to 30'?
Do you regret the move and if so why?
Do you wish you would have moved up sooner than you did?
Did you modify the stock 30' and if so how and why?
Any other advice or warnings would be appreciated.
We really like the Classics and the 30' especially as compared to the other AS models we were considering.


Thank you, Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[billrector]

Originally Posted by Renascence

My wife and I have been looking for a long time at 27' Cloud and Globetrotter models and have occasionally 'looked in the door' of a 30' Classic. Big mistake looking in the Classic - we now are thinking somewhat about the Classic 30' as our upgrade and we haven't bought our first AS yet.


Our questions are;
How many current Classic 30' owners moved up from something shorter than 30' and what was the previous model and length?
How long did you wait to move to 30'?
Why did you to move up to 30'?
Do you regret the move and if so why?
Do you wish you would have moved up sooner than you did?
Any other advice or warnings would be appreciated.
We really like the Classics and the 30' especially as compared to the other AS models we were considering.
Thank you, Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

You really need to decide how you want to use your Airstream before you decide which Airstream. The Classic is absolutely beautiful and luxurious, but it may not be the best choice if you want to camp at state and national parks. Many of those parks cannot handle a 30’ trailer. The Classic may also not be appropriate if your intention is to boondock for similar reasons. On the other hand, if you plan to stay primarily at RV parks, the Classic is a wonderful option.

Just one opinion!

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by billrector

You really need to decide how you want to use your Airstream before you decide which Airstream. The Classic is absolutely beautiful and luxurious, but it may not be the best choice if you want to camp at state and national parks. Many of those parks cannot handle a 30’ trailer. The Classic may also not be appropriate if your intention is to boondock for similar reasons. On the other hand, if you plan to stay primarily at RV parks, the Classic is a wonderful option.

Just one opinion!

Thank you. We are considering those factors as well along with so many others that it becomes a daunting task at times, but, one that is enjoyable and promises to be an adventure.

Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[moonriver]

We recently purchased a 2020 Classic 30 RBT and are very happy with it. This is our first travel trailer after having four motorhomes over the years. Our last motorhome was a 39 foot 2018 Tiffin Allegro Bus and we pulled a Honda CRV so we were already used to a larger size. We mostly stay in campgrounds where we can get full hookups. We really like all the windows in our Airstream as compared to the Tiffin Allegro Bus. We travel with a cat and since Airstreams do not have a generator for backup in case of campground power failure, the Classic has a system which gives us piece of mind when away. We can tell the temperature and most Airstream functions/levels at all times on our cell phones. We can also adjust most functions in and outside the Airstream from our cell phones. The Alde System with its hydronic heating is excellent and very quiet and supplies a very good supply of hot water for showers. The furnishings inside the Classic are comparable in quality to those that were in our last motorhome. Hope this helps some.

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by moonriver

We recently purchased a 2020 Classic 30 RBT and are very happy with it. This is our first travel trailer after having four motorhomes over the years. Our last motorhome was a 39 foot 2018 Tiffin Allegro Bus and we pulled a Honda CRV so we were already used to a larger size. We mostly stay in campgrounds where we can get full hookups. We really like all the windows in our Airstream as compared to the Tiffin Allegro Bus. We travel with a cat and since Airstreams do not have a generator for backup in case of campground power failure, the Classic has a system which gives us piece of mind when away. We can tell the temperature and most Airstream functions/levels at all times on our cell phones. We can also adjust most functions in and outside the Airstream from our cell phones. The Alde System with its hydronic heating is excellent and very quiet and supplies a very good supply of hot water for showers. The furnishings inside the Classic are comparable in quality to those that were in our last motorhome. Hope this helps some.

Your insight and observations are appreciated. Some of those remote features you mention are very interesting and would be of use to us. We once considered class A diesel pusher motohomes but decided against them as too limiting in many ways. The AS is much more versatile in our opinion. Thank you.


Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

We spent 40 years looking at this and looking at that. Each time we went back to camping in tents. With a variety of tents we had camped all over the US and a bit of western Canada.

When we retired, we finally got to the point that the tents really were not going to be ideal for the future . After a bit of talking (we have a neighbor with an AS) and internet research the focus narrowed to some version of an Airstream. Our best guess was that a 23 - 25' FC was what we were after.

We headed over and spent the day sitting in this and sitting in that. Trying to use the seating in this or that model quickly moved us up a bit into the 26/27 range. Ultimately we made the mistake of looking at a 30' Classic. Indeed it answered a lot of questions about "where do the three 125 pound dogs go?" and all the rest.

Three seasons later, absolutely no regrets about the 30' size. I have yet to find a campsite that 30' didn't work at and 27' would have been fine. We have camped inside various National Parks and state parks all over the country with no difficulties.

When we did Yellowstone at the last minute this year, we stayed outside the park. That really was not a big deal. Reserving any space inside the park would have meant doing it maybe a year in advance. We simply don't plan anything that far out. Space at the park gate (nice and close to grocery stores and the like) was available 4 weeks out.

Modification wise, we upgraded the solar setup to go from the 2 that came with the trailer to a total of 4. We also put in 400 usable amp hours of batteries (roughly 4X vs stock). Roughly half the time we are out somewhere with no power hookups (so maybe 8 months over the three seasons). Being able to run "off grid" for a week or more has worked fine for us.

In retirement, spending many months each year out and about works. Before that point, this sort of travel would have been impossible for us. In that respect, getting one earlier would not have been quite the same. Going out for a week here or a long weekend there is not really the same thing.

Key "cool points" on the Classic (to us):

1) The recliner / sofa / chairs. It will rain, you will spend a day indoors. For us, this seating makes that doable.

2) The Alde heating. It uses way less battery power than the furnace approach. It is silent in operation so there is no noise to wake you up at night.

3) More storage (we have a twin bed version) in the outside bins on the trailer. It's amazing how much "stuff" you haul along with you.

4) Power this and power that. Our guess is that not having to crank this or that will extend the useful life of the trailer. It certainly speeds up setup / teardown.

5) Big tanks (vs some of the smaller units). We can get 10+ days out away from "civilization" on a load of water.

So yes, happy with the 30'

Bob

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

We spent 40 years looking at this and looking at that. Each time we went back to camping in tents. With a variety of tents we had camped all over the US and a bit of western Canada.

When we retired, we finally got to the point that the tents really were not going to be ideal for the future . After a bit of talking (we have a neighbor with an AS) and internet research the focus narrowed to some version of an Airstream. Our best guess was that a 23 - 25' FC was what we were after.

We headed over and spent the day sitting in this and sitting in that. Trying to use the seating in this or that model quickly moved us up a bit into the 26/27 range. Ultimately we made the mistake of looking at a 30' Classic. Indeed it answered a lot of questions about "where do the three 125 pound dogs go?" and all the rest.

Three seasons later, absolutely no regrets about the 30' size. I have yet to find a campsite that 30' didn't work at and 27' would have been fine. We have camped inside various National Parks and state parks all over the country with no difficulties.

When we did Yellowstone at the last minute this year, we stayed outside the park. That really was not a big deal. Reserving any space inside the park would have meant doing it maybe a year in advance. We simply don't plan anything that far out. Space at the park gate (nice and close to grocery stores and the like) was available 4 weeks out.

Modification wise, we upgraded the solar setup to go from the 2 that came with the trailer to a total of 4. We also put in 400 usable amp hours of batteries (roughly 4X vs stock). Roughly half the time we are out somewhere with no power hookups (so maybe 8 months over the three seasons). Being able to run "off grid" for a week or more has worked fine for us.

In retirement, spending many months each year out and about works. Before that point, this sort of travel would have been impossible for us. In that respect, getting one earlier would not have been quite the same. Going out for a week here or a long weekend there is not really the same thing.

Key "cool points" on the Classic (to us):

1) The recliner / sofa / chairs. It will rain, you will spend a day indoors. For us, this seating makes that doable.

2) The Alde heating. It uses way less battery power than the furnace approach. It is silent in operation so there is no noise to wake you up at night.

3) More storage (we have a twin bed version) in the outside bins on the trailer. It's amazing how much "stuff" you haul along with you.

4) Power this and power that. Our guess is that not having to crank this or that will extend the useful life of the trailer. It certainly speeds up setup / teardown.

5) Big tanks (vs some of the smaller units). We can get 10+ days out away from "civilization" on a load of water.

So yes, happy with the 30'

Bob

Thank you so much for all the good information and your perspective on the 30' Classic. We started looking at Flying Cloud 25' and quickly moved to 27' Then we looked at Classics - 'the siren sang her song.' Then we thought at that point maybe the middle road - Globetrotter 27' - but the Classic just seems to call us back for another look. Your points about water, heating, storage, running off grid with enhanced battery capability, etc. are all things we have also considered. We have camped for the past 15 years in an 8' fold down pickup camper, up to 4 weeks at a time off grid/boon docking, and are ready to move to something more accommodating. It will be a search that takes some time to make the best decision. Thank you.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[ShinyPete]

FWIW, I agree with poster #2 on deciding how you will use your coach first. Floorplan, length, how much you want to tow (the dreaded tow vehicle discussions), storage space; all of these play in to what coach will work best for ya'll.

We came out of a 39' diesel pusher with a huge slide, so it was a serious downsize for us when we bought our Flying Cloud Pete. We very quickly realized that we could have skipped our 1st three rigs and bought Pete years ago, as we find it to be the perfect size. Live and learn. Our 27fb twin is perfect for our style of camping, both for the two of us and when our now 9 & 6 y.o. grands come along (which is often thankfully).

We truly love the front bedroom/rear lounge setup of the fb coaches. We frequent state and county parks, and some private land. Even commercial parks often have the view out the back or you can request it. We love that rear view. Sure, Id like to have a classic someday, but not until they make it in a 27fb layout. And then I'd most likely need a 3/4 ton for the heavier coach, so there you go.

Hope this helps.

[Pete B55]

We started with a 30 Classic but went through the same questions during the buying process that you did.

Our experiences are opposite of post #2; we have taken our classic to most western US national parks, dozens of state parks in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, as well as few Canadian nation parks. All with no issues. We also use it extensively for boondocking.

I would suggest considering battery upgrades and solar ( lots of advice on the forum on these topics)

[billrector]

Originally Posted by Pete B55

We started with a 30 Classic but went through the same questions during the buying process that you did.

Our experiences are opposite of post #2; we have taken our classic to most western US national parks, dozens of state parks in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, as well as few Canadian nation parks. All with no issues. We also use it extensively for boondocking.

I would suggest considering battery upgrades and solar ( lots of advice on the forum on these topics)

I’m glad that your experience has been positive in not having any issues as State and National Parks. We have. 27’ and have had issues with our length. Many sites can not accommodate a larger trailer and for boondocking, a 30’ trailer is going to drag far more than a 25’ trailer.

As for National Parks, here is what Yosemite says:

“The maximum length in Yosemite Valley for RVs is 40 feet long. Trailers are limited to 35 feet long. Only a dozen of the Yosemite Valley sites can take the bigger campers. Most sites are limited to 35-foot RVs and 24-foot trailers.”

Here is what Yellowstone says:

“To make a Yellowstone site reservation, you need to give the combined length of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles. Know the length of your truck in addition to the length of your trailer when fully open. Sites accommodating a maximum combined length of 40 feet or more are limited.”

So, can it be done? Sure, but you are drastically limiting your options trying to get what is already high demand sites.

The fact is, the smaller the trailer you get, the more camping options you have!

[lsbrodsky]

Here in the East, there always seem to be sites that can accommodate large/larger trailers in the National/State parks, BUT those sites may not be the ideal view or location. My best example of this is Shenandoah NP. In our 25 we had a site right on the App Trail, gorgeous view out the rear. But, because of the length of the site and a concrete bumper at the back, nothing larger than a 25 would fit, well enforced by the Rangers. However, in an open field, a good hike away, there were plenty of sites for any size RV.
Larry

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by ShinyPete

FWIW, I agree with poster #2 on deciding how you will use your coach first. Floorplan, length, how much you want to tow (the dreaded tow vehicle discussions), storage space; all of these play in to what coach will work best for ya'll.

We came out of a 39' diesel pusher with a huge slide, so it was a serious downsize for us when we bought our Flying Cloud Pete. We very quickly realized that we could have skipped our 1st three rigs and bought Pete years ago, as we find it to be the perfect size. Live and learn. Our 27fb twin is perfect for our style of camping, both for the two of us and when our now 9 & 6 y.o. grands come along (which is often thankfully).

We truly love the front bedroom/rear lounge setup of the fb coaches. We frequent state and county parks, and some private land. Even commercial parks often have the view out the back or you can request it. We love that rear view. Sure, Id like to have a classic someday, but not until they make it in a 27fb layout. And then I'd most likely need a 3/4 ton for the heavier coach, so there you go.

Hope this helps.

Your thoughts do help and we appreciate them. We have had the same ideas and concerns you express along with others and feel better about the process and our thoughts about best fit based on other people's input as well. Thank you.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by Pete B55

We started with a 30 Classic but went through the same questions during the buying process that you did.

Our experiences are opposite of post #2; we have taken our classic to most western US national parks, dozens of state parks in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado, as well as few Canadian nation parks. All with no issues. We also use it extensively for boondocking.

I would suggest considering battery upgrades and solar ( lots of advice on the forum on these topics)

Thank you for your thoughts and insight. In all the years we have traveled with pickup, 2 dogs for some time, and an 8' camper we never had issues with site selection and availability and we always noted that there was lots of space for something bigger. We feel that the space issue can be easily worked around. We have stayed in national parks, forest service, BLM, state, local municipal, private, and boon dock sites in nearly all states west of the Mississippi. Battery upgrade and solar are on the list of upgrades along with some others. Thank you.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[StreamNTyme]

Bigger is not necessarily better. We are on our 4th Airstream. Had 3 Classics: a 29', 30' and a 28'. We don't have to have a huge F 250 to tow. We now have a lighter Safari (Flying Cloud), 25' FBSE. Easier for us seniors to park, get into gas stations, backing into sites, generally just easier. Our Expedition EL w the new turbo engine & Propride hitch is more than enough to do the job well.

We added 5 drawers and modified other spaces to get the best use out of the space. We have a queen bed, large fridge, micro, oven, range etc. split Ba with shower opposite the sink/toilet area makes a nice Ba suite when doors to front area are used to make the space private. There is also an accordion style door that can be used for privacy. We like the living space separate from the BR space.

We took a 2 1/2 mo. trip this summer and were very comfortable. We carry lots of DVD's for areas where TV is minimal. We took out the bumper behind the seat and modified the seating area next to the door, added a new cabinet to accommodate 2 Zip Dee chairs. Modification of the table allows for substantial extra walking room, yet table expands to accommodate 4 when needed.

You can always change rigs as so many do, as we did. We loved them all for different reasons. We will stay with the 25 and plan to take another long trip northwest next spring.

You do not need to buy new, there are many wonderful used rigs in the Airforums classified that have been through the punch list time and ready to go to a new owner.

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by billrector

I’m glad that your experience has been positive in not having any issues as State and National Parks. We have. 27’ and have had issues with our length. Many sites can not accommodate a larger trailer and for boondocking, a 30’ trailer is going to drag far more than a 25’ trailer.

As for National Parks, here is what Yosemite says:

“The maximum length in Yosemite Valley for RVs is 40 feet long. Trailers are limited to 35 feet long. Only a dozen of the Yosemite Valley sites can take the bigger campers. Most sites are limited to 35-foot RVs and 24-foot trailers.”

Here is what Yellowstone says:

“To make a Yellowstone site reservation, you need to give the combined length of your RV and any other vehicles or towed vehicles. Know the length of your truck in addition to the length of your trailer when fully open. Sites accommodating a maximum combined length of 40 feet or more are limited.”

So, can it be done? Sure, but you are drastically limiting your options trying to get what is already high demand sites.

The fact is, the smaller the trailer you get, the more camping options you have!

We have stayed for years, more than 15, in the greater Yellowstone region and found that camping in the park is overrated. Locations can be found outside the park that are quite close to the entrance gates of the park and an early riser can take full advantage of the greater peace and quiet by leaving their out-of-the-park camp early in the morning and traveling the park for day trips. Yosemite is a whole different story, been there and would not go back. Of course this is just our opinion. Thanks.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Here in the East, there always seem to be sites that can accommodate large/larger trailers in the National/State parks, BUT those sites may not be the ideal view or location. My best example of this is Shenandoah NP. In our 25 we had a site right on the App Trail, gorgeous view out the rear. But, because of the length of the site and a concrete bumper at the back, nothing larger than a 25 would fit, well enforced by the Rangers. However, in an open field, a good hike away, there were plenty of sites for any size RV.
Larry

We have had similar experiences in the regions you refer to. Thank you for the reply and insight.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[Renascence]

Originally Posted by StreamNTyme

Bigger is not necessarily better. We are on our 4th Airstream. Had 3 Classics: a 29', 30' and a 28'. We don't have to have a huge F 250 to tow. We now have a lighter Safari (Flying Cloud), 25' FBSE. Easier for us seniors to park, get into gas stations, backing into sites, generally just easier. Our Expedition EL w the new turbo engine & Propride hitch is more than enough to do the job well.

We added 5 drawers and modified other spaces to get the best use out of the space. We have a queen bed, large fridge, micro, oven, range etc. split Ba with shower opposite the sink/toilet area makes a nice Ba suite when doors to front area are used to make the space private. There is also an accordion style door that can be used for privacy. We like the living space separate from the BR space.

We took a 2 1/2 mo. trip this summer and were very comfortable. We carry lots of DVD's for areas where TV is minimal. We took out the bumper behind the seat and modified the seating area next to the door, added a new cabinet to accommodate 2 Zip Dee chairs. Modification of the table allows for substantial extra walking room, yet table expands to accommodate 4 when needed.

You can always change rigs as so many do, as we did. We loved them all for different reasons. We will stay with the 25 and plan to take another long trip northwest next spring.

You do not need to buy new, there are many wonderful used rigs in the Airforums classified that have been through the punch list time and ready to go to a new owner.

You make some good points and we appreciate them and will take a couple of them and quite likely use them to our advantage as well. Thank you.
Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

[Leander]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

We spent 40 years looking at this and looking at that. Each time we went back to camping in tents. With a variety of tents we had camped all over the US and a bit of western Canada.

When we retired, we finally got to the point that the tents really were not going to be ideal for the future . After a bit of talking (we have a neighbor with an AS) and internet research the focus narrowed to some version of an Airstream. Our best guess was that a 23 - 25' FC was what we were after.

We headed over and spent the day sitting in this and sitting in that. Trying to use the seating in this or that model quickly moved us up a bit into the 26/27 range. Ultimately we made the mistake of looking at a 30' Classic. Indeed it answered a lot of questions about "where do the three 125 pound dogs go?" and all the rest.

Three seasons later, absolutely no regrets about the 30' size. I have yet to find a campsite that 30' didn't work at and 27' would have been fine. We have camped inside various National Parks and state parks all over the country with no difficulties.

When we did Yellowstone at the last minute this year, we stayed outside the park. That really was not a big deal. Reserving any space inside the park would have meant doing it maybe a year in advance. We simply don't plan anything that far out. Space at the park gate (nice and close to grocery stores and the like) was available 4 weeks out.

Modification wise, we upgraded the solar setup to go from the 2 that came with the trailer to a total of 4. We also put in 400 usable amp hours of batteries (roughly 4X vs stock). Roughly half the time we are out somewhere with no power hookups (so maybe 8 months over the three seasons). Being able to run "off grid" for a week or more has worked fine for us.

In retirement, spending many months each year out and about works. Before that point, this sort of travel would have been impossible for us. In that respect, getting one earlier would not have been quite the same. Going out for a week here or a long weekend there is not really the same thing.

Key "cool points" on the Classic (to us):

1) The recliner / sofa / chairs. It will rain, you will spend a day indoors. For us, this seating makes that doable.

2) The Alde heating. It uses way less battery power than the furnace approach. It is silent in operation so there is no noise to wake you up at night.

3) More storage (we have a twin bed version) in the outside bins on the trailer. It's amazing how much "stuff" you haul along with you.

4) Power this and power that. Our guess is that not having to crank this or that will extend the useful life of the trailer. It certainly speeds up setup / teardown.

5) Big tanks (vs some of the smaller units). We can get 10+ days out away from "civilization" on a load of water.

So yes, happy with the 30'

Bob

Bob....i am following this thread as I am also considering a 30' Classic (either a 2019 or 2020). I currently own a 2018 28' FC. Just curious about the recliners - how truly comfortable are they? Thanks Hal Breedlove

[ktgsmokey]

We started with a used 1974 Overlander 27' which we bought in 1999 enjoyed for about 13 years and moved up to a used 2011 Flying Cloud 30' which we enjoyed for 6 years and just bought a new 2018 Classic 30' Twin last December and have taken it on two, long (4 week) trips since.

First, we saw no difference in towing the 30' over the 27' as they both tow like a dream. Second, while we loved the move up to the 30' Flying Cloud, the difference with the 2018 Classic is well worth the investment: ducted AC, hydronic heat, twin beds, gas oven, inside storage and lots of outside storage, 80# of propane, solar, etc. I honestly didn't think we would notice a big positive difference going from the 30' Flying Cloud to the 30' Classic but we did. Our friends have a 25' Flying Cloud with twins and have complained about the cold sidewalls next to the beds when camping in cooler weather, but the hydronic heat in the newer Classics solves that issue completely.

I would also disagree about the issues with a 30' in terms of getting into NP campsites or boondocking. Once you go over 30', there is probably an issue, but we have never had a problem with our 30' units at campgrounds. Also, I was surprised that the solar on our 2018 (which is a bit less wattage than on the 2019 Classics) did in fact allow us to boondock in cool Fall weather camping for several days even with some cloudy weather. Part of the key to that is running the hydronic heat system all night takes much less power than running the forced air furnace blower - and is much, much quieter.

Last, we also discovered that the layout of the 30' Classic with twin beds allows the ability to open the bathroom door and use it as a room divider thereby essentially creating a very large and comfortable bathroom dressing room in the morning connecting the shower, toilet/sink and closet space surrounding the beds. We would not go back to the Queen configuration even again.

[Bob Peahl]

Originally Posted by Renascence

Your insight and observations are appreciated. Some of those remote features you mention are very interesting and would be of use to us. We once considered class A diesel pusher motohomes but decided against them as too limiting in many ways. The AS is much more versatile in our opinion. Thank you.


Jeff and Kathy - Renascence.

Regarding monitoring, we use a Pet Safety Monitor in our FC27. The unit is cellular and sends temperature alerts (we set the parameters) to our phones while away from the trailer. The unit operates off of AC or its internal battery and it alerts us when the AC power is off.

Gives us real peace of mind when leaving the pups in the trailer.