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gln826 · 12-23-2020, 09:32 AM

Happy to be a part of this amazing community. Such a wealth of experience and information.

We are about to realize our semi-retirement dream.

Two months ago, we purchased our TV, a 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 HD AT4 with a Duramax diesel engine. I love driving it.

Next Tuesday, we drive from NY to Airstream Dallas/Ft. Worth to purchase our 2021 Classic 30RBQ. We are obviously both very excited and a bit nervous.

For those who have already walked in these shoes...

I have watched every YouTube video, read every post here and on the Facebook Airstream Addicts page, watched Chris from Airstream DFW do Service Walkthrough videos and anything else I can get my eyes on.

We are having a Blue Ox and 3" lift kit installed on the Classic.

My question is, what are the most important things to know/remember to make our 1,200 mile trip home safe and enjoyable? I have and know how to use my torque wrench for lugs; what else? Anything you suggest is appreciated.

I am dreading backing this rig into our rather narrow driveway, btw. I've trailered boats and utility trailers, and intend to practice in large, empty parking lots on the way home, but still...

Thank you in advance, Glenn

**moosetags** · 12-23-2020, 09:37 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. Congratulations on your new baby. May you have safe travels and many great Airstream Adventures withy her.

Brian

**GCinSC2** · 12-23-2020, 09:48 AM

Hold the dealers feet to the coals on the inspection orientation. Test it all, don’t trust the oh yeah it works.

Make sure they show you basic winterizing in case you hit a really cold snap in route.

If you hit salt or melting spray junk on the roads that’s a good thing to wash off ASAP at home.

Enjoy the drive.

**wulfraat** · 12-23-2020, 10:01 AM

Nice trailer! Mac daddy

You are very smart to have the 3" lift installed before pickup. Makes a big difference on these 30' trailers!

When I got my first Airstream, a 25', I had never towed anything before. It will come together have no doubt!

Nice Truck BTW

I have a similar setup - it will tow that classic very well. FYI you will want to set your brake controller around 7.5-8.5 for that trailer. Start with 7.5 and see how it goes.

Longer term you may consider a topper for your truck so you can store a bunch of stuff in the bed without getting things wet.

Take your time on the trip home and you'll be fine!

lsawye01 · 12-23-2020, 10:33 AM

Welcome to the club...you certainly have a combo---and a beautiful Airstream.
I am curious to know if Airstream of DFW has agreed to install your lift kit?
Also does the installation negate your warranty in any particular way?

As we don't do any boon docking off road I cannot see the need to lift it.
Remember by doing so you are raising the trailer's center of gravity. There is a
reason Airstream (the mother ship) does not recommend the lift.

Just Curious. Have fun and safe travels. I am most interested in hearing about
how the installation affects the MFR warranty.

paiceman · 12-23-2020, 10:49 AM

Video the walk thru and make the dealer show and operate everything

gln826 · 12-23-2020, 10:55 AM

Great idea, thank you!

gln826 · 12-23-2020, 10:56 AM

Great info, thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulfraat

Nice trailer! Mac daddy

You are very smart to have the 3" lift installed before pickup. Makes a big difference on these 30' trailers!

When I got my first Airstream, a 25', I had never towed anything before. It will come together have no doubt!

Nice Truck BTW

I have a similar setup - it will tow that classic very well. FYI you will want to set your brake controller around 7.5-8.5 for that trailer. Start with 7.5 and see how it goes.

Longer term you may consider a topper for your truck so you can store a bunch of stuff in the bed without getting things wet.

Take your time on the trip home and you'll be fine!

gln826 · 12-23-2020, 10:57 AM

I like that idea, instead of taking notes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by paiceman

Video the walk thru and make the dealer show and operate everything

gln826 · 12-23-2020, 11:02 AM

Thank you...I did the lift kit mostly for the conventional reasons (uneven street/curb, better holding tank drainage, potential boon docking, etc.). In my research, I didn't find too many negative reasons with doing it, and lots of positives. I understand AS doesn't do it (not sure they don't recommend it or negate a warranty), so that was the thinking. Yes, Airstream DFW is doing the installation, no questions asked or caveats given.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsawye01

Welcome to the club...you certainly have a combo---and a beautiful Airstream.
I am curious to know if Airstream of DFW has agreed to install your lift kit?
Also does the installation negate your warranty in any particular way?

As we don't do any boon docking off road I cannot see the need to lift it.
Remember by doing so you are raising the trailer's center of gravity. There is a
reason Airstream (the mother ship) does not recommend the lift.

Just Curious. Have fun and safe travels. I am most interested in hearing about
how the installation affects the MFR warranty.

ghaynes755 · 12-23-2020, 03:28 PM

Don't go straight home. Take a week to camp in Texas. Move and setup at least every few days. Keep track of all the items that might need to be fixed/adjusted/etc. Have them give you a service appointment one week later that gets you straight in to fix all of the open items. If that isn't possible then book an appointment at the Airstream factory service center in Ohio for 4-6 months out. Likely you will have a list of items by that time. Best part about going to Ohio is that you don't get the 'we have to order parts so you need to leave your trailer with us' routine.

no_worries · 12-23-2020, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsawye01

Welcome to the club...you certainly have a combo---and a beautiful Airstream.

I am curious to know if Airstream of DFW has agreed to install your lift kit?

Also does the installation negate your warranty in any particular way?

As we don't do any boon docking off road I cannot see the need to lift it.

Remember by doing so you are raising the trailer's center of gravity. There is a

reason Airstream (the mother ship) does not recommend the lift.

Just Curious. Have fun and safe travels. I am most interested in hearing about

how the installation affects the MFR warranty.

AS DFW will install lift kits without voiding any warranties. They did ours in 2019 (33 Classic). Great dealer!

no_worries · 12-23-2020, 06:24 PM

Gln826

If you can make the time to stay in DFW for a few days and test everything, the service department will take care of you getting you in/out. Aaron and the team are fantastic to work with. There are a handful of state parks around DFW or if you prefer commercial parks, they’re easily accessible too. PM me if you have questions. I’ve lived in DFW for >20yrs and purchased my classic 33 from AS DFW.

I’ve also driven a few times from DFW to northern VA with our Classic.

Cheers
Mick

JonDNC · 12-23-2020, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no_worries

Gln826

If you can make the time to stay in DFW for a few days and test everything, the service department will take care of you getting you in/out. Aaron and the team are fantastic to work with. There are a handful of state parks around DFW or if you prefer commercial parks, they’re easily accessible too. PM me if you have questions. I’ve lived in DFW for >20yrs and purchased my classic 33 from AS DFW.

I’ve also driven a few times from DFW to northern VA with our Classic.

Cheers
Mick

Do this ^^^^

Hopefully will just be 3 days camping and home you go, but if you have questions regarding need some fixes, being at the selling dealer with a preagreed appointment is the way to go.

FWIW we did that but at a different dealer, did not need the appointment as our trailer was fine but glad we had the plan in place.

AnnaBelle33 · 12-23-2020, 06:44 PM

Agree 100%. We are taking delivery Dec 26th at AS of Tampa. Spending the night on their lot then camping a couple of miles away for five nights. Good luck & Merry Christmas!!!

**Hans627** · 12-23-2020, 06:52 PM

Congrats on your new AS. We are happy to have you as part of the community.

One thing I would recommend, especially since you have 1200 mile trip home, is to get to a CAT Scale and make sure you have the chains on BO hitch adjusted properly. It will make for a much better trip home.

You might also consider joining the AS Club. Great people and a great place to learn from experienced AS'ers!

Safe journeys!

gln826 · 12-23-2020, 07:23 PM

The suggestions about staying in Texas are all excellent. Unfortunately, given the the length of time it will take to get back home at a bit of a slower pace, I need to be back at work on Monday and don't have the ability to stay near DFW. I will have to take the advice of working any kinks out over the next few months and making an appointment at JC, Ohio if anything comes up. I can think of worse things than visiting the mothership, I suppose

Thank you all for these ideas and suggestions. Very worthwhile.

St. Clair · 12-24-2020, 09:28 AM

Congratulations! I was at Airstream of DFW just last week as my newly acquired 86 29' Sovereign is sitting in their yard waiting to be made roadworthy. Its a beautiful facility and I have been really happy and grateful that they have treated me with respect even though I am not someone who will ever be able to afford a newer AS.

Gleverett · 12-24-2020, 09:33 AM

Congratulations on your new AS. FYI. Airstream service at Jackson Center does the 3" lift installs all the time. I had my 30' 2020 Classic done there in Oct of this year. They adjust your WD hitch before you leave. Don't remember the exact cost as I had some minor other things done . I do like the extra height for draining the tanks, crawling under the trailer, and no difference in towing noticed.

Rmgauntt · 12-24-2020, 09:48 AM

Airstream DFW is amazing. Just for future reference, as you get on the road, or fir months to come, I’d suggest videoing their entire instructional walk through. Ask questions, have them repeat if you don’t understand. Congratulations!!