2023++ Airstream 23FB Twin

[Air2Dream]

Staring a new thread to gather ideas associated with owning Airstream 23 foot front twin bed trailer. This is a place to collect information on modifying or addressing issues and opportunities associated with this specific trailer layout and design. This conversation can include links to other threads. Suggested topics:
- Recommended batteries and associated required modifications to take advantage of the new 300 watt Merlin Solar panels
- How to add hardwire surge protectors, Wi-Fi and other electronic equipment to trailers having this layout
- Recommended accessories
- Maximizing use of the convection microwave option and other installed equipment.
- Addressing the challenges associated with small trailer storage
- Trailer peripherals including bike racks, gas barbecues
- challenges with this specific trailer design and ways to address these challenges.
- etc.

[Air2Dream]

We just signed a new contract for a 2023 Flying Cloud 23 FBT! It will several months before we take delivery, giving u time to sort out the nuances of owning an Airstream. We are looking for some advice or at least, help in pointing us towards the information that would help with owning this trailer. Your help would be welcome.

We are experienced car campers, boon dockers and own a Boler style trailer called the “Wagon”, total length including hitch - 13’. The Wagon was alright for short trips, but just too small for those 6 to 8 week cross country trips. We have also upgraded our tow vehicle to a new 2022 F-150 Platinum Power Boost Obviously, the Airstream will be a big, big change - looking forward to living in luxury.

[Air2Dream]

Looking through the forums on this issue and most are from folks with 27 foot plus size trailers. A 23 foot a difference animal - where do you put your heaving pots?

[Air2Dream]

Has anyone used this cradle to store dishes?

[CmdrDCM]

Glad you started this thread. I ordered a 2023 International FBT with solar about 5 weeks ago. Delivery is estimated 12/22 or 1/23.

[Air2Dream]

Originally Posted by CmdrDCM

Glad you started this thread. I ordered a 2023 International FBT with solar about 5 weeks ago. Delivery is estimated 12/22 or 1/23.

Your welcome! Not to much interest so far in this thread. The international is a nice unit.

[xpcdoojk]

I am about 9 months out from ordering my International 23 FBT. Glad you started the thread. I think for cold nights, we all need to find an insulator for the walls. That said, I think it is a better format compared to the queen. Like the North South sleeping. Like having a hallway to get up, get dressed go to the bathroom in. Versus, having to scoot along the front the side and into the main cabin.

Things I like about the International version. I like the flooring. I think it will be easy to clean. I have the more expensive flooring available on the Globetrotter on my boat and because it is not smooth it is a pain in the butt to clean. I like the size, I think it is the sweet spot with a low tongue weight and twin axles. I like the bigger refrigerator now that they are all electric. Although that is a compromise.

I am a bit iffy on the powered awning, and the power stabilizers. The tankless water heater (which I love in my home) is a questionable option in a travel trailer with a small grey water tank.

I can’t say I love the interior colors, but I don’t hate them either.

I hope to hear from you how and where you stuffed extra Lithium batteries. I will not be buying the factory options because of the 1000 watt inverter. I will be installing a 3000 watt inverter and enough battery and solar to make that work.

JC

[Air2Dream]

Originally Posted by xpcdoojk

I am about 9 months out from ordering my International 23 FBT. Glad you started the thread. I think for cold nights, we all need to find an insulator for the walls. That said, I think it is a better format compared to the queen. Like the North South sleeping. Like having a hallway to get up, get dressed go to the bathroom in. Versus, having to scoot along the front the side and into the main cabin.

Things I like about the International version. I like the flooring. I think it will be easy to clean. I have the more expensive flooring available on the Globetrotter on my boat and because it is not smooth it is a pain in the butt to clean. I like the size, I think it is the sweet spot with a low tongue weight and twin axles. I like the bigger refrigerator now that they are all electric. Although that is a compromise.

I am a bit iffy on the powered awning, and the power stabilizers. The tankless water heater (which I love in my home) is a questionable option in a travel trailer with a small grey water tank.

I can’t say I love the interior colors, but I don’t hate them either.

I hope to hear from you how and where you stuffed extra Lithium batteries. I will not be buying the factory options because of the 1000 watt inverter. I will be installing a 3000 watt inverter and enough battery and solar to make that work.

JC

We are not expecting our trailer for few months so we have time to sort things out. That is part of the fun buying a new trailer lots of new things to explore and learn about.

With regards to the cold walls, I saw a thread somewhere with what I thought was a good idea. They had taken a piece of semi rigid form and covered it with fabric. It was wide enough to extend up the trailer wall while being tucked between the mattress and the side of the trailer. To hold it in place. The foam would not have to be thick, just enough to provide a thermal break (3/8”).

I am going to stick with the inverter provided and so will be just installing two lithium batteries. I still am not sure what brand, but whatever brand they would have a built in heater. I am also trying to determine if I should install a dc to dc convert or and if so what do I need. I would like to be able to charge the lithium batteries while driving but want to protect my truck battery. Any thoughts.

[Piggy Bank]

Originally Posted by Big Enough

Looking through the forums on this issue and most are from folks with 27 foot plus size trailers. A 23 foot a difference animal - where do you put your heaving pots?

Great point.
We used to have a 22 sport.
The 23 FB is IMHO a super deluxe fancy-pants 22 sport.

In the sport we had to keep things like heavy pots under the dinette seats. The under dinette storage sat directly on the floor. So best spot for heavy items.
Which meant for the sport that whoever was sitting at the dinette had to move, the cushions had to come off, and then I could get things from the underseat storage.

In our 25 and 27 there are flip open compartments across from the oven where we keep cast iron cookware now.

How is the low to the floor storage in the 23?

[Air2Dream]

Originally Posted by Piggy Bank

Great point.
We used to have a 22 sport.
The 23 FB is IMHO a super deluxe fancy-pants 22 sport.

In the sport we had to keep things like heavy pots under the dinette seats. The under dinette storage sat directly on the floor. So best spot for heavy items.
Which meant for the sport that whoever was sitting at the dinette had to move, the cushions had to come off, and then I could get things from the underseat storage.

In our 25 and 27 there are flip open compartments across from the oven where we keep cast iron cookware now.

How is the low to the floor storage in the 23?

We ordered this trailer without having physically seeing one. We have a dealer in town but they have no inventory (can’t keep ahead of the demand) and were reluctant to ask any of their customers about allowing us to see a similar unit. We reached out to the local airstream club - crickets. So the answer to your question is we don’t know.

[waninae39]

as announced for 2023
fc 23FB and they stopped making the
fc 23 cb and fc 23cbb

see post #6 here
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...es-236899.html

[Air2Dream]

Originally Posted by waninae39

as announced for 2023
fc 23FB and they stopped making the
fc 23 cb and fc 23cbb

see post #6 here
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f54...es-236899.html

The following website from AS provides a bit more colour about the 2023 changes:

https://www.airstream.com/blog/whats...del-year-2023/

[xpcdoojk]

Originally Posted by Big Enough

We ordered this trailer without having physically seeing one. We have a dealer in town but they have no inventory (can’t keep ahead of the demand) and were reluctant to ask any of their customers about allowing us to see a similar unit. We reached out to the local airstream club - crickets. So the answer to your question is we don’t know.

We have a dealer here, and they have not had a single unsold trailer on their lot since the pandemic began. I have walked through a few completely different from what I want stopping at dealers with an unit or two on the lot.

I think we may be getting ready to return to a world where there is some trailers on the lot. IE economy slowing, interest rates rising.

jc

[Air2Dream]

For those who have not seen these walk throughs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHAQS5NSZ6w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAq4482H-8

[xpcdoojk]

yes, we watched those walk throughs recently. The International is pretty much exactly what I would buy. Just no solar initially, and probably the convection microwave.

I think those walk throughs are a sign that more units are going to start popping up in dealer inventory.

jc

[Air2Dream]

Te following thread provides some excellent information for those interested in charging the lithium batteries while driving using the tow vehicle’s alternator. Unprotected and unregulated, lithium batteries can damage tor trucks power systems. See attached for information and solutions:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...er-185142.html

PS - The above is an example of one way I was hoping this specific thread 2023 ++ Airstream FB 23 twin could help those subscribed - seeing owners and potential owners of 23 footers to answers and ideas contained in other threads.

[Escape21]

We have had a trailer with 2 x 100 watt lithium for two years. As long as the charge converter is set to lithium (supposedly automatically in the2023 Airstream ) and the solar charger is set to lithium you have only to determine if your TV #4 pin is hot when the vehicle is turned off. If it is hot, you will need to remove the 7 pin if stopping for an hour or two or longer to prevent damage to the TV battery unless you provide a 12 to 12v charge controller in the line connecting the two batteries. If your TV #4 is not hot when the vehicle is turned off, then just leave the 7 pin connected and it won't hurt anything.

[Bambisafari]

Just received our 2023 23’FBT International yesterday. Love it. The twin beds are a whole new world from the Bambi corner bed.

[Air2Dream]

Originally Posted by Bambisafari

Just received our 2023 23’FBT International yesterday. Love it. The twin beds are a whole new world from the Bambi corner bed.

That is great news! Great for you and the rest of us waiting in line to relieve our units. Hope you have fun.

[Air2Dream]

Attached are two very good threads on surge protectors and Electrical Management Systems (EMS). These add-ons seem like cheap insurance in what could be a very expensive electrical incident.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f37...ns-226084.html

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f37...ml#post2623387

Happy Airstreaming.