Before I take delivery, I would have the dealer install _________ .

[pianolaw]

Weight distributing hitch. I like the Equalizer but there are others that work as well. Also when you do the demo make sure you record everything on your phone especially how the WD hitch works (if they install it), the water heater and pump and all other electronics. Believe me it comes in handy later because no way you will remember all that stuff.

[turk123]

Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL

Just bought a new 13.5 dometic AC. Most models now come with easy start. EMS or surge protector would be the first thing I would add. I don't feel the tire upgrade necessary.
Solar, if you are planning to boondock, great addition.

Are you sure about this?? Dometic uses quick start capacitors in their units. Maybe you are confusing those for Easy start?

The original reason they turned down Micro-Airs attempt to add them to their units was the cost. It didn't make them competitive. Adding $300 to the cost of the AC.

I see no mention on their website.

[Howard L.]

Originally Posted by farafield

If you plan on doing any boondocking but youre going to want a battery monitor that will give you a better indication of your battery’s status so (and I dont even know if this is possible) a shunt pre-installed that will allow a new monitor to be more easily installed.

Bogart Engineering: TM 2025-RV. The best. We don’t boondock, but gives exact info on battery conditions. Weight dist hitch, Equalizer is great for the money. Your 15 inch Endurance tires are just fine. ( and the info on Mich not recommending Truck tires for Trailers is correct. I still don’t understand why AS puts them on some trailers. They will stop that after the first expensive legal action). Forget the Batt shut off. Your charger/converter is designed to keep the Batts charged with Trickle. And lastly, hope you ordered two ACs for that 28.

[Halford1]

Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL

Just bought a new 13.5 dometic AC. Most models now come with easy start. EMS or surge protector would be the first thing I would add. I don't feel the tire upgrade necessary.
Solar, if you are planning to boondock, great addition.

Which year AS start installing easy start in AC in all models?

[CWSWine]

There a lot of talk about tires and no mention Tire Monitor System. That is a self install no sense paying a dealership but right up there with EMS. I won't pull mine off the lot without them being installed nor would I plug into power without EMS.

[djbar]

Lots of good ideas here but as a relative newbie, my first add-ons were:


1. EMS from PI (either installed as an internal wall mount; or the portable model) has been invaluable at keeping us out of "electrical purgatory" or worse!


2. EasyStart on A/C, particularly if you're going to use a generator while boondocking.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Anni Strange

Personal experience we wouldn’t have the dealer do A THING.

^
X2

Save the money...DIY from the above suggestions.👍
I'd go with the GYE's, switched last Season Love 'em.



Bob
🇺🇸

[guskmg]

Unless Airstream changed their policy in the last few months EasyStarts are only installed by the Service Center. Not during production. As far as Domestic's warranty goes, Airstream would not refuse service if there is an EasyStart installed by the Service Center. Otherwise they would have told you in advance of the installation.
guskmg

[SteveNdebbie]

Originally Posted by rkentb

I'm taking delivery of a new FC 28RB in early October. Are there any "must-have" upgrades you'd recommend installing before even taking delivery?



Right now I'm thinking I'll ask the dealer to install:



16" wheels and Michelin LT truck tires - I've read too many stories about the stock tires blowing out.



Battery Cutoff Switch - This seems essential for storage since we'll probably store the trailer for a month or two between trips.



Are there any other items that are pretty much essential in your mind?



Thanks!

A rear camera on the back top of the trailer (or does it come with one?). We can always see who’s racing up on the right side, if you are in the middle lane.

[brad1]

Originally Posted by greghoro

Road side and rear ZipDee awnings. But have them installed at the factory.


Greg

I second this recco

[extiger]

Although not essential, I enjoy the extra storage provided by the AS flag box. I installed it myself, but you could include it in the build order. Since you are in Florida, I would seriously consider a 2nd AC unit. If camping in the South a lot in the summer, the 2nd unit really helps with the heat. If camping a lot in the North would probably skip it.

[Doc Foster]

I had Colonial Airstream install rear and streetside awnings and a cover for the fantastic fan before purchase. Definitely worthwhile. I later added a rear backup camera this spring and it was very helpful this season.

[twbucksr]

I would have the factory install the additional options you desire over the dealer. I would search Dealer inventories to find the exact configuration you want and deal with them directly regardless of where you live. If you’re lucky, you will get 2 dealers with the exact same unit to bid against each other for your business. I would also suggest waiting until they are taking delivery of the 2020’s and find a 2019 that meets your search criteria that is in a dealers inventory. Better deals and Airstream has put factory rebates out there to help move dealer inventory the last few years in November.

[Go gators]

We just upgraded from little Basecamp (our first trailer) to a 19 ft Bambi. Pick up next week. I had them install the bike rack. On the solar panels, I was told that better to buy the Zamp portable than get the ones on the roof. Any thoughts?

[switz]

There are dealers that are competent and those that are extremely incompetent. We knew the selling dealership for our 2014 Classic could not be trusted to change a light bulb. So we used an authorized repair center independent shop (A&P Vintage Trailer Works in Paradise, TX) to fix all the factory defects and make extensive upgrades for the trailer.

Our 2015 23D International Serenity had many issues that were just glaring. The dealer claimed to have done a PDI (probably while having their coffee in the lounge). Once again, we took it to A&P had everything upgraded and fixed properly.

Remember, that a crappy broken plastic Airstream part is replace with an identical crappy part by both the factory or a dealership. One has to get out of the box so to speak to get the proper parts that will truly last. (brass cabinet door catches versus plastic come to mind).

[Michael_TW]

solar panels are highly sensitive to orientation/angle, if you camp north of Mexico or head to Canada roof top panels will have poor angle for collecting solar. More secure though.

[smithcreek]

Originally Posted by Michael_TW

solar panels are highly sensitive to orientation/angle, if you camp north of Mexico or head to Canada roof top panels will have poor angle for collecting solar. More secure though.

Yes, it really depends on where and how you use the trailer. We stay at state and federal campsites in the Northeast and down to Virginia. I have yet to stay in a site where rooftop solar would be useful. If my wife or I am around during the day we chase the sun around the campsite with the solar suitcase for a couple hours and top off the batteries.

[chickenrx]

For us, the priorities were a surge protector, replacing BR fantastic fan with MaxxAir Deluxe and installing a shroud and insect screen on the galley Fantastic fan.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by WhereStream

So, EasyStart on all new AC units ... I had no idea.
How could I check to see if it is EasyStart-equipped? That'd be great.

I highly doubt Easy Start is standard equipment. To check, remove shroud and look for the box, installed on the opposite side (usually) of the unit from where the electrical connections are. It might look like this one, or it might not have the clear cover. https://www.microair.net/collections...nt=30176048267

[Woosch]

Defiantly the roadside and rear awning! We got the MaxxAir fans installed a couple of years ago. Fantastic vents worked well but the Maxxair was a real step up.