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MQF · 03-10-2017, 06:57 PM

After many, many hours of research, youtube videos, and forum reading we have taken the plunge. So our story really started before today. We first thought we were headed for a 30' Classic with the couch and then we stumbled across the 26u.

So today we ordered a 26u with (2) AC units (we know the debate, but we also like Vegas, and Arizona), 160w solar (we know not the best value for the money), black slippery cushions (read your concerns), full awning package, rearview camera, convection microwave oven (learning curve?), and a queen bed. We understand that we will get the Goodyear Endurance 15" tires as well as opposed to the Marathons.

Our tow vehicle is a 2014 Superduty F-250 Lariat, 6.2 gas, Supercab with 8 ft. bed and more amber lights than a semi truck. We believe we have named said 26u, MQF based on the Airstreams that were used after the Apollo missions as Mobile Quarantine Facilities. We work for a company heavy on acronyms, so it works for us.

We chose to buy from Hadocy Airstream and RV in Columbus, OH. We also plan to spend time at the factory during and after this process. We are in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and there are closer dealers, but this deal and dealership felt right to us. We have spent a lot of happy times on and off of I-70 in Ohio.

Thanks to everyone who posts here for the volumes of great information that got us this far.

Roxy59 · 03-10-2017, 08:03 PM

Congratulations from a new 26U owner. We have ours stored at the dealership for 2 more weeks. Will set it up 10 minutes from our house at a local RV Park and test it out. Very excited!!

cabinetmaker · 03-11-2017, 12:14 AM

Welcome to the 26U family! We have same options only twin beds in ours. We've had several Airstreams over the years and this is our favorite and a keeper.

Airstream put some serious thought into this one and hit a home run. It's a very nice package for sure.

Now I need to get back to planning my next trip!

MQF · 04-01-2017, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Welcome to the 26U family! We have same options only twin beds in ours. We've had several Airstreams over the years and this is our favorite and a keeper.

Airstream put some serious thought into this one and hit a home run. It's a very nice package for sure.

Now I need to get back to planning my next trip!

Reading yours and other posts about the 26u helped the decision for sure. I just wish we didn't lose 2 outside storage compartments with the queen bed...you twin bed people are lucky.

I have a question about windows. Do they all open, like the little ones too?

stevenson748 · 04-10-2017, 07:45 PM

The outside storage on 26 U twins is really nice.I especially like the rear storage, as I can put my grill, out door rug and large container for all my electric hooks ups and accessories

MQF · 05-05-2017, 08:47 PM

Well, the call came from the dealer, our trailer is in Columbus, Oh. Now we are scheduling pickup. Looking like May 16th. It will be a very long 10 days.

ljsigman · 05-06-2017, 02:18 AM

What tow vehicle will you be towing it with?

MWBishop · 05-06-2017, 05:51 AM

Congrats!!!
Called AS and our 26U came off the line this last week as well.
So expect to be collecting it in a week or so.

MQF · 05-06-2017, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljsigman

What tow vehicle will you be towing it with?

2014 F-250 Lariat, supercab, 8ft bed, 6.2 gas.

MQF · 05-06-2017, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWBishop

Congrats!!!
Called AS and our 26U came off the line this last week as well.
So expect to be collecting it in a week or so.

Congrats to you as well. We have some scheduling conflicts so we may be a couple of weeks out from picking it up, I may lose a lot of sleep waiting though.

MQF · 05-18-2017, 08:32 PM

So here is my new 26u update:

Picked up Tuesday 5/16 in Columbus, OH. Stayed Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the factory, headed home today.

Incredible layout. Overall good quality build so far.
Get a dehumidifier, ASAP. Lube the window gaskets. Windows are hard to open. The 50amp cord is thick and heavy.

Tows great with the gas F-250. Until I got to I-68 and I-70 in WV, MD, and PA. The elevation changes are brutal. Maybe I should have just paid the toll and hit the turnpike? Through that area avg'd 8.5mpg.

Trailer issues, pantry where microwave lives (or doesn't if you chose the convection) does not stay closed going down the road. Ended up with a bungie cord for now.

Slats for turning dinette into a bed are not strong and one already pulled out short screws from the base of the dinette couch.

Lug nuts need to be retorqued after rolling for a bit (I chose 200 miles) will check again at 1000 miles.

Outside storage bays are great, but choosing a Rubbermaid or similar container could be a challenge for things like the 50amp cord. You have about 11 inches of height.

MWBishop · 05-19-2017, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the update.
Heard other reports of the microwave drawer (and others) and staying closed.
Certainly the latches can be adjusted?
The dinette as bed configuration is what attracted us to the 26u.
Was afraid "bed-slats" may not be strong (especially if only held by short screws).
Sounds like need to beef up using long bolts with lock-nuts or something?
Guess we'll know soon enough.

MQF · 05-19-2017, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWBishop

Thanks for the update.
Heard other reports of the microwave drawer (and others) and staying closed.
Certainly the latches can be adjusted?
The dinette as bed configuration is what attracted us to the 26u.
Was afraid "bed-slats" may not be strong (especially if only held by short screws).
Sounds like need to beef up using long bolts with lock-nuts or something?
Guess we'll know soon enough.

The catch for the pantry can be shimmed. For the dinette I think I am putting more wood behind and under the bench to screw into, there is some access issue but I think it can be done without too many acrobatics. I was kneeling on the cushion on the table on the slats and BAM, the slat came off. I think short table legs like the base camp has would take some of the weight off the slats. Working on that idea too at the same time.

MQF · 05-19-2017, 01:55 PM

Some pictures from the Terraport and the factory.

ljsigman · 05-22-2017, 07:07 AM

We have been seriously considering the 26U twin and disheartened to hear that the pantry/microwave issue was not taken care care of since this issue was a known issue for 2016! Plus the instability of the table really concerns me! How do you like the macerating toilet ?

MQF · 05-22-2017, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljsigman

We have been seriously considering the 26U twin and disheartened to hear that the pantry/microwave issue was not taken care care of since this issue was a known issue for 2016! Plus the instability of the table really concerns me! How do you like the macerating toilet ?

So far the toilet has been fine. May use more water than some would be used to but I have no prior experience.

This week I am hooking up water, 50 amp and sewer to it in the yard at home then we start a home remodel project and will get lots of trailer usage and more updates. This was always the plan for the first use of the trailer, before vacationing, that will come later.

It is interesting that issues that are known have not been addressed across multiple model years. But I will say if these are the only two issues I find, I will count myself lucky and will be very happy. The 2 nights on 50amp power and cranking the A/C's and everything else with a city water connection was better than my first apartment many years ago. In some ways, this trailer has some amenities my house now doesn't have. I think all trailers, Airstream, and others it is best to go into with lowered expectations.

MWBishop · 05-27-2017, 06:00 AM

Returned home (800 miles) from picking up new 26U.
1. No issues with microwave drawer opening under tow.
2. Have not used the tables, but demo guy told us to always store the tables before towing. The posts can be left in place, but the table tops should be removed before travel.
3. No lug nut issues, but torque should be tested often.
4. Really like the macerator. Boats have used them for years and if used properly should provide reliable service for years.
5. Only issue noticed is the bathroom door when opened all the way slightly rubs one of the pantry handles. Well, nothing is perfect and if this is only issue I'm ok with that.

Overall, love the 26U Twin so far. Perfect layout for our lifestyle.

ljsigman · 05-27-2017, 08:06 AM

That is great news! We just bought a GMC Sierra 5.3L 3.42 with max towing. It is sweet!!! We have the 2016 FC 20'. Haven't had a chance to pull it yet. Seriously considering the 26U twin. What size sheets did you buy? What weight distribution system did you get?

MWBishop · 05-27-2017, 10:00 AM

Dealership is going to be sending us some sheets (part of the deal). Probably the lowest count AS sheets, but anything is better than nothing. Still need to get mattress pads, though. Oh, for us the mattresses are super comfy.

I purchased the Equalizer 10000/1000 and the 2 1/2 shank. Since I plan to just "drop on the ball" will be returning to eTrailer. But with a 1500 style truck you'll likely need a WDH.

LilBigfoot · 05-27-2017, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWBishop

Returned home (800 miles) from picking up new 26U.
5. Only issue noticed is the bathroom door when opened all the way slightly rubs one of the pantry handles. Well, nothing is perfect and if this is only issue I'm ok with that.

Overall, love the 26U Twin so far. Perfect layout for our lifestyle.

That handle is a problem in most 26U's.....just remove it and grind/file off an 1/8" top and bottom and all will be well.