Why A Flying Cloud?

[Sophiehaus]

Originally Posted by Danbertex

I asked a more general question in the Community forum but wanted to tailor it more specifically to current new Flying Cloud owners - after research we felt that the 23' Flying Cloud was the sweet spot for us...but then discovered the similar 23 'Serenity and Signature models. Why would someone purchase one of these instead of a Flying Cloud? The specs are almost the same. Why did you purchase a Flying Cloud instead of one of these similar models? Thanks.

I bought the FC because it was cheaper. I love the International but my FC is equipped with a optional backup camera, the awning package, the convection microwave upgrade and factory installed solar. So it cost as much as an International, without these options, and the functionality of these options was more important than the decor.

[Roadtech]

Originally Posted by Gamehawkers

Well, flying cloud is the bottom of the trim line.
No disrespect implied. It is the same great trailer.
The Serenity is a step up in trim and finish from the flying cloud. The Signature is a step up from the Serenity. Each step up costs about $15,000.

??? The Serenity costs about $2000 more than same size Signature...

[Dan_Rox]

Originally Posted by Roadtech

??? The Serenity costs about $2000 more than same size Signature...

I was wondering about this too. When we bought our 2016 FC28A the price difference to the Serenity was a couple thousand at msrp. We liked the Flying Cloud cabinets and decor better. A few thousand dollars when your spending this much isn't enough of a difference to not get what you want. I liked the Classic better, but that is a big jump in price, and we ddin't want to go to a 30 foot trailer.

[rrvt]

We started in 2002 with a 25 ft Safari. It was a fine trailer and we added many things to it over the years. Recently we looked at a lump sum retirement that has been sitting in an account for a while and decided to upgrade.

We looked at several trailers at a show and then again at a dealer's shop. The 30 ft Flying Cloud had way more sitting room and a separate table. We could allow guests to sit when they visited (which was not really easily possible in the 25 ft Safari) and the separate dinette was actually comfortable (unlike my parents camper on the pickup).

Maureen stated that "the Flying Cloud had everything we needed and there were features in the upscale 30 footers that she did not like."

Any moveable home is a comprise somewhere. Find those that you can live with and spend some additional time and energy improving the unit where the compromises need upgrading. We had the dealer install a Hensley hitch and we are researching solar (the Safari had 300 ahrs of batter and 240 watts of solar but it was probably a little light for our needs).

Bob

[bhooves]

We liked the Flying Cloud best because it as more storage space than the others with the sliding doors. We thought the sliding doors revealed, somewhat, what was stored and provided much less space for storage. Additionally, we're full-timers and we thing the sliding panels were not that hardy. We bought our 27' FB Flying Cloud for the long haul and felt the others were too delicate internally. I have to add, too, that I like the moniker, Flying Cloud. Seems appropriate for us.

[SteveSueMac]

Gotta say - I feel so lucky. We went to a dealer, walked through and sat in a bunch of them - and the one that resonated with us the most just happened to be the 27FB Flying Cloud. I think we liked the light color cabinets/floor, the shiny aluminum interior, and the size felt good. We didn't know anything about anything! Turns out, we love the front bedroom because in many places - especially our favorite spot at an ocean site, you back in and your "living room" is on the ocean. Turns out we love the space in the cabinets and never even imagined what sliding doors would do to restrict space (probably not by much but we wouldn't know). Formica never bothered us. What do we know? [emoji3]

I think as inexperienced campers, we just walked through a bunch and picked the one that sang to us. I doubt we'll ever buy another (pass it down to a Godchild when done) but if we did, I wonder if our experience would have us nit pick on some details that would prevent us from just falling in love with one?

[wbrisett]

Originally Posted by PKI

We did not like the sliding doors. We did like the swing open doors on the FC.

And that pretty well sums it up for us. We also weren't wild about the interior color choices on the International models.

[wbrisett]

Originally Posted by daleyocum

We were also very seriously considering the FC23 but wanted to avoid having to climb over one another to get in and out of bed.

We had the 23D and our one regret was not looking more seriously at the 26U at the time. We loved the layout of the 23D, we didn't like how the 23FB had that galley kitchen and no place to gather other than the kitchen table. For us that was the deal breaker for the 23FB. The choices at the time for the 25 just weren't there (I suppose we could have ordered one)... We did look at the Internationals as well as flying clouds then too. But in the end we went with the 23D. After just over a year in that, we had to take the 23D in for a minor repair and while walking the lot, were torn between the 26U and 27FB. We looked at FC vs. International (again, we weren't fans of the glass sliders, nor the color choices). We then compared 25 vs 26 vs 27 (and even the 28)... We didn't like the dark hallway of the 26. The 25 and 27 have a more open kitchen. We liked that. Now had we bought the 26U instead of the 23D FC, we would have gladly ignored the kitchen, but since we were suddenly talking about starting over and had a bit more insight, the one thing we knew is we were tired of climbing over each other and wanted a full queen.

In the end, we opted for a 27FB. I don't regret that choice one bit. We again, tossed out the Internationals due to our personal preferences. But we can see why some people like them, they just aren't for us.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

. . .
. . . we just walked through a bunch and picked the one that sang to us.
. . .

That about covers it!

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

That about covers it!

[emoji3]

Well it worked for us. Everyone's mileage will vary. [emoji3]

[PKI]

Yes, it's all about the mileage, cause the miles make the smiles! Pat

[SteveSueMac]

Well said, Pat!

[Baby Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by PKI

Yes, it's all about the mileage, cause the miles make the smiles! Pat

That's also why, when asked what mileage I get with my Ford F250, I answer that I get about 100 smiles per gallon, even more when towing my new Airstream.

[Dmmdtm]

So we’ve been on the search for our first TT and had some great emails with the Airstream team. To help us, they sent a great overview which you should be able to access here: https://files.acrobat.com/a/preview/...1-f6723fc86bf4

Hope this helps!
D