Part I: Exploring the Exterior | Honest RV Review - Airstream International 27FB -

[@brightgreenleaves]

Best Airstream KZbin channel by far 🙏🏼

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you so very much!!!

[@tamarapettersen171]

We just put in our order for a new Trade Wind w/ hatch & twin beds! We are so excited it will be delivered mid May!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Very cool! Please watch our latest video as I address something you should inspect on your solar system when you get it.

[@sandym198]

We are enjoying your excellent videos and recommendations. We have a 2022 20 fb Bambi and love it. We’ve done a few modifications ourselves and bigger ones added by Ultimate Airstream. Still cheaper than upgrading to another rig. Edges of mattresses in an airstream have no support so hubbie added a slat and edged with metal trim. It was perfect. When UA added hydraulic lift for bed, the platform was thicker and wider per our request. Someone told me she slides off the edge of the bed because there is no support. Happy trails!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for making us part of your adventure! And thanks for the info on your upgrades. This is an amazing community and we are thankful to have so many who are willing to help and share.

[@universalmediaus]

Happy to see you guys are enjoying the new rig especially that hatch, definitely a must-have feature fur us. I'm not sure how I could get another Airstream without it! It even saved us a a recent trip when the door handle for our main door broke from the inside and the only way to get out was that hatch,. If we didn't have the hatch, it would have ruined our trip as we would not have been able to get in and out without going through a window! Safe travels!!!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Oh no! Glad you had an alternate. Our door got stuck once in our old rig when camping on a very steep spot and we had to go out the emergency window!

[@StreamingNomad]

On my former International with the hatch, the rear bumper curling issue was finally solved by adding pop rivets to the corners. That finally kept it down; and it kinda looked cool

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you for watching and for the tip!

[@LoadedUpandTraveling]

You just made me want the Hatch model.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

It’s fantastic!!!

[@SmokyMountainWeekend]

The Torklift spring upgrade is my favorite upgrade so far. I tried SumoSprings first but removed them two days later. Great video!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We love it too!

[@radioactivemike1]

I like the lift on my 27’ FBT GT because it raises the dump valve just enough to make some of those raised stations easier to use. I also don’t worry about pulling in and out of gas stations. I LOVE my recirculating valve I installed in the shower. Not only do I save the not let hot water from going into the grey tank, I can fill the tank from the inside of the trailer. I greatly underestimated the value of the tank fill. It allows me to run the pump AND city water for a combined flow so the tank lasts longer. Don’t get me wrong, the always hot water shower is nice too, but the always full tank without going outside is even better.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The dumping is one aspect of the lift kit I do miss! I know a few folks who have a recirculating valve and, like you, love it.

[@deedeebryans6334]

Enjoy your show and Love your honest review of things! Looking for the wheel balancers. Didn’t find them on Amazon.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

amzn.to/3rrtEFj Here’s a link and they’re under “Airstream Essentials” on our Amazon page.

[@EngineerSaysWhat]

Great video. I took your advice and got the Centramatic wheel balancers. Still popped a couple rivets, but its a brand new rig. I only pulled it once before the balancers so I don't have a good feel for before and after. I am strongly in favor of anti-sway devices though. I've felt that push/pull when the semis go by. I had to replace the Fantastic Fan covers twice in one season because the electric motor pulled too hard and broke the plastic. Now we close them manually. I just spent two days washing and waxing the rig with Wash/Wax All and Walbernize. I paid for the dealer's ceramic coating so I am hoping one coat of wax per year is adequate. I thought it would be best to do it right before the rainy season in the NW. We had a bad sail switch on the furnace right out of the gate, but it was easy to fix once diagnosed. Latest problem is a crack in the shower pan. It's only about an inch long but I need to look underneath to see if it sitting on something. Might just do a quick and dirty epoxy patch on top and bottom. Overall the maintenance has not been too bad. Next thing to do is winterize and wait for spring. Thanks for all the great tips!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for your reply! I love Aero cosmetics and use it all the time. It's time for me to wash and wax this one but it stays wet half the day because of the humidity here. I understand the anti sway. I think they are great but also dont miss it with this rig. I'll discuss the dealer ceramic coating in an upcoming video. I have a dealer one on here and plan to do Vinny's soon. I havent seen a shower crack in a new one yet. Winterizing is super easy.

[@CherishAlejan]

Great Videos! I look forward to more exciting and enjoyable trips!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much!

[@barrylambert8572]

The reason as explained to me why the front passenger side bedroom window is different. It is so you won't hit your head on it when walking along the 'porch' side if it the window is open. You would hit your head if it was the same size as driver's side bedroom window.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Interesting! Thanks of the reply. Im more apt to hit my head on the awning poles than anything else! Happens often.

[@thomasaastrup5038]

Incredible tips! Thank you for making this!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for watching and for your feedback!

[@LeeH-Ranger83]

Brad, Great video. Looking forward to next week’s video. I have a 2019 Globetrotter with the 3-way Dometic refrigerator and only 2 of the 3 are currently working. I’ll be interested to hear your discussion about the fridge you have in your rig.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

It will be out Sunday! Thanks for watching

[@geoffreywalker7308]

I spy Ginger! Love your rig… a hatchback is my dream Airstream. Love our 25’ Classic, but man… I’d love to have that hatch!

[@toshlito]

I spy Ginger!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

She travels with us always. We've been fans and friends of Marc & Trish since the beginning.

[@cbdane]

Ever considered replacing the black Relax awning bumpers with the new springs? Be sure to check the spring-loaded license plate contacts on the top right edge of your hatch. One of ours folded over and shorted the running light circuit. I modified the design to fix the problem. I also have a nice fix for the peeling mat corners. I gave up on the contact cement in very hot weather. The seat cushions are held with Velcro and you could shift them forward a bit, away from the screen. I’ve never noticed ours dragging on the screen. Do you ever find the passenger side dinette back rest on the floor when traveling? Ours may have a weak snap so I sewed on some Velcro patches to it which work great.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hi! Im familiar with them but never used them for the awning. As long as my awning is lubricated often, I have never had an issue. Yes, I had the plate one fall out when putting the tag on the first time. Ive shifted the seat cushions a few times, but that side still rubs a bit after sitting in it. Ive not ever noticed the 'weak snap' issue. Have you checked to see if the 'c' bras clamp is in the female end? have you tried the other male end (the one for the curtain)? the male end could be swapped easily.

[@cliffmolz8719]

New to your channel and appreciate all of the information you provided. We have a new to us 2005 28' AS Classic we purchased last year and I have done all the maintenance work myself to include resealing the roof and sides. We have traveled over 8K miles on our AS so far w/o any rivets popping on the inside or outside. I'm wondering if popped rivets is something that occurs more frequently on the newer trailers? We will be hosting at a campground just outside of Yellowstone this summer so I've been busy getting everything ready. I noticed last year that our public water inlet had a small drip so I went ahead and replaced it since we will be hooked up for four months. After reading the AS manual that originally came with our trailer I noticed that the recommended water PSI for our AS is 40. Maybe I missed it, but didn't you say you normally don't hook up to public water because the water pressure is 40 psi? Maybe the new rigs require a higher PSI I'm guessing. Anyway, like the videos and thank you for your service by the way (I noticed the Sgt. Major) sign on the door.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hi and thanks for watching. I have only lost one rivet inside this one and one outside. We now have about 9k miles on it. Our last one had about 20k miles on it and a few popped in the beginning but not bad. My opinion is that people have weight distribution hitches too tight and too high air pressure in their tires which causes issues. Concerning the PSI, the newer model airstreams have a. pressure regulator built into the city water inlet. Its capped at 50 psi. We are on the go so much, we rarely hook up to city water as we just fill our tanks and travel. If we are in a park for an extended time and its above freezing, we will hook up to city but thats not frequent.

[@suzannandelin1952]

I love this summary. I will forward to my husband. Was there a quick update you did for the steps. I saw something that looked like a hook that made the step a little more sturdy. Also did you also do a previous video on the air vents? cleaning??

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hi and thanks for watching! Yes, there is a step brace. You can get them from Phil the NOLOX guy ([e-mail]). He has a number of upgrades you can do to your rig. Ive done a video on most of them. In our new rig tour video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6CsnpSDqb2sicksi=au6YK79JTqopjVa- its discussed toward the end. Yes, I have also done a few videos on the air vents. Cleaning, replacing the screws etc. Please email us via the contact us link on our website if you need further info.

[@KevLlbean]

I like the door latch you add outside on the doors myself i going change the outside shower and fresh water doors to metal ones matching the Airstream

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The latches from Air Gear are great! We also have considered upgrading to the stainless covers but havent yet.

[@KindergentlerMr.Softbelly]

I like the idea of the big lithium batteries and solar set up. I would personally have an issue with sleeping on top of big lithium batteries after watching videos of them burning up big time. I hope yours work good and last long.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and your feedback. There are hundreds of thousands of trailers out there with these batteries in them and to my knowledge no fires. If you were not aware LiFePo4 Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries most commonly used in RV's are far less prone to catching on fire than the LCO Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries used in many higher performance electric vehicles.

[@kd5773]

Respectfully disagree on no need for a WD hitch and sway. We recently had a vehicle do an emergency stop in front of us on a HWY at 55 mph, we couldn't stop in time and had to swerve onto the shoulder while towing our 28' Airstream. I have no doubt our hitch and sway system saved our bacon!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

I understand your sentiments and agree with you for this scenario depending on the tow vehicle and weight cargo, passengers, etc. Ive had to come to a halt with this and every other trailer we've had in similar situations as yours over my 13 years of full-time RV living and travels. Actually happened to us just the other day in this one. It stayed behind us with no issues. While I love the hitches and believe they are necessary for many applications, I do not believe that for our current set-up. I have a video on using scales, weight of various items and how to calculate to make sure you are in the "green" coming soon. I just need to sit still for a week to get some editing done.

[@brightgreenleaves]

Awesome video thank you! Do you know of what to use to condition interior plastic and laminate? Preferably non toxic? Hate to use pledge etc… Also my tires had strange wear pattern and Airstream could not figure out why.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We use a few products from Method brand. All purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, etc. amzn.to/3UVwldT If you havent seen our video on our axle replacement on our last trailer from odd tire wear, please watch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKWZgWp6fJJsibc

[@brightgreenleaves]

@@ThirteenAdventures thank you so much!!

[@JB-ys8mj]

Once again great video. Very informative

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@dougperkins130]

Thanks for the great information.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching.

[@intuitivevision]

also, why did you choose the twin beds instead of the queen? if you could time travel would you have still gone with the twin beds or would you have gotten the queen?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The long sight lines, the ability to get dressed in the bedroom without leaning against the wall, a bigger sleeping area per person, more outside storage compartments and more. If you look back around Jan 2023 on our videos, you can see a review of it as soon as we moved in it from our last one and I address these questions. Yes, we would still choose the twins.

[@jeffreyupton2003]

Hola! Great video, as always. Sorry, if I missed this in the comments but do you have a link or more information on the Centramatic Wheel Balancers? I'm very interested in getting a set of these for my trailer. Makes total sense! Thanks for the awesome information, your PMS in on point!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

amzn.to/3tDA05c Here is a link to them on Amazon. You can also order them from Centramatics website. Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@stephensmoss6891]

Go Tigers!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

For sure!!!

[@brittpetersen5310]

Love my snap pads, didn’t know about the snap pad blocks . I am in the same place for 7 months , is this a crucial addition ? Also , when staying in a place for so long should i be moving to rotate my tires slightly / they are protected by tire covers from the sun and rain. Love your videos Brad ! Thank you 💎

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Most of the time, it’s not an issue. If parked on concrete, I dont use them. If on any other type of surface I do use them when stationary for any more than a week. Personally, I like to move the rig at least once a month at a minimum. Not so much for the tires but to check the systems and stir up the black and grey tank.

[@jamesmowat1397]

Good stuff. Thanks.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for making us a part of your day.

[@jeffwallentine6466]

Brad, thanks for the video, very helpful. Quick question. Have you had any problem with your valve stems leaking with the Tireminder TPMS added weight on them? I have had three tires leak due to valve stem failure so had all mine switched to metal valve stems from the rubber ones in hopes that stops that problem. I am assuming the additional weight of the external monitoring system is causing it. We will see.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

I switched to metal valve stems too. The rubber ones will leak over time.

[@sight-seer]

Thanks Brad. I’ve looked at the 27FB and am interested. Do you know what your typical loaded tongue weight is, even though it’s not an issue I’m sure for your truck? I’ve read everything from 875lbs to 1,200lbs. Thanks again.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello! Thanks for watching and for the question. The manual says 850lb with batteries and fill propane tanks. My batteries are not in the box anymore but I did add the big inverter and lithium in the front storage locker. I don’t know the exact weight but it’s within 50lb of that number based on my CAT scales weighing. I’ve weighed just the truck, just the trailer, both together (empty and full). It doesn’t give precise numbers but it’s close. Also, as you mentioned my truck can move 3x this weight so not a worry. Hope this helps.

[@intuitivevision]

what year did you get? is it a 2023, 2024 or a 2025? am currently considering buying a 2024 or 2025 international 25ft or 27ft with the queen bed.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

This one is a 2023. We bought it in very late 2022. We had. 2021 International 30' before this one.

[@kotton2007]

Thanks for all the great information Brad. Enjoyed the video. You mentioned using TireMinder for TPMS. LOVED THE SPARE IDEA. Thanks. Did you change your stems to all metal or do your stems have some rubber and some metal?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We swapped them all to metal as the rubber ones will leak over time.

[@kotton2007]

Thanks for your response Brad. Good to know.

[@philipdishongh5074]

Hi Brad, Do have have a link for the clear plastic film. Didn’t find it in your store. Thanks, Phil.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

amzn.to/3FzcZ5R Hope this helps

[@UpintheAir.stream]

Sergeant Major, this video is off topic. It is more a video about your modifications, and not the direct discussion of what you do not like about Airstreams. I have a 2022 Globetrotter 23FBT and was curious of what your idea of likes and dislikes were. So that I could better inform folks, when meeting them, and answering their questions of "Why an Airstream, or Why Not an Airstream" . I think that will be my next video title. Enjoy your videos, I just think you missed the mark on this one.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank for the feedback. I may adjust the title but it was what I like about my Airstream. And SgtMaj is retired. Im Brad. Ive done other videos on Airstream in general that are widely available. Also, if you look up Airstream of Utah you can see me going through a 23FBT Globetrotter.

[@brightgreenleaves]

Do you have a recommendation for an interior reflector for the front windows when in storage?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We just cut a piece of Reflectix to fit each window amzn.to/3wyvJ4K. open the windows, go outside and put it between the glass and the screen and lock the windows.

[@brightgreenleaves]

@@ThirteenAdventures thank you!

[@jeffwallentine6466]

Do you need the rings on the bottom of your gas tanks IF your gas tanks are aluminum? Id think the whole tank is aluminum including the bottom, correct? I think the pottery barns and classics are all aluminum but may be remembering wrong.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hi Jeff! Great to hear from you. The only reason I would use them on the aluminum table would be to protect against knocking the paint off the frame, thus preventing rust on the rig.

[@robertmelton325]

Glade for you, butt to there is no head clearance, and prices

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback. Neither of us are that tall so headroom is not an issue and we agree about the price, but have learned you get what you pay for. The cheaper ones fell apart quickly.

[@jgyrwa]

Airstreams simply cost way too much, to have any dislikes. You’re better off with other brands, that are more affordable, and end up with the same dislikes. There are no slide outs, one way hallway, how can you mess it up?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for your insight. Yes, they are costly when compared to most box trailers (which we’ve had three) but these are our most favorite by far and we prefer no slide outs.

[@RichAnthony77]

The Airstreams are more polished in their fitting everything inside & out’ from the box car travel trailers. We have a 2022 23 FBT Globetrotter and love it. We went from an Airstream Nest to a 19 foot corner bed bunk Flying Cloud, and then to the Globetrotter that we now have. All the other RVs that I have been inside & checked out have no comparison to the Airstream travel trailers.

[@keithblueribbonable]

Just curious what the solar upgrade system cost? Ive got a 21 international 28rbq and am seriously considering this? Thanks

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello and thanks for watching! I’m sorry but I have no idea. I ordered all of these parts via the dealership and/or Amazon and paid two big bills but don’t know the total cost. I did all labor myself. I used Merlin to match what was on the roof. Some of my very good friends and people I trust with my rig are now using NewPowa solar panels and have been very happy.

[@saullyman]

Where can I find those propane tank bottom rubber gaskets

[@ThirteenAdventures]

They are on our Amazon Page www.amazon.com/shop/thirteenadventures or you can find them here: amzn.to/46f0gB1

[@SaulSadowsky]

Unfortunately these won't work. My new 2023 Classic 33 has tanks that are almost 1/2" rim rounded bottoms. The older tanks with the 1/8" rim these would work for.@@ThirteenAdventures

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Sorry to hear this.

[@donniehelmly4920]

I only installed the distribution bars. Just because. If my wife HAS to drive. (RARE) But, i want stability for her. My 2500HD doesn't need it for me.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Understand completely! Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@kasb58]

Where are the likes and dislikes? After 20 minutes, no information related to the title was provided. I couldn't finish watching.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Sorry you didnt find it helpful. I suppose it's more of an in-depth review of this particular model and how we use it.