2010 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Review
The iconic brand combines popular and practical in its 2010 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 travel trailer. Expanding its popular Flying Cloud series in 2010 with an all-new 30 foot model, this model was crafted to meet the needs of extended travel or full-time use.
The Flying Cloud series has always been about practicality and comfort, and now, contemporary styling has been thrown into the mix to give it that “home away from home” feeling. There are nine floor plans in the series to choose from, but with the addition of the 30, RVers get even more space, comfort and convenience. Able to sleep from two to six people, the 30 offers two living area configurations; one comes with a full lounge while the other comes with twin recliners. But no matter which one you decide to go with, you’ll get advanced storage solutions, sleek cabinetry, multi-functional workspaces, and plenty of windows that give you a great view of your surroundings.
But it’s not just its light weight and ruggedness that will catch your attention. Airstream is doing its part for the environment by building a greener trailer. Because the company wants the Flying Cloud to spend as much time on the road as possible – hopefully being handed down to budding travelers in the family – Airstream says this trailer offers a 20 percent advantage in towing efficiency over standard “white box” trailers. And depending on how much time you spend on the road, that’s a lot of fuel saved. So, you’ll enjoy less of an impact at the pump and better stability on the road – not bad for being environmentally friendly.
Sporting the famous bright aluminum finish, the Flying Could boasts clean, sleek lines, which helps minimize wind drag. The exterior’s flashy look is complete with a white roof and a polished rear bumper, and for superior stopping power, the Flying Cloud is outfitted with electric drum brakes that feature Nev-r-Adjust brakes and Nev-R-Lube hubs.
When you set up camp, enjoy your morning coffee under its 21’ 4½” patio awning, and for those of you that just can’t leave home without a few more basic necessities, it also comes equipped with exterior storage space. An opaque window in its door allows light in, but also gives you added privacy, while an outdoor shower comes is handy when you don’t want dirty campers tracking in mud from the outdoors.
Keeping you comfortable in all four seasons, the 30 is constructed with an enclosed and insulated underbelly. In the summer, stay cool with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with heat pump and electric control, as well as a second air conditioner in the bedroom and two fans that help circulate air flow. When the temperature starts to drop, you’ll appreciate the 30,000 BTU furnace with electric ignition. It also comes with a six-gallon water heater with electric ignition, is remote generator ready and can even be outfitted with solar pre-wire for those RVers who want to harness the sun for their power consumption needs.
When you’re out on the road for extended periods of time, you come to appreciate storage space. And innovative storage solutions are pretty abundant in the Flying Cloud 30. Not only can you bring more essentials along with you, but when you’re on the move, your supplies stay put, thanks to underseat storage.
Head into the kitchen and you’ll find that not an inch of space is wasted. For meal prep, it comes with additional counter space – the sink comes with its own over that’s perfect for slicing and dicing, and its granite laminate countertops provide functionality and style. Equipped with a three-burner cook top with oven, a range hood with vent and light and a convection microwave, it’s fairly easy to whip up some sumptuous eats while on the road. Trips to the groceries store will be cut, thanks to the addition of a 7 cubic foot, two-way automatic refrigerator. And whether the whole family is gathering around for supper or if you’re just grabbing a quick snack on the go, the cushioned dinette with pullout credenza table offers comfortable mealtime seating.
Decor hasn’t been overlooked in the 30 model either. You have the option to go with one of five decor options: Burnt Sienna, Midnight Sun, Mocha Blue, Stratus or Mica. With the updated decor options also come modern fabrics, fixtures, and cabinetry – nice touches that really complete the look. Recessed lighting and an exposed aluminum interior skin add a contemporary touch while plentiful windows (including a panoramic window) maximize interior light and its sense of spaciousness. Smaller windows feature mini blinds and the skylight has it own blackout shade.
In the 74-inch front deluxe lounge, relaxing is simple. From the comfort of the recliners, you’ll have the best seat in the house for the premium audio/video package, complete with 22-inch TV, AM/FM/CD/DVD/CD controller receiver, and two-way speakers (it’s ready for cable TV hook-up or satellite prewire).
A bathroom is one of those luxuries it’s hard to go without, even while you’re “roughing it.” It’s a good thing the Flying Cloud 30 makes cleaning up a breeze too. It has all the bathroom equipment you’d expect, plus a bit more: a fiberglass shower with soap dish, shower light and glass door, towel bar, stainless steel round sink, vanity cabinet and articulating swivel mirror.
After a hard day of camping, you’ll look forward to hitting the hay. In the bedroom, there’s a second optional TV that you can watch in comfort from the Queen-sized bed with foam mattress and quilted bedspread. For clothes storage, there are a wardrobe and a rear overhead roof locker, while the bed also comes with removable storage boxes underneath it.
The Flying Cloud comes with pretty much everything you need to make an adventure a cushy one, but there are some options available that will make it even, well, cushier. Even if you go with a model that just comes with the standard equipment, you’ll still make every excursion on the road a comfortable one.
