2012 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Review

When you’re looking for the right sized travel trailer that will follow you along to any adventure, the 2012 Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailer fits the bill. This single-axle Bambi travel trailer combines light weight ruggedness with total practicality to give you the complete package.

There are 15 different Flying Cloud floorplans to choose from, but since we don’t have the time to go through them all, we’re going to stick with just one – the Flying Cloud 30. With the capacity to sleep as many as six people, this travel trailer has an exterior length of 30′ 11″, an exterior width of 8′ 5.5″, an exterior height of 9′ 7″, an interior width of 8′ 1″ and an interior height of 6′ 5″. In terms of weight, it has a GVWR of 8,880 lbs, a Unit Base Weight of 6,322 lbs and a hitch weight of 880 lbs. For water, the 30 has a black water tank capacity of 38 gallons, a gray water tank capacity of 38 gallons, a fresh water tank capacity of 54 gallons, and a six-gallon water heater. As well, the Flying Cloud 30 has a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with heat pump and electronic controls and a 30,000 BTU furnace with electronic ignition.

One of the things that sets an Airstream travel trailer apart is its silver, rounded design. But that’s not just for good looks – it’s also for aerodynamics, as Airstream says the Flying Cloud has a 20 percent advantage in towing efficiency. As well, the rubber torsion axle and wheels with undermounted holding tanks help provide a low center of gravity.

This Airstream RV employs semi-monocoque construction, which consists of an inner and outer layer of aluminum skin. This aluminum is stretched and riveted to the frame, working as an integral part of the structure. Sporting a bright aluminum finish and a white-finish roof, the Flying Cloud comes equipped with an enclosed and insulated underbelly, a solar stone guard and a diamond plate exterior storage compartment. Finishing off its distinctive exterior look are a polished rear bumper (with storage), aluminum LPG bottle cover, cast taillights, and main door with opaque window. Other exterior features include a license plate bracket with an LED light, a cast aluminum grab handle, a patio awning and an exterior shower.

Inside the Flying Cloud 30, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with its stylish décor. Available in a choice of Burnt Sienna, Mocha Blue, Golden Night and Mica, the interior is set off with gold alchemy laminate cabinetry, satin finish hardware, decor lighting and an aluminum interior skin. Making cleaning easy, this Airstream travel trailer comes outfitted with an entrance mat, laminated countertops and vinyl flooring. Other décor features include aluminum mini blinds, wood/steel drawer boxes, an interior grab handle, a key holder, and overhead roof lockers.

When you first walk into the Flying Cloud 30, you’re greeted by the living area. Take a seat on the 74″ deluxe lounge, where you can enjoy the premium audio/video package. This package comes with a 26″ LED HD TV, AM/FM/CD/DVD Blu Ray DVD player, two-way speakers, an active subwoofer, AM/FM tuner amplifier with integrated tune tray, controls and display for iPod/MP3, and an external USB input. The living area also comes with storage bins below the lounge, decorative throw pillows and a lift-up table.

Up next is the kitchen, which comes fully loaded with a three-burner cooktop with oven, microwave, range hood with vent and light, and 8 cu. ft. two-way refrigerator. Helping to make clean up and prep a breeze are its laminated galley top, stainless steel single bowl sink with cover, and faucet with filtration and separate sprayer. Other kitchen perks include a galley flip-up shelf, magazine rack, aluminum inserts on the refrigerator, dinette, spice rack, bi-fold range cover, pantry storage and waste storage.

Making our way to the bedroom, you’ll rest easy on an island queen-sized bed with a foam mattress covered by a quilted bedspread, reverse sham and throw pillows. Other bedroom features include a wardrobe with LED light, rear overhead roof locker, magazine racks on the wardrobe, and pneumatic lift top and removable storage boxes under the bed.

And what travel trailer would be complete without the bathroom. The Flying Cloud 30’s bathroom has just what you need to be comfortable while on the road, with a few extras thrown in for good measure. Essentials such as a fiberglass shower, a china toilet and a stainless steel round sink come standard. Other bathroom features include a towel bar, towel ring, hinged bath door, retractable clothes line in the shower, glass shower door, shower light, vanity cabinet, and articulating swivel mirror (double sided with magnification).

The 2012 Airstream Flying Cloud 30 Travel Trailer retails for around $81,807. For more information, visit http://www.airstream.com/.

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