Region One News – April 2018
Published: April 1, 2018
By J. Rick Cipot
By now I’m sure everyone has heard that Airstream has brought back the 345 Classic under its new moniker “The 345 Modern”. The first few finished coaches are off the assembly line and on their way to two very lucky Airstream dealers. Production goals of fifteen units before July is pretty aggressive considering the NEST and the new Atlas are also in the mix along with Airstreams already extensive travel trailer line. No wonder Jackson Center is working seven days a week.
We were very fortunate that we were able to test drive one of the first 345 Moderns coming off the line and all I can say is; WOW! First and foremost, the classic styling of the original 345 is intact save for the new style windows, and the appliances up on the roof. That iconic silhouette is still a sight to see coming down the road. The new Mercedes Benz L6, 10.7 Liter diesel engine has power to spare with the six speed automatic transmission with extremely smooth transitions. At 2,500 RPM all you hear is a whisper as the double walled sound barrier separates you from the engine compartment. Along with the water cooled exhaust exchange you have a powertrain that is perfectly suited for the new 345 Modern.
Open the door and a whole new different world awaits you. Classic-modern with a touch of yesteryear surrounds you with perfection. A bold union of woods, vintage style Formica and of course aluminum set the tone for the interior. The forward cockpit is exactly what you would expect from Airstream from a digital instrument cluster to lane departure and built in Rand McNally GPS. Working our way back is a wonderful lounge area with a love seat and two additional swivel captain chairs all covered in Aventguard material for a long lasting stain resistant finish. Next a dinette large enough for four adults, full galley three burner stove top and micro-wave with plenty of counter space for cooking and serving. Moving toward the rear of the coach is of course the full size shower curbside and porcelain toilet and Corian counter with designer sink bowl. The Master bedroom fills out the rear with a full size queen, under bed storage, wardrobe closet, along with nightstand storage. Full wrap around panoramic windows. Actually there is so much to say about the new 345 Modern that you will have to wait a few weeks for Airstream’s official launch and promotion of this incredible coach.
By now Sandi and I have already dewinterized and have one four day weekend under our belt for the 2018 camping season and look forward to the joint rally Pets & Paws hosted by Cape Code and New England units. Speaking of rallies, if you haven’t yet signed up for the Region One Rally you may want to get that check in the mail. It’s going to be a wonderful event with the Cowboy theme well played. Hope to see you there. So keep the shiny side up and by the way, April Fools!