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We had a 72 Safari 23' camper that was wrecked two years ago. We just got the 17' Safari Sport as a replaement.
They list the Safari Sport as an entry level camper, so it's not as big or as plush as many of the AS campers. I wanted a light weight camper that was easy to tow. The Sport only weighs 2850 LB, so it is easy to tow. I find I don't need load levelers or anti-sway bars to tow it.
Layout is much the same as our old camper except for the 6' missing in the middle. That was an extra bed and storage space. Yes, we do miss the extra space. It's just me and the wife so a small camper is fine. I think if I had to do it again I'd look at the 22' Sport a little more. Still, the small size is easy to tow, easy to find spots for and very fast to set up. It's a hard choice.
One of the things I like the best about the camper is the rear bath. It has a full size shower and a dry bathroom. The old Safari had a wet bathroom and a closet in the back. I like this much better. It's also set up for a TV and has a microwave/convection oven. Each of these takes up space and it cuts the storeage space in the trailer. We have to use the tow vehicle for overflow storeage. I've looked at the 22' layout and it has much the same problem.
To cut cost and weight, AS did not do the big wrap around front window. Also there is no door window or small port windows. They did add a skylight so it is bright and cheery inside. To be honest, we don't miss the big window at all. While we had the old Safari there was only one time we really got to use the big window, the rest of the time we had the curtains closed. I think the campers looks better with the big window but it makes no differance actual use.
AS used much the same parts in this unit as they do in any other camper. The only quality issues are the ones common to all the late model campers. I felt right at home as soon as I walked in. It had the same stuff as my old 72 except it was all updated. All of the gas has automatic ignitors so I don't have to run around lighting things when we set up. There have been some failures but it only took a little cleaning or drying to fix everything. The sink faucet broke once, but that was from being forced.
For a small camper with two people, this one is great. If you have kids to camp with, the 22' will work for two small kids. The 17' also works for a live abourd for one. For two poeple, it's going to get a little tight. Sort of depends on how well you work with each other.
One of the main reasons we got this camper is because it is more like the classic campers from the 60's and 70's than anything else in the AS fleet. It's only 7.5' wide and the weight is about the same as the early campers. It has that clasic round shape. This camper really goes back to the Airstream roots.
Hope this helps.
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