In a dilemma between 16' and 22'

[PKI]

OK - most folks move up to the 19 from the 16 to get a dry bath. From our perspective, we would move to the 22, as it's a little 23. We like the layout a lot.

However, you need to go to a dealer and spend time in the dinete of both units. If the 22 dinete works for you, great. For some folks it does not. The issue is size and view. Different for each.

Bed better in 22. It tows better, because it is narrower and pushes less air (7.5 vs 8.0). And we like the bathroom better.

Compare appliances, bathroom, dinete, bed, work space, storage space, and layout configuration. Go with what you like.

The final consideration is waranty. New is 3 years now. You may find that better for your abilities. Learning to do it yourself is the right approach for the RVer, so don't ignore that consideration either.

Good luck with the decision. Either will give you lots of smiles. Pat

[gordyfj49]

Get the 22'. We just went from a 16' to a 22'. You will love it. Larger bath and more storage area!!

[redhat200]

Easy answer. Yes Yes Yes Lucky �� You ! Light weight fits anywhere. Easy to tow. - back up. And yes an awesome bathroom. Our first Airstream was a 22 foot. We pulled it with a Dodge Durango. So easy. It is one of the lightest of the Bambi‘s. 2 of us & one dog it was great. I can’t imagine you wouldn’t just love it. I doubt you’d have any regrets. Awesome price $$$ . beautiful floor plan. Congratulations on choosing the best. AIRSTEAM !!!! Welcome to the Airstream family.

[urnmor]

IMO you will not regret going with the 22 over the 16

[MWBishop]

Another potential reason for the 22 is, while warranty has expired or soon will, hopefully any issues have already been resolved.

[Mainely Fish]

We have a 2008 22 ‘ Sport (Safari). We love it, especially the dry bath. We purchased it three years old and lightly used. Our TV was a Honda Pilot for the first year. The combination worked very well but the limited cargo capacity, both wt and cu foot led to a GMC 1500 with a cap. Our AS model has a single axel and the tongue wt plus truck cap is still a significant portion of the GMCs load capacity. We looked at a Bambi 16’ but it was to small for the two of us and two twenty lbs dogs. I do miss more windows of the wide body styles. Enjoy your personal choice.

[Foiled Again]

22 definitely

Four tires are much safer especially if you have a flat. You can safely limp at 35mph to a pull-off or service station to put on the spare tire and can change a tire without jacking up the Airstream. Make a ramp from "lego" blocks, run the good tire up on the ramp til the flat is off the ground and change tires. Much less stressful than watching some hack jack up your trailer without any idea where the one safe lift point is.

[pastorwug]

I'll vote for the Sport 16, my sister has a 25' and has had a lot of problems with it. Our 16 pulls so easy, fits us 2 perfectly with our English Bulldog. Was offered a 19' when last at our dealer, straight across, we said no.

[James3344]

I can't thank everyone enough for your replies! They are all very helpful to me.

A little update: We went to check out the 22' Sport today. There was some hail damage along the right side, it wasn't terrible but enough small dents to notice. It has also been stored outside all of its life...and never waxed! From what i've read that isn't so great for the exterior. Overall the interior looked nice, but had a few missing rivets.

My big draw to buying new is that I would be able to take care of it up to my standards from day 1. That helps a lot with my peace of mind!

[waninae39]

we have a 2017 sport 22FB

The sport 22 is a slightly smaller version of the popular 23FB model.

if we were to buy again, we would get the one class up FC 23FB
why

• bed you can access on both sides
• only other model with a double sink
• and more storage

for the two of us, nothing bigger than a 23 FB is needed by us

[Deltaboy59]

The Bambi 16 was an upgrade for us ...from a teardrop with no dinette to the Airstream was a perfect choice...
Easy to get in and out of parking lots...ie Walmart ...we take up two spaces on the street...we use bath houses in RV parks 90 percent of the time so the wet bath was perfect for nighttime potty use...one AC is a plus....
We are average size and happily married so the bed is quite cozy...I think there is a reason the Bambi 16 is the most popular model...We tow with a full size F150crew so plenty of storage in our tow vehicle....single axle means less cost on tires...Don’t let bigger is better put you in something that is more than you need.

[TBRich]

If I were you I'd do the 22. (Hey that rhymes!) ... You will not be sorry. The price is right, the length and weight are not that much more. You will be doing your friend and yourself a favor, with $ left over.

[Ron1934]

My TV, Mazda CX 9 towing max 3500lbs, determined which Sport, 16 or 22 to buy since the Sport 16 towing max is 3500lbs my purchase was a 2019 Sport 16.I also noted that either 120v 15/20amp shore power and/or my Honda 2200eu gen can easily energize and run a RV 11000 btu AC with power to spare for other AC appliances.Bottom line its "what suits your fancy mate" that matters most.
Ron1934. 1934 is my BD year.



Honda Watt Guide RV Air Conditioner
Sport 16 11000 BTU
Approximate Starting Wattage 1600 Approximate Running Wattage 1010

Sport 22 13500 BTU
Approximate Starting Wattage 2800 Approximate Running Wattage 1800

[The Flamingo]

We have the 22ft and LOVE it!!! The 16 is very nice but was just too small and I didn't like the wet shower in the 16. Go for the 22ft and enjoy!!!

[James3344]

Thank you for all of these replies!

I don't know to much about the exteriors of these trailers. The used one has a decent ding in the back to the left of the storage compartment. They said they'd replace the black piece, but i'm worried about the dings in the aluminum. Is this something to worry much about?

[PKI]

James, you have shifted your question a bit. Broken, damaged is one thing and 2 years old for a size upgrade is something different. Patina hits like the one you show are easier to ignore if you make them. Repair of such is usually expensive. That one is small, but not something that will buff out. It could be covered with a decorative patch - search on that for examples.

Your question seems to be "Is this a major problem for these trailers" and the answer is, anything that degrades the integrity of the skin, floor or frame is a problem. That ding looks like it is not something that can't be corrected, but it also lookes like it should be.

The point is, how would you as the new owner deal with the problem? Take it apart and fix it or take it to the dealer and have them do it? One answer says OK and the other says run very fast. The correct answer is that you need to learn how to fix similar or how to make enough money to pay someone to fix it. There is an insurance alternative and the acceptance of "patina" that can be embraced or rejected. Your coach, money and RV lifestyle, which makes it your decision.

On the outside looking in, you seem to have a toss up. It's not an especially good deal as you lay it out. However, it may be good enough for you, depending on your wants, needs and perspective.

Note, there are other trailers for sale. Suggest you first decide what you want and then figure out how to buy/find it. Pat

[Msherw]

Originally Posted by James3344

Thank you for all of these replies!

I don't know to much about the exteriors of these trailers. The used one has a decent ding in the back to the left of the storage compartment. They said they'd replace the black piece, but i'm worried about the dings in the aluminum. Is this something to worry much about?

Attachment 334983

Dings in the external skin means you are using the AS on the road. Unless it is punctured into the interior insulation area, probably doesn't present a problem. I know a lot of AS owners do everything to prevent a ding, but dings will happen. Even hail will catch you at some point but hail damage is cosmetic.

The 22FB is a great TT and it will last a lifetime. In fact a few dings means you are using the rig to its fullest. The 22FB will be a more comfortable rig for long trips and provide a lot of secure nights with hot showers. Fear not.

[TBRich]

Hmm. To replace that corner panel is not cheap. If it were me, and I could' live with it, I'd ask the seller to at least split the cost of repair. (The owners could have had it repaired through insurance when it happened, but it's probably too late for that.)

AND I will point out that this kind of damage on a Sport can be partly blamed on the fact that Sports do not have a rear bumper like Flying Clouds, etc... The rear of the trailer is basically wide open & vulnerable to rear collisions, even small bumps (which is probably what this one was) ... that would be mitigated by a bumper. This is one of the biggest downsides of Sports IMHO.

[Silvr_Bullet]

I have seen some Sports with rear Stone Guards, wouldn’t see that damage with them. Just a thought.

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

I have seen some Sports with rear Stone Guards, wouldn’t see that damage with them. Just a thought.

I have seen a few Sports with ear bumpers as well. That isn't how they started out and they do not picture a sport with a bumper online. i'm guessing the bumpers are an add-on option or done after market. Not having a bumper was a probably a means to reduce weight a little.