Proud new owners 16' Sport

[Seecue]

Hello! My husband and I recently purchased a 2013 16' Sport. We are long-time tent campers and intend to use our rig mostly for boondocking in Colorado and the desert southwest.

A couple of newbie questions:

1. We are thinking of having the dealer install a bumper. Pretty pricey: $1500. Do you think it is worth it, and are there other options besides a stock Airstream bumper? We want it pretty much exclusively to protect the trailer. Is the added weight a problem on a 16' Sport?

2. Any recommendations on the best portable solar charger?

3. Anyone have experience with towing a 16' with a Tacoma 4WD?

Thanks, glad to be a forum member!

[Bob4x4]

Originally Posted by Seecue

Hello! My husband and I recently purchased a 2013 16' Sport. We are long-time tent campers and intend to use our rig mostly for boondocking in Colorado and the desert southwest.

A couple of newbie questions:

1. We are thinking of having the dealer install a bumper. Pretty pricey: $1500. Do you think it is worth it, and are there other options besides a stock Airstream bumper? We want it pretty much exclusively to protect the trailer. Is the added weight a problem on a 16' Sport?

2. Any recommendations on the best portable solar charger?

3. Anyone have experience with towing a 16' with a Tacoma 4WD?

Thanks, glad to be a forum member!

If the Tacoma is a v-6 and 05 or newer no problem.My son's tacoma is rated to pull 65oo lbs.I wired up a brake controller for him so if we are ever out and he needs to move the trailer he's good to go

[Seecue]

Thanks for the reply!

What problem might we have with an '04 V6 Tacoma?

[TBRich]

Welcome to the Ariforums!

We tow our 19' 06 Safari SE with an 07 Tacoma V6 Double cab with a short bed and tow package (and love it). It tows 6500 lbs. I'm not sure what the earlier Tacomas are rated for... you need to check the spec's... and proper transmission cooling is important as well.

I don't know the answer to you question about adding a rear bumper, I do know there have been others here who have approached adding a bumper to a Sport...hopefully they will chime in.

Good luck!

[TouringDan]

Welcome to the forums and congrats on your new 16' Sport. I believe this is the lightest trailer that airstream makes with a gvwr of 3,500 lbs. Your Tacoma should do fine towing this trailer. I agree that you need a transmission cooler; also a brake controller and a weight distribution hitch.

The rear bumper is a bit of a head scratcher for me. $1,500 is a lot of money for something you may never need. How often do you plan to tow? Will you be towing in much traffic? Also, is this a custom design by the dealer (the first one) or has he done this before? It would be better if Airstream makes a bumper and the dealer will just be installing it. If I had the Sport, I would probably pass on it, but this a highly personal decision.

Good luck, Dan

[Bob4x4]

Originally Posted by Seecue

Thanks for the reply!

What problem might we have with an '04 V6 Tacoma?

The earlier Tacos have much less torque.The tow rating is less too but I do not remember the specs.May still be enough for the 16footer

[JackDog]

Seecue,

When I picked up my 2013 16' Sport we had the dealer install an extra battery and the porch light off the Safari.

I plan on returning to the dealer where for under $1K they are going to install the segment protectors off the Safari for the front corners of the AS.

Unless you plan on mounting bike rakes or other items on the bumper I'd pass on spending the money on that and get the protectors added. You'll have a greater chance of getting front damage from road crap then getting rear ended in an accident.

Curious, what interior color did you choose (we have mocha blue) and what do you like most and least about the Bambi.

We just got back from a White Christmas in the Eastern Sierra's with our two rough coated Collies. We really love our little tin can.

Jack Dog
in So Cal

[Ahab]

We don't have a bumper either and don't plan on getting one. It won't protect your baby in a rear end crash. You will need to have a significant other outside to yell if your getting too close when backing up. Get a set of heavy duty mud flaps for the truck and change out the 24 size battery for a 27 and your in bussiness.

[Seecue]

JackDog, Ahab, et al, thanks for the great advice. We did decide to pass on the bumper and will focus on protecting the front instead (flaps and segment protectors).

We are installing a second battery, shopping around for a solar panel, and possibly upgrading our TV to a newer Tacoma.

JackDog, we haven't actually gotten the trailer yet. Delivery is set for March. We chose the sharksfin interior. I have been following your adventures, here on airforums -- thanks for the pics and keep 'em coming! I'll report back after our maiden voyage!

[Moflash]

I would install install the bumper as Murphys law always comes into play.If it takes one light bump from backing into something or ? it will pay for itself.

[dlb435]

we've got the 2008 Sport 17 (has the rear bath instead of the the extra bed)
OK, here goes with the good and bad of the trailer:
Ground clearnce is very low. This trailer does not do well off road. It's very easy to damage the water tank on rough roads. Since you plan on boondocking this will be a concern. Be careful!
This trailer is very light weight, you can tow it with almost any V6. It's very stable and you don't need load levelers. This is the easiest trailer I've ever towed.
The frash water tank is small. Unless you limit your water use there isn't enough water for even a weekend. We usually run through a tank of water in one day unless we really conserve.
Get some leveling blocks. The refidgerator cut out will allow water to leak into the trailer if it is not level. AS knows about this problem. You can also build a water damm inside the refidgerator cut out to stop water from getting in.
Expect the black water tank sensor to fail. They all do sooner or later. Don't bother trying to fix it, you can see the level very easily when you flush.
The battery will run down in one day if you use the heater. If your going to boondock consider a solar panel. The trailer is pre-wired for this so it's an easy install. We are off grid only once in a long while so I have a generator for those occasions.
This trailer is best when hooked up to power. The TV, AC and microwave all need AC power. The TV is easy, a small inverter will run it nicely. The AC and microwave will need shore power or a generator. Solar panels, batteries and a large inverter are impractical for this.
Consider LED lights for the lighting...extends battery life. The big users of DC power are the heater and the Fantastic Fan.
The propane supply is great, even better, you don't need to fill the tanks. Just swap them out. They are the same size as the tanks used for propane grills.
Don't bother with extra rock gaurds. The protective film works fine. I've got a few small dings in the front of my trailer but nothing to worry about.

And finally....READ THE OWNERS MANUAL! We keep the manual and all of the other paper work that came with our trailer with us at all times. You never know when you might need to check for info or do a repair.

Enjoy your Safari Sport. We love ours. It's so easy to get up and go at any time. Set up takes me about 10 minutes so moving around is very easy.

Please let us know how that first trip goes.

[dlb435]

Hey JackDog...nice Collies. We travel with our two Australian Shepherds.

[Seecue]

Thanks DLB for the added invaluable input. Lots to consider.

We are accustomed to hauling around 24 gallons of water on our 3-4 night camping outings, so we have enough containers to supplement the Bambi's tank. Will be nice to have the extra water for a change. Is it a significant enough weight disadvantage that we should try to fill the AS with water when we are closer to our destination? Where we usually go, water can be hard to come by so I'd love to fill up at home.

And yes, LEDs are definitely on the list.

Speaking of clearance, anyone have thoughts about bigger tires on the Bambi or other methods of increasing clearance? Generally speaking, we will try to park in campgrounds or easy access backcountry (BLM) sites, then unhitch the Tacoma for day trips into rougher terrain. But I'd REALLY like it if the Bambi had more clearance.

I'm a bit of a geek so I've already read the owner's manual, even though we don't get our trailer until March! It will get a good re-reading upon delivery and I'll be thinking about a good place to store the hard copy...

[JackDog]

SeeCue,

Waiting for your AS like we did seemed like forever.

We love the new door position for the bathroom, I'm an ex body builder 5' 9" but 225lbs) so the toilet room in the wet bath is a little tight.

Even in high cross winds with the sway bar and equilizer hitch we could stay on the road while other trailers had to pull over and wait. We love having the four stabilizer jacks; makes for a very stable trailer even in the dirt.

The only issue so far is the counter and dinette table surfaces are very prone to damage. My girl friend had a glass soda bottle in her hand and it slipped out of her hand (about three inches above the table) and put a nice divet in the table top.

We had a Casita before the AS and so we love the extra room due to it being wider. All in all so far we are loving our little tin can.

Next trip out is at Easter to Tombstone, AZ.

Michael,
Jack Dog
in So Cal

[JackDog]

SeeCue,

Waiting for your AS like we did seemed like forever.

We love the new door position for the bathroom, I'm an ex body builder 5' 9" but 230lbs) so the toilet room in the wet bath is a little tight.

Even in high cross winds with the sway bar and equilizer hitch we could stay on the road while other trailers had to pull over and wait. We love having the four stabilizer jacks; makes for a very stable trailer even in the dirt.

The only issue so far is the counter and dinette table surface is very prone to damage. My girl friend had a glass soda bottle in her hand and it slipped out of her hand (about six inches above the table) and put a nice divet in the table top.

We had a Casita before the AS and so we love the extra room due to it being wider. All in all so far we are loving our little tin can.

Next trip out is at Easter to Tombstone, AZ.

Michael,
Jack Dog
in So Cal

[dlb435]

Sorry, you can't swap the 14" wheels out for 15" wheels. Has to do with the wheelwell cutout size. It also changes the center of gravity on the trailer.
Sounds like your water usage is a lot less than ours. I find that I can top off the tank and tow just fine. No need to travel dry.
Check out this video:

Airstream Performance - YouTube

It gives you a good idea of what you could do if you had to.

[JackDog]

dlb435,

The photo is of Jack our male on the left and Rose our female on the right; both came from So Cal Collie Rescue. My first dog as a kid was a Rough Coat Collie.

If you can handle the hair issue they travel really well, very calm and laid back with a personality much like a Golden Retriever. This is Jack's third trailer and Rose's second. He has staked out a corner on the bed while Rose like's to stretch out on the floor by the door.

Since moving up from a Casita it's nice to have more floor space and room for everything.

Mike,
Jack Dog
in So Cal

[tinbender]

[QUOTE=dlb435;1247915]Sorry, you can't swap the 14" wheels out for 15" wheels. Has to do with the wheelwell cutout size. It also changes the center of gravity on the trailer.

dlb435 --- Before I make my comment I will acknowledge that my 16 footer,(2001), is not as new as yours and I realize that changes are being done at all times. I guess it would take a hands on measurement comparison of my wheel wells to a new trailer to totally be on the mark but.......... Maybe it's possible ????

Just for general info,

I upgraded my 14" wheels and tires to 15" just about a year ago. My original wheels had some corrosion so that got me started on the idea of an upgrade. I ordered the new wheels from the same supplier that the factory uses and they are the very same wheel that is on the brand new Sport. The lug pattern is the same for the wheel, zero offset, all that matches. My original axle is the same, a 3500lb Dexter and I have no clearances problems in the wheel wells. I have noticed nothing different about the way it tows, i.e., center of gravity. Changing out to the 15s did raise it just a little but such a small amount that no change in the hitch was needed.

I measured everything more than once before I did it and am enjoying the same great towing experience that I'm used to and certainly don't regret doing it. More tire choices, etc.... Have towed it at least 4000 miles since and couldn't be more satisfied. Getting ready to do another 16 to 1800 miles and can hardly wait till pull out day gets here!! Plus, the 15s don't lose air anywhere near like the 14s did. I think I have only had to add air once since I put them on.

Of course the ultimate test would be to have a set to try before you buy. I didn't but it all worked out quite well.

Rolling on 15s and happy.tb

[BAAMbi7]

Congrats! We are about to celebrate our one year anniv with our Bambi!

It's been great. We have only been exploring AZ and SW Co. Boondocking about 75% of the time.

Water: We have never run out. We conserve but aren't crazy. We always bring a 2.5 gallon spring water and keep it on the counter for teeth brushing, drinking and overall "ingesting". (i'm a bit wacky on that stuff). As for running out ...never have done it. Our longest dry camping was three nights. Now, this summer we are looking at 5 nights so we just bought a 6 gal fresh water container. To complement that, we picked up a "tote n store". Just in case.

In addition to the 2.5, we grab a few 1 gallons as well. They are good in case you need to fill and carry.

Battery: DEFINITELY get a second battery. Yes, one night's heat will kill it. A generator as well...if that's your thing. It's ours. We have a E2000. Honestly, we haven't used the AC ever. The only time we needed it we were dry camping at a rally and we decided not to be in hot weather like that again! lol Being in Az we LOVE cool Colorado breezes in summer.

Solar: we are exploring that for a 2013 addition...

TV: A 2006 Ridgeline. No problems up and down the San Juans.

Clearance: we try and stay safe and level.

Bumper: Don't see the need for it.

LCD lights: We are fine so far...TBD. Ikea has a great little gooseneck solar lamp we love. Pop out charging in the sun.

Bathroom: old style door: great view!

Kitchen: Get those thin cutting boards - 3 pack. You can cut one in half and place it between the sink and the burners. I usually keep a full one on the glass cover. They store between the refrigerator and the dinette on the floor (thats where we also keep a long flat cooktop for the coleman).

Sorry for rambling, we love having the AS and we are NOT long time campers! First trailer and our first time out was our 3rd time camping of ANY kind!

PM if you want to compare campsites in AZ/CO.

Good luck!! have a blast!

[mefly2]

Congrats; you will surely like it!