Is a wide body actually wider?

[farmerdave]

How much wider is a wide body? Or is it just some marketing ploy? Is everything since they called them wide bodies a wide body or are they narrower again?

[Pahaska]

The wide body is 8 1/2' wide, the maximum permitted on most highways without permits. Prior to the wide body, the widest Airstream was 8' wide. Many shorter Airstreams are still 8' wide.

It doesn't seem much, but it is amazing what difference a half-foot makes in the livability of a trailer.

[dznf0g]

And that 6" makes a world of difference down the center Isle. And psychologically, you just feel like you're in a room instead of a tunnel. (My prior SOB was 8' wide on the exterior.)

[farmerdave]

An extra 6 inches would be key for my family. Thanks for the info

[damonbeals]

Not only is the trailer 6" wider but the side walls and roof are squarer. Instead of a round walls and ceiling, the walls are straighter, so you do get more space inside.

Damon

[Silver Otter]

All above are correct, of course. And, the difference for a taller guy like me is a shower on the side in which I can stand without crouching. The WB makes it possible for us to have the walk-around Queen bed as well. We love ours.

[ccfbb]

We have the wide body with the front kitchen layout. Many comments we receive say this feels as big as the newer units with a slide. You will enjoy the additional space and reduced traffic congestion.

Dick

[farmerdave]

So are the slide units narrow bodies?

[dznf0g]

Nope....EXTRA wide. but heavy....verrrry heavy.

[Foiled Again]

If you go to Colonialairstream.com and check the pictures, you'll see that the difference is the width of the center segment on the endcap, and the center of the ceiling strips.

It's very noticable if you look at the sport (7' 6") then
look at any units less than 25' which are (8' 0") then
look at the 25' and up units - widebody which are (8' 6")

From a manufacturing standpoint it simplifies the process of making three widths. The jig for the sidewalls remains the same, all of the compound curved end segments come off of one mold, and the center segment which is a simple curve is just cut 6" wider for each progressively wider model.

Now - just to be confusing - the widebody is 8' 6" at the middle of the walls. The sides curve in below the midband and if you look at the specs, they say the floor is 8' 1".... frankly that's got to be wrong because you simply don't get plywood for the floor in 8' 1" length. Someone who's repaired a floor in a widebody chime in - does a standard sheet of plywood do the whole floor side to side?

The slideouts are all widebodies - remember 8' 6" is the ROAD limit. You don't go down the road with a slide out open ever! (not intentionally at any rate!)

Paula

[dznf0g]

Paula, ya gotta count the aliminum skin and the rub rail (lower belt moulding)...that makes 8' 1".

[mefly2]

I have a wide body and can reate to those concerns about walking the center aisle ... but I am trying to lose some fat! gotcha