Newb! - Some Questions - 22' Sport

big_john · 09-18-2009, 10:18 AM

Been lurking and researching for quite a while. Thanks to the forum for all of the great info and sharing! What a great resource regariding an awesome piece of Americana!

My wife and I and our 2 kids are just about ready to make the AS plunge! We have been solid tent campers and are looking to get up off the ground in style. After much research, I *think* we are down to the 22 Sport FB. I'll list the top 5 reasons why and invite the forum to make recommendations for something that may be better suited? Past models that might work that we can find used?

0. 25' or less...would prefer a double axle, but the weight (and price) is getting up there on the models that have 2x axles.

1. I tow with a 2002 Tahoe V-8, so I'd like to keep the GVWR at 6,000 lbs or less. I know I could do more, but the family weighs in at 250+130+50+40 = 470lbs plus gear, etc.

2. We really, really like the front panoramic windows...unfortunately the Sport has the larger bed in the front which is a bummer...I guess the ideal config would be the bed in the back with the sitting area in front by the large windows...this makes the 23C look favorable but no Night Stand in the larger bed area in the back (see below for reasoning)...ugh!

3. The bed MUST have a side table or somewhere to put stuff (like a CPAP). This only seems available in the Sport or the 25'+ Flying Cloud, but still for the extra $$ I'd prefer to have the config I want (bed in rear + N/S), but this doesn't appear to be available.

4. Full size bed + gaucho or whatever convertible for the kids. Sleeps 4.

I would really, really like to keep it under $40k new MSRP and negotiate from there. That really locks me into the Sport seems like.

I know I am just starting this process and this seems like the best starting point for a search just based on my criteria...

There are SOOO many models and it seems they just changed their naming...ie the SAFARI become the FLYING CLOUD?

Is there a late model SAFARI that would meet my needs?

Thanks for the help!!!

Big_John