First Purchase...19 vs 25FB

[jackb111]

Hello all. My GF and I are about to pull the trigger on a 2015 19' Serenity and I keep going back to the 25FB. Mainly, dining area towards outside and bed is sideways instead of the corner. Also dual axel seems a plus. Concerns are towing and how many fewer place to park. Resale is a concern as well.
Anything else anyone may offer is greatly appreciated. We are still working couple so don't see us using it a lot be we love the outdoors and camping.
Many thanks for input!

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your dilemma, both the 19 and the 25FB are great Airstreams. As to which one is right for you, only you can decide. You are obviously familiar with both Airstreams. Consider what you think that your camping style will be. Consider where you want to camp, and for how long. All these things will lead you to the right Airstream for you.

Brian

[SCOTTinNJ]

I believe many more people go from 19 to 25 than from 25 to 19. That is telling.

[terryV]

19' has it with the cute factor. 25FB wins in all the other areas, especially comfort.

I think I would be happier longer with the 25FB. But that's me. You guys are the ones who have to live with it.

[Sbb]

I was where u r two years ago, mine is used a lot for business( festivals) and pleasure, grandkids. I was intimidated with size of 25' at the time but would not be now. I got 19' because 90% of time when at work I am alone, size makes sense. However I do take four grandkids and we fit fine. For now I like mine, there is good chance I should have gone 25 knowing what I know now. So, go 25' you have to go with gut. That corner bed tough for two adults, fantastic for little grandchildren. Perfect when I travel alone.

[dkottum]

Both great Airstreams for their own use. The 19' is an excellent weekend and vacation Airstream, the 25' adds comfort, storage tank capability, a much roomier feel as well as the things you mention for long term use. We spend 6-7 months year traveling with ours.

If you take good care of it as outlined in many maintenance threads on this forum, set up a scheduled regular inspection and maintenance plan (I suggest quarterly) either one will last a lifetime and look good all the way.

[jcanavera]

As someone else noted, Ive not yet met an Airstream owner who has regretted going with the larger trailer. I have met some regretting the choice of the smaller. Those making those statements to me usually have second thoughts after 2-3 years. Kids, dogs, and confinement during bad weather seem to be sparks that kindle the regrets.

Jack

[KiwiAS]

We imported a 16' from California to New Zealand last year and we love it. But...we're already kind of ready to upgrade to a larger model to get a separate shower/toilet and an oven. On the other hand, parking the trailer at home under cover from the intense UV we have in NZ is real important to is and we can fit Little Al in our garage, which wouldn't be possible with anything much longer. And we head off into some spots where a longer trailer might start to be cumbersome. But if these issues aren't constraints for you, then it's worth seriously considering going large. I think I'd value the benefits of twin axles quite highly...


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[Tincampers]

We initially were wanting a 23RB, but went with a 25RB and now look longingly at the 27RB. The 25 seems to have all that we need and nothing we don't.

[Peanut]

Jack here's my 2 cents about making the decision. If you believe your GF is going to be with you long term, then get the one she wants. Not only do you need her to be happy, she is a lot smarter than you and has thought about this from angles you cannot yet see. If the relationship is more casual, then ask yourself: do you want to go camping or are you looking to travel with you own little condo. From reading your post, it sounds to me that you want to go camping, so go with the 19 or maybe even the 16.

[jackb111]

Thank you all for your input. Much appreciated. After a lot of thinking, I realized that Peanut had me pegged. We love the outdoors and I do like to camp a lot. We also wont travel anywhere other than here in the West coast and for short time periods so knowing that, we feel the 19 will suit our needs now. I can also pull it easily with my Cayenne without worrying too much. I did get a smoking deal on a used 2013 25 FB Sig (50k) which made this even harder but now trying to decide to pull trigger on new 2015 or used. The used 19 Sig or Serenity are not easy to find. Again thanks and thanks Peanut....I thought it was my GF who posted that.

[Wayne&Sam]

We loved our 20' but got tired of the bed. Having to climb over the other person got old. The extra space in the 25' is a joy.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Sometimes you have to jump on a good deal when you have the chance.

[mutcth]

The biggest sacrifice in equipment you'd make going with the used one is not getting the ducted air conditioning system in the 2015.

Is there any factory warranty left on the 2013? If there was some time left on that one, allowing for debugging, I would save the $$ and go used. The Serenity is a lovely trailer.

As for the size question, if you keep going back to the 25FB in your mind now, are you going to be happy if you buy the 19'?

Tom

[socool69]

we have the same discution with my wife...

the storage will be the finaly point for us

the refregerator is very small in the 19 and no storage outside like a 25 RB ..


like some other member say ... never get smaller always get bigger and its more money now but will be more money if you decide to change after few trips


I fall in love with my 25 and for us it a pefect fit...

you need to go to a AS cruise to see all unit and owners to show you all model and benefit

[jackb111]

Ordered a new 19 it's perfect for us now and if we find ourselves wanting bigger a few years from now we can get a slightly used 25 with the ducted air. Sometimes you buy what you need now and enjoy it and not worry about what you may want a few years from now.