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Hello from Colorado ShirleyB: Welcome to the Airstream Forums. You will "shirley" get a lot of responses to your request for opinions. And each opinion won't cost you a thing. What a deal.
We've owned an vintage Airstream since 2005. We like long trips in our retirement. We like the "uniqueness" of the Airstream over the so many, many other brands. We enjoy it very much. However, there are disadvantages to owning an Airstream; like they cost over twice as much for a similar size, like they are rather fragile with their thin aluminum skins, like they are prone to leaking rain water, like they are like camping in a Lear jet (round and small). However they are a very high quality trailer with excellent interior designs.
Tow vehicle selection is easier if you stick to the specs. Manufacturers have their tow ratings made public. You must know the "gross vehicle weight rating" of the trailer you want to tow. This is not the dry weight, but the maximum weight the trailer will carry. And you need to know the "gross combined weight rating" of the tow vehicle. This is the weight of the vehicle, the passengers and cargo, and the weight of the trailer. And don't forget the "gross weight rating" of the tow vehicle. This is the weight of the vehicle and the max passengers and cargo it will safely carry. Then consider dropping a 700 pound trailer tongue on the rear bumper and you may find that you don't have enough capacity to take fido with you. I like torque and horsepower for my tow vehicle as I pull my trailer up steep mountain roads.
I highly recommend you look forward 5 years or more and pick the right trailer for your future needs. Airstreams last a very long time. Buying small and cheap now will cost more when you want to go bigger, and most folks do. If you plan on short trips like 3 or 5 nights out, a 22 is just fine. If your plans call for weeks or months on the road, the 22 will get small in a hurry. Older Airstreams in good condition is a cost reduction alternative to consider. They won't have the latest designs, but they will keep you warm and comfortable nonetheless.
David
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