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Old 12-05-2008, 09:06 AM   #1
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The best Airstream floor plan?

I'm sure this has been discussed in other threads, but I've been thinking about floor plans lately. Airstream has been building travel trailers for decades. What do you, gentle Airstreamers, think is the best Airstream floor plan ever. I realize this is a little like asking someone to compare Otto Graham with Johnny Unitas with Joe Montana with Peyton Manning. Still, I think it's useful to hear what people think is the "best" floor plan... and why.
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Old 12-05-2008, 09:43 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by hampstead38 View Post
I realize this is a little like asking someone to compare Otto Graham with Johnny Unitas with Joe Montana with Peyton Manning.
Or, Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge vs. Toyota.

We chose ours for a number of reasons, but at a minimum it had to have a queen bed. We have a king at home and a double would feel uncomfortably small and be too short for us. The next hoop for the trailer to jump through (visualize that!) was smallness, but not too small. Small enough to fit in any campground, public or private, and small for ease of towing. Small enough for a Tundra to tow (not all Tundra owners agree on what size is the limit for that truck, but for us it was 25'). Big enough to not feel cramped and have enough storage for a 10,000 mile trip. Big enough dinette to pile a lot of stuff on the table and even on the seat plus have the "sofa" (more like a bench) to put more stuff on. A toilet we could fit on. The double sink makes it easier to let dishes air dry on a rack in that side (thus, not knocking them off the counter to the floor). Cost did matter—Safari SE offered the best buy—most amenities without going overboard. And, what felt right for us and that the two of us agreed on the decision.

All that pointed directly at the Safari 25' FB SE. Of course, when we see the longer ones with all the appointments, they sure are nice. There's even one with a king bed (or was), but one has to make compromises. Unlike the Tardis, they are not bigger on the inside than the outside (besides we would look funny towing a red British phone booth down the road).

Hampstead, what do you think about floor plans? You can't ask the question without answering it yourself.

Gene
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Old 12-05-2008, 09:45 AM   #3
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Good question. To each his own, of course, but for me, the 25FB is the 'best' floorplan. It is long enough to have adequate room inside, but no more difficult to tow than a 19'-23' trailer. It has the full-time, full-size queen bed for a good nights' rest, and it puts the living area at the rear of the trailer where typically, the best and most relaxing views are found in most campgrounds.

It is almost a mirror-image of my Bigfoot 25RQ floorplan. Frankly, had the 25FB been available from Airstream at similar cost, I'd certainly have considered it before jumping ship.

Roger
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Old 12-05-2008, 09:47 AM   #4
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There's even one with a king bed (or was), but one has to make compromises. Unlike the Tardis, they are not bigger on the inside than the outside (besides we would look funny towing a red British phone booth down the road).

Gene
Gene... you're not thinking outside the box. You park the Tundra INSIDE the Tardis, and FLY it down the road!

Roger
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Old 12-05-2008, 09:58 AM   #5
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If I were able or willing to spend more time in my AS, and if I had a bigger TV than my Grand Cherokee, I would have considered the 25 FB. The above statements are right regarding the arrangement of the living area toward the rear where most campsites have the best view, and the value of a walk-around queen bed for sleeping comfort. I just wish they could save a bit more space and have roughly the same layout in a 22 foot model, which would fit better in most of the prime national and state park campsites.
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Old 12-05-2008, 10:32 AM   #6
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I have to admit the "walk around" queen bed in the 25' is questionable. It's true there's a little space between the bed and the front wall, but it helps to have two peg legs to fit in that space. It's better for storing brooms, a spare peg leg and all those extra pillows. The 27' does have a true walk around bed.

I had thought of storing the Tundra inside the TARDIS and flying through space and time, but then I would get to see anything because the TARDIS has no windows on the inside, though I believe it does have a viewing screen. I was wrong about it being red, it looks to be blue.

Gene
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Old 12-05-2008, 11:49 AM   #7
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We like our 25' rear twin much better than our previous 23' rear bath because we have the beds made all the time rather than fooling with a center gucho bed.

My father on the other hand, could not use a center bath because he was too big.

So, like everything else, to each his own.
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:18 PM   #8
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We really like our 71 Tradewind. It has 2 gauchos with a vanity facing the rear gaucho. We used to have a Sovereign and really don't notice the Tradewind is 8' shorter.
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:23 PM   #9
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We popped on a 25' FB SE before dealers even knew they could charge full list for what was to become a popular unit (for a year or so anyway...). It tows very easily though the 6-8" width more than our Argosy is noticeable -- I'm used to that now. We use mostly public state park, nat'l forest, state forest campgrounds. There definitely are sites for tents or popups only. Now retired, we're able to avoid weekends but we've always gotten into sites. I think 2-3 extra feet wouldn't affect that. I'll go so far as to agree with 34-footer 2air on that.

I've never liked the sideways queen in 25' Safaris. With 3 great outside storage compartments we chose the twins. And we aren't even British. Where there's a will, there's a way.

So...
27' FB -- the stretch gives you a bigger wardrobe, bigger pantry -- nice for more time on the road
28' FB International -- Wow! Same as 27' but the fore-and-aft queen is the peak of bed access & comfort. I sleep just as well in a twin but then I don't sleep away the day. Or ever have time for the television we don't have. There's always iTunes if we miss any reality shows or Ghost Whisperer.... (note to self -- create :retch: smily)

We're sticking with our 25' FB
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:47 PM   #10
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We're also big fans of the 25FB floor plan for all the reasons stated above. What I can add is that we have have had our sweet Lucy for 2 1/2 years and have spent 320 nights in her, and have pulled her over 40,000 miles.

If I had to replace her today with a new Airstream, I would get a brand new 25FB.

Brian
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Old 12-05-2008, 12:59 PM   #11
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22 Foot or Smaller

Our primary requirements:
*Adequate galley space, including a functional sink, a cooktop and oven, only enough storage space, and most importantly cabinet top areas for food preparation.
*Floor space to accomodate Tess, a place for her to lounge and not be underfoot -- but not on the couch.
*Dinette for 2.
*A couch or lounge area for reading, watching TV and conversations.
*Able to be towed by a V8 1/2 ton pickup and able to fit easily in National Parks.

Areas where we are willing to compromise:
-Bathroom space, although necessary, in the course of a day it is seldom used.
-The bed should be comfortable for sleeping, but multi-use furniture is actually desirable.

Bandit, our 22' CCD (with a few alterations, http://www.airforums.com/photos/show...i=20138&c=3290) fits the bill. As a bonus we have a very bright and airy interior with lots of style.

In newer Airstreams, a 20' Safari SE would have been our second choice, mainly because of the galley. Third place is taken by the 16' CCD Bambi -- so compact, so cute!

As someone mentioned before, it's a Ford and Chevy sort of thing, but amazingly there is a perfect AIRSTREAM for every one of us.
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Old 12-05-2008, 01:08 PM   #12
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We have always been partial to the 27' unit which was the size of our 1st A/S. It had a rear bath but it was a 71 model and did not have the grey water tank. We prefer the twin beds because you never know when you have to get up in the middle of the night. When we upgraded to the 98 model we went with the 28' International Classic Excella because it has a good sized center bath and the rear twins. I don't believe we could get used to having a front bedroom. Like everybody says, to each their own.

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Old 12-05-2008, 04:15 PM   #13
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For me it's the 25FB.

Along with the reasons listed above it also has two distinct areas. So when one wants a little away time one of us can be in the bedroom and the other in the living room.
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Old 12-05-2008, 04:52 PM   #14
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Oh of course it's the 16 footer.

The 2 bedroom floor plan allows for a separate bedroom nook in the back
and the spacious guest bedroom/dinette in the front.
(Tongue planted firmly in cheek)
There is even a partition for privacy between the two (there actually is).

And I can U turn in the middle of any street and park across 2 spaces in any parking lot.

But then again I doubt if we could all agree on the best ice cream flavor either.
Even though we all know it's chocolate caramel swirl.
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:29 PM   #15
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Well, as one who has not yet invested in an AS, I'm gonna dream, and dream big.

I'd like a 34' Classic Limited, with an "L" lounge option and rear twins, please!

A real dinette, a roomy sitting area, tons (for an AS) of storage space, and good-sized bathroom. Oh, and the largest sleeping are for two people available in an AS. I'm 5'17" and a light sleeper, so I want space, and nobody walking by me to get to the loo.

And, I'll be buying it as soon as I win the lottery.
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Old 12-05-2008, 05:48 PM   #16
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The perfect Airstream floor plan, hum....

Rear bath, mid twins, front sofa w/ folding table.
How long? 26/27 sounds good.
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Old 12-05-2008, 06:40 PM   #17
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The best Airstream floor plan?

I always thought that the Overlander with Center Twins was my favorite floor plan, but the Argosy 24 Rear Door floor plan has really made me think more closely about my choice -- either way the rear bath is an absolute requirement. I like the fact that the front twin lounge converts into a cozy bedroom. The floor plan is below, and I believe that it was only offered in 1976 and 1977 which helps to explain its scarcity.



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Old 12-05-2008, 06:58 PM   #18
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Loaded Question...

I have two strong preferences...a rear bath, and a double bed. I suppose in a perfect world I'd have a rear bath, front bedroom design of some type.

Just my $0.02
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Old 12-05-2008, 07:10 PM   #19
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The wife and I enjoy touring AS dealers and looking at the variety there. If I'm going for broke (ha!), I've also got to vote for the 25FB. It just seems to have it all in the shortest package. Side bath, rear lounge, dinette, front bedroom. Sweet.

In the vintage world, my favorite is a toss-up between the 78-79 Safari and the later Caravanners. (Been in both at rallies.) I really like the two couches and the swivel chair "front salon." One of those in International trim with the vista view windows, and I melt. It almost makes me want to restore a vintage unit. I picture one in pieces in my driveway for years.

Small trailer-wise I actually prefer the current 16' Bambi to the 19's. Not fond of the side corner bed. The 22' Argosy Minuet also seems spacious, with 3 streetside windows and the neat angled countertop.

But by the time I add in time-till-depreciation-meets-affordability, my preference for smaller trailers, desire of fully opening windows, and an apprehension of vintage - a newer Safari SE 20' or 23FB is probably the overall sweet spot.
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Old 12-05-2008, 07:57 PM   #20
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We love the layout of our old '78 Argosy, which is mid section bunks, front goucho. It is very roomy even for 5 of us (3 kids 9 and under).

BUT while there are many advantages to rear bath, mainly that the bath is out of the way, the one thing I don't like is that when we use campsite on the water, which we usually do between Gulf of Mexico and Lake Conroe North of Houston, it obviously becomes very difficult to park with the living area (front) windows facing the water! The Tundra TV doesn't float very well, at least I don't think.

I thought about floating the Airstream in on the back of my 24 ft Aquasport Explorer cuddy cabin boat, but I didn't think about that for very long.

So I like the layout, I just wish we could figure out a way to "pull in" to "back in" campsites!!
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