We were at the local AS dealer this weekend looking at a 27' FB (while we patiently wait for our 25' FB to be built) and we noticed that airstream has recently released a 23' FB, which the dealer in Albuquerque had in stock. It has the (large) bath in the back, similar to the Safari Sport models, and a full-size bed turned sideways up front. It has a dinette amidships across the isle from the galley. The dealer said it was so new that the floorplan hasn't been listed on the AS website, but I just noticed it under the Safari (not SE)floorplans on the AS website, although the example that I saw at the dealer was the SE version. My wife and I thought the layout was pretty neat, and would be a good choice for 2 people with a midsized tow vehicle, as the gross weight rating is 6000 lbs.
If anyone out there is interested in a smaller FB version, but feel that the 20' Safari is just a little too cramped, then you may want to take a look at the 23'FB.
Interesting. This is exactly the way I arranged my '68 Tradewind. It's perfect for two people and the "moderately loaded" weight is just under 4,000 lbs. I wonder what the dry weight of the new 23' is. Mine will be showing up on the classifieds soon, thanks to the insurance/medical conspirancy. Darol
The door should be up front. This is going to be another "fishtailer" due to the axel placement. Didn't they learn anything from the Argosy 22' rear door? Darol
The door should be up front. This is going to be another "fishtailer" due to the axel placement. Didn't they learn anything from the Argosy 22' rear door? Darol
Hi Darol. We were recently discussing this Argosy 22' issue here. An actual comparison would really be interesting. What info would we want from owners of a 22' rear door Argosy & this new FB Safari? I'd start with hitch-to-axle distances and weighing their tongues. The new FB Safari already has more up front weight with the queen -- no numbers on the mothership's website for this new model.
On further review... Okay, we'd want to figure the tongue weight as % of curb weight. GVWR would be good too. Maybe Patrick can give us those figures for the '08 23' FB Safari.
G - Thank you kind sir! Do you have any figures on curb (UBW) and tongue weight? Guessing around 5000# UBW, an 11% or 550 pound tongue weight should make a stable tow.
Dave - Light tongue weight on the 22' rear door Argosy. I'd be curious if it approached 10% of curb weight. 8% could be really goosy at moderate speeds. Ever try throwing an arrow backwards?
The unstable Argosy mentioned in my post 8 link probably was towed without any water. The water tank is just under the front window on most Argosy trailers -- a plus if needing to add tongue weight.
I'd guess Airstream has executed better specs on the 23' FB.
Dave, The overhang and weight behind the axels. I doubt that the "queen" bed up front will make much difference. What we want to know is hitch weight, dry weight, and where the tanks are located. Another thread has already discussed the safety issues of new designs. Seems like it would be a much safer design if the door was close to the bed for quick escape. No reason why the dinette couldn't be directly across from the galley. Then the wheels could be moved back. Argosy made the 22' both ways and the front door model was very well balanced. Darol
Quick Links
Linear Mode
