22 Foot Sport FB

[mdh]

Currently in a 2001 19' Bambi. Retired now and looking forward to a little more accommodating unit. Very interested in the 22 foot Sport FB, but have not been able to find one to look at. Colorado dealer does not have any in stock. If there is anyone close to the Denver metro area who has one that would be willing to show us or share information about it, we would appreciate hearing from you. Please call Mike at 720-273-6428 or reply to this post. Thanks, Mike

[mdh]

It seems as though no one in the Denver metro area has a Sport 22 FB, so I would like to alter my query. I am looking for comments - good or bad, favorable or indifferent - from any Sport 22 FB owners. My wife and I are looking to move from our 19 foot Bambi, and wonder if moving to a Sport is a good idea. We like the floor plan of the Sport, but we also like the 20 foot Flying Cloud/Safari, but it is considerably more money. Any feedback would be most appreciated and welcome.

[wheel interested]

Hi Mike! And welcome to the forums.

I looked up the two units you were talking about and Colonial Airstream has great pictures and specs of the various units and I thought I would post some here so those not familiar with the two units could comment as well.

Let's start with the 20' Flying Cloud which has the regular fullopening Airstream windows and much more in the way of features.

ELECTRICAL
Deep Cycle Coach Batteries (2) • 7-Way Trailer Plug w/Junction Box • 110V/12V Power Center w/55 Amp Converter • 12 Volt ATC Fuses • Incandescent Lighting • Halogen Lighting - Ceiling (N/A Bath and Galley Overhead) • TV Jack w/12 Volt Outlet (2) • 120 Volt Exterior Outlet • GFI Protection for Bath, Galley & Exterior Outlet • Patio Light • Exterior Lighting Package Includes: Dump Valve, Compartment Lights & Area Light • Water Pump Switch at Galley • Electronic Battery Disconnect • Solar Prewire.

APPLIANCES
13,500 A/C w/Heat Pump & Electronic Control • 18,000 BTU Furnace w/Electronic Ignition • 3-Burner Cook top w/Oven • Range Hood w/Vent & Light • Ceiling Vent (Non-Powered) • Fantastic Fan Vent In Galley • 2nd FantasticFan - Exhaust Only Manual Control w/Thermostat in Bedroom • Bath Exhaust Fan (12 Volt) • 4.0 Cu. Ft. 2-Way Refrigerator • Probe less Tank Monitoring System (Wall Mounted) • 6 Gallon Water Heater w/Electronic Ignition • Fire Extinguisher • LPG, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors • CCC - Comfort Control Center.

SYSTEMS
30 Lb. Steel LPG Bottles w/o Gauges (2) • Automatic 2-Stage Regulator • Shower Head w/Shut-Off • Water Pump 4 GPM • Water Heater By-Pass Kit • Lockable Water Fill • Water Pressure Regulator • Toilet • 23 Gallon Fresh Water Tank w/Drain Valve • 18 Gallon Black Water Tank • 21 Gallon Grey Water Tank • Exterior Height w/AC - 9' 5" • Interior Height - 6' 4.5" • Exterior width - 8' • Interior Width - 7' 7" • Exterior Length - 20'10" • Hitch Ball Height -17 3/4" • Safety Chain Hook 11,700# Rating • Sewer Hose Storage Tube • Heated Tanks -12 Volt • No Fuss Tank Flush System.

[wheel interested]

20' Flying Cloud

[wheel interested]

And now the 22' Sport FB


ELECTRICAL
One Deep Cycle Battery • 7-Way Trailer Cord w/ Junction Box • 55 Amp Converter w/110V/12V AC/DC Power Center • 12 Volt ATC Fuses • Incandescent Lighting • 120 Volt Exterior Outlet • GFI Protection for Bath, Galley & Exterior Outlet • Step Light • Exterior Lighting Package Includes: Dump Valve & Compartment (LED) Light • Water Pump Switch • Manual Battery Disconnect • Solar Pre-wire • 30 Amp Service Detachable Power Cord.
APPLIANCES
13,500 BTU Air Conditioner w/Electronic Controls • 12,000 BTU Furnace • SMEV Cooktop & Sink w/Cover • Convection Microwave • 4.2 Cu. Ft. 3-Way Refrigerator • Probeless Tank Monitoring System (Wall Mounted) • 6 Gallon Water Heater w/Electronic Ignition • Fire Extinguisher • LPG, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors • Comfort Air Fan (Rear- Exhaust Only).
SYSTEMS
20 Lb. Steel LPG Bottles (2) • Automatic 2-Stage Regulator • Water Heater By-Pass Kit • Water Fill • Water Pressure Regulator • 20 Gallon Fresh Water Tank w/Drain Valve • 18 Gallon Black Water Tank • 24 Gallon Grey Water Tank • Exterior Height w/AC – 8’ 11” • Interior Height w/AC - 6’ 3” • Exterior width - 7’ 3 1/4” • Interior Width - 6’ 11 ¾” • Exterior Length – 21’ 8” • Hitch Ball Height – 17’ ¼” • Safety Chain Hook 11,700# Rating • Heated Tanks – Forced Air • Tank Flush • Sewer Hose Storage.

[wheel interested]

22' Sport FB

[wheel interested]

I really like the bathroom and rounded shower in the 22' Sport, the rollup cabinet doors and the fold away sink and stove, all very cool and stylish.

But the Flying Cloud has larger propane tanks, is wider by 7 inches, and has the good windows.

They are both great looking Airstreams!

I don't know how many people have had these models but some have had the 22' International which is laid out similarly to the 20' Flying Cloud. John (Pahaska) did some modifications on his International taking out the side dinette and turning one seat crosswise to be a lounge for tv viewing. There was the other style 22' International and some have taken their side dinettes and either left them down in the bed position or replaced the dinette with a crosswise lounge with a long removable table in front of it. So that may show a prefernce for a lounging area other than the bed as a priority to the full time dinette. Something to consider in your choice.

[JakeSpoon]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

But the Flying Cloud has larger propane tanks, is wider by 7 inches, and has the good windows.

What are the good windows?

[wheel interested]

Oops, sorry, my bias is showing.

My preference is the Airstream full opening awning type windows that let in the most ventilation and the frames are aluminum. And the Flying Cloud has a nice double window over the dinette whereas the Sport has only one window in that vacinity.

The less expensive windows are the Hehr (?) windows and 2/3rds of the window is stationary and the bottom 1/3 cranks open and is framed in rubber gaskets. They are used on many brands of RVs.

I see now in the exterior picture that the Sport model does not have an aluminum propane tank cover that the other Airstreams have, nor the rock guards, or bumper and it's single battery sits atop the A-Frame in a plastic box without an electric jack.

The Sport originally did not have a panaramic winow or as many windows as they have now added. It was to be entry level and affordable and be pulled by existing daily drivers for many. I think I would opt for going from the 19' Bambi to at least a 23' Airstream if you are purchasing new. A 25' will have larger holding tanks and more storage if you are going to do any extended traveling and can find many used units available.

[mdh]

Thanks for all your good information and efforts.

Mike

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by JakeSpoon

What are the good windows?

Hi, I have the bad windows; The ones that don't lose all of your heat or cold temps, never leak, never break, and don't allow the bad guys easy access into my trailer. Also you won't have to give anyone, one of your grand children, for payment towards a new corner glass if and/or when you break one. But I'm biased. My windows do open only on the small bottom area, but in most cases, we seldom even open any of them. We like our cheap windows. [my opinions]

As for the original poster, even though we think the 25'er is the ultimate size, I think if I were you, I would seriously consider a 23'er. If we were to buy anything smaller than what we have it would be a 23'er. [my opinion]

[mdh]

Nice looking trailer Bob, and some very good advice.

Mike

[wheel interested]

Bob's correct, my bad. We had a Safari and I felt very safe with leaving those windows open. Now if I am in a rest stop it is only the roof vents I feel safe to open now and subsequently I cook inside not willing to leave the windows open. They also don't let in the rain, can open with one hand and in winter you can easily wipe the condensation from the non-opening window with ease without the screens preventing you from wiping the glass and you have a much better unimpaired view. High wind also is not a problem. So there you go. We may have preferences but with Airstream it is all good!!! No bad, shame on me ... A continual work in progress... I will learn or probably die while trying.

[Ahab]

We have the original model '08 bought Aug '07 with the Canadian rated axle and larger fresh water tank. Has over 7000 mi at this time. We travel and boondock a lot and have storage we haven't used yet. Ventilation is no problem and the holding tanks are more than adequate. LPG tanks are also adequate. We leave the dinette set up as a bed and have two folding tables which nestle between the bed and countertop, take up no space, and can be used in or out. We replaced the Gr24 battery with a Gr 29 and half the interior bulbs with LED's. The narrow width is a plus for towing as is the lighter weight. Mountain driving finds us usually in the passing lane. It is a perfect match for our TV.

Oh yes, there is four of us. My DW and two standard poodles.

[mutcth]

I kind of like that the Sport 22 is an updated version of our Argosy Minuet. We love towing narrow trailers, and the floorplan works for us. (Wish it had the full-opening windows though - I've seen that the Safari windows can be changed, but haven't seen any one do that mod to a Sport.)

Sport 22 trivia: The panaromic window was added as an option in 2009, and an additional streetside window was made available late in 2008. (Colonial has installed those windows in some Sports.) Looking at the pics, the 2010 model lost the earlier fuzzy-covered walls, instead going for the aluminium. The front bed in a 22FB is a little smaller than the convertible front-dinette in the other floorplan.

Curious question - without a bumper trunk, where does the stinky slinky go? Is there a tube under the trailer that holds it?

Tom

[48Bob]

We have a 2007 20' Safari SE and love it. Plenty of room for two of us with a dog, lots of storage, and the most usable kitchen space of any AS floorplan. It is the same as the current 20' Flying Cloud. We bought ours used (very slightly, like new) and saved a bunch over a new Flying Cloud. And there are double windows at the dinette, great when you can park it with a view. We can tow it easily with a half ton pickup. We like to boondock it in out of the way places on public lands, and have towed it into a lot of places others proabably wouldn't. My wife and I could full time it in our 20', but then we like to spend a lot of time out-doors. For many, the 23'-25' might be better. Beyond that, you really get into the need for a heavy duty 3/4 ton tow vehicle. Something to give some consideration.

[dkottum]

In these smaller Airstreams, one has to prioritize space, I believe. There is only so much of it, and how is it best used.

Need a large kitchen? 20' Safari, at the sacrifice of a walk-around bed, or separate lounge.

Need a walk-around bed (sort of) and larger bath? 23' Safari front bed, at the sacrifice of living space (it's tiny).

Need living space? 23' International has lounge and dinette, but the bed is tight for some.

In small trailers, look how much space is used only for passageway (Navy term) to one feature to another. Not efficient. Also examine storage space, load capacity, and liquid capacity. Is it enough? One or two batteries? Can you tow it, or need to spend almost as much for a stronger tow vehicle? Will it meet my future needs? Am I a traveler (smaller) or a destination camper (larger)?

[Gene]

Mike, there are 2 dealers in Colorado—one is in Colorado Springs and may be better than the one you are probably talking about. I don't know how many they have on the floor but you can check. I don't think Airstream is financing trailers on the dealer lots, so dealers carry very few of them. When we were looking in 2007, each Colorado dealer had about 10 Airstreams.

If you want to buy new, consider going out of state where there are some highly respected dealers—Airstream of Arkansas is probably the closest. From my experience, if I were buying another new one, that's what I would do.

Going from 19' to 22'—check the specs because the name (19', 22' 23', etc.) may not be the same as the length. A 25' is 25' 11'' for example. The company website will give you all that info.

Since you have probably had your trailer for some time, I expect you have become knowledgeable about Airstreams. Perhaps it would be a good idea to look for a gently used one that is bigger—even a 25' FB. The 25' FB is the biggest seller (or close to it) and by now some may be available at a good price.

Gene

[mdh]

Thank you everyone who responded to the Sport 22"FB query. Your replies have helped us decide to pursue a gently used 2005-2007 25' Safari, hoping we can find one in our price range. We like the idea of a little more space than our Bambi can offer because we plan to spend a little more time on the road in our retirement.
Mike