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dlb435 · 01-18-2010, 09:02 AM

OK, Airstreams range from as little as 16' to as long as 34'. The weights go from as little as 2400lb for some of the old classics to over 8000lb for the wide body late model trailers. We all have different needs or wants in a trailer.
I prefer smaller and lighter trailers: Just the minimum to get the job done, easy to tow, easy to park and less to take care of. We have a 17' Safari Sport and find it is just great for us. One of my big "wants" in a trailer is a full size shower; my wife is just fine with the wet bath with the shower wand. We both prefer the microwave/convection oven over the traditional oven. We both miss the extra size of a larger trailer because we can't take any of the grandkids with us like we did with our old 23' trailer.
I'd like to know what other Airstreamers like in trailer size and why.
What is better

bob34787 · 01-18-2010, 09:09 AM

I really like my 28' I find it easy to tow and park with just enough room for two with our 2 dogs.

flmgrip · 01-18-2010, 09:16 AM

I enjoy my 25' (not FB), it's roomy, it's the perfect bachelors pad... And I can easily bring my lady along too...

There is no size-fits-it-all... Depends all on your personal lifestyle/situation

Ahab · 01-18-2010, 09:17 AM

We started out thinking the 17' SS was to be it. While at the dealer the DW saw the 22' and said let's just take a peek, the rest is history. After several years of ownership we are still happy with our choice. We can take the grand kids along but they would rather be in a tent anyway.

2airishuman · 01-18-2010, 09:24 AM

many variables to consider...

what's right for some is left for others...

there are POLLS here on this issue and a zillion threads...

some are funny...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f483...-me-41624.html

cheers
2air'

Jammer · 01-18-2010, 11:14 AM

One of the facts I find insightful is that people tend to gravitate to larger and larger trailers over the course of years.

Usually people looking at smaller trailers are trying to fit an existing storage or tow vehicle situation.

Ag&Au · 01-18-2010, 11:35 AM

Our first trailer was 15 ft. It worked although cramped until we took a two week trip. We moved to 21 feet shortly after. This time when we upgraded, I was looking at 28, but my wife said, since we hope to have it a long time, lets just get a 31. We both like the 31 floor plan. I really like the extra room, carrying capacity, and storage. I have not yet got comfortable with the greater maneuvering room needed.
regards,
Ken

FC7039 · 01-18-2010, 12:16 PM

A vote for smaller.
1) I do not want my trailer to dictate the TV I own.
2) I do not want my trailer to dictate the campsite I choose.

A vote for larger.
3) I do not want my trailer to dictate the fun I have. More a state of mind but, you can't argue create comforts do not help with this state of mind.

That said, my trailer is still not on the road so I have no personal experience.

I have been a ultra light backpacker for many years and can be happy with very little as long as I am out and about.

I got the trailer for both a project and the desire to have a place for my wife (not a backpacker) and I to settle in after a day out seeing the local sites where ever we decide to travel. We have done the B&B a couple of times and wile nice, it puts you on a schedule (room reservations). I am sure there are trailer places that you have to reserve and cannot over stay, but I hope they are not the norm.

fastrob · 01-18-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dlb435

OK, Airstreams range from as little as 16' to as long as 34'. The weights go from as little as 2400lb for some of the old classics to over 8000lb for the wide body late model trailers. We all have different needs or wants in a trailer.
I prefer smaller and lighter trailers: Just the minimum to get the job done, easy to tow, easy to park and less to take care of. We have a 17' Safari Sport and find it is just great for us. One of my big "wants" in a trailer is a full size shower; my wife is just fine with the wet bath with the shower wand. We both prefer the microwave/convection oven over the traditional oven. We both miss the extra size of a larger trailer because we can't take any of the grandkids with us like we did with our old 23' trailer.
I'd like to know what other Airstreamers like in trailer size and why.
What is better

Shucks,
25' is the cat's meow.
I like the old dawgs but a 23-25 year old, no, I mean feet, wide body would do me just fine.
If my kids have kids, what could be better than spending some time with them?
Priorities friend, just the things that are most important.
Grandkids are like children only better, you can send them home when you get tired of them.

mouth012006 · 01-18-2010, 04:18 PM

Well we went "backwards" i think, we started out with a 31' SOB...sold that; got a trailmanor popup/sob also sold that....then got the 24' Argosy....and by far we love the 24 much more than all of the others....get the luxry of not having to deal with the popup situation...and not having to haul the "monster" as we used to call the 31' around....and not having to worry about length very much when we go anywhere now. Even my wife will tow the Arogsy around if needed. Also don't have to own the biggest gas/diesel guzzler out there to have to pull our trailer around.

gaylejoe · 01-18-2010, 04:19 PM

All 3 of our AS's have been 25 footers. Easy to get in and out of places with plenty of room for my wife, myself, and 2 very spoiled cats.

fastrob · 01-18-2010, 04:58 PM

Very important.
2 axles.
Runs with a flat, easy to change a tire if you get a flat.
Stable on the highway, very Stable.
Costs a little more in tolls and tires but worth it.

willyd · 01-18-2010, 04:59 PM

Certainly enjoy my 34' - gets me where I am going

Lucky Dog · 01-18-2010, 05:53 PM

We are new Airstreamers, having just purchased our 23' Flying Cloud in October 2009. Coming from a Class B MH (PleasureWay), for us, the 23' was just about perfect in size and layout. And it was the smallest AS with double axles, something I was looking for from a stability standpoint . As we looked for our new AS, it seemed that some layouts "live" larger or smaller than the length may indicate. We passed on the 23'FB and went for the 23' floor plan that has a couch, folding table and a desk area. We felt very comfortable in the space, although, as always, there were some trade offs and compromises made. For just the two of us, the 23' seems just right but, then again, ask me in a year or two from now when we have some miles on it.

And as a newbie, thanks so much for this wonderful site, so full of great information and discussion. Still reading, reading and reading! Hope to be able to make some contribution in the future. We'll post some pictures of our new pride and joy as soon as I finish reading how to do that!

Rich

wheel interested · 01-18-2010, 06:15 PM

Several years ago I scoffed at a seasoned Airstreamer that had just traded up to a larger Airstream when she told me, you will go bigger. Yeah right, I thought.

I am going bigger.

How did she know?

We have had 3 Airstreams that were 25' and agree they were the "perfect" size. We now have a 23' and a 27' and the 23' is just right and the 27' is too small and 28' is going to be the new perfect size.

Go figure. Every one has their sweet spot in Airstreams and we love them all. However, I feel safe in telling most, (not all) you will go bigger.

Camper Dave · 01-18-2010, 06:16 PM

The wife and I like our 25' classic which I feel is between the smaller and larger airstream sizes. It's easy to pull and park, suite our interior space needs perfectly and we seldom have any lenght issues when camping in state or national parks.

Camper Dave

Steve Heywood · 01-18-2010, 06:49 PM

When I first met Steve he had a Bambi, We only slept together once in that crammed bed, I spent the rest of the trip on the dinette alone

I've read threads about fixing the toilet issue in these floorplan trailers so I won't go into it.
We eventually bought the 30 and with the kid and the dogs and sometimes a guest we needed the space. Being able to use the dinette in the evening and morning While our son slept on the gaucho was nice too. BUT some campgrounds we were too large and had to fib or skip to other places because of our length.
With Kid #2 we think sometimes to go bigger or slideout for the space but sometimes we think 27FB or maybe a Sport to tow with my Mom mobile. The right trailer will come along... and We'll be happy whatever (bigger or smaller) we choose.

fotochop · 01-18-2010, 07:45 PM

we love our 23'...

add a bunk over the gaucho and 2 adults, 2 kids and a dog can all sleep tight..

here's a nice article on size:

Choosing The Right Size Airstream

wingfoot321 · 01-18-2010, 09:52 PM

34ft to winter in Florida. (has a dinette to have company in); tow with turbo diesel

25ft to tow (doesn't drag the rear very often/no dinette); tow with 6.0 gas

29ft to caravan (no dinette but, plenty of storage for 3 months (new size is 28ft) tow with 6.0 gas, wish you had a diesel.

dlb435 · 01-19-2010, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingfoot321

34ft to winter in Florida. (has a dinette to have company in); tow with turbo diesel

25ft to tow (doesn't drag the rear very often/no dinette); tow with 6.0 gas

29ft to caravan (no dinette but, plenty of storage for 3 months (new size is 28ft) tow with 6.0 gas, wish you had a diesel.

That's an other reason for the little Safari; I get about 14mpg while towing. I didn't even think about that when I started this thread.
Thanks, I feal even better now.