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Old 10-06-2016, 12:05 PM   #1
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23D FC or 26U?

Hello to all

I am a new member, been reading posts for a bit while hubby & I are trying to decide on which size/layout to purchase. Spent last weekend at Colonial Airstream. Went there expecting to confirm our decision to purchase the 23D FC but... the bed. It's small and may just be the deal breaker for us. We are not large people by any means, we have a queen at home which suits us fine and is roomy enough. Curious if any 23D owners out there are comfortable with this bed and how they adjusted, assuming you have? We are tempted by the 26U. Great layout, storage, bigger bed. We really wanted to stay smaller but after reading so many posts on the forum it seems most people trade up in size. Any thoughts/advice would be helpful. We are not full timers, but do expect to be on the road for weeks at a time once we get going. We are also curious about resale in case we decide to sell in a few years. Are there certain sizes/layouts that seem to be easier from that standpoint?
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Old 10-06-2016, 12:08 PM   #2
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If in doubt, go bigger. 26 is not that big. Can your vehicle tow it? If so, you seem you would be happier with the extra room.
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Old 10-06-2016, 12:57 PM   #3
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We're not small people and the 23D bed works fine for us. We decided a small bed and bath was a good compromise for more living area. The only time I don't like the bed is when it's time to put sheets on it, but that's only 10 minutes here and there.
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Old 10-06-2016, 01:06 PM   #4
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Why did you skip the 25FB? probably the most versatile, comfortable, open and airy floor plan in that size range.
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Old 10-06-2016, 01:39 PM   #5
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Compare the 25FB, 25RB, 26U, 27FB and 28RB. These mid-size Airstreams all within two feet of each other in length are the most popular for good reasons. And everyone feels their's is the best of the group, including us.
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Old 10-06-2016, 02:40 PM   #6
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Have the 27FB. Had the 25 and traded up. Extra room was nice but there have been quite a few campsites that we couldn't get into because of the extra length. Forced me to buy a 'more robust' TV. Now thinking about downsizing to the 23. Want something that can go anywhere. Downside for us on the 23, though is the smaller refrigerator. I think that the 25 may be the perfect size.


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Old 10-06-2016, 02:48 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by Pat Cassity View Post
Have the 27FB. Had the 25 and traded up. Extra room was nice but there have been quite a few campsites that we couldn't get into because of the extra length. Forced me to buy a 'more robust' TV. Now thinking about downsizing to the 23. Want something that can go anywhere. Downside for us on the 23, though is the smaller refrigerator. I think that the 25 may be the perfect size.


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The exact logic process I went through before I bought the 25FB. Prefer to have a 22-23 foot rig, but the 25 offers so much more in openness, storage, tank capacity, width, windows, etc etc. Wanted a 27, but had to draw the line somewhere. It barely fits in our side yard and many campsites
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Old 10-06-2016, 03:08 PM   #8
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We have found the 23FB, for us, offers a combination of fresh water tank that is comparable to the larger units until the 30', roomy bathroom, storage, and a 60"x75" short queen bed open on three sides. This was the balance of compromises that worked for us. Larger size=more room=more to tow; smaller size=less room=less to tow. It all depends on your analysis of value features vs. compromises that works for you.
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Old 10-07-2016, 11:15 AM   #9
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I had a 28' and then a 30'...
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Old 10-07-2016, 11:36 AM   #10
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We love our 26u but it does have a heavy tongue weight. Can't tell you how many times I've hit my head on the bedroom roof locker! ��
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Old 10-07-2016, 11:55 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by mkr1950 View Post
We love our 26u but it does have a heavy tongue weight. Can't tell you how many times I've hit my head on the bedroom roof locker! ��
You must be talking about the queen bed, not the twin beds. There's a learning curve. First year was tough on this slow learner, haven't hit my head in the last four years.
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Old 10-07-2016, 12:27 PM   #12
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We have also looked at all the models. To me the practical part of the 3 foot difference in terms of towing and parking are simply not a factor of real consideration. It comes down to that extra 3 feet for living and storage and how that will improve your trailer living experience. Maybe a good way to look at it is - if you are going out on a 5 night trip that is four hours door to door distance then you will spend 8 hours driving and parking and over 100 hours in or around the trailer. I can tell you that 3' more in the living area and kitchen of the trailer is significant to me ...
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Old 10-07-2016, 01:02 PM   #13
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Great opinions as usual above! I would say that if you are all ready having doubts about the bed size, you will probably regret it. We owned a 16' which has the same size bed, and that was the biggest reason for our upgrade to a 25FB. We also looked at the 26U and liked a lot about it, but felt that there were a few more compromises with it than with the 25 twin.

Good luck!
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Old 10-07-2016, 01:20 PM   #14
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I think the 26U can be ordered with queen or twin beds now.
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Old 10-07-2016, 01:34 PM   #15
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I have the 26U with twins....great layout. Stay away from a trailer with the east/west queen... crawling over your mate in the middle of the night to go pee is no fun. Read this thread for lots of info on the 26U.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f516...6u-139457.html
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Old 10-07-2016, 01:49 PM   #16
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We also have the 26u with twins. At over 6', the queen bed is too short. My wife thinks I snore and with the a/c or HP going, my snoring doesn't wake her. Also much easier to get up during the night without disturbing the other.
I also hit my head on the overhead. I also think there is a little more storage with the twins.
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Old 10-07-2016, 02:26 PM   #17
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The 23D is a lot of trailer. Compare appliances and consider what you want, need, and will use when traveling.

The 26U is certainly a big trailer option if that is your objective. It would likely be a strong contender if we wanted a large trailer. We do not!

Our preference is the 23 FB - double sink, consolidated bathroom, two hanging closets, and queen sized bed - Extend the support lid and trade the mattress for a full length Queen. The narrow and short footprint makes travel easier. If the car and mirrors go there, the trailer will too. It tracks near to the path of the tow vehicle. It is enough and is not too much.

You mentioned resale and trading later. Bad idea. These coaches are expensive. Do not add the cost of a flip to your overall investment. Figure out what you want, need, and will use.

It is often recommended that spending time in the coaches that are appealing is helpful to determine the correct choice for your lifestyle. Figure out how to use it, store stuff, and live in it before you buy it. Ownership of the decision helps to deliver a more satisfying end result. Also realize that every option is a compromise at some level. Your challenge is to define the compromises that are acceptable to you.

Folks talk about the ability to get into more campgrounds with a smaller trailer. We find the advantage is really the ease of getting into small and busy gas stations. A quick and easy fill up will get you on your way a lot happier than engaging in a constant search for that perfect truck stop. We travel. Some folks camp. Other folks live in their coach. These are all different requirements and are best served by a different floor plan.

The solution to bigger, more powerful and more comfortable is more money. You can reduce that cost by purchasing good value used. DIY maintenance and upgrades also help to hold the cost line. Do not ignore that option if your budget is tight.

Good luck with your research. Pat
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Old 10-07-2016, 03:12 PM   #18
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we have a 23D safari, the small bed takes some getting used to. But since I don't sleep well, I use the front couch some nights. The advantages of pulling a smaller trailer and the amazing amount of closet space make up for it. We love ours, but you have to decide what is important to you. Friends got a 23 FB, and found they had only the table to sit at, traded for a 25 ft with front recliners, and really like it. They know they lost some closet space, but for the way they use it, it works for them.
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Old 10-07-2016, 03:36 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkottum View Post
I think the 26U can be ordered with queen or twin beds now.
Yes, we did look at a twin. I was not very clear, but I did not mean that it was one of the compromises. The main reasons we went 25Fb twin were;

No front bed option in the 26u
26U felt more closed in with the combined bathroom walls and hallway
Fridge seemed very far from kitchen
Less storage in the bathroom, exterior, under dinette/lounge.
Only 1 privacy curtain as opposed to the 2 on the 25fb which allows for more versatility in bathroom separation.

I don't think we would have been disappointed with either. There are always compromises and these were some reasons we preferred the 25.
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Old 10-07-2016, 04:59 PM   #20
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The only thing wrong with twin beds is the sleeping arrangement, we don't like being across the hall from each other. So we got the queen bed. And she doesn't crawl over me to go pee in the middle of the night, just flip back the covers and slide out the bottom. It's no big deal whatsoever, we've slept in this trailer arrangement for over 1400 nights, just bought a new Sleep Number bed for it.
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