Visit our Popular Forums

NYgirl · 10-06-2016, 12:05 PM

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?

FCStreamer · 10-06-2016, 12:08 PM

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.

Blackdog06 · 10-06-2016, 12:57 PM

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.

Brav · 10-06-2016, 01:06 PM

Why did you skip the 25FB? probably the most versatile, comfortable, open and airy floor plan in that size range.

dkottum · 10-06-2016, 01:39 PM

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.

Pat Cassity · 10-06-2016, 02:40 PM

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.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

Brav · 10-06-2016, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Cassity

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.

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

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

Steamy1 · 10-06-2016, 03:08 PM

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.

m.hony · 10-07-2016, 11:15 AM

I had a 28' and then a 30'...

mkr1950 · 10-07-2016, 11:36 AM

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! ��

dkottum · 10-07-2016, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkr1950

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.

kdickinson · 10-07-2016, 12:27 PM

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 ...

NorCal Matt · 10-07-2016, 01:02 PM

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!