Which Airstream to Buy?

[Bob662]

We're new to RVing, and need your advice. We have a Sport 22 on order, primarily because it's narrow, relatively short and this seemed an easy way to learn about all things RVing (towing, backing, campgrounds, etc.)

We are debating whether to upgrade the order to a Flying Cloud 25. The 25 has everything we'll likely ever need or want, but we are intimidated by its width and, just overall size. Our tow vehicle can handle either.

So what's your advice -- start with the Sport and learn whether we like the lifestyle and how to do it comfortably, then trade up to the F.C. 25 in a year or so, or just go straight to the 25 now?

[dkottum]

You are already wishing for a 25 so best to get it. It costs way too much to change later, you have a tow vehicle for it, and the basic towing skills are the same for either. The 25 actually tows and backs easier for you.

We had a 20 for two years and soon wished for larger, then customized it for our travel. The 25 has all you need for extended travel, tandem axles, the larger wheels and brakes, large storage tanks and batteries, plenty of space.

The problem with a 25 is it's popularity allows front or rear bed options and twin or queen bed options in either, one or two air conditioners.

[Bill M.]

We really like our 25'.

[Mrjkq]

Our 25 is very easy to tow, back up and set up in camp. Trading up in a year will be a costly mistake. There is an old saying regarding this "buy you third boat (RV) the first time". We use an Equalizer Hitch & a half ton truck for the perfect towing experience. Good Luck!

[Farmer Dan]

Bob,
Go with the 25' now as others have advised. It truly will be easier to maneuver. The storage will be better. The bed / beds will be bigger and more comfortable, too. You won't regret this upgrade! We love our 25' Excella.

Dan

[Plan-B]

You will never regret a 25. It can do everything a smaller one can and its bigger sisters too. It is so versatile! You will never notice the difference in the size pulling but living accommodations will be immediately apparent. Good luck !

[KJRitchie]

Originally Posted by Bob662

So what's your advice -- start with the Sport and learn whether we like the lifestyle and how to do it comfortably, then trade up to the F.C. 25 in a year or so, or just go straight to the 25 now?

Do you have doubts you'll like the lifestyle? How much do you intend to use the trailer?

What tow vehicle do you have?

I would concentrate on the 25. A 22 is not really a cheap entry point into the RV world. I would think a 25 would be easier to sell since its one of the more popular AS floor plans if you decide its not for you. Consider a preowned unit.

Kelvin

[moosetags]

I will give you one piece of information and one piece of advice.

The information is that we have had a 23FB (also narrow body) and and two 25FB's (a 2005 and a 2015). There is virtually no appreciable difference in maneuverability or ease of towing.

The advice is never buy an Airstream to accommodate a tow vehicle. Tow vehicles come and go. Airstreams are around for a long time.

Brian

[LongShot]

Something I learned a long, long time ago: Buy once, cry once.

That's it, that's all - figure it out.
G.

[Two To Tow]

You'll never be sorry you went to the 25, but it kinda sounds like you already regret the 22. We were in the same conundrum - went to buy a 25 but decided on the 27 as we'd never have to upgrade if we didn't want to. Bought our third AS first, and we can't imagine ever needing more.

If you're at all on the fence about $, find a gently used one a couple of years old. If you can pony up the dough, the new ductless features are really quite an upgrade for decor, and get the full awning package.

There's my two cents, and worth what you paid for it! Please post pics of your new hobby when you have her.

[Jaxon]

Our first Airstream was a ’03 22’ International, dual axel... We had that for about a year and later purchased a 2005 30’ Classic...

We started out just like y’all thinking (worrying), over the size and length (previously only towed pop-up campers). It was an expensive learning curve for us... What we found was that towing the 30’ was no more problem than the 22’ and we DID use the extra space - made all the difference in the world. Wished we would have got what we wanted....

Since then we’ve had several more and as we’re ready to “fulltime” again, we’re looking to take delivery of a 34’ w/slide next week.

A side note here... I helped a friend sell her ’05 25’ Safari two weeks ago. I posted the ad on Craigslist and it was sold in two days... she made $6K on it (she was the 2nd owner). I can’t say that a 22’ wouldn’t have sold equally as fast but I can tell you, the 25’ don’t last long at all!

Go for the 25’... don’t let your choices & needs be driven by worry or fear.

[graysailor]

The best advice that I received is go one size bigger then you think you will need. If I were you I would truly consider the 25 footer. In the end not really that much more loot.

[m.hony]

I'm gonna always go with "bigger is better".
Get a 30'.
The extra width or length should not intimidate you.
If you can tow a 22', you can tow a 30'.
If you can tow a 7' wide trailer, you can tow an 8' wide trailer.

[MaiziesGang]

We started RVing a year ago and went with the Flying Cloud 25. We have been very pleased with a few changes. I would get the propane oven; you have to turn off AC, Hot Water etc. when using the Microwave Convection Oven or you will blow the power. Only a 30V. Also think about table configuration. Our sofa is on the side and very uncomfortable to watch TV, would be better in the back. Good luck!

[Jwestman]

We've had the 25 for 3 years and love it. A couple hours of driving and any misgivings you had will be gone. I've let the GPS get me into some awful spots but have never had a problem getting out of them - very easy to tow and back up.

[BigButtUgly]

A 50s or 60s 22 to 26 foot single axle

[DHart]

I, too, would advise to go bigger. We went with the 30' and even at that, find it's pretty tight.... but it's easy to tow and park and a beautiful space to be in. We are a couple with a large dog and would not be happy with smaller than 30'.

[Gmoore]

"Footitis"
This is the description a couple of dealers gave me of the disease new buyers of boats and trailers suffer from at the beginning. We buy what we think we can start with, trade up for a bit larger, and again, and again and again. Dealers love us!
We are newbies too - just started in May 2015. Never towed before. We started a couple of years back looking at 23, then 25 and decided that we could be really happy with a 27/28. Then we heard about Footitis and bought a 2014 30' International!
We love it, no problem towing, and after a bit of practice in a parking lot, no problem with backing up. We've been on two 4/5 week trips so far and will spend January to March in Florida away from Canada's winter. The 30' is perfect and certainly not too big for the two of us.
So be aware of Footitis and good luck!

[kdickinson]

We've towed our Airstream over 7,000 miles this year and have spent much more time in our Airstream than towing and parking it. We have an older 23' and it's just right in terms of space. We have looked at all the new models and have decided that the 25 FB would be the one to buy when the time comes for a new Airstream (like if we win a lottery or something). Not sure here but I think the 25' is the first level for the vented A/C & heat which is really worthwhile for comfort and interior noise

[Zia]

How about 23' FB, I trade-in my 20' with 23' and has some of the same features as the 25' such as larger tanks, tandem axle, walk around queen bed, nicer rear bath set-up etc. Narrow width by 6" some times make a difference in city streets and construction zone. This unit is good for two people and may be one guest.
Now the 25 footer is more spacious and storage space and has panoramic windows on both end can accommodate more guest. It all depend what are your needs and preference.
Good luck on your decision. Once you make a decision do not have any regrets about what you could have, enjoy what you have.