Days away from 2012 20 ft purchase

[tomroche]

Would really appreciate any input pros/cons, I will be pulling with a 2003 chevy suburban.
2 adults & 2 small dogs ....thinking 1/2 weeks at a time.
been doing a lot or research going to the dealer sitting in the unit....it feels good,don't want to go any larger.
been looking for a year for the right used ...hard to find.
any input would be very helpful......new/used?
thanks
Tr

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

20' is a good size if the layout meets your needs and desires. The Sub should handle the towing duties just fine. Have you decided on a trailer brake controller and a hitch system yet? There is a lot of good information here on the Forums on both of these.

Brian

[Friday]

I quite like the FB layouts... I don't know why, but the corner beds always seem smaller... I also don't like one person stuck against the wall... gets cold and damp in cool weather...

[mefly2]

We love our FC20 for two adults and one dog. You will have no difficulty towing with the Sub ... likely you will want a weight distributing hitch. We picked equalizer because the dealer had it in stock and it is all US made. We moved down to the 20' AS (actually, nearly 21') from a slightly longer TT - which was up from a shorter pop top. The FC20 purchased new is perfect for us; it is one of few TT/AS that has such a nice food prep area with lots of countertop. We traded in another TT on the AS; so, perhaps we did not get the lowest price offered, but in this neck of the woods, selection is limited , there are virtually no used AS around, and we got just exactly what we wanted! Compare the AS bathroom / shower facilities with most other brands. Relative to other TT brands, the quality of construction and features in our AS in is "beyond comparison"; we couldn't even find a secure place to mount a light flat panel televison in a FR- made TT !

Just do it; it is very unlikely that you will be disappointed ... unless someone else gets it before you do! The shorter 19-20' AS seem to be always in demand ... as my students used to say ... GO FOR IT. As you can see from my avatar pic ... this purchase displaced another we had saved and planned for - and it is without regret. What else can you get this excited about when there is still snow on the ground !!!

[Midnightmoon]

My wife and I have looked at a 2011 FC '20 and I absolutely love the layout. I actually prefer it to any of the other small trailer layouts we have been in. As others have said, the kitchen layout does it for me. If I could have just convinced my wife that we don't need more space, I would have owned it on the spot.

[Mike91208]

Originally Posted by Friday

I quite like the FB layouts... I don't know why, but the corner beds always seem smaller... I also don't like one person stuck against the wall... gets cold and damp in cool weather...

x2!

[GettinAway]

Originally Posted by Mike91208

x2!

The corner bed did me in. I'm 6'5" it was tight. We're going to 23'
I also wanted a 2nd axle.

Plans are to take it to Alaska. I like the idea of 4 tires on the ground on some of the roads I've been reading about.

[TinLoaf]

The 20 foot model is one of my favorites. Someday I'll probably downsize to either a 19 or a 20 foot model. The 19 feels more open, but has a smaller kitchen and bathroom.

I saved $20,000 by purchasing a year-old used model that still had warranty. That's a significant chunk of change. I'd keep looking for a used model. A lot of people are buying new trailers and a lot of used trailers are coming up for sale. You're probably not too far from CanAm Airstream in London, ON. They currently have a used 19', but no 20s.

No issues with the Suburban other than the fuel consumption. It will tow well.

Keep us updated, and we love pictures.

[xrvr]

Should be great. Take your time and enjoy yourselves. Asing is a family experience, well worth it! jim

[Bk Yd Safari]

My wife and I purchased a used 2008 20' Safari front bedroom in 2011. Really like the configuration especially the size of the rear kitchen. Overall fits our needs very well. Be sure to spend as much time as possible in the unit before making the final decision.
Good luck and "happy streamin."

[Bk Yd Safari]

ps we pull with a 1500 Chevy Silvarado crew cab with no problems at all. We purchased the unit in central N.C and pulled home west on I-40 over the mountains between Ashville and Knoxville. Not like the big mountains of the west, but still a good test of performance.

[greew016]

We have an 08 20 ft Safari SE that I love,, but my husband has a problem with the bed being to small. I gave him the bed and put the dinette down for my bed, but he now says he has no comfortable place to sit. We're now looking at a 2012 25 ft. twin model. I like the 20 ft. It has plenty of storage and the best kitchen of many of the larger models. It is a dream to haul and park. Some say that the extra five feet won't be a problem. I guess we'll find out.

[dkottum]

We have owned a 2007 Safari 20' and our new Flying Cloud 25'. The 20' was useful for short trips but if you anticipate keeping it for a long time (must be if buying new Airstream) get the 25' and you will never regret it. Very little difference in towing one or the other. The 20' may have been slightly easier on steep grades at high altitude, but the 25' is more stable and easier in normal towing conditions.

But it is the interior spaciousness, tandem axles, and larger tank capacities that make a world of difference.

doug k

[robert claus]

I would love to trade up to a 20 from my 19. I love the kitchen, double sink, and the big bathroom. We're planning on a month long trip next year, and a little more room would be nice to have. I'd have to find a new TV, but it could be worth it.

[Wayne&Sam]

I don't know how I missed this thread.

We are two people and two dogs and travel 2-3 months at a time in our '07 20' pulled with a Mercedes ML500. We absolutely love it. There's enough room - not really any spare room- and we can get into the smaller places we prefer.

[Ty Trainor]

We purchased our 2009 FC 20 new -- Since then we've taken it 28k miles including a 14k trip last summer to/from Alaska over ALCAN/Klondike Loop, etc.

Plenty of room if you camp for the outdoors as we do. Tows easily with our Tundra w/ small 4.7L. No problems. Great trailer. Hope you enjoy as much as we do. Now I must go pack our tin can for Memorial Day vacation. Ty

[ROBERT CROSS]

Tom,

Any progress yet..., inquiring minds want to know.

Bob

[mefly2]

Yes, a status update, please.

[subfan1]

I don't know about the original posters status but, we bought our 2012 20ft Flying Cloud last Tuesday and spent the Memorial day weekend at Dohney State Beach in So Cal. The kids went and we had a great time.

[mefly2]

Congrats !!!