22 or 21 foot single axle tt

[Underblog]

I am shopping for an Airstream, and I think I have developed a preference for the single axle trailers in the 21 to 23 foot range. The intended use is for week or two long vacations as we snowbird our way to and from our homes in NM and MN.

Are there specific years or ranges of years of AS' where special attention should be given to not immediately visible defects? I have heard that a 2004 I looked at might be suspect, but I have yet to find the thread detailing the troubles.

FWIW the TV will be a normally aspirated Ford Flex with the Class III tow package. Hence the preference for a smaller lighter trailer.

[DKB_SATX]

Vintage trailers tend to be lighter for the same length compared to newer ones.

The problems you'll run into are competition for those small vintage trailers (people just love 'em and pay a lot more per foot than a larger trailer) and the usual challenge of finding a vintage unit that's worth what the seller is asking.

Do you need to/intend to finance this? What sort of a budget are you considering? It's easier to borrow money against a newer trailer. I recently camped with a lady who was traveling in just such a rig (right down to the normally-aspirated Flex,which she's very happy with even in the Texas Hill Country) at the Lone Star VAC rally in Bend, TX.

[mutcth]

There are no non-vintage Airstreams longer than 20' with just a single axle. 1960s Tradewinds (24') and Safaris (22') apply, as do a handful of early 1970s Safaris (23'.)

The trailer you're referring to is a 2002-2006 International CCD. The frames were underbuilt, although Airstream issued a reinforcement kit. They also had oriented-strand-board floors; more susceptible to water damage than plywood, many of these trailers have had floor rot. In many ways, that's a shame. These trailers had a unique floorplan and were rather lightweight.

Tom

[Underblog]

Interesting. I just looked at a 2008 22 foot single-axle model at Can Am, and a 2004 single
Axle safari sport here in Albuquerque.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Underblog

Interesting. I just looked at a 2008 22 foot single-axle model at Can Am, and a 2004 single
Axle safari sport here in Albuquerque.

The Sport is the only single axle trailer in the length you asked for in a newer trailer. The Sport comes in a 16 and 22 foot length. And they are not THAT light in weight.here's a photo of the weight sticker from a 22' Sport:

[Underblog]

Light is a relative term! In any case, 4500 works for me, since that matches the rating of the TV. I am looking 2000 and later single axle TT's. The 19 Bambi looks a little cramped, and I like the two seating areas on the 21's and 22's.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Underblog

Light is a relative term! In any case, 4500 works for me, since that matches the rating of the TV. I am looking 2000 and later single axle TT's. The 19 Bambi looks a little cramped, and I like the two seating areas on the 21's and 22's.

I noticed something in my photo. The weight sticker is wrong, it should be load range D, not C. We'll be getting a corrected set for the trailer.

[Aerowood]

The 70's Globetrotters are 21 feet with a single axle also

[mutcth]

Originally Posted by Underblog

Interesting. I just looked at a 2008 22 foot single-axle model at Can Am, and a 2004 single
Axle safari sport here in Albuquerque.

My bad. Forgot the narrow-body 22' trailers.

Having had an Argosy that's the same width as that 22' Sport, and then moving up to an 8' wide Airstream, that extra width is noticeable and appreciated.

Tom

[Underblog]

Much as I know reviving old threads is discouraged, I think we prefer the layouts of the 22' narrow bodies to the Bambi's. I'd like to be able to sit somewhere when the bed is made. I am glad to see that AS is still producing the single axle 22's, and I look forward to finding one (used).

[Ahab]

We bought ours precisely because of it's narrow profile. Easier to see around and less frontal area means less wind resistance. The bathroom is larger than some of the longer/wider TT's. After 6 years we still love it.

[OldVwHunters]

Just wondering why you are wanting the single axle? Savings when replacing tires, and brakes? More bounce for the ounce? Or just looking for that thrill ride when it's blow out time?

[helmsman]

Hello Underblog:

I own a narrow profile 1957 22' Airstream Safari with a single axle. Next year I will have owned it for 40 years. It's great to be able to fit into a N.F. or N.P.S. camping spot. My age is a very high number and I still get out and go a couple of times a year or more. Bye the way, all trailers are the perfect size for one or two people. If you have more than that, no trailer will ever be large enough.

I live in the city and can just fit my trailer down my driveway. A real plus is not having to pay a storage fee. I also don't need mirror extensions. All later model vehicles are wider and just perfect for seeing down alongside both sides of the trailer. I have taken numerous trips lasting two or three months and enjoyed every minute of it.

Should you happen to have a flat tire (I have had several-only with the ST tires), you should have a spare, and a cell phone call to your Ins. provider (AAA - Good Sam - Etc.) will have a truck out usually within 30 minutes. Providing you don't want to change it yourself. I've had only one blow out. I limped off the freeway, made the cell phone call & two guys were out and changed it for me.

Purchase the trailer you believe best suits you. You can work around the very few deficiencies. "Nothing is perfect except my 22' Airstream".

Don

[Underblog]

The Bambi's are too snug for us. I don't like that in the 19's one has to crawl over the other to get in or out, and in the 17's sitting or sleeping is an either or proposition. Coming from tent camping, I thought I wouldn't mind the "compactness", but I guess I feel as though if I am going to take the plunge I want to end up with something we can be comfortable in.

[Stefrobrts]

All layouts are not created equal. It's important to find the one that you are comfortable in. We have a Caravel, and picked up a vintage Bambi as well, thinking we would switch to the Bambi, after all, it's only a foot shorter, and really cute. Well, what a difference that foot makes! Really it's the layout. We stuck with the Caravel and sent the Bambi on to it's next home.