22FB Sport or 19' Cloud?

[T4HALO]

Originally Posted by Whizzo

We compared the same models, though several models years ago. That was the distinction for us, the bed. Some folks may not find a six inch width difference to be that significant, but it was a lot for us. Actually, we have an even slightly wider bed than the current model, as our Sport 22 is the older non-FB plan, with the front dinette usually made up for sleeping.

In practice, the narrow body doesn't seem less roomy to us, and both models you're considering feel pretty open for small trailers. Both are easy to maneuver.

As you're also looking across model lines, the 'cheaper' or missing features of the Sport tend to be pretty obvious: no bumper, plastic propane cover, cheaper windows, and so on. But as you note, these can be fitted later, or upgraded over the years. And both series get the same admiring looks!

Enjoy the rest of your search.

Which windows are different?

[blmitch5]

The windows have the rubber seal around them verses the aluminum frame. I think the pano is the same but all the side windows are different.

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by Whizzo

We compared the same models, though several models years ago. That was the distinction for us, the bed. Some folks may not find a six inch width difference to be that significant, but it was a lot for us. Actually, we have an even slightly wider bed than the current model, as our Sport 22 is the older non-FB plan, with the front dinette usually made up for sleeping.

In practice, the narrow body doesn't seem less roomy to us, and both models you're considering feel pretty open for small trailers. Both are easy to maneuver.

As you're also looking across model lines, the 'cheaper' or missing features of the Sport tend to be pretty obvious: no bumper, plastic propane cover, cheaper windows, and so on. But as you note, these can be fitted later, or upgraded over the years. And both series get the same admiring looks!

Enjoy the rest of your search.

Like Whizzo we chose the 22' Sport and leave the dinette made up for sleeping. We use sleeping bags. A bumper doesn't do anything except add weight. Windows are fine and if you have mudflaps the rock guards aren't really helpful. The narrow body saves gas, is easier to see around and has more counter space.

[Whizzo]

Originally Posted by blmitch5

The windows have the rubber seal around them verses the aluminum frame. I think the pano is the same but all the side windows are different.

Yes, that's the major window difference. And on older models, even the front window was different. As a weight-saving measure with the lesser capacity 4000 lb vice 4500 lb axle, A/S used a standard Hehr window, eventually upgraded to the bigger wrap-around.

[interstateflyer]

We just purchased a 2013 International Signature Bambi 19.

The front bed in the Sport 22FB seemed like a waste of nice front windows. We love the Bambi's rear bed with room divider (curtain).

They both weighed the same, however the smaller Bambi's rear bumper, front gravel guards, two batteries, larger LP tanks and black/grey tanks and much nicer interior trumped the larger size of the Sport.

[Barefootdog]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

We just purchased a 2013 International Signature Bambi 19.

The front bed in the Sport 22FB seemed like a waste of nice front windows. We love the Bambi's rear bed with room divider (curtain).

They both weighed the same, however the smaller Bambi's rear bumper, front gravel guards, two batteries, larger LP tanks and black/grey tanks and much nicer interior trumped the larger size of the Sport.

Interstateflyer, From your profile it looks like you are pulling your Bambi 19 with an Interstate Sprinter RV. If so, I'm curious how it's working out? We have a 2011 Pleasure Way built on the Mercedes 3500 Sprinter with dual tires. The towing capacity is rated 5000# and we're looking to buy a small AS for extended travel. We're trying to choose between the Sport 22FB or one of the higher end shorter ASs. We plan to use the RV as our living room and kitchen and use the AS as the bedroom and bath. The size of the bathroom will be of more importance to us. Any thoughts?

[KJRitchie]

We looked at 22 also because we want to upgrade from a 17' Casita. The 22' seemed to have a smaller fridge vs 4 cu/ft that we have in our 17' Casita or the FC 20' or 19'. In the 22 there are no cabinets over the dinette. There are in the 23FB. Kitchen countertop is much better in the 22 vs 19. A lot of people never user their RV ovens. We cary a toaster oven in the Casita. Only a 2 burner cook top on the 22 vs 19 but we've never missed having a 3rd in the Casita. Gray holding is 24 gallons in the 22 vs 21 gallons in the 19,20 but is 30 in the 23fb. Out Casita has 32 gallons an we found it hard to downsize that because we like to camp at National Parks (no hookups) a lot. The FC 20 vs the FC 19 wins for us, both have the same basic features, 48" wide bed and dinette, but the corner toilet shower is cramped in the 19' and more spacious in the 20. Kitchen in the 20 is better an just about any other floor plan AS offers. The more we looked the more we kept going up in size. We are now considering the 25 as the sweet spot. Not to0 large and not too small and large enough to spend a couple of years on the road when we retire in years. We also have to buy a new TV to do this. You have the F150. Even though preowned and new 25' are more expensive than 20s, 22s, 19s, 23s its cheaper to buy it one time than buy twice within 5 years for a larger AS.

They don't make it easy.

Kelvin

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by Barefootdog

Interstateflyer, From your profile it looks like you are pulling your Bambi 19 with an Interstate Sprinter RV. If so, I'm curious how it's working out? We have a 2011 Pleasure Way built on the Mercedes 3500 Sprinter with dual tires. The towing capacity is rated 5000# and we're looking to buy a small AS for extended travel. We're trying to choose between the Sport 22FB or one of the higher end shorter ASs. We plan to use the RV as our living room and kitchen and use the AS as the bedroom and bath. The size of the bathroom will be of more importance to us. Any thoughts?

You will find the bathroom is much larger in the 22' Sport.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by Barefootdog

Interstateflyer, From your profile it looks like you are pulling your Bambi 19 with an Interstate Sprinter RV. If so, I'm curious how it's working out? We have a 2011 Pleasure Way built on the Mercedes 3500 Sprinter with dual tires. The towing capacity is rated 5000# and we're looking to buy a small AS for extended travel. We're trying to choose between the Sport 22FB or one of the higher end shorter ASs. We plan to use the RV as our living room and kitchen and use the AS as the bedroom and bath. The size of the bathroom will be of more importance to us. Any thoughts?

Were towing with a GMC Sierra 1500.

The most we've towed with the Interstate is 2200 lbs (T@B trailer). I believe that the tow rating of 5000 lbs for 2002-2006 Sprinter 2500 158" was based on an empty cargo van. The RV buildout weight could have significantly effected the towing capacity.

I see people with shorter wheelbase cargo/passenger 2500s towing mid size aluminum horse trailers.

Not sure about the original or current 3500s though. The 2500's 5 cyl seemed challenged going up some hills. Your newer V-6 van could be better.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

Were towing with a GMC Sierra 1500.

The most we've towed with the Interstate is 2200 lbs (T@B trailer). I believe that the tow rating of 5000 lbs for 2002-2006 Sprinter 2500 158" was based on an empty cargo van. The RV buildout weight could have significantly effected the towing capacity.

I see people with shorter wheelbase cargo/passenger 2500s towing mid size aluminum horse trailers.

Not sure about the original or current 3500s though. The 2500's 5 cyl seemed challenged going up some hills. Your newer V-6 van could be better.

No, actually 2002-2006 Sprinter 2500 tow rating was based on the van having the max payload in it. I looked into 1 as a tow vehicle then and was thinking that if it was rated like other vehicles in the US it would have had over a 7000lb tow rating for the 2500 and over 8000lb for the 3500 instead of 5000lb each and that made me decide not to buy 1.

[JackDog]

T4Halo;

Boy did you open a can of worms and I'm one of them!

We purchased a 2013 16' Sport last October. We looked at the 22' Sport and the 19' Safari but for us it came down to two things:

1.) We tow with a V6 Jeep so weight was a big issue and we really liked the compact size of the 16' Sport.

2.) Money was also an issue and with a MSRP of $42K calling the base Sport "cheap" is for us hilarious.

If money and weight had not been a problem we would have gotten the 20' Safari.

I really like the room the 22' Sport has and being narrower is a plus and my better half loved the big bathroom, but if you can handle the extra weight and additional cost I'd would go with the 19' Safari.

I like the International version but I think AS charges way too much for the high cool factor interior.

Good luck and I think you will be happy with whatever model you get.

Nothing is more satisfying than to cruise down the highway on your first trip out towing the AS and getting all the looks, honks and waves from your fellow drivers not to mention showing it off to other RV'ers at campgrounds.

Happy Travels,
Jack Dog in
So Cal

[Bruce B]

Originally Posted by JackDog

T4Halo, .........
Nothing is more satisfying than to cruise down the highway on your first trip out towing the AS and getting all the looks, honks and waves from your fellow drivers not to mention showing it off to other RV'ers at campgrounds.

Happy Travels,
Jack Dog in
So Cal

That is so very true! I was amazed at the attention the little Airstream demanded. It is a blast to experience!

BTW Jack Dog, I can't find were anyone called the Sport "cheap". I hope that is not what I implied....

Bruce

[mutcth]

LOL Bruce! I saw a 16' Design Within Reach yesterday parked at my favorite trailer repair shop. Couldn't take my eyes off of it. So cute, so little, so rounded...

Tom

[T4HALO]

Thanks for all the input. Now the wife wants to look at the 23 and 25 both with FB. I have been pulling campers for 25 years and have never seen her this excited.

She is a little apprehensive about the longer and wider units. We rolled a 24 foot Terry TT and 97 Ford Explorer on I95 back in 1997. Trailer laid on its side and SUV on its roof. Everyone was fine but she has PTSD over the whole issue. I`m sure I`ll be fine with the 2010 F150.

Since the accident I`ve owned a 5th wheel, a slide in bed camper, a small hybrid and an Aframe. We haven`t had any issues with these units. I`m sure an AS will pull much quieter than the old Big White Box did.

Tony

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by blmitch5

Airstream video.

Have your wife watch this video, it may help her feel more comfortable towing an Airstream.

[T4HALO]

I`ve had her watch the video a couple of times... I think that is one of the reasons she is excited again.

Tony

[Janet H]

Originally Posted by T4HALO

Thanks for all the input. Now the wife wants to look at the 23 and 25 both with FB. I have been pulling campers for 25 years and have never seen her this excited.



Tony

Both excellent choices. I'm not a fan of the sports as they seem really tight inside. The 23 has an awesome cute factor and the layout is great provided you don't mind the corner bed. If the corner bed is a deal breaker move to the 25.

[Sbb]

I have a 19" Bambi, and my TV is a 1500 Suburban, would mine tow as well? I have the single axel. Thanks. sbb

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by Sbb

I have a 19" Bambi, and my TV is a 1500 Suburban, would mine tow as well? I have the single axel. Thanks. sbb

Your owner's manual should have a table that describes the towing capacities of your TV. They factor in the engine displacement, axel ratio and suspension.

You can input your TV's vin# on compnine.com to find out it's build info (if you don't have your window sticker).

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Sbb

I have a 19" Bambi, and my TV is a 1500 Suburban, would mine tow as well? I have the single axel. Thanks. sbb

Any Suburban should be able to tow a 19' Bambi well. If you have the 6-speed and 3.08 rear it will be close to the weight limit and you should add an aux trans cooler, if you don't have an aux trans cooler with any other setup it is still a good idea to add 1.

Now if you meant will it go through the slalom coarse as fast as the Porsche can in the video not quite, the Porsche is faster through the slalom course solo then the Suburban so would also be faster towing. The Suburban might be faster towing then solo through the slalom coarse though if the weight distribution is setup right.