Flying Cloud or Caravel/Newer Bambi

[mcjohn]

So, I really like the interior styling of the Flying Cloud single axles more than the Caravel/Current Bambi's. Is there any really compelling reason, based on improvements to the product in the newer model years, that I should get a newer model instead of a Flying Cloud single axle?

I'm looking at 19cb and 20fb floor plans. I just really like the look of the older style cabinets. Other than that I'm assuming any model/year would have more or less the same features other than the newer style fridge (not sure if they are better or worse than the propane fridges).

Thanks for any input.

[BikeCamper]

When we were recently shopping, we felt the same way. We ended up with a 2017 Flying Cloud 19CB.

The Flying Cloud trim is a notch above the Caravel. It has the rear bumper/storage and front road guards like the Caravel. But the Flying Cloud has more cabinets, more/larger windows, and more opening windows. In the galley it has a 3-burner stove/oven (optionally a 3-burner stove top w/convection microwave). If you stick to the 2016-19 models, it will have ducted central air conditioning as well as being fully pre-wired for solar. There is also a bunk-bed version that is no longer offered in the Caravel.

The newest Caravel does have a few advantages. They have tweaked the tankage and tank location. Beginning around 2022 (?) they are made with a new composite floor material. They also now use an axle rated at 5K lbs instead of 4.5K lbs. And they re-located the TV mount to the “bedroom” and added more cabinetry above the fridge (which can be done to a Flying Cloud, too.)

None of the Caravels advantages mentioned above were enough to overcome the advantages of the earlier Flying Cloud trim, for us anyway. To say nothing of the huge price savings by purchasing a used example.

[BikeCamper]

As for the fridge… I have nothing against the new straight 12V fridges. They have advantages (more interior volume, simplicity.) If you really prefer 12V it can be retrofitted easily into a Flying Cloud.

But to achieve similar functionality to the earlier propane fridges while boondocking (off-grid camping), you need to maximize the 12V system of the trailer with as much solar and lithium battery reserve as practical. Or with a generator. Solar panels and lithium batteries are a big $$$$ surcharge. (A portable generator is less expensive.)

Whereas with the earlier 2-way (propane, 110V) fridges used in the Flying Cloud models, they have fairly decent “boondocking” capability even in stock form. We have the basic/stock battery set-up (2x Group 24 Interstate deep cycle wet cells) and no generator or solar (although the trailer is fully pre-wired for solar.) Between trips, we’ve been testing our fridge in the driveway to see how long it can operate without depleting the batteries (even on propane, it does use some 12V power.) So far we’ve gone five days without running the batteries below 12.5 volts. We think it could go close to a week without any re-charging, which is decent in our opinion.

None of this matters if you have no intention of “boondocking”. But the propane fridge also runs on 110v, so it does offer a nice flexibility.

[field & stream]

BikeCamper has provided excellent info and I can add very little. In my opinion, the only significant product improvements over the last several years are the ducted a/c (much quieter) and the composite floor (less water damage risk). The electric-only fridge is a plus or a minus depending on your travel/camping style.

If you are connected to shore power all or most of the time the electric-only fridge is way better and is the way to go. But if you are unplugged most of the time they present several challenges. They consume so much power that a significant investment in solar panels and lithium batteries will be required to last more than a couple of days. Even then, without favorable solar conditions a generator will be required, and not everyone has tolerance of the noise and hassles, plus not all campgrounds permit them.

Lots of trade offs…….

[mcjohn]

Thanks for the great info, it sounds like the 2016 to 2019 is the better choice for me, not only do I dig the retro/mid-century modern vibe, but I hope to do more boondocking style camping than in a campground. Mainly because I'm a procrastinator and can't ever find sites

I was also looking at Basecamp 20x's but am thinking with a 3" lift and taller tires I should be able to get most anywhere a Basecamp 20x would go, but in way more style....

Thanks again!

[Bearstream01]

My 2 cents…consider the tankless water heater in the newer models vs the tank in the olders. Of course, anything can be modified, but somethung to think about especially if you like to boondock. Good luck in your search!

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by Bearstream01

My 2 cents…consider the tankless water heater in the newer models vs the tank in the olders. Of course, anything can be modified, but somethung to think about especially if you like to boondock. Good luck in your search!

Presuming that your post is pro-tankess, I must confess that I don't agree at all. The tankless has to run a significant amount of water before you get heat. The tank water heaters just have to run from the heater to the faucet. For the past thirty years, when running it on propane, I turn it on in the morning to heat the tank, then turn it off until evening when I do dishes and turn it back on again, but turn it off when I'm finished... I do leave it on when I shower. It uses almost no propane that way, and uses far less water than the tankless to get hot water to the faucet.

[Bearstream01]

Hi 85
No, Im not pro-tankless at all. I was actually trying to remain neutral! My point was simply when deciding older vs newer model, I think the type of water heater it comes with is something to consider. I acknowledge its not necessarily a deal breaker either way because there are options, but of course thats another cost.. Your points are absolutely valid and i agree with you. Hope that clarified my post and hope it helped OP with their decision either way!

[Lou_]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Presuming that your post is pro-tankess, I must confess that I don't agree at all. The tankless has to run a significant amount of water before you get heat. The tank water heaters just have to run from the heater to the faucet. For the past thirty years, when running it on propane, I turn it on in the morning to heat the tank, then turn it off until evening when I do dishes and turn it back on again, but turn it off when I'm finished... I do leave it on when I shower. It uses almost no propane that way, and uses far less water than the tankless to get hot water to the faucet.

+1 Our experience with tankless on the '23 Bambi is that we need to use a couple of gallons of water before the temperature steadies so it's not super useful except with full hookups.

[Vagabond62]

We considered the FC 19CB prior to our recent purchase. The bed in the 19CB was just too small -- 48" wide is much less than a queen size bed. Also, being squeezed next to the toilet wasn't ideal space planning (I'm an architect).

I would suggest you stick with the FC 20FB as the floor plan is much more desirable--open and airy, with a luxe kitchen, a great dining area; although the bed is only 1" longer, it feels more spacious being located in the wrap around windows. The FC20FB plan is more functional in terms of creating 3 separate spaces--Utility (Kitchen/Toilet), Dining/Social, and Bed/Private.

With the 19CB, you will be stepping over each other when the kitchen is in use, but with the 20FB, everything is nicely separated.

Style matters, but only after functionality forms a basis for the style. I recommend the FC 20FB,

Here's a plan comparing the two:

https://imgur.com/gallery/airstream-...arison-cR3FYpE

AND, buying used is the smart way to go--let someone else pay for the depreciation, which fortunately in Airstreams, is mercifully slow compared to other trailer brands!
Good luck!

[BikeCamper]

Layouts come down to personal preference. We looked at the 20’ but much preferred the 19’ layout. Almost every “pro” listed above was a “con” to us. We feel it’s a waste of the wraparound/panoramic windows to block them with a bed. And we don’t understand putting the dinette on the street side. Nor having the toilet opening into the food prep area.

Another major consideration of the 20’ model is the egregiously heavy tongue weight. It’s not a trailer I would tow with a mid-size pick-up or SUV.

I’m glad we had the 19’ option. We prefer sitting at the larger dinette located in the wraparound windows for a nice view. And the dinette converts to a much larger bed than the dinette in the 20’ model. Plus the bed in the 20’ requires one person to climb over the other in order to exit. On the 19’, we can sleep at opposite ends and each pivot out of bed without climbing over each other. The 20’ has more counter space in the galley, but we do much of our cooking outdoors anyway so the space seems wasted.

Again, it comes down to personal preferences.

[waninae39]

we sold for our sport 22fb for a fc 25fb with a hatch
we love it

[sfranklin]

Originally Posted by mcjohn

Thanks for the great info, it sounds like the 2016 to 2019 is the better choice for me, not only do I dig the retro/mid-century modern vibe, but I hope to do more boondocking style camping than in a campground. Mainly because I'm a procrastinator and can't ever find sites

I was also looking at Basecamp 20x's but am thinking with a 3" lift and taller tires I should be able to get most anywhere a Basecamp 20x would go, but in way more style....

Thanks again!

In the models you are looking at, you can go all the way to 2021 model year and still get the absorption fridge and if desired can convert to a 12v later, but you have the vent and chimmney on those models up to the 2021 model year. 2021 Model year also brought the composite floors to the Flying Cloud for sure, and quite possibly the others as well.

After MY 2021, 12v compressor fridges were installed at the factory across the board if I recall correctly.


I also seem to recall Airstream discontinuing the 19' for MY 2025-


Other Updates to Airstream’s 2025 Travel Trailer Lineup

Bambi and Caravel Lines

The single-axle trailers in the Bambi and Caravel lines receive several engineering updates in 2025 aimed at a better owner experience while on the road. Across both lines, the 19CB floor plan will be retired to allow for more focus on Bambi and Caravel’s three other floor plans in 16, 20, and 22 feet.