Thoughts on purchasing a '17 Sport over a '17 Flying Cloud...

[runningjill]

We are currently evaluating the Sport 22FB vs Flying Cloud 20. Although the Sport is entry level/less expensive, is the Flying Cloud a better investment?

[FCStreamer]

I wouldn't view these as investments. View them as expenses for your enjoyment. You'll be a lot happier with your choice.

[NWGetaways]

If your question really was which will depreciate less, I don't think there will be much difference.

NADA lists 5 year old Airstreams at about 50% of original list price. They're way low. I'd say it's more like 70% from watching the classifieds here for a while.

I don't think there's a premium for one model over another between these two.

Now if by investing you mean which is the best small Airstream of them all, there's no question.

[dlkershaw]

First: I agree with FCStreamer " expenses for enjoyment"
We purchased a 2016 22FB and several factors were considered in addition to cost. The tow weight of the SPORT vs the Flying Cloud, we are towing with a 2014 Jeep GC and the lighter weight and narrow width makes for easier towing ( although a bit narrower inside). We are satisfied with the overall value and quality of the SPORT and were not interested in the upgraded finishes. ( we were coming from tent camping).
We traveled over 1500 miles this summer through Maryland, WV and Virginia and the tow was comfortable, even with the 6 cylinder Jeep. Backing up is a breeze and we were able to find some great secluded sites in Gambrill State Forest and Rocky Gap State Park.
Most important don't skimp on the hitch setup: get a good quality WD Hitch ( I won't get into brand names here, that's reserved for other threads) and a brake controller on your TV.
I'm sure whatever your choice you will be happy with your AS. Enjoy!

[mattskav]

More info is really required. Is it just you a couple? How much do you like to cook? What are your plans? Are you weekend warriors? Plan on FT?

Personally we are borderline gen X / Millennials with 2 kids and go mostly for extended 3-4 night weekends dry and up to a week with hookups. We (I) messed up and didn't listen to our dealer and got a 2016 16 Sport to start in April. Fortunately it turns out that after a few trips Jerry (Profile) reached out to trade our trailer for what we paid. There is a slightly long story there but I was happy to take him up. We looked HARD at the '16 and '17 22 Sport, '16 19 and 20 16 FC and then stepped inside the new 2017 23D FC Sandpiper Landmark Bunk and it was Capital O Over.

If we were san kids I think the 22 Sport would be awesome, particularly with the new double sink and the window in the rear door, though it needs a second battery, it is highly affordable as far as new airstreams go and offers 88-92% of what you get in an FC. This would more than work for weekends, extended weekends, and more.

If you are a couple (no kids) and plan on going for weeks or months on end, do the FC20. It has a much better galley and storage options plus the climate control is superior in every way. It also has dual batteries and larger propane tanks which make longer dry camping possible plus you can get away with saying it's under 20' for places that care whereas the 22 footer is obviously over the line.

Neither option is good enough if you have kids unless you want the hassle of putting together the bed and rebuilding the dinette every day which I think stinks having done it. You need the 19 FC bunk (1 kid) or the 23D bunk (2 kids). The 23D bunk is undeniably THE floor plan for a family of 4, IMO this is the entry point here speaking from experience. We just got back from a week trip and I feel like I could spend a month in it with 4 of us no issues. The option past that in really the 28 or the 30 footer and those are just too damn big unless you are hardcore.

The other mistake we made was choosing a trailer based on the TV. While it seems to make sense at the time if you really love the lifestyle you'll dump your TV in a heartbeat. We made this mistake and after a few months dumped our 2014 Ody for a new 2.7 F150 Lariat Supercrew. Listen to the dealers and don't do this if you really know it's something you are going to keep up with.

Hope this helps.

m