A year in a 2020 Caravel 16

[Beau10]

Changing things up a bit - are there any folks in this thread who lived solo in a 23(cb) or 25 footer, had any issues/regrets? I've watched several Colonial youtube walkthroughs. There are 2 Airstream dealers within 100 miles, I will try to visit both to get as much in-person experience w/ these as possible.

I will say that spending an extra $20k to get a 25 footer which is likely twice the volume is an attractive idea. I'm just concerned about the difficulty transporting it and living w/ something like an F-150 as my only vehicle.

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by Beau10

Changing things up a bit - are there any folks in this thread who lived solo in a 23(cb) or 25 footer, had any issues/regrets? I've watched several Colonial youtube walkthroughs. There are 2 Airstream dealers within 100 miles, I will try to visit both to get as much in-person experience w/ these as possible.

I will say that spending an extra $20k to get a 25 footer which is likely twice the volume is an attractive idea. I'm just concerned about the difficulty transporting it and living w/ something like an F-150 as my only vehicle.

I use a F150 short bed as my daily driver and it's just fine for me. It only becomes awkward when parallel parking in a really busy city! It has the other advantage of being the most popular vehicle in the US so you can get it serviced in the middle of nowhere. If you do go the F150 route, pay attention ton the drivers-door payload number. You'd probably want a F150 Supercrew short bed which, with the MaxTow package, can be had with 1,800 pounds or more of payload which you'd need for a FC25. It also comes with the ultra cool Backup Assist which would make solo backup less intimidating.

When you go to get bids on your trailer, I got the best price on the west coast from the Airstream dealer in Los Banos. I then used that price to get my local dealer to match.

The biggest regret most people talk about is getting too small a trailer, not getting one too big.

Depending on how aggressive you want to be you could also buy your trailer in Oregon or Nevada at lower (or no) sales taxes. Nevada also doesn't have an income tax, by the way, if you wanted to relocate your legal address for the duration of your adventure.

[Sport 16 STL]

"How would one get over 200ah on a 16ft? As they are lion they would need to be relocated inside, where do people put a 4 battery array? I see the standard solar package switches off when using a portable, there are aftermarket solutions that work for a dual setup?"

I am in the process of adding 200 watts to our 2018 sport 16. I made a suitcase from 2- 100 watt Renogy panels.
We have 160 watts of dealer installed panels on the roof. We have a 30 amp solar controller so it is large enough to handle the extra 200 watts.
I added a second Zamp port on the opposite side of the batteries. I am going to wire directly into the existing solar wires from the roof. I controller, 4, 12 volt panels. System not completed, but should be operational in a a few days. I decided on this method, avoiding 2 controllers as I read in several places about 2 controllers not working well together.

[Shiny16]

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[mtroulis]

Regarding towing, I tow my 2018 Airstream Sport 16' with a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. I average about 15 MPG. I've towed it up 18% grades without any problems.

I tow without a WDH and never had any problems in the dozen or so times I've towed it (even on fairly windy days).

The 16' is perfect for one person to go weekend camping in (in my opinion), but if I had to sit in it and code all day I might want more room to stretch out. I'm a software developer myself and I find that I have to get up and walk around my building every hour or so when working on a project.

[Spizzlepop]

Good advice here Beau. You might also want to head over to Facebook and the Airstream Bambi 16 group for advice on living in your 16. More than a few of those folk are full timers living the dream.

[MLWilcox]

I love the 16’ Caravel with the panorama windows on both sides. Love the interior design and all the extras as well. There are plenty of couples and singles who live full time in T@Bs, Basecamps, and 16’ Bambi’s. You should be fine.

I would definitely suggest getting an upgrade to the batteries and get solar. Either thru airstream or a place in Southern California. A couple of Battleborns should fit under the bed. Also maybe consider an Inergy Apex or Goal Zero Yeti to add to the upgraded Airstream batteries/solar. I have the Yeti 1400 lithium and its great. The Inergy is much lighter.

Agree with beginning to negotiate sooner than later.

[Glampman]

I have been running across the west coast with this set up and not a lock of damage to my rig whatsoever. No frame bends, no leaks, no wobbling, no zombies....just an excellent and secure method of having power when I need it. Add a Soft Start to your air conditioner and you are set to boondock in your 16!

Out the door with everything, including both the hitch mount, locking generator tray from Torklift, the Generac, and the Soft Start, I spent just about 2k. Worth every penny!

I can even park it sideways!

[Glampman]

This set up cost me less than 2k and I have driven with it up and down the west coast with no frame damage, leaks, separation, zombies, rashes, redness or diarrhea.

Consists of added Torklift tow hitch, Torklift locking generator tray, a Generac 2200i, and a Soft Start for my AC unit and we are boondocking with ease, comfort, and confidence.

[vanster]

We have a re imagined 67 Caravel and we installed an Isotherm refer. A Zamp roof color panel
We have gone 3 days without sun recently and we didn't have any issues. We have 2- 6amp Lifeline batteries. As a back up we carry a Zamp suit case. Not cheap $700 I think it's 24 x 40 inches ( each panel) and it weighs about 35#'s... but it really works well when needed

[vanster]

6 volt batteries that is

[gsp]

Originally Posted by Beau10

Changing things up a bit - are there any folks in this thread who lived solo in a 23(cb) or 25 footer, had any issues/regrets? I've watched several Colonial youtube walkthroughs. There are 2 Airstream dealers within 100 miles, I will try to visit both to get as much in-person experience w/ these as possible.

I will say that spending an extra $20k to get a 25 footer which is likely twice the volume is an attractive idea. I'm just concerned about the difficulty transporting it and living w/ something like an F-150 as my only vehicle.

These folks lived in a 23D for a while, should provide lots of info in their videos. http://www.themoreweexplore.com/sparky.html

[gertntrudy]

Originally Posted by Acheron2010

My only advice is...don't get target fixation on the Caravelle. Take several hours or days and sit for awhile in different models. Simulate sitting, preparing a meal, eating a meal, using the bathroom, taking a shower, going to bed. You will get a feel that this trailer, or that one, is the "perfect" size for your individual needs.
I definitely wanted a Globetrotter, but ended with something else, once I took the time to really "experience" them.

I agree with this. We ended up with different then we thought. Also vinyl floors are rad, never thought I’d say that? We full time in our 19fter and it’s good.

[tessjagusch]

Hey Beau,

Have you been living in the Caravel? I plan to buy one soon and do the same! let me know if you've been happy with it so far!

[daleyocum]

Originally Posted by Glampman

This set up cost me less than 2k and I have driven with it up and down the west coast with no frame damage, leaks, separation, zombies, rashes, redness or diarrhea.

Consists of added Torklift tow hitch, Torklift locking generator tray, a Generac 2200i, and a Soft Start for my AC unit and we are boondocking with ease, comfort, and confidence.

I guess it’s been fine for you but Id be chicken about doing that with the potential for added sway.