Sport 22 vs. F Cloud 20

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The gotcha here is that you are shopping for a trailer that is (likely) more expensive than a tow vehicle. It also (likely) will out-last a tow vehicle by a factor of > 4X. With a typical person't trade in cycle on vehicles, that factor could be much higher.

Just like cars or trucks, trailers depreciate. Indeed you will find stories, but in the other 90% of the cases you take a hit on any of them. Buying the "right sized" trailer up front is *way* better than a progression of 19 -> 22 -> 23 -> 25 -> 27.

Even if you go out and buy it brand new, the basic pickup to tow any of the trailers above is < $30K. Bought "gently used" figure half that. The trade in on any of the steps above could cost you nearly as much as that used truck.

It's easy to get into a "this will tow that" corner based on looking at a select set of numbers. The gotcha is that there are a lot of numbers rather than just one single one. They all have to match up. That's true for the trailer *and* whatever you have loaded in the vehicle. SUV's often have issues way before the trailer alone becomes the limit. (so do some trucks ...).

Even with a vehicle that *will* tow this or that "by the numbers", you may not be happy with the result. There are mods you can do to fiddle this or that. There isn't a lot that will help something like an undersized engine. Yes, try it and see does work. You have to be ready to trade up if you see it does not work.

The alternative is to go a bit over when sizing a tow vehicle (which is what 90% of the people out there do). Then when the real world hits and they load it a bit heavier than they thought, it's ok. When they get into the mountains, it's barely ok. Once all that hits, oversize really isn't oversize anymore.

So, you have time. Go down and look at a range of models. See what fits and how it fits. Not so much fits the tow vehicle, but you and those with you. Can you sit here or there for extended periods of time (there are rainy days). Can you cook in the kitchen while others do their thing? Can everybody sit at the dinner table? Can they get in and out of the dinner table with reasonable effort? ( = do 4 people have to get up to let the one person out ?). Can everybody sit somewhere and see the television? Is there enough storage room? What if a friend or two comes along? Lots of things to look at.

You have the time ... do some looking.

Bob

[overthatway]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

The gotcha here is that you are shopping for a trailer that is (likely) more expensive than a tow vehicle. It also (likely) will out-last a tow vehicle by a factor of > 4X. With a typical person't trade in cycle on vehicles, that factor could be much higher.

Just like cars or trucks, trailers depreciate. Indeed you will find stories, but in the other 90% of the cases you take a hit on any of them. Buying the "right sized" trailer up front is *way* better than a progression of 19 -> 22 -> 23 -> 25 -> 27.

Even if you go out and buy it brand new, the basic pickup to tow any of the trailers above is < $30K. Bought "gently used" figure half that. The trade in on any of the steps above could cost you nearly as much as that used truck.

It's easy to get into a "this will tow that" corner based on looking at a select set of numbers. The gotcha is that there are a lot of numbers rather than just one single one. They all have to match up. That's true for the trailer *and* whatever you have loaded in the vehicle. SUV's often have issues way before the trailer alone becomes the limit. (so do some trucks ...).

Even with a vehicle that *will* tow this or that "by the numbers", you may not be happy with the result. There are mods you can do to fiddle this or that. There isn't a lot that will help something like an undersized engine. Yes, try it and see does work. You have to be ready to trade up if you see it does not work.

The alternative is to go a bit over when sizing a tow vehicle (which is what 90% of the people out there do). Then when the real world hits and they load it a bit heavier than they thought, it's ok. When they get into the mountains, it's barely ok. Once all that hits, oversize really isn't oversize anymore.

So, you have time. Go down and look at a range of models. See what fits and how it fits. Not so much fits the tow vehicle, but you and those with you. Can you sit here or there for extended periods of time (there are rainy days). Can you cook in the kitchen while others do their thing? Can everybody sit at the dinner table? Can they get in and out of the dinner table with reasonable effort? ( = do 4 people have to get up to let the one person out ?). Can everybody sit somewhere and see the television? Is there enough storage room? What if a friend or two comes along? Lots of things to look at.

You have the time ... do some looking.

Bob

Thanks Bob!
You just solidified what i was thinking.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by overthatway

Thanks Bob!
You just solidified what i was thinking.

To add to comments about visiting the AS lot....we have been doing that for going on 20 years...never get tired of visiting and seeing different models. When we go, we typically will spending time sitting in the models we are most interested in and imagining how functional/comfortable it would be. That is why we did not go with the 25' this last time...we love the 25' size, but last 2 25's we owned had the "long lounge" for watching TV, and we were just tired of that wasted space and lack of comfort, for our needs. Oh, and we also love the twin...did I mention the twin has more sleeping area, more dressing area, and also 2 more storage areas outside??

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

To add to comments about visiting the AS lot....we have been doing that for going on 20 years...never get tired of visiting and seeing different models. When we go, we typically will spending time sitting in the models we are most interested in and imagining how functional/comfortable it would be. That is why we did not go with the 25' this last time...we love the 25' size, but last 2 25's we owned had the "long lounge" for watching TV, and we were just tired of that wasted space and lack of comfort, for our needs. Oh, and we also love the twin...did I mention the twin has more sleeping area, more dressing area, and also 2 more storage areas outside??

Hi

.... and the twin has an aisle the dogs like a lot better

Bob

[gypsydad]

UB- check this modified 2018 25' FC which is for sale at Bay Area Airstream adventures...it's the modified 25' like I have been drooling over the past 3 years! They have one in stock, 2018, and priced on sale...$87.787. My friend went up there yesterday and checked it out; he said it was really comfortable and loved the layout...he's upgrading from a 23'. Not sure if he will get this one or not...the price is pretty good including the modification...well, "pretty good" is a matter of perspective. Check it out...
https://www.bayareaairstream.com/InventoryDetail.asp?Stock=C5262

Sorry about the pictures being on their side...not sure why they posted on like that...they were right side up when I loaded them...anyone know how to insure the pictures are posted right side up?

[overthatway]

Beautiful!

[uncle_bob]

Cute !!

[CaymanBreeze]

Originally Posted by overthatway

I am looking to purchase an AS next summer. Have been doing some research and finally made it to a dealer to look around them. I am trying to decide between the Sport 22 and the Flying Cloud 20. Since I am planning to live out of it in winter, in the mountains, one of my main concerns is cold weather suitability. I know there are things that need to be done with either model. Right now I am leaning toward the Sport because it seems more insulated and durable.

***Which model is best for cold weather living?***

Please vote and follow up with why/recommendations.

We did not have any trouble with ours in Idaho, winter of 2016, which bright snowmagedon. I ran it all winter on electric and had no issues. We love our 20’, but are looking at a larger one in the near future to retire in. Hope this helps.

[SYC2Vette]

Old post I know, but thought it was an interesting topic. We camped this weekend next to a (no longer in production) 22' Sport and talked to the nice couple about the features and comparisons to our 20' FC. They are in the market for a newer trailer, probably a new 20' FC/Caravel.

Their comments were:
-Narrow body nice for towing, but correspondingly narrow interior not so nice.
-Love the galley in the FC20 (of course)
-Relatively long rear overhang of the Sport 22' required a lift kit as prior to that they often had trouble with hanging up on driveway entrances and entering/leaving gas stations.
-Other features already mentioned above.

That said, I think the Sport 22' might be a good choice for some. Especially if you have a mid size SUV for towing.

Guessing the original poster went with something other than an Airstream, likely more suitable for cold weather.