Aft and center bathrooms - why

[Jammer]

I note that, of olden time, the bathroom was the aftmost compartment in the trailer. In modern time, they are forward of the bedroom.

Which is better, and why, and why did Airstream do it one way for a while, and why did they change?

[utee94]

In the 50s, rear-bedroom/center-baths were very common. But the baths were typically smaller wet-baths (or, as a friend of mine calls them, "shoilets").

One explanation I've heard for moving the bath to the rear, was that it put more weight at the back to create less tongue weight at the front. Of course, the additional weight also seems to play at least some part in rear-end separation that became common on certain vintage units, especially the longer ones.

As far as which is better (and structural issues aside), it just depends on how you're going to use the trailer. I like the rear bath because it is spacious, and I like having a full tub. Other folks like the center bath because it allows for a rear bedroom, which is pretty desirable, and it also doesn't force all restroom traffic through the bedroom.

-Marcus

[vswingfield]

Having one each, I like the center bath rear bedroom. The center bath has a nice shower with a seat/footstool. The rear bath has a tub with a folding "shower curtain." Calling it a full tub is laughable. Only a small child or a medium sized dog could really use it for a tub. It is really just a bad shower.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

[Fyrzowt]

They still make the rear bath models, the 25' six sleeper for example.

[Mexray]

We have a rear bath, with twin beds amidships...the rear bath makes for more compact and protected waste piping right there at the rear bumper...

...BUT...we don't like the fact that when you have others sleeping up front on the gaucho, they have to traipse right past you in the middle of the night to use the rear bath....

With some lottery 'chips' in our pockets, we'd opt for a 27FB in a heartbeat, the ideal layout...IMHO!

But, hey, we're still 'stylin' down the road in our silver hulled beauty!

[hampstead38]

Our re-design of the Overlander will move the bath from rear to amidships. Why? My wife and I occasionally keep different hours. A rear bedroom allows a bit more privacy and quiet for napping.