2nd smaller Airstream trailer craziness

[ekbruster]

So I've restored to vintage Serro Scotty's (12ft) we've then upgraded to 2018 31FC Bunk last year, I still have the 1961 Scotty only because it was a rare model, and use it for the short-quick weekend trips occasionally. Primarily got the Bunk because of the 5yr old and the scotty only sleeps 2. But like you there are a lot of national parks I would like to hit up when I retire and seeing how some have 25' trailer limitations I feel that same dilemma is going to hit me about needing a 19-25ft AS someday.

[DavidsonOverlander]

Depending on where you want to go with a smaller trailer you might also consider a truck camper. We have a 31' Sovereign that works well if we're taking the kids with us, but they're all in their 20s now so it's getting less likely that we'll need the space. We're renovating an Avion truck camper for traveling solo or just the two of us. Truck campers also allow you to go places which would be a challenge for even a small trailer.
If you don't already have a suitable truck that might not be an option, but just thought I'd put it out there.
An excellent resource for truck campers is Truck Camper Magazine.

[ashe]

Wow..thank you so much for all your ideas, suggestions and advice. Much to think about as we process this input. Keep’em coming.
������ Nick

[Jo3]

We purchased the Tab 400 and have enjoyed it for 1 1/2 years (2 summers). We liked the extra prep area over the Bambi and larger bathroom in the Tab 400. Larger fresh water, black and grey water. Closet, 200 watts. My husband likes the star gazer windows and is the one to sleep on that side. We have traveled to Glacier NP , Canada last summer and Maine this year from GA. Also Florida twice, North Carolina coast. It’s easy to tow and dry camp. While we are traveling all over the US we are keeping this until we end up wanting to stay places longer than a week. It was tight having 2 little grandchildren with us last year; but great for the two of us.
I am keeping in mind comments of the various Airstreams for if we need a larger one in the future.

[ashe]

This is very interesting and I will check out further after going on their web site. Would enjoy talking further with you about your experience.
Nick

[Jo3]

Ashe, be sure to look up the Tab 400 from NuCamp. (not just Tab which are the smaller and less headroom). It is the one where my 6’1 husband can stand up in and not bump his head. I also like the open window aspect where the burners are; therefore no food odors lingering in camper. I keep looking for this layout in the various Airstreams.

[ashe]

I have checked the 400 out on website and it looks quite interesting. There is a dealer in Tennessee that handles them and Airstreams. Think we might take a ride and check out in person.
How does it handle sway wise while towing being one axle? How was your buying experience?
Appreciate you bringing this to my attention. If you prefer phone call, here is my number.
828-450-0714
Nick

[OTRA15]

The TAB 400 is a huge move down from a 25’ IMO.

https://nucamprv.com/tab-camper/tab-teardrop-camper/

From our old 25’ we went down to the FC20 for its dry bath shower and great galley. See detailed comments in Post #19.

Peter

[cheetahgrrl]

Hi
Just finished 7 months on the road to Alaska and back in 1962 Bambi. You haven’t lived until you downsize! It was so successful we are planning a cross country trip in the spring.

Go tiny!!

[vintageracer]

Smaller is BETTER!

Smaller is the total market trend for the RV industry with the exception of Airstream!

[sarge12212]

I've taken our 30ft Excella 500 on long trips AND weekenders. It takes just as long to set up a smaller unit, but with less elbow room. Not sure I could justify, in my own mind, a 2nd camper.

[Teton Stream]

We traded our 20FC in a year ago for a 23FC FB. My wife likes the 23 but laments the storage space and galley layout of the 20. Single axle is easier to maneuver but not a tremendous difference. The stability of the 23 “feels” better than the 20, especially in windy conditions. I actually like the fact we can each get out on respective sides of the bed in the 23 versus climbing over each other in the 20. The extra water in the 23 was also a bene due to our desire to boondock. For me it’s almost a photo finish

[L.D.Clara]

We sold our '68 Sovereign last summer and changed it for a 2015 20' Flying Cloud. We found that the newer smaller one has all the same stuff, and more, will sleep the same number of people. The bed formed by the dinette in the new one is smaller than the one I built for the '68, but there are only two of us. All we seem to have lost is 10' of storage space we didn't use.

It's so much easier to live with when towing, finding camping spots, in gas stations and parking lots - all you need is a drive through space to park the truck and the trailer.In fact we even managed to park it in a Safeway in the middle of Calgary after the GPS somehow sent us right in the middle of the city with the skyscrapers. I would have lost my mind in there with the 30'..

Finally, though I miss having a vintage Airstream, there is a lot less upkeep with a newer one (touch wood), which suits us a lot better.
If II was going to have two I would make sure one of them is newer..

[Imustwander]

We have a 41 foot fifth wheel that we live in up north for eight weeks in the summer each year. I love it for stationary living, but it is a hassle to take on the road. And I certainly would never do it by myself. Last summer I saw a 2014 Sport 22 FB on the side of the road for sale and snapped it up! We bought it precisely for short camping trips in northern Michigan (or anywhere). I really like that I can hook it up to my diesel Jeep Cherokee by myself and go where ever I want. I totally get having two campers!

[felix.hudon]

Hello Nick,
We have 9yo twins and a 7yo girl and own a 19ft Bambi equiped with a bunk bed...this is perfect setup for quick weekend Airstreaming with the family or week long vacation....it’s small and minimalist to Airstream standards , but we find it the perfect size and is easy to handle, drive and park almost anywhere!
We love the experience and we are able to cary 5 mountain bikes and other gear to enjoy the outdoor!
Hope this help.
Cheers,
Felix

[BambiOwner]

Despite my user name, we've moved on from our Bambi to a 26' twin Flying Cloud. We loved the 20' Bambi (it's got the best kitchen in the fleet), but climbing over each other to get out of the bunk became a deal breaker for us. No way would we have two trailers, but if you're thinking of that you could certainly manage in the Bambi for a weekend here and there.

[Big Thunder]

We bought a new 25' Flying Cloud. My wife would not even consider taking a shower next to the toilet and she is a small women! We like the room of the stand alone shower across the hall which also allows one to use the toilet while the shower is in use. We had a 34' motorhome prior to the AS and the 25' AS is a perfect size for us. And our Italian Greyhound. And yes, she sleeps in the bed with us. Spoiled! Spoiled!

[Mtplsnt]

Our regular AS is a 2011 20’ Flying Cloud. We love it and live in it 4-6 months out of the year, volunteering in the Nation’s parks and building with Habitat for Humanity. When we’re settled in one place and don’t want to be bothered unhooking and pulling, our smaller “trailer” is a tent. It’s great for spur of the moment camping trips, and even though we’re in our mid to late 70s, is quite comfortable. Plus, we’ve camped in some incredibly beautiful spots that are simply inaccessible to rv’s. Try it.

[OTRA15]

One adjustable variable in life on the road is the tow vehicle.

A larger/roomier TV can take up the slack if you downsize to a smaller AS. Our Ford Transit van has a single bed, two coolers, cell charging, inverter, backup clothing storage, and morning coffee-making supplies, so that the early riser can exit the FC20, and make "breakfast" on the campsite picnic table using a portable butane burner. In good weather, this makes for some spectacular sunrises!

Cheers,

Peter

[Glenn T]

Originally Posted by Gsnedike

If you think you would like to go with a smaller rig look into the Airstream Flying Cloud 20’FB; I think you’ll be well pleased!

I agree completely. The FC20 is great to tow, fits anywhere, and has a nice big kitchen and bathroom.

Glenn