Reluctant Husband

[Dawnair]

My husband has just retired and I will in 6 months. We love to travel, but have used hotels. I "grew up" in a mobile home/trailer and have always wanted an Airstream. We are about to have our first grandchild; our kids also like to travel, but none of us have used trailers as a basis for our travels.
I have spent the last year comparing trailers (for vacation/travels not for full time living) and remain convinced that an Airstream is still the best option. I really want a hatch, and a 2020+ model, so my options are limited in size. I also want twin beds, and because I like the storage space (and a place for my cats to be "high" when they come with us, plus the possibility of small grandkids having a fun place.
So, we (I) have narrowed it down to the 25 ft Flying Cloud (the hatch is no longer offered, it looks like, on the 19 foot?). Convincing my husband is proving a bit difficult. He would be much more comfortable with a smaller trailer for towing purposes. So, I am asking an opinion: given the choice of no airstream vs a subdream airstream (as opposed to my dream airstream) , I would choose the subdream but I would like to have some input as to whether or not a 25 ft flying cloud is going to be a substantial challenge versus a 22 or 23 ft. Any advice?

[jaybauman]

The differences in length of the trailers you reference are less than 10% of the total length. From experience, that small of a difference is not perceptible when towing or parking a tandem axle trailer.

Get the floorplan that is most appealing to you and don't sweat the extra length.

[mikeinca]

Having carefully shopped the specs, I'm sure you're aware that the 23' Flying Cloud is also slightly narrower than the 25', in addition to being a couple of feet shorter. So, hypothetically, there could be situations where having the smaller trailer would be an advantage.

OTOH, in the real world there's not much difference between towing or maneuvering a 25 versus a 23 especially when compared to the fact that you can't get the hatch you want or twin beds (great choice) in the smaller trailer. Also, if there's a chance that you'll be making trips with the kids or grandkid(s) you'll really appreciate the extra room.

One other consideration is your proposed tow vehicle. Does your husband's concern about towing a 25 have anything to do with it's capabilities?

[SilverWind]

We started with a 2011 19 foot International. A 2013 23D was next, followed by a 2017 25FB International. The 2012 RAM 1500 (1/2 ton) was our starter truck, followed by a 2016 RAM 2500 to tow our 23D to Alaska. We began looking at 25 footers on our way back from Alaska.

As we tell most anyone who asks....go directly to a 25 foot model and 3/4 ton truck. You'll most likely end up there anyway. It's a lot cheaper to go directly to a 25 model and with a substantial truck with great cargo capacity and handling confidence. A properly equipped, heavy duty 1/2 ton TV can also work. Remember, the engine is only part of the equation. Good handling is dictated by the heavy duty nature of the truck's chassis and a proper weight distribution system.

Airstream dealers like the small to large trailer progression because it is very profitable.

[GetawA-S]

I agree with your husband that an easier to tow (and park) rig makes the journey more enjoyable. I towed SOB’s for over twenty years and after discovering the A-S difference, I would never go back.
Now for the other half of the equation: Don’t let someone else tell you the perfect size trailer or tow vehicle. That’s a very personal decision, and you must spend time in the prospective choices, in addition to browsing this forum.
FWIW, my wife says your husband will not regret listenIng to you.
- Don

[ROBERT CROSS]

My meager experience tells me....That the non Dream AS will soon become the Dream AS.

Sweet Streams...

Bob
🇺🇸

[panamerican]

Here is something that is not really thought of often when talking length:

25 footers have about 22ish feet of interior space.

23 have about 20ish feet of interior space.

30 have about 27 feet of interior space.

The overall quoted lengths are from hitch ball to bumper. Take roughly +/- 3 feet off the total length and there will be your near true interior space. The differences can be somewhat substantial, so it's important to really take that into consideration particularly if one is to be full-timing or long vacations.

[Trnpk Crsr]

Grandchildren grow and multiply. I think the often repeated mantra here is "Buy your third Airstream first"

Cheers,

John

[Daquenzer]

We bought a 28’ AS. I had never really towed anything before other than cargo trailers. I was a bit nervous to start. Now it is pretty much like driving normally. You do have to be a bit alert. And you have to think in advance more about where you are going. Just getting gas means thinking about getting in and out of the place.

The biggest thing to do is get a really good hitch set up with a solid tow vehicle. That makes all the difference in the world.

[Short563]

The 2021 25’ Flying Could and International models come with a host of improvements including the hatch. As for choosing the size, I would recommend going to a dealer and spending several hours sitting in them.

[Short563]

BTW I went from a 25’ to a 30’ and found it makes no difference towing down the road. It did take getting used to driving in parking lots and gas stations. Backing into campsites took some practice.

[jeffmc306]

Dawnair, welcome to the Airstream Community and Forums!

I can understand your husband’s desire to go with a smaller trailer. We started with a 23’ Flying Cloud mostly due to our tow vehicle’s payload limit. We really wanted a 25’ but the tongue weight was more than our vehicle could handle. After two trips we discovered our concerns about the u-shaped dinette were correct. I made a new, slightly smaller table top which helped but there isn’t much room to relax.

After our last trip we paid a visit to our Airstream dealer and explained we made a mistake. Our salesperson said “It happens all the time. I’ll help you fix it but this time, get the one you want.” That turned out to be a 27’ Globetrotter Front Bed Twin although my wife thought a 25’ would be fine. Now that we have the 27’, we’re both very happy.

I’ve noticed very little difference in towing between the two. A twin axle Airstream tows very nicely. If your husband would like to ask any questions just send me a private message. We’d be happy to answer anything.

All the best to you on your decision!
Jeff & Caryle

[jcanavera]

Quite honestly I'm also in the going bigger vote. Talk to any decent sales person in the industry and wanting more space is the primary driver of folks trading in their smaller Airstreams. So I would highly recommend the 25 for you. You won't regret it since trading up is an expensive lesson to learn.

Jack

[jayseejay]

Originally Posted by Dawnair

My husband has just retired and I will in 6 months. We love to travel, but have used hotels. I "grew up" in a mobile home/trailer and have always wanted an Airstream. We are about to have our first grandchild; our kids also like to travel, but none of us have used trailers as a basis for our travels.

I have spent the last year comparing trailers (for vacation/travels not for full time living) and remain convinced that an Airstream is still the best option. I really want a hatch, and a 2020+ model, so my options are limited in size. I also want twin beds, and because I like the storage space (and a place for my cats to be "high" when they come with us, plus the possibility of small grandkids having a fun place.

So, we (I) have narrowed it down to the 25 ft Flying Cloud (the hatch is no longer offered, it looks like, on the 19 foot?). Convincing my husband is proving a bit difficult. He would be much more comfortable with a smaller trailer for towing purposes. So, I am asking an opinion: given the choice of no airstream vs a subdream airstream (as opposed to my dream airstream) , I would choose the subdream but I would like to have some input as to whether or not a 25 ft flying cloud is going to be a substantial challenge versus a 22 or 23 ft. Any advice?

Hi there. My wife and I are camping for the week about an hour from you (Ashland AL) in our 27’ twin with hatch (2015 Eddie Bauer) which has a very similar floor plan to the 25’ FC you are interested in - you and your husband are welcome to come see it, if that will help with your decision - PM us if interested. If not, I vote you go with your 25’ dream unit. Although I shared your husband’s trepidation initially, towing turned out to be no big deal.
Best,
Joe

[GMFL]

I agree with Joe,
We are Airstream Ambassadors and live in Dadeville on the lake 30 min from you. If we can help in anyway please feel free to PM Me

[featherbedder]

I have towed trailers for over 75 yrs+ starting w/farm wagons. Have towed 6 ft to 53 ft/ trailers also some longer w/permits. Short trailers under 20 ft w/single harder to back up. I like 25 ft AS or 27. I have 31, also had 30, 27, 26, 22, 17, 16, all AS, 17 & 19 sob. also various sized boats, equipment trailers long & short, [Fav. 26ft AS] IMO longer w/tandem axle rides & tows better 30 & longer little more skill to back in narrow spot. A properly specked 250 w/engine & gears [not 411 gears] 3.71 or 3.73 gears will tow larger trailers w/ ease. IMO a dually is worthless unless hauling horses or some thing unstable or huge slide in campers. A 350 up costs more lic. more ins, 450 over kill but each has there reasons for size. My son & I have had Macks & Peterbuilt semis w/350mack to 600 cat. engines, prop. gears pulling 80,000 pds. no prob. also tandem & single axle dump trucks. There are some big truck drivers & owners on forum, I believe they will say same as I do about engines & gearing.