What Length is Right For You?

7 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask

For the first time Airstream buyer, deciding what size to purchase is the first question to answer. Many buyers are inclined to buy the smallest trailer possible to ease into towing, only to discover that they need more space. Most of our clients discover, that after an initial learning period, towing an Airstream is not the challenge they anticipated.

Remember, Airstreams are some of the lightest and best balanced trailers on the market. The reason is because of their aluminum construction. Whereas most other square trailers are built with wood frame construction, Airstreams use aluminum ribs. TWhen it comes to comparing vintage trailers, a 23-foot Airstream Safari will probably be quite a bit lighter than a 19-foot Shasta.

Airstream measurements are generally stated to include the full length of the trailer, bumper to ball, and so the actual living space of the trailer can be on average 4 - 5 feet less than the stated length. Some things to consider when choosing trailer length:

1. Buy for today or tomorrow? Chances are good that you will own your trailer for many years. Choose your trailer based on projected use, not the current capacity of your tow vehicle. Vehicles come and go, Airstreams last a lo-o-ong time. Your purchase should be for today, tomorrow and 10 years down the road.

2. How many axles? Most Airstreams under 22 feet have a single axle. Many believe that single axle trailers are slightly less stable to tow because there is less contact area (tire to pavement) and are a little more difficult to back. When being backed, a single axle trailer reacts more aggressively to small changes in vehicle direction. This said, the towing stability to a single axle Airstream still exceeds the tow feel of a double axle box-style trailer. Airstreams between 22 and 31 feet have 2 axles and 34′ trailers have three axles.

3. Where will you take your Airstream? Almost all modern campgrounds can accommodate very long trailers, but some national forest camp grounds have length restrictions that will exclude all but the smallest (under 22 feet) trailers. These campgrounds were originally built with tent campers in mind and larger trailers simply don’t fit on narrow access roads or into short campsites.

4. How much time will you spend in your Airstream? The leap from tent camping to luxury camping in an Airstream is an eye opening change. For those used to packing only the bare necessities, the prospect of packing even the smallest Airstream is astonishing. “Look at all that storage space” is a common reaction for campers leaving behind sawed off toothbrushes and one pot meals. But for those planning for longer stays in an aluminum beauty, storage space is a substantial consideration. Think about what you want to take with you and where you will pack it.

5. How many people will use it? As a general guideline, trailers under 25 feet are best for an individual or a couple taking occasional short duration trips. Many with families opt for a trailer in the 24 - 28 foot range and couples camping for longer periods of time also often prefer this length range. For those spending extended periods of time on the road or ‘full-timing’ the 28+ lengths many be a good option. No matter the length you choose, you should expect years of camping pleasure in your Airstream.

6. How wide is it? For the 1996 model year, all Airstreams became widebodies, adding 6 inches to the width. There were still a few quality standard problems but, I understand they were all rectified. By 2011, the decision was made to call the single axel trailers “Bambi” no matter the length.

7. How long are they? In the lexicon of Airstreams, the length of a trailer generally corresponds to a model name (model = length). For example, the “Bambi” is generally 16’ long where the model “Trade Wind” is generally 24-25’ long. The term “International” or “Land Yacht” are simply an upgraded or series of add-ons that make up an enhanced interior packages.