Airstream models for 2009

[haven]

Taking a very broad view of what constitutes an "expedition trailer," I think Airstream deserves consideration. Airstream has a long history (maybe the longest) of providing shelter to travelers in faraway lands. To be sure, the Airstream needs to travel on some semblance of a road, and would need considerable suspension upgrade for continuous use on rugged two-track. But not everyone wants to travel with a tent-on-wheels.

Recession be damned, Airstream is introducing several new designs in 2009. The model line is broader now than ever, ranging from the 16 foot Basecamp Offroad to the 35 foot Panamerica. Both of these trailers could be considered "toy haulers" because they include interior space for ATVs, bikes or boards.

The Sport models are narrower and lighter. They're the best option if you want to remove the wheels and mount the trailer onto a truck chasss like a Fuso FG. They were originally designed for sale in Europe.

Take a minute to check out the Airstream web pages
http://www.airstream.com/index.html

Chip Haven

 

[Maloppa]

I love these trailers but cost and weight have always been my issue with them. Even the basecamp model from last year seems to much for a Jeep. The dealer I went to in S.C. advised me he wouldn't recommend I pull anything over the sport or the "Bambi" even with my Dodge 1500.

 

[ThomD]

If we ever buy a trailer it would probably be an Airstream, especially with Bigfoot gone. Cool factor is high, but their web site is a bit of a mess. Inconsistent product presentation, no overview to differentiate the lines, blah, blah, blah. I thought they had dropped the Basecamp; man that thing is expensive.

It's all moot to us though, we have no vehicle that can move that kind of weight. And damn, even basic pickups have become expensive.

 

[Grim Reaper]

I love these trailers but cost and weight have always been my issue with them. Even the basecamp model from last year seems to much for a Jeep. The dealer I went to in S.C. advised me he wouldn't recommend I pull anything over the sport or the "Bambi" even with my Dodge 1500.

They got fat and bloated after Wally died. They are part of Thor Industries who is a large multi brand RV manufacture and their mass produced way of manufacture.

Back in Wally's time the goal was lightweight. My 1959 Caravanner 22' loaded ready to go with average packing and full of water is around 3500-3800lb (about the dry weight of a current bambi). After Thor got them in the 70's the dry weight of a 22foot was over 4,000lb. By the time you get it loaded you are over 5k. The new 22ft is a dry weight of 4200lb for the International. The Safari has become bloated at 5k dry for the lighter of them and 6K for the Classic.
http://www.airstream.com/files/library/006da6c5c1005fbf.pdf

 

[haven]

Over the years, the Airstreams have grown wider (haven't we all?) and have more standard equipment. So they are heavier than the models from 60 years ago.

The new Sport models move back toward Airstream's roots. The 17 foot model has a dry weight of 2800 lbs, and cargo capacity of 700 lbs. The 22 foot Sport has a dry weight of 3345 lbs and cargo capacity of 1155 lbs.

The Basecamp model is the lightest current Airstream, with dry weight of a little less than 2000 lbs, and cargo capacity of 1250 lbs.

If you prefer the lighter early models, they can be found online. It's a credit to the strength of Airstream construction that units built in the 1950s and 60s are still available in usable condition.

Chip Haven

 

[scottytheoneandonly]

They got fat and bloated after Wally died. They are part of Thor Industries who is a large multi brand RV manufacture and their mass produced way of manufacture.

Back in Wally's time the goal was lightweight. My 1959 Caravanner 22' loaded ready to go with average packing and full of water is around 3500-3800lb (about the dry weight of a current bambi). After Thor got them in the 70's the dry weight of a 22foot was over 4,000lb. By the time you get it loaded you are over 5k. The new 22ft is a dry weight of 4200lb for the International. The Safari has become bloated at 5k dry for the lighter of them and 6K for the Classic.
http://www.airstream.com/files/library/006da6c5c1005fbf.pdf

The weight of the trailers increased over the years because the capability of Tow Vehicles increased. Back when W was still alive, few people owned trucks and the market pretty much required a trailer to be light.

The older trailers had fewer amenities as well. The old Caravanner was a foot narrower. they didn't usually have AC, microwaves, grey water tanks, large deep cycle batteries, solar panels, etc.

The 22 foot Sport has a dry weight of 3300 and a GVWR of 4500. The 17 foot sport has a dry weight of 2800 and a GVWR of 3500. A trailer that light can be towed with a minivan.

At 3000lbs, that's a pretty light trailer. But they're not expedition trailers. They're designed for smooth highways.

 

[Grim Reaper]

At 3000lbs, that's a pretty light trailer. But they're not expedition trailers. They're designed for smooth highways.

Maybe not now but they were and there is a chance my 1959 is in this picture.

Read more
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1774

 

[outdoorsaddict]

I think the registration title on my '63 Bambi shows 1850 lbs. dry weight. I know the "maiden voyage" I took towing it to a nearby(50 miles away) traditional archery rendevous was an easy tow with the little Dodge Dakota 4.7 with towing package. I don't think my Jeep Wrangler is going to be up for the job though.

 

[ntsqd]

I'm glad no one told my grandfather that they were smooth roads only trailers. I grew up spending part of each summer camping in some fairly remote part of the U.S west in first my grandparent's 19 ft. Airstream and then later their 23' Airstream. He towed both of them places that we probably shouldn't have gone with a trailer that large. We did occasionally get some awed comments. That was cool!

Neither trailer really ever showed that they were being abused from this use. Maintenance was about what you'd expect of this type of trailer, other than when I backed the 23 into a concrete filled steel gate post......
The 19 was a Wally era trailer, but the 23 was a Beatrice Foods era trailer and I recall grandad being less impressed with the 23's build quality.

 

[OS-Aussie]

I just traded my big travel trailer on one of these 16ft Aero Cubs which I think sits between my old AT and 32 Travel Trailer. It is 3016 lbs with shower, furnace, AC and 58 gal fresh water tanks plus the black and gray tanks. It has two pop out queen beds. I plan to take to to Alaska in 2010.

Mine has the new themo-a-rest pop out material unlike this one pictured.

http://www.aero-rv.com/cub_features.html