Re: [A/S] Basic Information Needed Please

[Rick Kunath <k9ao@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>  I the think the main difference between a safari and a ccd is the interior, I think 
>  the ccd has the real modern stark interior and and the safari has softer more 
>  traditional tones.
>  I think! Check the Airstream Factory site.
 
Yep. Correct. Though there are differences (in the actual interior 
design), and some have a different layout. The floorplan should show you 
what you need, and they're on the Airstream company site.

Also, the Classic is a heavier model with deluxe interior, but the 
smallest size is the 25-foot length. Again, they're heavier than the 
International CCD or Safari models.

Once you get to the 19-foot size, you don't gain much more in black, 
gray or fresh water capacities by upsizing length until you get to the 
25-foot sizes. A 25-footer might be bigger than you'd like for 
boondocking if you plan to get into some rougher areas. You'd likely 
also be beyond the safe limits of your tow vehicle of choice with the 
bigger 25, especially in mountainous terrain.

In older Airstreams, pre CCD, the International designation was an 
option on the base model that added higher suspension ground clearance, 
a gas light, water filter, extra water tank capacity, and probably other 
things I can't remember at the moment. My old '61 24-footer has the 
International option. Current models are different, the International 
CCD is now a model designation, not an option.

The biggest issue I have with some of the International CCD models 
(Christopher C. Dream, the guy who did the design for the new 
International model, if you were wondering about the letters) is the 
wasted space in some designs. Every possible area should be enclosed and 
made available for storage of things in a small trailer, especially if 
you want to spend longer periods of time in the trailer. Some of the CCD 
designs have open unusable space under the dinette seats and other 
places, so take a look with this in mind, and make sure you can afford 
the wasted space. The safari models are lots better in this, and 
especially good is the new Winnick Safari design.

There is a definite increase in interior space on the 19 over the 16, 
and as was mentioned up the thread, you have a separate black and gray 
tank, something I think is important. I do like the rear bed in the 16, 
but in the 19 you get a stove with an oven, and a bigger fridge, and a 
stand-up separate shower. I think this size (19) has a lot of bang for 
the buck. After that, as you'll see on the floorplans, you get 
additional area to move around in the 22-footers, but it isn't until you 
hit the 25 that you really get a separate bedroom (on some of the 
floorplans for the 25 in twins or a double bed, some other floorplans 
have a corner bed), and this might be important to some couples. Once 
you hit the 25-foot size you get two AGM batteries with the solar 
charging option, something useful for extended boondocking, the 19 has 
only one. I wouldn't call this a negative, just something to be aware of.

Why not head off to your nearest Airstream dealer and spend some time in 
the various trailers. Once you know what size you might be interested 
in, and have reconciled the compromises you want to make (or not) you'll 
know what size and model trailer to look for used.

How far off the beaten track are you planning to venture?

Rick Kunath
WBCCI #3060