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You know how some people are simply ageless? Betty White, George Clooney, Maggie Smith–they’re simply icons of their time. The same could be said about some RVs in the industry, including the Airstream Caravel.
If you haven’t heard of this iconic RV, you’ve missed out on 65 years of greatness. This iconic vehicle has been turning heads for more than six decades, and it’s still one of the best options in the camping world.
Let’s check out the Airstream Caravel that’s attractive to recreationalists to this day.
What Is Airstream Caravel?
The Airstream Caravel is one of Airstreams most popular travel trailers. Featuring four floor plans and four lengths, you can probably find a Caraval to fit your travel needs. All four floor plans have a dedicated sleeping space for two with a convertible dinette to sleep two more. All four floor plans also have a separate bathroom.
With residential features, the high-quality craftsmanship that comes with every Airstream unit, and a modern interior, the newly revived Airstream Caravel line is perfect for weekend getaways or extended trips.
The History of the Airstream Caravel
In 1931, Airstream’s first factory opened in Culver City, California. By 1952, Airstream had outgrown that facility and moved east to Jackson Center, Ohio, where it remains today.
Today, Airstream’s iconic silver bullet trailers are as recognizable as the red Coca-Cola logo and the golden arches of McDonald’s.
Introduced in 1956, the Airstream Caravel has always been a lightweight, nimble option in the Airstream line-up. Because Airstream’s founder, Wally Byam, loved the sea, he named the Caravel after the European sailing ships best at sailing windward.
About the 2022 Airstream Caravel
The Caravel’s aerodynamic design, low center of gravity, and towability make it a great option for campers who own SUVs. You don’t have to purchase a heavy-duty truck to tow an Airstream Caravel. The 2022 models feature a revived upscale modern interior while maintaining the classic silver bullet design.
Keep In Mind: If you’re in the market for a small RV, check out these 6 small travel trailers that might even fit in your garage!
Four floor plans are available. The Caravel 16RB is 16ft and features dedicated sleeping and dining spaces. Then there’s the Caravel 19CB that’s 19ft and features a similar layout but with a larger kitchen and bathroom.
The Caravel 20FB is 20ft and flips the sleeping quarters to the front of the unit. The dining space is in the center, and the kitchen and bathroom are in the rear. The last floor plan, the Caravel 22FB, is 22ft with a front bedroom and rear bathroom. The kitchen and dining spaces are in the center.
Specs
All four models have the same interior width of 7’7” and exterior width of 8ft. The interior height is 6’7” with an exterior height of 9’7”, including the air conditioning unit. The three larger models have a GVWR of 5,000lbs, and the Caravel 16RB has a GVWR of 4,300.
A 13,500 BTU single AC with heat pump comes standard in all models. And the 12V electric refrigerator is 4.3 cu ft in the three larger models and 3.1 cu ft in the Caravel 16RB.
Both a rooftop solar package and a window awning package are available as add-ons to any model. An enclosed heated underbelly comes standard along with an outdoor shower and Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 tires. You can expect the quality craftsmanship and durability that come with every Airstream model in the Caravels.
Features
The 2022 Caravel kitchen features a stainless steel gas stove with cast-iron burners, a black Moen faucet, a convection microwave, and a stainless steel sink. The black fixtures continue throughout the units. Other features include panoramic windows in the front and rear of the Caravel 16RB, luxurious ultra leather seating, Quietstream climate control system, and rear bumper storage.
What Is the Difference Between an Airstream Bambi and Caravel?
The Bambi is Airstream’s smallest line of single-axle travel trailers. However, the four floor plans and lengths are very similar to the campers in the Caravel line. The pricing is about $15,000 cheaper than the Caravel travel trailers because the finishes aren’t as high-end. For example, instead of ultraleather, you’ll find Performatex fabric. Instead of a convection microwave, there’s a standard microwave.
Pro Tip: If you’re shopping Airstreams on a tighter budget, the Bambi line offers similar units as the Caravel line without some of the luxury.
How Much Is a 2022 Airstream Caravel?
The smallest unit, the Caravel 16RB, starts at around $70,500. The next size, the Caravel 19CB, starts at around $73,700. The two larger units, the Caravel 20FB and Caravel 22FB, start at $76,900 and $80,100, respectively. Depending on add-ons and specifications, pricing may change.
Is the Airstream Caravel Still in Style?
Absolutely! These iconic symbols will never be out of style. The vintage Airstreams are just as popular as the new 2022 Airstream models. And because of their durability, you can expect your Airstream to last for decades. You may pay more upfront for the quality, but your Caravel will retain its value much longer than other travel trailers.
The only problem now is choosing the one you love best!
