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Have you driven along the interstate and slowed down to watch a shiny silver Airstream trailer go by? There’s something about these iconic campers that turn heads and make us feel “American.” Today, we’re looking at the smallest of their models and how they still make room for all the necessities. If you’re in the market for a 16-foot travel trailer or 19-foot Class B, it’s time to consider a small Airstream. Let’s dive in!
Pro Tip: Is Airstream Too Expensive for You? Here Are Some Airstream Alternatives for you to check out!
The History of Airstream
Wally Byam founded Airstream in 1931 and while many travel trailer manufacturers closed their doors during the Great Depression and World War II, they remained in business. The first 40 years of production were focused solely on travel trailers. But, in 1974, Airstream introduced its first motorhome, the Argosy. Although the line didn’t sell well, it paved the way for future motorhome builds.
Airstream closed its original facility in Culver City, California and moved to Jackson Center, Ohio in the late 70s. A couple of years later, Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein acquired the company and established Thor Industries. This RV empire now owns over a dozen North American manufacturers.
Airstream’s popularity grew in the 1990s and 2000s, and new models were released. In 2004, the company reached another milestone with the debut of the Interstate line and a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. In 2018, they built a new 750,000-square-foot headquarters in Jackson Center to continue perfecting the iconic silver bullet trailers and touring coaches that have defined the company for almost 100 years.
What Is Airstream Known For?
Airstream is known for its travel trailers’ vintage, silver bullet design. These spaceship-like models are easily recognizable and spark nostalgia for many Americans. With the aluminum siding and rounded edges, they’re unlike most mainline travel trailers that are more “boxy” and far less sleek.
Even though they are far more expensive than other travel trailers, customers remain loyal to the brand. New customers become part of the family daily because of the top-quality construction, attention to detail, and constant innovation. Because of their quality, they retain their value over the years. A vintage 1970s Airstream might cost more than a brand-new travel trailer made by Jayco, Grand Design, or Keystone.
How Big Are the Airstream Travel Trailers?
Airstream has ten travel trailer lines. However, the Pottery Barn and REI models are special editions. The largest travel trailer is the Classic 33FB, which measures 33 feet long. The only travel trailer with a bunk bed option is the Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk. This layout is also available with a rear office instead of bunk beds in the 30FB Office model. Both of these trailers are 30 feet long.
What Are the Smallest Airstream Travel Trailers?
Small Airstream travel trailers like the Bambi, Basecamp, and Caravel off the necessities without the extras. The Bambi offers four floorplans ranging from 16 to 22 feet long. The Basecamp has only two floorplans, one 16-footer and one 20-footer. Like the Bambi, the Caravel offers four floorplans ranging from 16 to 22 feet long.
Bambi 16RB
The Airstream Bambi 16RB is 16 feet long, has a GVWR of 3,500 pounds, and starts at $60,400. It sleeps up to four and features a rear 48-by-78-inch bed and a front booth dinette that can convert into a second sleeping space. The center of the trailer has a European-style wet bath and a kitchen with a stove, sink, microwave, and small refrigerator.
Airstream is well-known for its use of interior space. Even though the Bambi 16RB is only 16 feet long, you’ll find plenty of storage options in the hanging closet, under-the-bed storage, cabinets, and overhead lockers. We think this model is ideal for weekend warriors who need the basic amenities but don’t want to spend their budget on more expensive Airstream lines like the Caravel and Flying Cloud.
Basecamp 16
Another 16-foot option is the Airstream Basecamp 16. It also has a 3,500-pound GVWR but only sleeps two. It starts at $46,900 and features a front kitchen with panoramic windows. The kitchen includes a two-burner gas stove, sink, microwave, and refrigerator. In the center of the unit is a wet bath, and a large lounge space finishes the Basecamp in the rear. It has two adjustable tables and bench seating that converts into a sleeping area.
Some travelers will like the Basecamp’s layout, especially the front kitchen space, which is larger than the Bambi 16RB’s kitchen, while others will prefer a dedicated sleeping area. We think the Airstream Basecamp 16 is ideal for campers who spend most of their time outside and just need a basic layout but want a quality-built trailer.
Caravel 16RB
Finally, the last 16-foot Airstream travel trailer is the Caravel 16RB. Starting at $75,400, the Airstream Caravel 16RB is the same size as the Basecamp and Bambi.
It features the same floorplan as the Bambi 16RB with a rear bedroom, front dining area, and center kitchen and wet bath. It’s a bit more upscale than the Bambi line, with higher-end appliances and finishes, thus the higher price tag.
How Big Are the Airstream Touring Coaches?
There are eight Airstream Touring Coaches that sleep two people. The Atlas, the most expensive Class B, starts at $310,400. It’s also the longest model at 24 feet 9 inches in length. Three Interstate lines are about 24 feet long, and three are 19 feet long. The Rangeline is 20 feet 11 inches long.
What Are the Smallest Airstream Touring Coaches?
All of these Interstate models are 19 feet 5 inches long. These are the smallest Airstream Touring Coaches. They each have one floorplan. The Interstate 19 and 19SE are almost identical in layout, with a rear couch against the back door and opposing seats at either end.
There’s a wet bath and kitchen in the center of the unit behind the captain’s chairs. The kitchen has everything you need: a two-burner gas stove, a large stainless steel sink, a convection microwave, a refrigerator with a freezer, and a slide-out pantry. But the Interstate 19 offers a more upgraded look with higher-end finishes and luxury amenities. Thus, it starts at $200,681, while the Interstate 19SE begins at $178,640.
The Interstate 19X costs around $200,000 and features a flexible rear living space. Adventurers can load it up with gear, or friends can gather for a tailgate party. There’s a microwave, two-burner stovetop, sink, and refrigerator in the kitchen and a European-style wet bath to complete the trailer.
Airstream Provides Everything You Need In A Compact Package
The Airstream travel trailers and touring coaches provide everything a weekend warrior needs. We recommend Airstream for RVers who want higher quality and are willing to pay for it. Owners love the storage options and how Airstream fills every nook and cranny with usable space.
So even though a Bambi, Basecamp, or Caravel might only be 16 feet long, there’s ample room for meal prep during the weekend and places to store all of your camping gear, clothes, and gadgets. For solo travelers or couples, these small options are ideal to get you where you want to go in style and comfort.
Would a 16-foot Airstream travel trailer suit your camping needs?
