2020 Airstream Caravel 20FB (Unbiased RV Review)

This video is a COMPLETELY UNBIASED #RVReview of the 2020 Airstream Caravel 20 FB. We have to say we love this one. It was just the right size with all of the important parts for us, like a bathroom and made up bed. It also had great kitchen counter space and storage. We loved it and wanted to show it to you.
This rig can sleep 4 but it would be really tight. We think it is best suited to a couple or solo traveler. It for sure could be for an RV Sometimer Lifestyle and possibly for full timing. It would be great for vacationing or weekend use.
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We reviewed this Airstream Caravel 20FB in October 2019 in Burlington, Vermont at Pete's RV Center. You could check them out at: www.petesrvvt.com
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*This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV experts and are not making recommendations. We share our opinions based on what works for us and how we use an RV, but you should do your own research and make your own decisions.
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[@DoesSizeMatter]

Hi Denise we have a 2022 caravel fb and I installed a camco 5 dollar cup holder next to my bed. I can’t attach a photo but it’s perfect. You’re right that it’s a deficiency in the design. This fixed it. Here’s the model. Screwed right in. Love your channel. www.camco.net/picnic-accessories/adjustable-drink-holder-gray-44041 This came to us from Michelle Dauber and we think it is a great idea and wanted to share the info with everyone. Thanks Michelle

[@angelavigil7400]

This is my favorite small Airstream. I just love it

[@DoesSizeMatter]

It really is great, we love it too. Thanks for watching

[@markp5763]

Love your videos, thanks for doing them! You are helping me make the difficult decision on which Airstream to buy!

[@DoesSizeMatter]

This is great to hear. It's our main goal to help you make these decisions. They are big ones and we can't wait to share the tools we are developing to help make it easier. So many choices. Let us know what you decide on. Thanks for watching.

[@jamiepark888]

100% agree on the sky light! I’ve said it for years that I want a camper trailer with the roof being a moon roof so I can fall asleep under the stars. ✨

[@DoesSizeMatter]

The more light the better. Airstream does a good job with light but we can never get enough. Thanks for watching.

[@brentloftis3746]

You both do excellent reviews. Thanks. 👍

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Well thank you very much. We appreciate the time you are spending on our channel.

[@ExpertGTAMortgage]

I absolutely love this Airstream model. Amazing floor plan with everything you need under 25 feet. Perfect for a couple. Just not sure I’d spring for the Caravel edition over the Bambi since it’s additional weight and cost. I also think I prefer the ease of access with the roll up style upper cabinet doors versus the sliders. Well done Airstream! You both did an amazing job presenting it. Thank you! 😊

[@auroranite]

Another great review Denise. Nice model my only concern its a single axel vs dual. Thank you for giving specs, and quoting the price $$ a must for the viewers.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Wow sometimes I think youtube hides comments from me. I just saw this, sorry. I'm glad you liked the review and I hear your point about the single vs double axel but we found towing the Nest (also a single axel) to go really well. It was easy and nothing got more shaken up then any other trailer would have. Well except for that one time when the fridge came open and spilled beer everywhere, but that was more my fault for putting too much heavy stuff in the door and Kory's fault for hitting the speed bump too fast haha. You can even see how it was inside while driving if you check out the RVezy videos where we mounted the camera inside the trailer while driving. I suspect the Caravel would be fairly similar riding. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@mcfl1]

Thanks for the excellent review. You and Kory are doing a great job with all your reviews. Regarding the price of the Airstream trailers: I have realized that there is a relative aspect to it. I've been looking at Class B/B+ rigs and compared to those, Airstreams are IMO great value. The entry price for a new bottom of the line B van is $75k - the top can go to $150k and more. If I get a break on the MSRP (there are some discounts to be had) or shop in the (lightly) used market, I can get a beautiful trailer and tow vehicle for well under 100k, well under. And as you said they retain their value very well if one decides to sell a few years down the road. But hey, everyone has a different set of criteria for value and different budgets. I just don't think it's so crazy to get an Airstream if that's what fits your lifestyle and purse. Regards!

[@DoesSizeMatter]

I think you are very right about these points. There are no direct comparisons because no ones needs, wants and circumstances are exactly the same. That is why we love doing these reviews because there really is a rig out there for everyone. I hope we can help you find just the right one. Thanks for watching.

[@kimhorton6109]

Awning; full length of the trailer, minus 3’ of the trailer. I love the slider doors. Cabs with little locks I. Winnebago RVs come open and spill your stuff all over the floor. Counter top in the corner that you can’t reach us only good for flowers or toasters. Reaching that bath vent would mean climbing up on the counter. All of us may not be so challenged

[@duckiegirl58]

❤️❤️ The only thing I don't like is having to climb over my hubs if I need to get outta bed.. but that bathroom!!! Nice!!! ❤️❤️

[@DoesSizeMatter]

I know I agree with that point. I would have to do the same. How come we also have to take the inside??? 😜 I really liked this one too. Thanks for watching.

[@duckiegirl58]

Supposedly it's cuz they're the faithful protectors.. or they get up more than we do..

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Haha, I guess that is it then. If I could have the trailer I'd happily sleep on the inside.

[@HSkyler]

Your review and comments are well-taken and I agree with everything you said and didn't say (but I saw you thinking about them!). I'm very serious about an Airstream and in the evaluation stages. Some of the things you mentioned like the outside LED lights and the cheap latches, well, you're not supposed to mention them to an Airstream sales rep because they'll blah-blah-blah you to death. They're not built for quality like they used to be. Everything is plastic. Drives me crazy.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Glad to hear you are taking a serious look at Airstreams. I do think they are still built for quality though. Every manufacturer has things they could improve on and I did not like the plastic latches but latches are a minor thing overall. As Kory mentioned, there is quite possibly led lights in the awning which would add great light but of course only when the awning is out. Hope you find one you like. Thanks for watching.

[@HSkyler]

@@DoesSizeMatter Well, maybe at today's standards they are a minor thing but NOT in the Southwest or Mountain states. Nope, no LED lights in the awnings! :-) There's nothing to do about plastic these days. The clip or place to latch the roller blinds are plastic also and believe me, a season or two in AZ or NM sun will take a toll on everything plastic, even the door latch. I guess they all come that way these days.

[@sierrai4058]

Thank you SO much for doing this video! May I ask how tall you are? I was hoping to use the TV area as a stand up desk, but it may be higher up than I think. My local Airstream dealership does not have the 20' onsite... hopefully soon! :)

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Glad you liked it. I am just a sliver under 5' tall. Hope that helps. Keep on them maybe they could get it from another dealer for you. Thanks for watching

[@trdh5465]

Very good review. I share your enthusiasm about that 20’ Airstream Caravel as a great mix of functionality and design, in a small footprint. However, you being a reference to me in terms of very serious and unbiased review, I have big concern about quality and reliability of Airstream of recent years. Especially at that price tag. I have read many horror stories about them. Sure, they are way better constructed than most cheap brands. But that cool aluminum skin is very vulnerable to scratch, hail damage, leaks, popped out rivets, etc. Not to mention all problems linked to production quality flaws due to high demand for Airstreams and, finally, poor customer service. The last one being very critical for me. What is you opinion about reliability, quality, and customer service of Airstreams in general? Thank you! P.S. i would be very interested if you made a review of Oliver travel trailers (Tennessee) wich represent the top quality travel trailers for me!

[@DoesSizeMatter]

From the research I have done I did find there were some build quality concerns a few years back which seem to be rectified now. Only time will tell, manufacturers grow and change in different ways and we all hope they learn from errors. I don't think there is a single manufacturer out there that sells in large volumes who has not had some complaints about them. We always hear complaints louder then compliments. I do think that the high demand you mention says a lot about Airstreams. If the complaints you are referring to were happening a lot the demand would decline. I did a lot of research on customer service and found that overall people were happy with it and the support they were getting from techs over the phone etc.. I did notice there were some complaints about service when Airstream did not agree to a buy back a trailer with problems but did honour it's warranty and offer to bring the trailer back to the factory for repairs at no cost. This I think is reasonable and I don't know of any manufacturer that buys back an RV. Since we do take requests we will take a look at the one you are mentioning when we get an opportunity. Thanks for watching.

[@trdh5465]

@@DoesSizeMatter Thank you :)

[@DoesSizeMatter]

You are very welcome.

[@veloz7860]

I wonder about the sliding doors in some of the cabinets.. how do you secure them close so they don't come open when pulling the trailer? I have so many not-fond memories of earlier trailers -- when you'd stop and go inside, all of your cabinet items would be all over the floor!

[@jeffdeprey6279]

Sometimes it is just a bad layout to me. I like the Airstreams that have a table by the wrap around window and a bed, the layout of the 16RB looks cool to me. I really like the nest, but not sure I like the door only on the back, and I wish it had the extra bed space. I like the looks of the Nest but wish floor plan was like the Bambi/Caravel 16RB. What smaller Airstream you like best? Nest or Bambi or Basecamp?

[@DoesSizeMatter]

I hear you and what's good for one person may not be for another. I loved the table with the windows in the Nest and I would prefer a made up bed that wasn't the dinette but it is a give and take. I have to say I was unsure about the door on the back but I really liked it (except for that time Kory didn't lock it quite right and it came open going down the road and we didn't know until other cars told us because it is at the back you don't see it) It was no big deal but could have been. Check that out in the RVezy Adventure on the Sea to Sky video. As for which one I like best I'm only deciding between the Nest and Basecamp because our Bambi review doesn't come out until Jan but I do have an opinion on it so stay tuned. So for now I am choosing the Nest because the Basecamp is built for a different kind of Adventurer then we are and although I did really like the kitchen in the Basecamp I prefer the much brighter colours of the Nest. I do want to say that so far of the smaller Airstreams we have reviewed my absolute favourite is the Caravel but it was a 20FB so a little bigger. I can see why you would be attracted to the 16RB floor plan those windows would be fantastic but I need a little more kitchen. Would love to get in it though and take a look. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@alwaystwoam]

Did you feel the space between the galley and bathroom felt narrow? Would you say you love the 20FB more then the 19CB? We are having such a hard time deciding those 2. Wondering if the 20 is really worth the extra 18 inch in length. We love how compact the 19 is and how the 19 feels more open but have not been able to find a 20FB to experience ourselves.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Ok let me start by saying they both are great and it would be a tough decision. I think it comes down to personal preferences on different aspects. Yes it was a bit narrow but the kitchen space matters to us so it is about give and take. Yes the floor plan is a little more open in the 19 but the extra window at the dinette makes a difference for us. We don't think the 18" difference really matters. It is a real toss up between having the bed or the dinette among those awesome windows. Let us know what you decide, it's an exciting decision. Thanks for watching

[@iTrove]

What is it w/ Rv builders always installing the electrical feeds underneath water feeds? Hasn’t anyone ever thought about that? Crazy...

[@DoesSizeMatter]

We went back and took another look at this and we totally agree with you. Why is it like that? It is not like this on all Airstreams but it isn't the best planned placement on the Caravel. It would be great if any Caravel owner's out there would let us know how it effects or doesn't effect them. Thanks for your thoughts and for watching.

[@katelynhill6187]

Cup problem? Could you get a suction cup cup holder? Does this thing exist? Don’t know, but it should.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Ahhhh, good idea. I wonder if that would work??? or would I just hit it during the night??? I guess I'll just wonder cause Kory says I'm not getting it anyways 😂 Thanks for thinking it thru for me and thanks for watching.

[@katelynhill6187]

@@DoesSizeMatter What a stinker. Oh well. Have fun and stay safe out there. I enjoy your videos.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Will do, thanks for chatting.

[@thatjlyn]

Are the walls metal where magnets would stay?

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Good question. The walls are made of aluminum and a magnet would not stick to it. Hope that helps, thanks for watching

[@alwaystwoam]

If you had to choose between the 19CB, 20FB or the 22FB which is your favorite one? Which one you would recommend for longer term stay?

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Wow, that's not even a fair question because we love them all for different reasons. BUT...if you are gonna make us choose... for our style of travel with our priorities we would choose the 20FB because we love the bed being under all those windows, the dinette is beside more windows and the counter space is more yet you still get a decent sized bathroom and it's a little less expensive then the 22fb. What we do wish is that there were more windows in the kitchen. For longer term stay though we would have to ask the question is that being an RV Sometimer like us or a weekend/vacationer style? The reason is that different styles of travel require different levels of storage and functional spaces. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@alwaystwoam]

@@DoesSizeMatter Thank you so much for the detailed reply. My wife is enamored with the larger kitchen countertop space, while I love the open floor plan of the 19 and the larger bed of the 22. We would not be weekend type people but more RV some-timers like you where we would plant ourselves at a spot for 1-2 months at a time. With that context would you still choose the 20FB?

[@DoesSizeMatter]

@@alwaystwoam For us, we would still choose the 20FB because we don't need the bigger bed and the better windows and more counter top would be features that would make our daily life better. Storage is always an issue for us and there really isn't that big of a difference between the 2 except for in the kitchen so the 20FB would be better. We do like the bigger dinette in the 22FB but darn it needs better windows. Hope that helps.

[@alwaystwoam]

@@DoesSizeMatter thank you!

[@dachshunddadbob6765]

Purchasing a 2021 20FB and two of my occupants are mini wire hairs; Sammie and Riley.

[@hawkdsh]

I'm pretty sure the bed does lift to give access to storage.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

That would be great if it did. We tried and were unable to lift the bed. It would be pretty hard to bed the mattress from the side. Most often when there is lift up storage under the bed it lifts from the end. No matter what though we thought it was great storage. Thanks for watching.

[@hawkdsh]

@@DoesSizeMatter Bummer about the storage access. The kitchen is fantastic in this one, though. Better than some of the bigger models, even. This is my favorite model for 2020

[@MFerris341]

Are they safe and easy to tow?

[@DoesSizeMatter]

For sure they are. It is important to have the appropriate tow vehicle, hitch and braking system but yes they are. Hope that helps, thanks for watching.

[@kululv]

very thorough as all of your reviews! but I'm always a little irritated about your ad on "unbiased RV review". Is that not always the case? do you do some which are biased, or are you saying other peoples reviews are not unbiased? Also was a little disappointed, that you did not answer the question "who else makes a rounded shower". I was hoping to find out from you! I always was a huge fan of Airstream, but in the meantime that changed a little. the aluminum on the inside is very cold to the touch. And what I noticed several times is, that they overlap panels and that creates really nasty sharp corners. there interior with wood is/was much nicer! And because of the exterior paneling they have a reputation of leaking when they get older.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Glad you liked the review and hopefully we can answer some of your questions. When we tell you we have an 'unbiased rv review' we really mean just that. We receive no compensation from any manufacturers or dealerships for our reviews and no we don't do any biased reviews. Most other reviews (and I am referring to reviews not just tours) are indeed biased (not bad but biased) because they are done by manufacturers, dealers or folks affiliated with them and stand to gain financially from your purchase. Again, we are not saying these are bad or untrustworthy (that is for every viewer to decide for themselves) Josh the RV Nerd from Haylett RV is a perfect example of a completely honest and trustworthy, yet biased and extremely well informed RV reviewer. We love him for that. Sorry, you misunderstood the question about the rounded shower. It was meant as a rhetorical question as in Who else would make a rounded shower, you know it has to be an Airstream. It is true that Airstreams do not have the best insulation and we have talked about that before so we hear your point there. Although, we have heard nothing about exterior panel leakage especially as they age. Airstream has always held it value very well with age. So hopefully that answers all of your questions. Thanks for watching

[@PWlangford1]

I think that’s a self cleaning shower door. 🇨🇦

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Hey fellow Canadian, is that a long haired dox I see??? Ya the shower door does have a squeegy thing on it so hopefully that helps. I'm really interested to hear from owners on how it lasts. Could be great who knows? Thanks for watching.

[@PWlangford1]

Yes Lady Pea is a long hair. Ha ha.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

mini or full size? We have a baby grand dogger, long haired mini mostly blonde with some darker areas on her ears. We are sooooo in love. She is visiting as we speak. Lady Pea that is a great name. How old is she?

[@PWlangford1]

She is full size.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

She is really cute.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

Wonder what your opinion is on the 19 foot vs. the 20 foot Airstream. ???? Which one would you choose???

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Great question but we must first say that we all have different needs, wants and priorities therefore stuff that is a big deal to us may not matter to you or vice versa. For the price difference especially we would for sure go with the 20FB. The reasons are bigger all in one bathroom, way bigger kitchen, and we love the windows around the bed and at the dinette. Yes the dinette is smaller and we do really wish there were more windows in the kitchen but you can't have it all right? For sure it is nice to sit in the surround windows of the dinette in the 19CB but because of all of the other things the 20FB would be our choice. Now if all we could have was the 19CB we would be thrilled because it is a great little trailer too and we would not turn it down. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

@@DoesSizeMatter I prefer the 20 footer for the same reasons you stated. My husband is worried that the wrap around windows at the bed might keep him awake. I wonder if they are black out curtains.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

@@creativitybycarilyn6634 We don't have a problem with light outside and sleep but we found the curtains to be excellent at blocking the light. Hope that helps. Also it might help if you watch our Pros and Cons in the Airstream Nest video. It is smaller but had a lot of similar features.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

I think he is now convinced to go 20FB. Yeah!!

[@DoesSizeMatter]

@@creativitybycarilyn6634 Oh wow! That's super exciting. Let us know when you get it, we love following along on other's journeys.

[@josephrobichaud5198]

No outside solar connection? Fridge is tiny.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Fridge is small but actually bigger then I thought it was and not too small compared to other trailers of it's size. I'm trying to remember if there was a solar connection. I will check that out some more and let you know. Thanks for watching.

[@jbjlock26]

Does Size Matter I think if you get the 90w solar option, you also get the solar accessory plug. But that could vary model to model.

[@dwoodygura]

All 20Fb Caravel have a zamp style solar connector near battery box regardless of purchasing the solar package.

[@garmo98]

The worst claustrophobia I ever experienced was a night in an Airstream. Never again.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

Oh shoot, that's too bad. Those windows and the natural light reflecting off of the aluminum always makes me feel like it is so open. I guess it's a good thing there are so many other types of RVs so you have choices. We always say 'there is a rig out there for everyone'. Thanks for watching.

[@drinkingpoolwater]

hmm why? because of the curves?

[@josephrobichaud5198]

$70,000! Oh hell no!

[@DoesSizeMatter]

I know it is a hefty price tag but that's why we always say 'there is a right rig out there for everybody'. Thanks for checking it out.

[@drinkingpoolwater]

this isn’t a camper for plebs or schlubs. this is for high earners and wealthy people.

[@Drvinnieboombatts]

It obviously protects the screen from potential damage, you know: mistakes, pets, gee whiz use some common sense.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

You would have to define what 'it' is so that we know what you are talking about and can respond to your concerns. Also please do remember that respect and kindness in comments are required for you to make any further comments on our channel.

[@Drvinnieboombatts]

@@DoesSizeMatter The aluminum screen cover over the screen door, gee

[@gigiis526]

Over rated.

[@DoesSizeMatter]

For you, in your opinion that may be so but we have lots of reviews of other models for you to check out that may suit you more. Check those out and let us know what you like best. Thanks for watching.