Choosing Your Perfect Airstream Model: A Complete Guide to Finding Your Ideal RV Companion!

[@huttonphotography1157]

I don’t understand why this channel doesn’t have more followers. Brad’s instructions and clarity of commentary is very refreshing!! TopNotch!!!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you so very much for your comments and feedback. We just try to help those out there in the world. Not trying to be KZbin stars! Glad you find it helpful. Let us know if you have a topic we need to cover.

[@greyhawk5990]

This is the first time I have fully understood the different models and how they relate to each other. The charts and the concise, straightforward narrative were most helpful 😊 Thank you!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad it helped you out! Thanks for watching and for your feedback!

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

I know a lot of time and effort went into making this video. Thanks. We also have owned two different Airstreams, you hit many key considerations.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for your feedback and making us a part of your day.

[@CarolynGracieTV]

Great info as always, Brad! You and Blair’s reasons for choosing an International were the same as ours: LOVE the color scheme and beachy vibe inside and out! And even though it’s in the “middle of the pack” price-wise, you still get lots of higher-end features. When twin beds became available in the 23 ft model this year, that was the icing on the cake. You cannot beat the awning stripe colors. It’s just so fun! ❤

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hi! Thanks for your feedback. Airstream did a great job with this color scheme. Also, the 23' twin is fantastic. We have said often, if we weren't full time, we would love to have a 23' International to travel in.

[@gregwiest3172]

Great video. One question I have is. Do you have a video? Explaining what type of vehicle you would use to pull. The different. Airstreams. Thanks.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello! Thanks for watching and your feedback. I do not have a video that discusses that as there are so many variables. I’m happy to discuss with you if you’d like. Please reach out via the contact us link on our website and we can figure out a time to talk.

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

I need to research the best tow vehicles for a 25-28’ also. I want to give myself the room to upgrade to a pottery barn at some future date but plan to get a 25’ next.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The GVRW of a 25' is 7300lb. The GVRW of a Pottery Barn (same as all 28' models) is 7600lb. A new Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost with max towing package can tow up to 14000lb! Chevy and Dodge have similar towing options. Just make sure whatever you look at, you make sure it has a towing package installed. Not an after market one.

[@Rottingboards]

That back hatch...looks like a great option.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

It's not for everyone but we do love it. It makes sitting at the table uncomfortable at times but we still love opening it up.

[@somedayistodayrv]

Here is the deal....You will feel it when you walk into it. It is a feel thing to me and it is a bit like finding the right shoe. I know sounds crazy but it is true. Thanks for another great Airstream video. Take care.

[@somedayistodayrv]

Thank you. Honored that you subscribed!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We agree! Its much easier after you've gone through a few models though.

[@lindawaldron73]

Wow I can’t get over how helpful your video is to us! Thank you for being so thorough and thoughtful with what you shared! We’re going to rewatch and discuss this, as we’re trying to narrow down the length of the airstream we’re interested in. We’ll keep you posted!!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you for watching and for your feedback. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to email us via the contact us link on our website.

[@michaelchancey5505]

Thanks really great information as usual and many things I hadn't considered, especially toward the end where you discussed batteries and power consumption. I'm looking at smaller rigs 20', 22' at the most, Bambi and Caravel, leaning towards Caravelle because of the upgraded features. We're both retired and will use for longish weekends to the southeast mountains and beaches during Spring through Fall in camping parks. I was thinking of springing for top of line lithium but AGM will probably fit our needs just fine, your discussion probably saved me a couple of thousand right there, thanks again!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad you found something useful! We aim to help others as much as possible. Please never hesitate to reach out if you have any specific questions for us.

[@jbyrne9073]

Amazing stuff man thank you, a no hesitation like and subscribe. Awesome content and a likable personality,fine job👍🏼

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you so very much for watching and your feedback! Please let us know if there is a topic I havent covered that you'd like to know about.

[@williamumbach592]

Seems the tow vehicle could limit the rigs quickly. Which rig can safely be towed by a half ton truck. I would imagine a 3/4 ton could haul the largest. Also are some National Parks restrictive to how long a trailer they allow?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The vehicle can severely limit a rig. Although, we see plenty of people towing far too heavy and dangerously on the highway. 1/2 ton tucks come in many options and that is not something I can answer without knowing the vehicle, year and packages. For example, depending on what trim level and packages a F150 can tow between 8k and 14k.

[@sophiahawes2397]

Awesome video! Great information. Definitely going to have my husband watch it.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad you liked it and got something from it! We aim to educate. If you have any questions, please let us know!

[@EKelly-nu7op]

25’ may seem appealing but our family has found that the 23’ works just great and it is less money and less weight to pull. The twin beds sold it for us as it makes the trailer seem longer as well as the rear bathroom with a window which is sooo much nicer than the split bath without a window. We are a family of four with a medium sized dog and a 23’ works just great!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We absolutely love the 23'. Blair and I have said many times over, we would 100% have that model if we weren't full time. It's quite spacious and we agree with all the reasons you like it! Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@EKelly-nu7op]

Airstream should make a 25’ with a rear bath!

[@bthomas815]

Thanks for another informative video. Always love hearing your perspective on things. My wife and I have a 2017 Bambi 22FB that we rent on Airbnb. We also have a 2021 Globetrotter 25FB that we travel in. We have a home base in east TN, but we spend about 50% of our nights working remotely/exploring in our AS. One note: we toured the factory while in Jackson Center for some service. They spoke for awhile about the Tradewind. The battery bank is actually in the underbelly, so it has no storage areas taken up by batteries. All the best, Brian

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We are jealous of your multiple rigs. We almost kept our 30 International to rent out but figured we could do something like that later. Also, thanks for the info on the Trade Wind. Based on what I had seen in some videos, I thought they were under that couch. Excited to see one in person.

[@nalolc6045]

I love your videos they are super informative and straight to the point. No time wasted in watching your videos. Thank you

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for watching and your feedback. If you have an idea for a video, please let us know.

[@sheerluck7132]

Always enjoy your videos and sincerity!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you so very much for making us a part of your day and for your feedback.

[@sheerluck7132]

@@ThirteenAdventures it’s nice that you take the time to acknowledge comments. A rarity!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We wouldn't be able to do what we do without people watching. Thank you!

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

This was great info. Thank you!!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad you found it helpful and thank you for your feedback1

[@wandrousvindella716]

Great comprehensive info Brad ! Thank you ~ I always said a 23 Flying Cloud or a 2015 Eddie Bauer edition toy hauler (dream AS) but we're in a 2018 Classic 33FB and it meets our current needs. Hope to see y'all down the road. Wanda, Vinnie, Piper & Jackson

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The EB was a beautiful model. I hope they bring it back at some point. So glad you're in something that gets you out and adventuring. Happy Adventures!

[@Rottingboards]

THANKS, This helped a lot!!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad you found it helpful.

[@jeffwallentine6466]

Great video, Brad. Wish I had this during the 5 years of research I spent before deciding on the Pottery Barn. The 5 years was not waisted and am happy with our decision but this would have helped. Thanks

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for watching and your feedback. We try to educate and inform as best we can. If you know someone in need, send them our way!

[@jillimpink8198]

Excellent video, I think you covered it all! On a personal note, I wanted the International because of the colors and the awning pattern, but since we wanted a hatch, so ended up getting the 2023 25ft FC w/ hatch due to the better price point for us! And BTW, it turns out I love our colors in the FC!! Awning is blah though!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad you love what you have. Agree with you on the grey awning. Thank you for continuing to make us a part of your day.

[@BioForceBB]

Thanks Brad. Great stuff. Go Tigers. Your sticker caught our eye.... we live near the university and my wife works there. We are looking at the Basecamp 20X and other Airstreams. I would love your take on the Basecamp. Also, have you had a chance to look at an Intech. That's another brand we are considering. We have a difficult driveway.... so the Basecamp departure angle looks good for us. When you are in the upstate, happy to host you in a round of golf at Walker if you are a golfer (I thought I saw a pic of you golfing somewhere.) Go Tigers!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Howdy! Great chatting with you yesterday about this. Thanks for making us a part of your adventure and looking forward to meeting in person.

[@fletcherchambliss1590]

We found a smart tv. Works perfectly!

[@ThirteenAdventures]

So glad to hear!

[@steveparish4911]

Brad: Nicely done and very well organized. We have used a lot of your and Blair’s advice in choosing our new baby, Hermana (Spanish for Sister - as a follow-on from her predecessor, Big Sis [a 30 Classic], Little Sis [a FC20] and Middle Sis [a FC23]). Hermana is a GT25FBT, who is about to hit the road full time from Santa Fe, NM. We hope to cross paths with your soon.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Love the theme! And we must cross paths. Were in the east until Spring and then probably upper mid-west for the summer.

[@rickrichardson5329]

Great and informative video. I appreciate all your input.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for your feedback.

[@smokinjoe32927]

A lot of great tips, thank you. I’m very like minded in thinking the 27’ International is probably the ticket for us. We will however check out all 3 models in the 27’. I was curious about what you are pulling that RV with. I’m currently in the market now to upgrade or tow vehicle but everyone has a different take. It appears the 1/2 ton trucks have the required towing capabilities but everyone stresses that might be deceiving as the stopping power might be the issue. I figure we won’t start our RV adventures for another couple of years but if I upgrade my truck now I can have it nearly paid off when I retire and my current truck now would have a better trade in value. Again thank you for the VERY INFORMATIVE video and any other advice you might have.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello! Thank you for watching and the opportunity to assist. I have other videos dedicated to my truck and what I carry. I would also encourage you to watch my video on weight and balance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKG2dmWreNyaocU Concerning the truck, I currently have a 2017 F350. Today, I am picking up my brand new version of that same truck. I'll make a follow up video on this new truck and all of the things I did and am going to do to it differently than my current one soon. While a 3/4 ton truck can easily tow a 27' Airstream, once you add water and gear to the trailer, people and gear to the truck, its very easy to exceed your payload capacity. In the aforementioned weight and balance video, I show a calculator you can use to determine what truck would work for you. And you are doing things in the best order. Decide on the model trailer you want and then get a truck that can handle that.

[@smokinjoe32927]

@@ThirteenAdventures thank you again. We actually went with a new F250 with the 7.3 L gas and 4:30 rear differential. Now I’m looking at hitches.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

We use this B&W hitch amzn.to/4cS0FN3

[@smokinjoe32927]

@@ThirteenAdventures thank you. I believe my receiver is 3” so I’ll find that hitch in that size.

[@cascadia_camps7281]

We'll be purchasing an Airstream next year and really appreciate your breakdown! Now to decide between the 23' vs. the 25' length. I love those windows in the longer model but my husband wants something that can get into smaller spaces. We currently have a T@B 400 boondock edition and love it but plan on going full time so need something bigger.

[@EKelly-nu7op]

@cascadia: We love the 23’ for the rear bathroom with a window. The split bath in the 25’ looks like it’s an airplane bathroom. The twin beds will make it seem longer too.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

The 23' twin is one of our most favorite models of all. If we weren't full time, we would 100% have one of those. The rear bathroom is great and it is nice having it all in one room but just know that you lose the wrap around windows on one end. The size of the trailer and the double windows by the dinette make it seem much more open than you would think though. Also, you can tow this trailer with most standard trucks and SUV's.

[@EKelly-nu7op]

We purchased a V6 3 row Jeep Cherokee to pull our 23’ because it had the best towing capacity in an SUV.

[@cascadia_camps7281]

Good to know! We're in the market for a rig so towing will be a big consideration, thanks!@@EKelly-nu7op

[@cascadia_camps7281]

So many things to consider, thanks!@@ThirteenAdventures

[@talldude5841]

One of the best Airstream videos I have ever seen. Thanks for all the info, and good luck.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you for watching and for your feedback!

[@sjcampbl]

Great video as always! I am sure this will help lots of people decide if/which Airstream is right for them. I generally always advise people to purchase the 2nd air conditioner. And it's really not about the 2nd air conditioner. It's about the 50 amp service vs 30 amp. This is a HUGE upgrade, and one that is almost impossible to add later. 50 amp service is about the redundant panel and 3-4 times the power. IMHO

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Great point! Thank you for mentioning this.

[@FlorAlfonsi]

Thank you so much for all the info here, I love your videos! Other than the new filter system, why do you think the new AC in 2024 models is a better choice?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for watching and your feedback. I just last week had a chance to do a deep dive on a 2024.5 Globetrotter and I was thoroughly impressed. I recorded my review and will have it out in a few weeks. Some of my favorite highlights are: The filter system is great but the AC/Heat Pumps in these models are fantastic. USB charging options. The new door latch and frame is MUCH better. The factory added the intelligent water pump controller like I did on mine. If you are getting a Globetrotter, they have made a huge difference in the rear table.

[@yvonneadrian734]

We are trailer people and our last purchase in 2017 was a 5th wheel. I would like to go back to a trailer. I really like the clean lines in the Airstreams and feel they are better built than most. I have a question why would one choice back bedroom vs front? Also, the twin bed option vs the queen any good feed back on difficulty of making the beds?

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello! Thank you for watching and the opportunity to assist. We too had 5th wheels and loved them for living stationary in them but moving around and traveling the miles we do, they were very cumbersome to go anywhere. The front v. rear bedroom is a personal choice and sometimes a layout feature. If you camp in places where you often back into spots, a front bedroom would offer you views out your back window where you spend the majority of your time in the rig in the daylight. Conversely, if your bedroom is in the rear, your view is often going to be the back of your tow vehicle during the day. We have had both options. We like that our rear living space is the most windows and often the best views. On the bed, we love the twins as it offers each of us more individual space to sleep than a queen would. It also makes getting dressed, folding laundry, etc, much easier in the twin than the queen. Again, we have had both a queen and now twins. I think we are comfortable in both but prefer the twins. They are harder to make than a queen, unless you have a

[@yvonneadrian734]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. It is much appreciated! I'm really like the 25' with the twin beds. However, we store a lot under our queen in the 5th wheel. It's a toss-up. Thanks again!

[@JudithMaffris]

Thank you great information.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you so very much for watching and for your feedback.

[@gregoryhunt1142]

Thank you ! Great video ! ❤

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for allowing us to be a part of your day.

[@gregoryhunt1142]

@@ThirteenAdventures GOD BLESS !

[@breakouttravellers]

Great video. Thanks. I have a question. I want to upgrade to a 16 inch tire on my international 3O instead of installing a 3 inch lift kit. Is it worth it? Not a big fan of a lift kit. Thanks

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Hello and thanks for watching. Very glad to know you found it helpful. I plan to upgrade to 16" wheels when the current tires need replacing. You can find wheels that are almost exactly what you have in a 16" size on RecStuff.com. I found these: recstuff.com/trailer-wheels/16-trailer-rims/16x6-6-5-5-aluminum-s20-trailer-wheel-s20-66655t-special-order Ive done a lift kit now on this current rig and we had one on our 30' international before this. I thought it was very helpful on our 30' but not as necessary on our current one. However, there have been a number of places where I was glad we had it lifted during our travels this summer.

[@allens7476]

Second air conditioner?Yes unless you boondock a lot and prefer the second vent fan. But, forget the second air for cooling, think 50 amp power. It’s not another 20 amps. 30 amps is 3600 watts, where 50amps is 6000 watts X 2 or 12000 watts. You never think if you can run the water heater, an a.c and the microwave! Just do it! Also, if you’re sitting in the lounge run the bedroom air for less noise, and vice-versa.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Excellent points on the 50 amp service. Thank you for all of your input and feedback.

[@dmagz7023]

Great video SGTMAJ question if someone has a budget for a brand new 2024 19ft Bambi would you recommend getting it new or would you use that same amount and look for a used higher trim model ? Thanks

[@ThirteenAdventures]

SgtMaj is retired! Im just Brad now. Personally, I would look for a higher trim level. Now, I say that because the amenities on the next level trims are very important to Blair and I for how we use our camper. Bumper storage, for example, is something we would not want to lose. You could always add a bumper to the Bambi if you wanted. We have family members who own a Bambi and they LOVE it. We also love it for them. If an Airstream is not in your budget, you can have just as much fun in a different manufacturer trailer. The end goal is to get out and explore. The vehicle is not near as important as the experience.

[@dmagz7023]

I have always liked Airstream I would be working and living full time in it. It’s just me and my dog. I would also need a reliable internet connection maybe Star Link what are your thoughts on that? I appreciate your opinion thank you.

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Ive talked about Starlink in a number of videos. We love it but use the T-Mobile home internet as our first option.

[@carmas54]

The connex TC’s are Jensen …. The menu system and software are the same Jensen probably OEM’s them for airstream under that brand … connex tv are not seen anything other than in airstream

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Thank you very much for the info! Ill do some research into this to see if we want to upgrade.

[@carmas54]

@@ThirteenAdventures it’s going g to be difficult getting Jensen to admit that, you’re going to get that verified by seeing the menu system on a Jensen TV I have had various RV with Jensen TV my Northernlite truck camper as one and so did my arctic fox tc so that’s how I know :-)

[@ThirteenAdventures]

Gotcha! Thanks for the update.

[@allens7476]

Sleeps 6? Those 6 people each have a bag of clothes. Where does it go? Think “Drinks 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2.” Bathroom? Can you pull up your pants without opening the door?😮 I love my FC 26U but it lacks floor space. I’m always telling the dog to move. I can’t imagine 4 people.😢

[@ThirteenAdventures]

It would be very tight for sure. We've had 5 in our current one for a few days and an extra dog. We just had to move bags around during the day to use the space. It was not ideal but we made it work.