Airstream or Lance?

eeltinge wrote:
Greetings, Everyone! This is my very first post. I own a 2014 Toyota 4Runner that can tow 5,000 lbs. max. I want to buy a new Airstream 22-foot Sport or a Lance 23-foot 1985. Both weight about 3,800 lbs. dry. The Airstream is about $15,000.00 more expensive. Any recommendations? Thank you.

Definitely not the cramped 21'8" Airstream 22FB. It's only 7' wide and has a very low ceiling height of only 6'3" which is even worse with curved ceiling. Here's the inside. I couldn't be in it long, so cramped! I'd rather be in a tent that has a 7' ceiling and is open inside. Plus it only has one axle. Not good for control while backing and even with a blow out. Also has no oven and small refrigerator and very small holding tanks.

The Lance 1685 is only 20'9" but much larger inside and more spacious with a 78" interior ceiling height. Here's it inside. BUT it's a laminated build which are throw away trailers in my book.
The 2185 is 23'4" long but is within 3800 lbs dry as well and larger and roomier. Both have full size appliances unlike the Airstream which has pop up camper size appliances.

I'd look at a Jayco Jay Flight 19RD. Heres the inside. (also in laminated build) . It's at 3700 lbs dry weight but is 23'1". It's stick and tin construction that doesn't delaminate and the floor won't be soft and falling apart in a few years either. Has full size appliances and even a 81" interior ceiling height. Construction and quality are second to none next to competitors costing 2X as much. Just a thought. OH, and you'll save some money as Jayco sells so many, they can afford to discount the trailers a lot.

Either the Jayco or the Lance, but not the Airstream IMO.

Oh, you'll likely need to get a better tow vehicle as that 4runner won't have a hitch rated high enough after the trailers are loaded. Trailer tongue weights usually average around 13%. Figure on 1000 lbs heavier after loaded, at a "MINIMUM". 13% of 4800 lbs is 624 lbs. , way over your 4runner's 500 lbs tongue weight rating.

Good luck.