Airstream Caravel FAQ

What are the dimensions of an Airstream Caravel?

The Airstream Caravel is available in three floor plans, each with different dimensions to suit your camping needs. Here's the breakdown for each model:

Caravel 16RB:

• Exterior Length: 16 feet 7 inches
• Exterior Width: 8 feet
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 9 feet 5 inches
• Interior Width: 7 feet 7 inches
• Interior Height (with A/C): 6 feet 7 inches

Caravel 20FB:

• Exterior Length: 21 feet
• Exterior Width: 8 feet
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 9 feet 5 inches
• Interior Width: 7 feet 7 inches
• Interior Height (with A/C): 6 feet 7 inches

Caravel 22FB:

• Exterior Length: 22 feet 2 inches
• Exterior Width: 8 feet
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 9 feet 5 inches
• Interior Width: 7 feet 7 inches
• Interior Height (with A/C): 6 feet 7 inches

Each of these single-axle travel trailers features Airstream's signature riveted aluminum construction. The 16RB is the most compact model, while the 22FB offers additional space with a full bathroom that spans the entire rear.

How many people does an Airstream Caravel sleep?

All Caravel floor plans can comfortably sleep up to four people. Each layout features:

• A master bed (size varies by floor plan)
• A convertible dinette that turns into sleeping space

Here's how the sleeping space breaks down for each model:

• 16RB: 48" x 78" rear bed, plus a 41" x 89" convertible dinette
• 20FB: 48" x 78" front bed, plus a 39" x 74" convertible dinette
• 22FB: 54" x 80" rear bed, plus a 39" x 74" convertible dinette

Every Caravel includes a pillow top memory foam mattress, quilted bedspread, decorative throw pillows, and sleeping pillows. The dinette serves as a gathering spot for meals during the day, then easily converts to sleeping space for guests when needed.

What kind of vehicle do I need to tow an Airstream Caravel?

The Caravel ranks among Airstream's lightest travel trailers, which means many mid-size SUVs and trucks can tow it. Here are the key weights for each floor plan:

Caravel 16RB:

• Unit Base Weight: 3,450 pounds (with LP and batteries)
• Hitch Weight: 520 pounds
• GVWR: 4,300 pounds

Caravel 20FB:

• Unit Base Weight: 4,100 pounds (with LP and batteries)
• Hitch Weight: 650 pounds
• GVWR: 5,000 pounds

Caravel 22FB:

• Unit Base Weight: 4,050 pounds (with LP and batteries)
• Hitch Weight: 525 pounds
• GVWR: 5,000 pounds

Your tow vehicle needs a towing capacity that exceeds the GVWR of whichever model you select. For the 16RB, look for vehicles with at least 4,500 pounds of towing capacity. For the 20FB and 22FB models, you'll need at least 5,500 pounds of towing capacity for safe towing.

Many popular SUVs and trucks meet these requirements, including several mid-size options. You'll also need a weight distribution hitch system for proper towing. Be sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual to confirm its towing capacity. The team at Airstream of Greensboro can help you determine if your vehicle is right for towing a Caravel.

Where can I get service for an Airstream Caravel?

You can get service for your Caravel right here at Airstream of Greensboro! Our dealership is located in Colfax, serving the Greensboro area, the Triad, and the Piedmont region of North Carolina.

We offer complete service and maintenance for all Airstream models, regardless of their age or year. Our certified Airstream Service Technicians have completed factory training in Jackson Center, Ohio, and continue their education through regular service training to stay up to date on the latest features and repair techniques.

From routine maintenance like sealant inspections and winterization to warranty work and major restorations, our service team is here to help. We also stock common Airstream parts to minimize downtime and get you back to camping quickly.

Schedule your service appointment by visiting our service page or calling our dealership directly. We're committed to supporting you throughout your ownership experience.

What is the learning curve for owning an Airstream Caravel?

The learning curve for owning an Airstream Caravel is reasonable, even for first-time RV buyers. While there's information to learn, most new owners become comfortable within their first couple of trips.

When you buy from Airstream of Greensboro, you'll receive a thorough delivery walkthrough that covers all the systems and features. We suggest planning your first trip to a campground within a few hours of home. This gives you a chance to learn your trailer in a relaxed setting without being far from familiar territory.

Key things to learn include:

• Setting up and leveling your trailer
• Connecting utilities (electric, water, and sewer)
• Understanding the power system and monitoring your battery
• Operating the climate control system
• Basic maintenance like checking sealants and tire pressure
• Winterization and de-winterization when necessary

The Caravel comes equipped with features that make RV ownership easier, including powered stabilizer jacks, a powered awning, and a rear view monitoring system. These modern features help reduce the learning curve compared to older RV models.

Airstream provides extensive online resources through Airstream Academy, with videos, articles, and answers to frequently asked questions. Every new Airstream also includes three years of Coach-Net 24/7 roadside assistance, so support is always just a phone call away.

Most owners say that while the first trip has a learning element, by the second or third outing, everything feels natural. The key is to give yourself patience and remember that every Airstreamer was once in your shoes.

Does owning an Airstream Caravel make sense living in North Carolina?

Absolutely! North Carolina is a fantastic state for Airstream ownership, and the Caravel is perfectly suited for exploring the Tar Heel State.

Camping Seasons: North Carolina offers excellent camping weather for most of the year. Spring through fall provides comfortable temperatures for RV camping, with mild winters that often allow for camping year-round in the Piedmont and coastal regions. Fall camping in North Carolina is particularly beautiful, with colorful foliage in the mountains and pleasant weather throughout the state. Many campgrounds stay open all year, and the Caravel's features make it suitable for cooler weather camping.

Outdoor Activities: North Carolina offers incredible diversity for Airstream owners. From Greensboro, you're within a few hours of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, pristine beaches, historic sites, and numerous state parks. Popular destinations include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, Cape Hatteras, and the many lakes and forests throughout the state. The Caravel's compact length makes it ideal for navigating North Carolina's campgrounds, mountain roads, and coastal parks.

Equipment Features: The Caravel comes standard with features perfect for North Carolina's climate. The air conditioning with heat pump keeps you comfortable during warm, humid summers, while the 18,000 BTU ducted furnace handles cooler mountain evenings and winter camping. The enclosed, insulated, heated underbelly provides protection during cooler months. Optional solar panels and lithium batteries allow you to camp off-grid in North Carolina's beautiful natural areas and remote mountain locations.

Local Support: With Airstream of Greensboro located right in Colfax, you have convenient local service and support whenever you need it. This makes maintenance, repairs, and upgrades easy throughout your ownership.

Storage Considerations: North Carolina's moderate climate means winterization requirements are less demanding than in northern states. However, you'll still want to protect your Airstream during the coldest winter months. Many Caravel owners in the Greensboro area store their trailers at home under a carport or at storage facilities, and covered storage helps protect from sun and weather year-round.

Regional Travel: North Carolina's central East Coast location makes it an excellent base for regional travel. You're within a day's drive of destinations in Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The Caravel's efficient size makes these regional adventures practical and enjoyable.

The Caravel's build quality, including its riveted aluminum shell and quality insulation, performs beautifully in North Carolina's varied climate. From spring weekends in the mountains to summer beach trips and fall foliage tours, this Airstream is built for North Carolina adventures. The compact footprint also makes home storage easier compared to larger travel trailers, which is helpful in North Carolina's residential areas.