2017 Airstream Sport 16 Review
The sleek, aerodynamic lines of the 2017 Sport 16 make it instantly recognizable as one of Airstream’s iconic travel trailers. This premium compact trailer combines single-axel fuel efficiency with plenty of modern creature comforts. Because it’s light enough to tow with an SUV, hitching up and hitting the road is a dream.
Out of the two Sport floor plans to choose from – the 22FB and the 16 – we took a look at the smaller one, the Sport 16. It has an exterior length of 16’4”, exterior width of 8’ and height of 9’3”. The interior is 6’4.5” high and 7’7” wide. It has a carrying capacity of 640 lbs and a hitch weight of 350 lbs. The fresh water tank capacity is 23 gallons, and the combination gray and waste water tank capacity is 21 gallons.
Airstream’s trademark rounded, low-profile shape creates minimum wind resistance. The unique chassis and axel design, rubber torsion axle and undermounted holding tanks keep weight below the floor for a low center of gravity, keeping the Sport 16 stable and smooth to tow.
Step inside this little silver beauty and you’ll find a typical trailer layout with a dining table and benches on the right, kitchen straight ahead, and the bedroom on the left. It’s the features that make this feel like a small slice of luxury.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 Palomino Backpack Edition HS-2902
The living space has seamless, easy-to-clean vinyl flooring atop tongue-and groove wood subflooring. It might not be large on space, but the Sport 16 is big on satisfying your entertainment needs with an HD television and cable TV hookup, a DVD player, and AM/FM radio with CD and Bluetooth.
When mealtime approaches, the kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner gas range, three-cubic-foot refrigerator, overhead fan and a microwave. With safety in mind, the Sport comes standard with safety features such as a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, a propane alarm, and a fire extinguisher.
Enjoy your meal under the awning outside, or in the interior dining area which then converts to a sleeper sofa for two. Panoramic windows ensure nothing gets in the way of your view while the blackout shades mean that light won’t get in the way of your sleep.
The European style wetbath combines the toilet and shower into one space-saving unit. A handheld pass-through exterior showerhead gives you the added option of washing up al fresco.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2017 KZ Connect Lite C191RBT
In the bedroom area you’ll find a double bed, wardrobe with hanging bar, under bed storage, and LED reading lights.
Pick from two light and crisp color-scheme options – White Cypress Tan Ultraleather or Black Ultraleather. Upgrades from last year’s Sport 16 model include a window in the door as well as a unique key deadbolt and an aluminum propane tank cover.
The Airstream Sport 16 starts at $44,900. For more information, visit http://www.airstream.com/.
