Airstream International 27FB vs Northwood Nash 23CK

Close in length, these two take different routes to long trips. The Northwood Nash 23CK is built for rough roads and cold nights: a Northwood Ironhorse chassis with shocks on all four wheels, a welded aluminum frame, heated enclosed tanks, thermal-pane windows and a kitchen-sofa slide. Its tanks are far larger, 82 gallons of fresh water to the Airstream's 39, and its 9,200 lb GVWR leaves 2,509 lb for cargo against the International's 1,500.

The Airstream International 27FB is lighter at 6,100 lb dry against 6,691 and sits nearly two feet lower, 9.6 ft against 11.5. It comes with 300 W of solar and a heated lithium bank alongside its 2,000 W inverter, has an enclosed, heated underbelly, and sleeps six without a slide; the Nash sleeps four. Hitch weights are close, 875 lb against 826.

For a couple who boondock for long stretches or camp into the shoulder seasons, the Nash's water and cargo margins are hard to ignore. The International suits buyers who want the lower profile, factory solar and lithium, and room for two extra guests.