Airstream Caravel 22FB vs Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS
2026 Travel Trailer comparison · side-by-side specs, verdict, and who each is best for.
Quick verdict
Caravel 22FB at $93,900 is the more expensive of the two, despite being roughly half the trailer in raw size. Airstream Caravel 22FB is 22.17 ft long, 4,050 lbs dry, aluminum monocoque, single-axle, with 100W solar, 2000W inverter, and lithium battery standard. Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS is 40.33 ft, 11,560 lbs dry, 102-inch wide-body, with king bed, residential 12V fridge, dual 15K BTU A/C, washer/dryer prep, and Climate Shield insulation.
The price-to-size inversion isn't a fluke — Airstream's aluminum monocoque construction commands a premium per linear foot vs conventional stick-and-tin builds. The Caravel 22FB is also lithium and inverter-equipped, so it brings actual off-grid power. The Bungalow 40RLTS skips solar and uses unspecified battery, but compensates with 60 gal of LP and four-season insulation for parked-and-stay seasonal use.
Like other Airstream-vs-Bungalow Travel Trailer comparisons, this is a category fork. Caravel 22FB: aluminum touring trailer for traveling couples. Bungalow 40RLTS: park-model destination Travel Trailer for seasonal-site owners. Pick by use case.
Side-by-side specs
| Airstream Caravel 22FB | Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $93,900 | $84,068 |
| Length | 22'2" | 40'4" |
| Dry weight | 4,050 lbs | 11,560 lbs |
| GVWR | 5,000 lbs | 13,500 lbs |
| Sleeps | 4 | 4 |
| Slides | 0 | 1 |
| Fresh tank | 23 gal | 52 gal |
| Grey tank | 30 gal | 32.5 gal |
| Black tank | 17 gal | 39 gal |
| LP | 9.4 gal | 60 gal |
| Solar | 100W | — |
| Inverter | 2000W | — |
| Generator | — | — |
| Bath | full | full |
| Bed | queen | king |
| 4-season | No | Yes |
| Off-road | No | No |
| Outdoor kitchen | No | No |
| Washer/dryer | none | prep |
| Residential fridge | No | Yes |
Where Airstream Caravel 22FB wins
- 7,510 lbs lighter dry weight (4,050 vs 11,560) — pulls behind a properly equipped midsize SUV
- 18.16 ft shorter at 22.17 ft — fits anywhere
- Lithium battery + 2000W inverter standard — real off-grid power for a 22-ft trailer
- Aluminum monocoque construction with strong resale value retention
- Single-axle agility — easier backing into tight sites
Where Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS wins
- $9,832 cheaper sticker at $84,068 vs $93,900
- 102-in wide-body vs 96 in — meaningfully more residential interior dimensions
- King bed standard vs queen on the Caravel — significant comfort upgrade
- Residential 12V fridge, washer/dryer prep, dual 15K BTU A/C units — true destination spec
- Climate Shield four-season insulation; the Caravel 22FB isn't four-season
Pick the Airstream Caravel 22FB if…
Pick the Airstream Caravel 22FB if you want a premium touring Travel Trailer with real off-grid power. The lithium battery and 2000W inverter give you multi-day dry-camp capability in a 4,050-lb trailer that pulls behind a half-ton SUV. The aluminum monocoque also holds value in a way conventional builds don't. Best for a couple who travels often, parks at varied site types, and treats the Caravel as both a touring rig and a mobile asset.
Pick the Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS if…
Pick the Jayco Jay Flight Bungalow 40RLTS if you want a destination Travel Trailer for a seasonal site or family campground long-term lease. The 102-inch wide-body plus king bed, washer/dryer prep, residential fridge, and dual A/C make it a small home, not a touring rig. Climate Shield insulation supports winter use in mild climates. Best for retirees with a permanent winter or summer site who plan to tow the trailer rarely.
Frequently asked
Why is the smaller Caravel more expensive?
Airstream's aluminum monocoque construction commands a premium per linear foot vs conventional stick-and-tin. Brand cachet and resale-value retention also support the higher per-foot price.
Which has lithium battery?
Only the Airstream Caravel 22FB. The Bungalow 40RLTS doesn't specify a battery type.
Can a half-ton tow the Bungalow?
Marginal. At 11,560 lbs dry plus 1,940 lbs cargo, you really want a 3/4-ton truck. Most Bungalow owners only tow it once or twice a year between seasonal sites.