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Making the decision to purchase an Airstream travel trailer or RV is a big one. You’re making a significant financial investment and it is very unlikely that you will make your money back on the Airstream. However, it is not a purchase you make simply to invest your money. You are buying for entertainment purposes and to enjoy yourself on a vacation.
When you purchase an Airstream travel trailer, you cannot drive it. Instead, the vehicle needs to be towed to the campsite. As a result, you are limited by the weight your truck can tow. So, the first thing you need to do is figure out how much weight your truck can handle. Once that is done, you can start looking around to find the best Airstream for you.
How Much Do Airstreams Weigh and What Info Do You Need to Know about Your Tow Vehicle?
For your reference, an Airstream that is under 20 feet long will almost always way less than 4000 pounds. However, a lot of the time the weight is closer to 3500 pounds. Conversely, when you look at trailers that are 30 feet long, they will weigh up to 7000 pounds. As a result, you will need a much stronger vehicle to pull a 30 foot trailer than a 20 foot trailer.
What Weights Does Airstream Use in Their Specs and What Do They Mean?
If you are new to the world of RVs and trailers, you will probably be shocked to learn that there are typically many weights associated with a single trailer. Typically, a trailer will have four weight measurements listed for a trailer. Some trailers will be missing a measurement or two, but many will have all four. These measurements are for base weight, hitch weight, max trailer capacity, and net carrying capacity.
The hitch weight is often referred to as the tongue weight. It is the amount of pressure that is weighed down on the hitch when the trailer is attached. This is an important measurement because it helps indicate which size and weight to get for your hitch.
The unit base weight is referred to as the dry weight a lot of the time. It is what you probably think of when you think of the weight of the trailer. It is the weight of the trailer as it comes off the assembly line. So, this means that it is the weight of the trailer excluding any equipment, furniture, or personal items.
The maximum trailer capacity is also known as the gross vehicle weight rating, or GVWR for short. This is the maximum weight the trailer could possibly weigh if it were packed to the brim with all the cargo and personal items that you can add onto the trailer. It is the combined weight of the base weight and the weight of all the gear and personal items.
Finally, there is the net carrying capacity. This the is the maximum weight the trailer can handle carrying that a trailer can handle. The net carrying capacity includes the weight of propane tanks, water tanks, camping gear, and anything else you would put in your trailer.
8 of the Best Airstream Travel Trailer Options for You
Here we will look at eight Airstream travel trailer options for you. We will describe each trailer in detail and give you all the important specifications related to them. This will include all measurements related to weight that are available.
1. Base Camp
The Base Camp is one of the smallest trailers from Airstream. It is only 16 feet in length, but that does not mean that it is not a great option for you if you only want to go on a trip with your spouse. It has a bathroom, a kitchen, and a lounge area all packed into a small space. The lounge area also doubles as a sleeping area because you can pull the bed out at night. There is only enough space for two people to sleep, but that can be great for a romantic getaway.
Additionally, the trailer has a significant amount of space for you to pack essential and luxury items for your trip. It has a 26 inch x 46 inch rear hatch, and inside the hatch there are 126 inches of available cargo depth. This should give you plenty of space to pack a bike, kayak, or fishing gear. So, no matter your interests, you will be good to go.
Furthermore, the trailer has an air conditioning unit and heating unit. So, you will be able to comfortably live in the trailer at any time of year. It also has large wheels to ensure that you can travel through difficult terrain.
Base Camp Airstream Weight
The trailer has a base Airstream weight of 2585 pounds, and a hitch weight of 410 pounds. Additionally, the trailer has a maximum trailer capacity of 3500 pounds. Finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 915 pounds.
2. Nest
The Nest is another trailer from Airstream that is smaller in length. It is only 16 feet long like the Base Camp, and as a result, there is only space for two people to sleep. However, this means you can have a great getaway with your significant other. This trailer has some adjustments you can make to the floorplan to customize it to fit your needs.
The biggest adjustment you can make to the trailer is with the bed. You can either choose a fixed bed or a U-shaped dinette that can easily convert into a bed. Both options are great, and it really just comes down to personal preference. Most people find that the fixed bed is a little more comfortable and it makes you feel like you are at home. Conversely, the U-shaped dinette will give you more space to move around when you are not in bed. It is also designated as a couch, so it is harder than a fixed bed.
Regardless of your choice in bed, and the other minor adjustments you may make to the floor plan, you will be provided with a well-equipped kitchen, full onboard restroom, and all the storage space you will ever need. Even in this small trailer there is a lot of space to hide storage so that it does not get in the way.
Nest Airstream Weight
This Airstream travel trailer has a unit base weight of 3300 pounds, and a hitch weight of 375 pounds. It has a maximum trailer capacity of 4000 pounds. Finally, the trailer has a net carrying capacity of 700 pounds.
3. Bambi
The next Airstream travel trailer we will be looking at is the Bambi. The trailer has a few different sizing options for you. It can be anywhere from 16 to 22 feet in length. As a result, there are a few minor differences in what you get with each size. However, the differences mainly come down to how much storage you get. The major amenities that you get are very similar regardless of size.
No matter the size you choose, you will be provided with a dedicated sleeping area, convertible dinette space, a kitchen with all the essentials, and an on-board restroom. You might be worried that all these things will limit your ability to move around in your trailer, but Airstream takes pride in using space efficiently. As a result, they placed everything in the trailer in a way to ensure that you have space to move around.
Bambi Airstream Weight
This trailer has a sleeping capacity of four people, so you can bring your kids with you on a trip. The trailer has a base weight of 3000 pounds, and a hitch weight of 430 pounds. Additionally, the trailer has a maximum trailer capacity of 3500 pounds. Finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 500 pounds.
4. Caravel
The Airstream Caravel is another great option for you if you are looking for a travel trailer a few sizes up. This trailer can range in size from 16 to 22 feet. As a result, you will need to decide if you want to spend a little extra money on the trailer to get a larger version. However, if you decide to get a smaller option, you will not need to worry about missing out on any amenities. The only difference is that you will have a little less storage and less space to move around.
The amenities in the trailer include a dedicated sleeping area, convertible dinette and lounging area, a kitchen with all the amenities, and an on-board restroom.
Furthermore, the Caravel has a few extra design touches that will make you feel like you are right at home. For example, the trailer includes a stainless steel gas stove with cast-iron burners. So, you will be able to cook plenty of homemade meals from the comfort of your trailer. With this beautiful stove you will feel like you are at home making a meal with your family. You can also bring your family with you if you want because the trailer has a sleeping capacity of four.
Caravel Airstream Weight
This Airstream travel trailer has a unit base weight of 3500 pounds, and it has a hitch weight of 490 pounds. Additionally, it has a maximum trailer capacity of 4300 pounds. Finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 800.
5. Flying Cloud
Now we will start to take a look at larger options available to you. The first large option we will be looking at is the Airstream Flying Cloud. This Airstream travel trailer can range from 23 to 30 feet. This should be more space than you will ever need in a travel trailer. Since these trailers are larger and have more space, there is room for extra amenities. As a result, Airstream includes things on top of the typical sleeping, dining, and lounging areas. You will get a couch to relax on along with your bed. A couch will give you an extra place to sleep and give you the ability to hang out with people in your trailer.
Additionally, this trailer is equipped with a significant amount of storage. Cabinets line the inside of the trailer, providing you with more storage than you will ever need. So, you can store all your kitchen tools, your clothes, camping gear, fishing gear, and anything else you can think of. You also do not need to worry about the storage space getting in the way because most of the cabinets are pull out cabinets. So, if you are not using them you can slide them into the wall, and they are completely out of the way. The trailer can also sleep between four and eight people depending on everyone’s willingness to double up in the beds and couches.
Flying Cloud Airstream Weight
This trailer has a unit base weight of 4761 pounds. It has a hitch weight of 654 pounds. Finally, it has a maximum trailer capacity of 6000 pounds, and a net carrying capacity of 1239 pounds.
6. International Serenity
The next Airstream travel trailer for us to look at is the International Serenity. This trailer has several floor plans that will provide you with an excellent living situation on the road. The trailer has a very palatable design that will have you feeling like you are at home and not in a trailer in the woods. It is designed with light colors and warm accents to give you a happy feeling when you are inside. Additionally, it uses earthy textures to make you feel like you are in the perfect living area for a vacation out in nature. The trailer has enough space to sleep four to six people.
The rear hatch is one of the most popular features of the International Serenity. Normally, Airstream only includes this feature on special addition trailers. However, they decided to include it on this one. You can open the rear hatch to give yourself a beautiful view while you are relaxing in your trailer. There is nothing quite like having a beautiful view while you are eating dinner in the comfort of your trailer.
Additionally, the trailer is equipped with a beautiful kitchen that will make you feel like you never left home. It has a premium Furion stove, a microwave or convection oven, refrigerator, and a large stainless steel sink. So, as you can see, you will have everything you need to cook a delicious meal.
International Serenity Airstream Weight
Furthermore, this trailer has a unit base weight of 4761 pounds, and a hitch weight of 664 pounds. The trailer can range from 23 to 30 feet. It has a maximum trailer capacity of 6000 pounds, and finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 1239 pounds.
7. Globetrotter
The Globetrotter is one of the most popular options from Airstream. It has several floor plans for you to choose from. They have many similarities, but each floor plan has something that gives it a unique feel. However, the biggest differences in the floor plans comes in the size. These trailers range from 23 to 30 feet long, and they can sleep up to six people.
This trailer is a modern revival of an old school Airstream favorite from the 1960s. This trailer attempts to capture the spirit of the old school Globetrotter, and it does a good job. The original Globetrotter has a European design after owner Wally Byam spent a long time traveling in Europe. In that time he gained an affection for the European vehicle style, and he wanted to bring it to Airstream. So, he started producing European style trailers, starting with the original Airstream Globetrotter.
Now that there is a modern version of the Globetrotter, it is equipped with many modern amenities. It has a kitchen with many modern fixtures including many stainless steel appliances. The trailer is also equipped with many things for your entertainment. Most notably, there are things like the Fusion Touchscreen stereo, a subwoofer with surround sound speakers, and a LG LED HDTV with Blu-Ray. So, if you ever need to stay inside for the day because of bad weather, you will have plenty of things to keep you entertained.
Globetrotter Airstream Weight
This trailer has a unit base weight of 5297 pounds, and a hitch weight of 591 pounds. Additionally, it has a maximum trailer capacity of 6300 pounds. Finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 1003 pounds.
8. Classic
The final Airstream travel trailer we will be looking at is fittingly the Airstream Classic. When people think of Airstream, they think of this trailer. It has the classic design that has made Airstream successful for decades. The trailer has a few different sizes ranging from 30 to 33 feet in length. As a result, there are four floor plans for you to choose from. You do not need to worry about comfort when you get this trailer because it is equipped with dedicated cooking, dining, lounging, bathroom, and bedroom areas. So, even if you bring your kids with you, you can get away from them for a while and get some time alone with your spouse. It has a sleeping capacity of five.
The Smart Control Technology is one of the most exciting features of the new Airstream Classic. It can monitor all your important features in your trailer from anywhere. All you need to do is download an app on your phone and you can control everything remotely. So, if you forget to turn off the lights in your trailer, you can do that from your phone after you have already left.
Furthermore, the trailer has plenty of storage for you. It has more storage than any other Airstream travel trailer. You can use large cabinets, wardrobes, and all the vanity storage to store whatever you want to bring with you on your trip.
Classic Airstream Weight
This trailer has a unit base weight of 7788 pounds, and a hitch weight of 886 pounds. It has a maximum trailer capacity of 10,000 pounds. Finally, it has a net carrying capacity of 2212 pounds. This makes it the heaviest trailer of the ones we discussed by far.
What to Consider Before Buying a Vehicle to Tow Your Airstream
Before you purchase your Airstream travel trailer, you will want to buy a vehicle to tow it. This will help you narrow your search for an Airstream travel trailer. However, there are a few things you need to consider when purchasing a towing vehicle.
How many people will be camping with you?
Before you can purchase a towing vehicle, you need to have a good idea of how many people will be coming with you on your next trip. This will impact the size of trailer you will be getting and the Airstream weight rating. As a result, it has a big effect on the towing vehicle you get. If you are bringing a large group with you, you will need a larger Airstream travel trailer. As a result, you will need a towing vehicle that can handle more weight. So, this is very important to figure out before you make any purchases.
What do you take with you?
You also need to figure out what you are going to be taking with you on your next trip. This will help you get an idea of how much storage you need. Once you have an idea of what you want to bring with you, you can figure out how much storage you need. Then you can figure out what size of trailer you need. Following that, you can narrow your search for a towing vehicle.
Where do you like to go camping?
Where you are going to be camping has an effect on your towing vehicle. What mostly matters here is the terrain you are going to be driving on and the weather. If you are going to an area with rougher terrain, you need a towing vehicle that will not be slowed down by mud, or snow.
What camping activities do you enjoy?
What camping activities you enjoy will have a significant effect on the size of trailer you get. If you enjoy activities like fishing or kayaking for example, you will need more storage for your large equipment. However, if you just want to go hiking, you do not need as much storage. If you need more storage you will need a larger trailer, and as a result, you will need a stronger towing vehicle.
What other purposes will the tow vehicle serve?
Other than being able to hand the Airstream weight, you also need to determine what you are going to be using your tow vehicle for. Chances are you will use it for day to day driving when you are at home. So, if that is the case, you need to make sure that you have a trailer that is equipped to handle daily driving. Otherwise, you will have a very expensive vehicle that you only use a few times a year.
Hit the Road with Your New Airstream Travel Trailer
After reading, we hope you have all the information you need to purchase an Airstream travel trailer. We know there is a lot of information to absorb, but it should all be helpful in your search for the perfect trailer for you. Airstream has plenty of options available, and you should be able to find a trailer that fits your needs.
When you are looking for an Airstream travel trailer, weight is a very important factor to consider. It effects the space you have, what you can bring with you on your trip, and the towing vehicle you need. So, you need to make sure you have all the different weight specifications before you make a purchase.
We wish we could tell you what the best Airstream travel trailer is. Unfortunately, everyone has different needs, and for us to assume we knew yours would be irresponsible. However, we can say with confidence that all the Airstream travel trailers listed above are very popular among consumers.
Are you a new or experienced trailer owner? Are you interested in any of the above options? Which Airstream travel trailer do you think is the best fit for you and why? Let us know in the comments!
