Published Date: December 30, 2020
Last Updated on November 29, 2022 by Camper Front
Airstream trailers are a great travel trailer option. They are aerodynamic and suitable for all types of adventures, they also have a nice and sleek design. But like any other type of trailer, their weight is very important for a safe towing experience.
That said, exactly how much does an airstream weigh? Well, the average weight of an Airstream trailer is 2,500-10,000 pounds, but this totally depends on the model of the trailer.
In this article, we are going to look at the different models of airstream trailers and their average weights.
How Much Does An Airstream Weigh?
- Classic: 7,788 lbs.
- Globetrotter: 5,297 lbs.
- International Serenity: 4,761 lbs.
- Flying Cloud: 3,852 lbs.
- Caravel: 3,200 lbs.
- Bambi: 2,900 lbs.
- Nest: 3,400 lbs.
- Basecamp: 2,585 lbs.
Aside from these base weights, there are a few other weights you should know of when you are planning to tow an Airstream trailer. Here’s a quick guide for the different weights of different Airstream models.
>>> Read Also: Why Are Airstreams So Expensive?
Weight Terms Of An Airstream Trailer
When planning to tow an Airstream, you need to know the weight guide for Airstream trailers as they have all sorts of different weights and quite confusing terms to describe those weights. To avoid you from getting all confused, we’re going to be breaking all the terms down.
There are four different weights for an Airstream trailer and they include Hitch Weight (with LP and Batteries), Unit Base Weight (with LP and Batteries), Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR), and Net Carrying Capacity.
Hitch Weight
This is usually referred to as the tongue weight. This is the amount of pressure that is placed on the hitch when the trailer is attached. This is an important weight as it enables you to know the right hitch size and weight.
Unit Base Weight
This is also known as dry weight. This is the weight of the trailer as it comes off the assembly line, completely empty without any equipment or personal items.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR)
GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and it is the maximum weight the trailer should weigh with all of the cargo and personal items inside. It is the combined weight of the intended carryons and the dry weight.
Net Carrying Capacity
This is the maximum weight of cargo that the trailer can carry safely. This includes the weight of propane tanks, water tanks, camping gear, and other gear or equipment you would want to bring along.
Different Airstreams Models And Their Weight
1. The Classic Airstream Model
The Classic Airstream model is a luxury trailer that provides the comforts and amenities of a basic Class A RV, but it is still easily towable.
There are different floor plans for the Classic Airstream which range from 30 to 33 feet including a spacious area for cooking, dining, lounging, bathroom, and bedroom. It sleeps up to 5 people.
Here are the different important weights to keep in mind when preparing to tow the Classic Airstream:
Key features
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 886 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 7,788 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 10,000 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 2,212 lbs. |
From the table above you can see that the hitch weight for the classic Airstream model is 886 pounds. This means that the trailer hitch will receive 886 pounds of pressure from the trailer.
It also has a unit base weight of 7,788 pounds and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, making it one of the heavier Airstream models. If you have this model of an airstream, you should keep all the weight in mind when you intend to tow it because many towing vehicles usually have limited towing capacities.
There are different basic vehicles you can use to tow an Airstream Classic including most modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans.
But before using any vehicle to tow your trailer, you need to ensure its maximum towing capacity is at least 10,000 pounds or higher.
2. The Globetrotter Airstream Model
The Airstream Globetrotter trailer has a sleek and modern look both on the inside and out. It is perfectly aerodynamic with interior design that has influences from all over Europe. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and style.
The Airstream Globetrotter is very spacious with a bedroom area that can contain either a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a kitchen area, a bathroom area, and a lounging/dining area.
It has different floorplans ranging from 23 feet, 25 feet, or 27 feet in length.
Here are the specs and weights for the globetrotter Airstream model that will enable you to safely tow the trailer behind your vehicle.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 591 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 5,297 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 6,300 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 1,003 lbs. |
The weight of the Airstream Globetrotter makes it one of the mid-range models of airstream trailers.
There are different vehicle options for towing this trailer including modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans as well as certain models of a jeep. Just make sure the trailer’s weight does not exceed the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
>>> Read Also: How Much Does a Small Camper Weigh?
3. The International Serenity Airstream Model
The Airstream International Serenity trailer is a bit smaller than the globetrotter model and it is also more lightweight, but it still offers great comfort from both the exterior and interior.
It has a spacious floor plan that makes it feel like the serene outdoors. It includes a large sleeping area, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a lounging/dining area.
the Airstream International Serenity offers what you can call a “sanctuary on wheels” with all of the beauty and comfort you might imagine for a sanctuary.
Here are the different weights for the trailer.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 664 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 4,761 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 6,000 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 1,239 lbs. |
the Airstream International Serenity is also one of Airstream’s mid-range models due to its weight and size. It can be towed by most trucks, SUVs, or cargo vans. This trailer can also be towed by a Jeep Grand Cherokee as it fits within its towing capacity.
4. The Flying Cloud Airstream Model
This is one of the most popular and family-friendly models because it offers so many different floor plans to choose from, so you can choose a specific interior design that suits you and your family.
It has different floorplans that range between 23 feet to 30 feet with options for bunk beds, twin beds, or queen-sized beds.
the Airstream Flying Cloud is quite versatile and a great family-friendly trailer.
Here are the different weights for the Airstream Flying Cloud.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 550 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 3,852 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 6,000 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 1,239 lbs. |
Having a Unit Base Weight of 3,582 pounds puts the Airstream Flying Cloud on the lighter end of the mid-range models, and this gives its name“the Flying Cloud” as It can easily “float” around like a cloud when being towed.
Different towing vehicles can be used to tow this trailer including bulkier Jeeps like a Jeep Grand Cherokee, most modern trucks, cargo vans, as well as SUVs.
5. The Caravel Airstream Model
The Airstream Caravel is the starting model of the smaller and lighter airstream models. Although it is small in size than other models, it still comes with great comfort, a sleek look, and a modern interior that is common with Airstream trailers.
It has different floor plans with the smallest starting out at 16 feet, there are also 19 feet, 20 feet, and 22 feet options available. The Airstream Caravel is perfect for both long and short trips.
Here are the different weights for the Airstream Caravel.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 490 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 3,200 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 4,300 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 1,100 lbs. |
As you can tell from the weight, the Airstream Caravel is way lighter than one of the larger models, like the Airstream Classic.
Its lightweight and small size, it can be towed with even a Jeep Cherokee because its GVWR is below the 5,000 pounds maximum towing capacity of the Jeep Cherokee. You can also make use of modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans to tow this trailer.
6. The Bambi Airstream Model
The Airstream Bambi trailer is a lightweight and single-axle trailer. Its size is similar to the Airstream Caravel, but it also has a spacious interior.
This trailer offers four different floor plans ranging between 16 feet, 19 feet, 20 feet, and 22 feet. Each floor plan includes a spacious sleeping space, a kitchen area, a convertible dinette space, and a bathroom.
The Airstream Bambi is perfect for a small family trip. This trailer may be small in size, but it is the perfect blend of comfort and style.
Here are the different weights that you should keep in mind when planning to tow the Airstream Bambi.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 430 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 2,900 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 3,500 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 600 lbs. |
From the weight of an Airstream Bambi, you can tell it is very light-weight, making it great for towing
Like the Caravel mod, this trailer can be towed easily with the Jeep Cherokee as well as most trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans. You can even tow it to some specific minivan models if you keep your carryons light
7. The Nest by Airstream
The Nest by Airstream compared to other Airstream trailer models is a very unique model because it has a fiberglass body compared to the usual aluminum exterior.
The white fiberglass exterior helps to distinguish it from the regular silver color that is common with airstream trailers, and it gives the nest a contemporary look.
Aside from being lightweight, it has a modern look as well as a light and airy feel which enhances the airiness of the great outdoors.
The Nest trailer has two different floor plans which are both 16 feet. One has a fixed bed option while the other has the option of a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a bed.
Both floor plans include a kitchen area, a small bathroom, and lots of storage space. Although the interior of the Nest trailer is close and cozy, it’s still a great travel trailer that is able to cater to your needs.
Here are the different weights of the Nest by Airstream.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 375 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 3,400 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 4,000 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 600 lbs. |
From the weight of the Nest by Airstream, you can tell it isn’t exactly as light as the Airstream Bambi, but they do have similar sizes.
This vehicle can be towed by larger vans, jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. But is not recommended to be towed with a minivan due to the unit’s base weight, which is a bit too close to its maximum towing capacity.
It is very important that you keep in mind the weight of the trailer as well as the hitch weight capacity and the towing capacity for your towing vehicle.
>>> Read Also: How Much Does An Airstream Trailer Cost?
8. The Basecamp Airstream Model
The Airstream Basecamp trailer is quite small and basic, making it perfect for a solo adventure.
Many people enjoy the Airstream Basecamp for its petite size and simplicity. If you love the Teardrop travel trailer you are sure to love the basecamp airstream model.
Despite it being one of the smallest Airstream models, the floor plan still includes a bathroom, a kitchen, and a nice lounge area that can be converted into a bed.
Although the Airstream Basecamp is small, it is resilient and ready for any adventure you take it on.
Here are the different weights of the Airstream Basecamp.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 410 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 2,585 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 3,500 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 915 lbs. |
From the weight of the Airstream Basecamp, you will know that it is very similar to the Airstream Bambi. The only significant difference is that the Airstream Basecamp has a lighter Unit Base Weight which enables it to carry significantly more weight than the Airstream Bambi.
But the fact that it has a lighter base weight and a high carrying capacity, makes it a great trailer to take out for extreme adventures.
There are different towing vehicle options for this trailer including the Jeep Wrangler, larger Jeeps, trucks, SUVs, cargo vans, as well as minivans.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you all the information on how much an airstream weigh it should help you find the perfect trailer for you as well as enable you to get the right towing vehicle.