Published Date: December 30, 2020
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
Do you happen to know how much does an Airstream weigh? 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.
Table of Contents
How Much Does An Airstream Weigh?
- Bambi: Average Weight 2,900 lbs.
- Basecamp: Average Weight 2,585 lbs.
- Classic: Average Weight 7,788 lbs.
- Caravel: Average Weight 3,200 lbs.
- Flying Cloud: Average Weight 3,852 lbs.
- Globetrotter: Average Weight 5,297 lbs.
- International Serenity: Average Weight 4,761 lbs.
- Nest: Average Weight 3,400 lbs.
Besides the base weights, it helps to consider other weights as well before you plan to tow any Airstream trailer. Here we have a guide for the different Airstream model weights.
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 you plan to haul an Airstream, it helps to know the Airstream trailer weight guide, as different weights apply and can be confusing. To avoid you from getting all confused, we will break down these terms for you.
For the Airstream trailer, you get four weights presented as follows:
- Hitch Weight (that includes the Batteries and LP)
- Unit Base Weight (that includes the Batteries and LP)
- Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR)
- Net Carrying Capacity
Hitch Weight
Usually, this is referred to as tongue weight and the amount of pressure you place on the hitch when attaching the trailer. The weight is important as it allows you to determine the right hitch weight and size.
Unit Base Weight
Is also known as the dry weight. The weight described in the trailer is as if it comes from the assembly line when empty and has no equipment or other items present.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR)
The term stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, the maximum weight the trailer must weigh with cargo and items present. This is a combined weight of dry weight and the intended carryons.
Net Carrying Capacity
This is the max weight of the cargo you can carry in the trailer. The weight includes camping gear, propane tanks, and water tanks onboard, with other gear you want to carry.
Different Airstreams Models And Their Weight
1. The Classic Airstream Model
This model is a luxury trailer that provides the conveniences and amenities of your basic Class A RV, but you can tow it easily.
Different floor plans for this trailer range from 30ft to 33ft, including a spacious area for making food, dining, relaxing, a bathroom, and a bedroom. It sleeps up to five people.
Here are the important weights to remember 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. |
The table above shows that the hitch weight for the trailer is 886 pounds. It means that the hitch from the trailer receives 886 lbs of pressure when towed from the trailer.
As the unit base weight is 7,788 pounds while the GVWR is 10,000 pounds, it makes it one of the heavier models in the Airstream. If you have this model, you should consider the total weight when towing, as many vehicles have a limited towing capacity.
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, make sure the maximum towing capacity is 10,000 lbs or higher.
2. The Globetrotter Airstream Model
This trailer mode has a modern, sleek look inside and out. It is aerodynamic, with interior design influenced by Europe. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and style.
This spacious trailer has a bedroom with two twin beds or a queen-sized bed. There is a kitchen with a bathroom and a dining/lounge area.
Different floor plans are available, from 23ft, 25ft, or 27ft in length.
Here are the available specs for the Globetrotter Airstream that will enable you to tow the trailer safely.
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 Globetrotter Airstream weight places the trailer in the mid-range of the Airstream models.
To tow this trailer, you can use cargo vans, SUVs, modern trucks, and some jeeps.
Ensure the trailer’s weight does not exceed the vehicle’s max towing capacity.
>>> Read Also: How Much Does a Small Camper Weigh?
3. The International Serenity Airstream Model
This is a smaller trailer than your Globetrotter and is lightweight but still provides the comfort you need from the inside out.
It has a spacious floor plan making it feel like the outdoors. Included, you have a bathroom, spacious sleeping area, dining/lounge, and kitchen.
This model is a “sanctuary on wheels” offering you the comfort and beauty you can imagine.
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. |
It is another mid-range trailer model due to its weight and size. Most SUVs, trucks, or cargo vans can tow it. Another fantastic thing is you can use a Jeep Grand Cherokee for towing it as well.
4. The Flying Cloud Airstream Model
It is a family-friendly and popular model offering various floor plans for you to choose from. Hence, you can choose a specific interior design that suits your needs.
It has different floorplans that range between 23ft to 30ft. There are options available to place a queen-sized bed, twin bed, or bunk bed. You get a versatile yet family-friendly trailer.
Here are the Airstream Flying Cloud weights below.
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.
With the 3,582-pound Unit Base Weight, it places this model on the lighter side giving it the name The Flying Cloud as it easily floats like a cloud when towed.
Different towing vehicles can be used to tow this trailer, including bulkier cargo vans, modern trucks, SUVs, and a Jeep-like the Grand Cherokee.
5. The Caravel Airstream Model
Here we have the starting model found in the small to light Airstream range. Although it is small in size than other models, it still comes with great comfort, an elegant look, and a contemporary interior that is common with Airstream trailers.
It has different floor plans, with the smallest starting out at 16ft, there are also 19ft, 20ft, and 22ft options available. If you want to enjoy short to long trips this is the model to choose.
Here are the Airstream Caravel weights below:
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. |
Telling from the weight, it is lighter than most of the other trailer models.
The small size lightweight capacity is easily towed by a Jeep Cherokee as the 5,000-pound GVWR is the max towing capacity for this vehicle. You can also use vans to tow this trailer, SUVs, and modern trucks.
6. The Bambi Airstream Model
The Bambi trailer has a single-axle and is lightweight similar to the Caravel but provides you with the same spacious interior.
You can choose from four-floor plans that range between 16ft, 19ft, 20ft, and 22ft. Included with each floor plan, you get a kitchen area, bathroom, convertible dinette, and sleeping area.
For small family trips, this trailer is ideal and blends in perfectly with your comfort, and it has style.
Keep the following weights in mind when towing the Bambi here.
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 specific minivan models, cargo vans, SUVs, most trucks, and the Jeep Cherokee.
7. The Nest by Airstream
Here we have a unique trailer model made with a fiberglass body and aluminum exterior.
The white exterior distinguishes this model from the others available, giving it a modern look.
Not only does it look sleek, but it is lightweight with an airy feel when towed. You can choose from two-floor plans, both with a length of 16ft.
The first one, you get a fixed bed, and the other presents you to have a u-shaped dinette converting into a bed. Both the plans comes fully fitted with a bathroom and kitchen and storage space.
Here is the Nest by Airstreams weight.
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 as light as the Bambi but have similar sizes.
This vehicle can be towed by SUVs, jeeps, larger vans, and trucks. We do not recommend towing it with a minivan as the Unit Base Weight is way too close to the max 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
For a basic trailer model for solo adventures the Basecamp Airstream is perfect.
Many people love the Airstream Basecamp for its small size and simplicity. If you love the Teardrop trailer you will love this model.
While it is the smallest model available you still get a nice lounge to convert into a bed with a bathroom and kitchen. This trailer is always ready for any adventure you want to take.
Here are the Airstream Basecamp weights.
Specifications | Weight |
Hitch Weight | 410 lbs. |
Unit Base Weight | 2,585 lbs. |
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 3,500 lbs. |
Net Carrying Capacity | 915 lbs. |
The weight of the Basecamp is similar to the Bambi and the only difference is the Basecamp’s Unit Base Weight is lighter, allowing it to carry more weight than the Bambi.
Still the lighter base weight and higher carrying capacity make it ideal to take on extreme adventures.
There are different towing vehicle options for this trailer, including cargo vans, trucks, SUVs, minivans, larger Jeeps, and the Jeep Wrangler.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has given you all the information and answered your question about how much does an airstream weigh. It should guide you in finding the ideal trailer and help you choose the right towing vehicle.