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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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How much does an Airstream weigh? All the Airstream Trailers and their weights were explained
The other day, we saw a Ford Escape that had stalled on the road trying to pull a 16′ Bambi Sport.
Our first reaction was, ‘Here we go again. Another guy who’s grossly overestimated the towing capacity of their car’.
To make matters worse, the Airstream was crammed to the brim with stuff. Turns out they were heading to Cibola National Forest for the elk hunt.
And they’d packed in more stuff than what was required. Bows, rifles, generator, food, the trailer was teeming.
We own a 27′ Airstream International Serenity and use an F250 Diesel to tow it. That’s because we spend much time on the road, particularly in the mountains, and we prefer the extra power due to payload issues. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
But over the years, many campers end up with a stalled towing truck or car because they miscalculated the towing capacity while towing Airstream trailers.
That begs the question, how much does an Airstream weigh? The average weight of an airstream is between 2,000 and 8,000 lbs:
- Classic 30RB weighs 7,788 lbs
- Globetrotter 23FB weighs 5,297 lbs
- Flying Cloud 23CB weighs 4761 lbs
- Basecamp Standard weighs 2585 lbs
Do people run the math while selecting a vehicle to tow their trailer?
Let’s run some numbers.
How much does an Airstream weigh? Understanding The Weight
An Airstream is a quintessential American classic.
The iconic shiny aluminum exterior is a crowd favorite; The trailers are considered more aerodynamic, with a lower center of gravity than other trailers.
But over the years, Airstream trailers have gotten heavier. It’s not just the base weight, mind you.
We are talking about the stuff that people load into their trailers. That has been steadily increasing as well.
So much so that by the time a trailer is loaded fully, as was the case of the 16′ Bambi we bumped into, it requires a towing setup far from what people typically own.
When calculating the trailer’s weight, automakers like to throw around a bunch of numbers and terminology.
And if you are new to it, it’s enough to deceive you.
Let’s start with the most basic of them all.
The Base weight
As we mentioned briefly, the base weight is the trailer’s weight with all the standard equipment installed at the assembly line but without any fluids added. So, no freshwater or propane.
Let’s look at the base weight for all the Airstream models.
Classic
The Classic 30RB has a base weight of 7,788 lbs.
The Classic 33FB has a base weight of 8,261 lbs.
Globetrotter
The Globetrotter 23FB has a base weight of 5,297 lbs.
25FB weighs 6074 lbs. whereas the 27FB weighs 6258 lbs.
International
The International 23CB weighs 4761 lbs.
The 27FB weighs 5868 lbs. whereas the 28RB weighs 5979 lbs.
The 30RB weighs 6517 lbs.
Flying Cloud
The details for the Flying Cloud are as follows:
23CB – 4761 lbs.
25FB – 5503 lbs.
26RB – 5973 lbs.
27RB – 5868 lbs.
28RB – 5979 lbs.
30RB – 6557 lbs.
Caravel
16RB – 3500 lbs.
19CB – 4000 lbs.
20FB – 4300 lbs.
22FB – 4,200 lbs.
Bambi
16RB – 3000 lbs.
19CB – 3650 lbs.
20FB – 4000 lbs.
22FB – 3900 lbs.
Basecamp
Standard – 2585 lbs.
These details are for the standard floor plan, mind you. The weight will increase slightly depending on the extras you select or any configurations you change.
This can also be called the Base curb weight.
A rookie mistake is to select a towing vehicle based purely on these numbers.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Trailer Weight
The Gross Vehicle weight is the total weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded with cargo, fuel, equipment, aftermarket parts, and passengers. This includes the hitch weight.
This number is significant because, without this, you would never know whether you are within the weight limits set forth by the manufacturer, as required by law.
The only way to find this is to drive the trailer on a scale.
GVWR Weight Rating
The GVWR weight rating is the maximum payload the trailer is rated to carry. This number should not be exceeded at any time.
Let’s look at the GVWR rating for all Airstream models.
Classic
30RB = 10000 lbs.
33FB = 10000 lbs.
Globetrotter
23FB = 5297 lbs.
25FB = 6074 lbs.
International
23CB = 6000 lbs.
27FB = 7600 lbs.
28RB = 7600 lbs.
30RB = 8800 lbs.
Flying Cloud
23CB – 6,000 lbs.
25FB – 7300 lbs.
26RB – 7600 lbs.
27RB – 7600 lbs.
28RB – 7600 lbs.
30RB – 8800 lbs.
Caravel
16RB – 4300 lbs.
19CB – 5000 lbs.
20FB – 5000 lbs.
22FB – 5000 lbs.
Bambi
16RB – 3500 lbs.
19CB – 5000 lbs.
20FB – 5000 lbs.
22FB – 5000 lbs.
Basecamp
Standard – 3500 lbs.
The GVWR may also be mentioned as the Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight.
The Hitch Weight
The Hitch or Tongue weight is the pressure the trailer exerts on the hitch/tow ball.
It is one of the most crucial numbers you must know. Because if you get this wrong, it would be akin to driving a car with egg-shaped tires.
We didn’t come up with that. GMC did. You can read that article over here. (https://www.gmc.com/gmc-life/trucks/why-tongue-weight-is-important-for-safe-towing)
Imagine driving your vehicle with egg-shaped tires. Not only would it be tough to control, but you would also endanger the lives of everyone in the car and on the road.
That’s what driving with an improper hitch weight does as well.
The rule of thumb is that the hitch weight must be within 10-15% of your gross trailer weight (GTW).
Anything below 10% and the weight distribution will be uneven. The trailer will tilt upwards from the nose and fishtail when driving fast.
The sway (side-to-side movement) can be very risky. If you experience this when you are towing, slow down. Do not hit the brakes right away. Once the sway has reduced, pull over and recheck the tongue weight.
The trailer will tilt upwards from the rear if the tongue weight is above 15%. This will amplify the pressure on the rear tires of the towing vehicle, and it will start to sway around.
Once again, this is very difficult to control and a potentially dangerous scenario.
Getting the tongue weight right, on the other hand, will distribute trailer weight evenly. There will be a balanced, straight line from the back of the towing vehicle to the back of the trailer. The coupler will be level.
Always buy a hitch with a slightly larger tongue weight than the trailer you will be towing. This gives you some leeway and keeps you safer.
The Fresh Water Tank
The Fresh Water tank is an often underestimated statistic that can play an essential role in determining the final gross weight of the trailer.
It will also determine how much cargo you can load and carry in the trailer. (Subtract this from the carrying capacity)
For example, the Bambi 22FB has a 27-gallon freshwater tank. One gallon of fresh water roughly weighs 8.34 lbs. So, if you fill the tank, you will add 225.18 kg. to the curb weight.
The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCVWR)
The GCVWR is the maximum weight of a fully loaded towing vehicle and the attached trailer.
The manufacturer calculates this. However, just like all the other ratings put out by the manufacturers, this can be misleading.
Let’s say your pickup truck has a GCVWR rating of 15,000 lbs. It has a curb or base weight of 7000 kg.
Ideally, it should be able to handle 8000 lbs. of cargo and trailer weight with ease.
So, if you have an International Serenity 23CB weighing 6517 lbs., the manufacturer tells you you have plenty of trucks for the haul.
But if you run the math, the numbers don’t add up.
The Serenity has a 39-gallon freshwater tank. That’s another 329 lbs. Add two propane tanks to that. And that’s roughly 140 lbs. more. You are inching closer to 7000 lbs.
Now, add the tongue weight to it. The Serenity has a hitch that weighs 664 lbs. With the propane tank, that will be bumped up by 150 lbs. at least. That’s 810 lbs.
That’s precariously close to that max 8000 lbs. capacity with little wiggle room.
Most automakers list tow ratings based on the weight of two passengers weighing an average of 150 lbs. each: this and one full fuel tank.
So, you are way past the limit if you have a family trip with six passengers and cargo.
When you accelerate, you will notice that the vehicle will start swaying under the trailer’s weight. This is often called ‘The tail wagging the dog.”
Ideally, there must be at least a 15% difference between the towing capacity and the maximum trailer weight.
In the case of the example mentioned above, that’s 6800 lbs., making the truck ill-equipped to tow the 27′ trailer.
Popular Airstream trailers and some vehicles that can tow them: All said and done, let’s look at some of the popular Airstream trailers and the cars capable of pulling them through all kinds of terrain with fully loaded cargo.
#1 – Airstream Classic 30
The Classic 30 is one of the company’s bestselling models, numerous with Airstream.
Think Airstream, and the first picture that comes to your mind will likely be a classic.
Despite having a design that has remained unchanged over the years, the Silver Bullet still outsells many of its newer and cheaper competitors.
The reason?
You can’t compete with can’t, and the Classic 30 has attained cult status among the RV community.
If you own one of these already or are looking to buy one soon, here are some of the essential details you must know.
Hitch Weight (with LP and Batteries): 886 lbs.
Unit Base Weight (with LP and Batteries): 7,788 lbs.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR): 10,000 lbs.
Net Carrying Capacity: 2,212 lbs.
Fresh Water Tank: 54 lbs.
Gray Water Tank: 37 lbs.
Black Water Tank: 39 lbs.
Ideal Vehicle Configuration to tow a Classic 30′: Many variables can affect the right towing vehicle for a classic 30′. But the most straightforward rules that can help you narrow down on a few options are the Maximum Towing Capacity and the GVWR, which we discussed earlier.
As long as the Max Tow Capacity is at least 10% (Better if it’s 15%) more than its GVWR, you are within the operating envelope of the vehicle.
The classic 30′ has a GVWR of 100’0 lbs. Ideally, it would be best to have something that can haul 11,000 lbs. or more.
The first ones that come to mind are the Ford F-250 Super Duty or Chevrolet Silverado 2500. Both are ¾ ton pickups and can haul an airplane if need be.
So can the Infinity QX80 and the RAM 2500 Power Wagon. Go Diesel if you have the bankroll. It’s a personal decision. It’s more than anything. But Diesel will be the better option if you spend a lot of time on the road.
Despite what you might have heard or read, a ½ ton truck or an SUV won’t be the best won’t to tow a 30′ trailer.
#2 – 30′ Airstream Caravel
The ongoing appeal of the Airstream Caravel can be gauged with a cursory glance at the used-trailer marketplace. This compact Airstream is in high demand despite being discontinued a few decades ago.
It’s no wonder that Airstream reintroduced it this year.
The Caravel is Bambi’s bigger, meaBambi’sbling with apartment-style furnishings.
It can sleep four and has many upgrades, making it a practical choice for someone seeking a mobile home with a small footprint. But one that doesn’t compromise doesn’t care.
The Caravel’s curb is appeCaravel’seatable. It’s easy to maneuver and can be towed with a crossover SUV or sedan.
If you fancy the new 2020 Caravel, here’s a glance at the numbers.
Unit Base Weight (with LP & Batteries): 3500 lbs.
Hitch Weight (with LP & Batteries): 490 lbs.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR): 4300 lbs.
Net Carrying Capacity: 800 lbs.
Fresh Water Tank: 23 gallons
Ideal Vehicle configuration to tow an Airstream Caravel: With a base weight of just 3500 lbs. the Caravel is one of the lightest Airstreams around.
And the sub-5000 lbs. GVWR opens up a lot of options for potential buyers.
You don’t need to consider new options if you own one of the old uni-body cars or trucks. But the ride wouldn’t be too for buyers looking for new towing vehicles; there’s the Jeep Grthere’srokee, which can easily haul up to 7200 lbs. The Nissan Pathfinder can do 6000 lbs. without breaking a sweat. Why, even the Toyota 4Runner can do 5000 lbs.
If you are looking for something smaller, there’s the Honda, the Chevy Avalanche, or any sedan from Nissan, BMW, Volvo, Mustand, and Subaru, to name a few.
#3 – Airstream Bambi 16′
As part of its revival spree following its resurrection after the recession, Airstream has reintroduced the diminutive, single-axle trailer nicknamed ‘Bambi’ for years.
‘ow, it is officially named so and comes in four sizes. The smallest of them is the 16′ RB. While it is not the cheapest one, it is by far the cheapest one that retains the unmistakable silver-bullet exterior synonymous with the trailers.
So, if you want a slice of the airstream trailer without breaking the bank, the Bambi is your best bet.
Despite the compact form factor, the Bambi puts every square inch of space into good use. It can sleep four and has a fully loaded galley kitchen, a shower, and a toilet in tastefully decorated colors and finishes.
The Bambi can take you to places where a full-sized 30′ classic can’t. It is straightforward to tow.
Here are the details for the Bambi:
Unit Base Weight (with LP & Batteries): 3000 lbs.
Hitch Weight (with LP & Batteries): 430 lbs.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR): 3500 lbs.
Net Carrying Capacity: 500 lbs.
Fresh Water Tank: 23 lbs.
Ideal towing vehicle configuration for the Bambi 16’:
Tipping the scalps at just over 3500 lbs., the Bambi is among the lightest Airstreams you can own. And there are some great options for towing the petite trailer.
The Jeep Cherokee can do 4500 lbs., So can the Audi Q5.
Many cars, like the Chevrolet Equinox, the Mercedes Benz GLK-250, and the Ford Escape, can do 3500 lbs.
But it would leave you with tiny leeway if you have the trailer loaded to capacity with cargo.
We recommend a car with a max two rating of 4500 lbs. at least.
Things to consider before selecting a towing vehicle for an airstream trailer
With all the numbers to parse and variables to consider, it is no wonder that newbie campers often find themselves at wit’s end trying to determine whether their vehicle is sufficient to tow their trailers.
If you are at that juncture, here are a few more pointers to help you make an informed decision.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to KEdRevs
The Towing Package
Your vehicle will come with a towing package. But often, it may not be the best option for your trailer.
On other occasions, it may not be in the best of shape.
Knowing what constitutes a good towing package will make things easier for you if you ever need an aftermarket one.
The Hitch: Nowadays, the Hitch is used as a catchall phrase to describe the three components needed to tow a trailer. So, your SUV or truck may have a hitch installed on it. But don’t be surprised; the mechanic tells you you must buy a better hitch. He may mean one of the components that we will discuss below.
Receiver: One of these parts is a hitch receiver, which can be mounted on either the vehicle’s bumper or frame.
A vehicle’s untied Hitch might suffice for lightweight trailers used to tow small boats and PWCs. An airstream will uproot it off the frame. So you need one that’s welded to that.
The receiver will have a square socket made of stainless steel that can vary in size. The bigger it is, the more weight it can carry.
The steel used to make this frame will range from Class I to Class V.
For airstream trailers, look for a frame with at least Class 3 steel.
Ball Mount: The Hitch Ball mount is a mechanism that fits into the receiver and is locked into place using a hitch pin. The ball mount distributes the weight of the trailer evenly.
There are different types of ball mounts. The simple ones are nothing but a shaft.
For an airstream, you need a weight-distributing hitch or a sway-control hitch, which have mechanisms that help control the trailer’s sway and curb unnecessary movement.
Hitch Ball: The last component is a hitch ball, which fits and locks into the coupler. The coupler, in turn, attaches to the tongue of the trailer.
The coupler and tongue are part of the trailer and not the Hitch.
The weight-distributed Hitch
Airstream highly recommends a weight-distributed hitch for towing all its trailers. It is legally required in many parts of the world if you tow a trailer that weighs more than 2000 lbs.
A weight-distributed hitch helps maintain a level plain between the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Without this, the trailer will fishtail, affecting the control and braking of the towing vehicle.
Sway is when the trailer moves from side to side, even on straight roads. This can occur due to numerous reasons. The commonest is crosswind coming from the sides due to passing vehicles or wind conditions.
Sway control hitches feature extra struts attached to steel springs to control tension. These increase the horizontal resistance on the tension bars, thereby holding sway.
Aftermarket sway control bars can be added to any weight-distributing hitch.
Types of Towing Vehicles
Three categories of vehicles can be used to tow an airstream. There are trucks, Vans, and SUVs.
Trucks: As it would be evident by now, these are the gold standard for towing trailers and have the maximum towing capacity of the three. So, if you are looking at a trailer over 30′, you need a truck to tow it. The advantages of a car go beyond pulling a heavy load. Most modern trucks come with 4WD and can be terrific off-roading vehicles when you aren’t camping. You don’t hear ½ ton and ¾ ton thrown around while describing pickups. You’d be happy to know that most trucks these days average a ton and more and can easily tow a fully loaded 30-footer.
SUVs: Most airstream models, except the largest ones, can be towed with the proper SUVs. SUVs are a comfortable middle-ground as they are typically built on the same chassis as trucks but offer the best comforts. So, you have climate control, TV screens, and other modern paraphernalia with a beefy frame and sufficient max tow rating. However, there’s a catch. Yothere’sery quickly overstuffs the SUV with cargo and overloads the payload. Also, these are the most expensive options.
Vans: Vans are probably most people’s last choice for a towing vehicle. But you’d be surprised if you look at their max tow ratings. Most large vans can tow a 30-foot trailer. Medium-sized ones can haul 30’st Airstreams. An advantage is that these spacious cabins offer sufficient room for cargo and a large family. Can you even park your RV at a camp and go off-road in the van? Head up to some remote camping locations where the RV can’t go. Vans aren’t as expensive as Scan’t. You might want to compromise on some of the luxury additions, though.
Diesel vs. Gas
The Diesel vs. Gas debate will rage on forever. There’s enough literature about this on the Internet already. So we don’t have much to say about this.
It’sdon’tective. Some campers love dies, and some gassers diss it at every opportunity.
Diesel will give you more pulling power and increase the longevity of your engine. The caveat is that it costs more to maintain in prime condition. Also, not every gas station on the route may stock it.
Gas is well, gas.
Pick what works for you.
Closing thoughts
That’s it, folks. We hope that you enjoyed that save. Do you have questions or suggestions? Please give us a holler in the comments box.
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