Airstream trailers can be a pretty great option of travel trailers. They’re aerodynamic, pretty well set for great adventures, and have a nice and sleek design. The important thing to keep in mind, however, is that they are trailers that attach to the back of your vehicle, so the weight of whichever model of Airstream trailer you end up choosing does matter.
The average weight of an Airstream trailer is 2,500-10,000 pounds:
- 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.
Along with the base weights, though, there are a few other weights to keep in mind if you’re preparing to tow an Airstream trailer. Here’s a quick guide for the different weights for each Airstream model.
A Quick Explanation of the Weights
The first thing you need to know before looking into a weight guide for Airstream trailers is that they have all sorts of different weights and terms to describe those weights. It can get confusing really fast. That’s why we’re going to start out with breaking it all down a bit.
The four different weights for an Airstream trailer 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 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 weight is important because it helps you to know which size and weight to get for your hitch.
Unit Base Weight: This is sometimes referred to as the dry weight. It is the amount it weighs as it comes off the assembly line, meaning that it is completely empty of any equipment or personal items.
Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR): GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum weight the trailer could possibly weigh once it has been packed with all of the cargo and personal items. It is the combined weight of the unit base weight and the weight of all the gear and personal items packed inside.
Net Carrying Capacity: This is the maximum weight that a trailer can handle carrying. This includes the weight of any propane tanks, water tanks, camping gear, and anything else you might put inside of your trailer.
The Classic Airstream Model
The Classic Airstream model is luxury in a trailer. It provides the comforts and amenities of a basic Class A RV, but you can still tow it easily behind your vehicle.
The floorplans for the Classic Airstream range between 30 to 33 feet and include spacious areas for cooking, dining, lounging, bathroom, and bedroom. It sleeps up to 5 people.
Here is a quick walkthrough of the newest 2019 Airstream Classic.
If you ask me, the Classic model is a pretty great option.
The table below lists the different weights that are important to keep in mind when preparing to tow the Classic Airstream
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 886 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 7,788 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 10,000 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 2,212 lbs. |
As you can see in the table, the hitch weight for this specific Airstream model is 886 pounds. This means that the trailer will put 886 pounds of pressure just onto the trailer hitch.
With a unit base weight of 7,788 pounds and a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, it is one of the heavier Airstream models. This is important to keep in mind when getting ready to use it for camping because towing vehicles tend to have limited towing capacities.
Some basic vehicles that are capable of towing an Airstream Classic include most modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans. Of course, there could be other vehicles out there that are capable of towing the Airstream Classic.
You’ll just need to check that the maximum towing capacity for the towing vehicle is at least 10,000 pounds or higher.
The Globetrotter Model
The Airstream Globetrotter trailer has a sleek, modern style on both inside and out. It is perfectly aerodynamic, and the interior design has influences from all over Europe. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and style.
The Airstream Globetrotter comes with a bedroom area that can have either a queen-sized bed or two twin beds, a kitchen area, bathroom area, and a lounging/dining area.
The different floorplans can be 23 feet, 25 feet, or 27 feet in length.
Here is a video of a quick walk through the 2019 Airstream Globetrotter.
As you can tell from the video, the Airstream Globetrotter is a pretty great model.
Here are the specs and weights for this specific Airstream model that should especially be helpful when it comes to preparing to tow the trailer behind your vehicle.
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 591 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 5,297 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 6,300 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 1,003 lbs. |
As you can tell from the table above, the Airstream Globetrotter is one of the more mid-range models as far as size and weight go.
Once again, some good options for towing vehicles for this trailer include modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans. You might even be able to tow it with certain models of jeeps, depending on the maximum towing capacity.
The International Serenity Model
The Airstream International Serenity trailer is a bit smaller and lighter than the Globetrotter, but it still offers a sort of peaceful and soothing comfort from both the exterior and interior.
The floorplans are nice and spacious to make it feel like the serene outdoors. It includes a large sleeping area, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a lounging/dining area.
Here is a video that will give you a quick walkthrough of the 2019 Airstream International Serenity.
In case you couldn’t tell from the video, the Airstream International Serenity offers “sanctuary on wheels” and all of the beauty and comfort you might imagine for a sanctuary.
The table below will provide specific numbers for the trailer’s different weights.
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 664 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 4,761 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 6,000 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 1,239 lbs. |
As you can see, the Airstream International Serenity is also one of Airstream’s mid-range models in terms of weight and sizing. It is the perfect size for most trucks, SUVs or cargo vans. It also fits within the towing capacity for a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Flying Cloud Model
The Airstream Flying Cloud trailer is one of the most popular and family-friendly models just because it offers so many different floor plans to choose from to make sure that your specific Airstream Flying cloud is absolutely perfect for you and your family.
The different floorplans vary between 23 feet to 30 feet with options for bunk beds, twin beds, or queen-sized beds.
Here is a nice video that will walk you through the 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud.
As you can see in the video, the Airstream Flying Cloud is rather versatile and a great option for families.
The different weights for the Airstream Flying Cloud are listed in the table below.
| Specs | 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 a Unit Base Weight of 3,582 pounds, the Airstream Flying Cloud is on the lighter end of the mid-range models, which is why it’s called the Flying Cloud. It can easily “float” around like a cloud being towed by your towing vehicle.
Some options that will work well as a towing vehicle include the sort of bulkier Jeeps, like a Jeep Grand Cherokee, most modern trucks, cargo vans, and SUVs.
The Caravel Model
The Airstream Caravel is the starting model of the smaller and lighter models. Though it is smaller than the other models that we have already discussed, it still comes with the great comfort, sleek look, and modern interior that Airstream offers with any model.
The smallest floor plan starts out at 16 feet, and there are also options for 19 feet, 20 feet, and 22 feet. The Airstream Caravel is great for a quick weekend getaway or even an extended stay.
Here is a quick walk through the new 2020 Airstream Caravel.
I don’t know about you, but I think that the Airstream Caravel is a perfectly petite option for Airstream trailers.
In the table below, you will find specific weights for the Airstream Caravel.
| Specs | 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 see in the table, the Airstream Caravel is significantly lighter than one of the larger models, like the Airstream Classic.
Its light weight and small size makes it perfect to be towed behind even a Jeep Cherokee just because its GVWR doesn’t even hit the maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for the Jeep Cherokee.
Once again, it can also be towed behind modern trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans.
The Bambi Model
The Airstream Bambi trailer is a lightweight, single-axle trailer. Similar to the Airstream Caravel, it has a petite size, but it still comes with a spacious interior.
This trailer offers four-floor plans: 16 feet, 19 feet, 20 feet, and 22 feet. Each floor plan includes nice sleeping space, kitchen area, convertible dinette space, and a bathroom.
The Airstream Bambi is perfect for couples who want a nice getaway or a small family.
Here is a video that will give you a quick walk through the 2020 Airstream Bambi.
As you can tell from the video, the Bambi line did replace the Airstream Sport line, mostly in name. It may be small in size, but it is mighty in comfort and style.
The table below lists the different weights you should keep in mind when preparing to tow the Airstream Bambi.
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 430 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 2,900 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 3,500 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 600 lbs. |
Based on the weights listed in the table, the Airstream Bambi is pretty light-weight, which makes it fantastic for towing. In my opinion, the smaller and lighter the trailer is, the easier it is to tow.
Similar to the Caravel, this trailer easily fits within the towing capacity range of the Jeep Cherokee as well as most trucks, SUVs, and cargo vans. If you keep your cargo light, you could potentially even tow it with select minivans like the Kia Sedona.
The Nest by Airstream
The Nest by Airstream is a very unique model compared to its fellow Airstream trailers just because it has a fiberglass body compared to the usual aluminum exterior.
The white fiberglass exterior is a breath of fresh air from the normal silver color, and it gives it a rather contemporary look.
Similar to the lightness of its body, the interior also has a rather light and airy feel to it to complete the modern look while tying in the airiness of the great outdoors.
The Nest trailer has two different floor plans that are both 16 feet. One has the option of a fixed bed, and the other has the option of a U-shaped dinette that can convert into a bed.
Both floor plans allow for a kitchen area, a small bathroom, and lots of storage space.
Here is a quick video that will walk you through the 2019 Nest by Airstream.
As you can tell from the video, the interior of the Nest trailer is close and cozy, but it’s still a great option.
The table below includes the weights specific to the Nest by Airstream. Once again, it is important to keep these weights in mind along with weight capacity for your hitch and towing capacity for your towing vehicle when preparing to tow this trailer.
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 375 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 3,400 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 4,000 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 600 lbs. |
As you can see in the table, the Nest by Airstream isn’t exactly as light as the Airstream Bambi, even though they do have their similarities in sizing.
As that is, it is still perfectly towable for larger vans, jeeps, trucks, and SUVs. Due to just the unit base weight, however, I would not recommend trying to tow this trailer with a minivan just because it is a bit to close to the maximum towing capacity.
The Basecamp Model
The Airstream Basecamp trailer is a bit small and basic, but it is perfect for adventure.
If you’ve read my article about which campers you can tow with a Jeep Wrangler, you might remember that I particularly enjoy the Airstream Basecamp for its petite size and simplicity.
In a way, you might consider it to be Airstream’s take on the Teardrop travel trailer.
Despite being one of the smallest Airstream models, the floor plan still includes a bathroom, a kitchen, and a nice lounge area that can turn into a bed.
Here is a video that will walk you through the 2019 Airstream Basecamp.
As you can see from the video, the Airstream Basecamp may be small, but it is resilient and ready for any adventure you take it on.
In the table below, you will find specific numbers for the different weights of the Airstream Basecamp.
| Specs | Weight |
| Hitch Weight | 410 lbs. |
| Unit Base Weight | 2,585 lbs. |
| Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) | 3,500 lbs. |
| Net Carrying Capacity | 915 lbs. |
Based on the table, you might see that the Airstream Basecamp, as far as weight goes, is very similar to the Airstream Bambi. The difference is that the Airstream Basecamp has a lighter Unit Base Weight and can carry significantly more weight than the Airstream Bambi.
Between the lighter base weight and the higher carrying capacity, that is what makes it so optimal for taking this trailer out on more extreme adventures.
Some options for towing vehicles for this trailer include the Jeep Wrangler, along with many of the larger Jeeps, trucks, SUVs, cargo vans, and the occasional minivan.
