1969 airstream land yacht weight

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Airstream Trailer Weight: a Guide with Stats for Each Model

Published on July 28th, 2020 by Levi Henley (Full-Time RVer, Content Manager and Media Specialist for RV LIFE)

People see advertisements with mid-size SUVs connected to 25-foot travel trailers. Yet when they see something like an Airstream Caravel in a similar ad, it’s connected to a full-size SUV. Many wonder how much does a 25-foot airstream trailer weigh and why the difference? We’ll show you the average Airstream trailer weight in a guide with stats with each model.

When you look at how much an Airstream Bambi trailer weighs compared to other brands of similar lengths, you’ll see how different they truly are. The construction materials, building methodologies, and components set Airstream apart from all other manufactures in the RV industry.

This difference is part of the reason why 75% of all Airstreams are still on the road today. If you’re looking to buy one of these iconic RVs, understanding their weight is a great start. You’ll need the right tow vehicle, how much you can load them up, and other important facts to properly care for your travel trailer.

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Airstream trailer weight terminology.

Airstream uses its own terminology to describe various weight values. We’ll define these terms and show you their universally accepted counterparts.

• Unit Base Weight (UBW): UBW is the Dry Weight or Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) of the RV. This is the weight of the coach when it’s completely empty.
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR): The GVWR is a universally accepted term. It is a rating the manufacture publishes telling both official governing bodies and consumers what the maximum amount of weight the RV can hold safely.
• Net Carrying Capacity (NCC): The NCC is universally known as the Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC). It tells owners how much storage weight the coach can hold.
• Hitch Weight (HW): Other manufacturers refer to this as Tongue Weight (TW). This is the pressure put on the hitch of the tow vehicle. The best weight is between 10-15% of the RV’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). If it’s too light, you’ll have a lot of sway. Heavier percentages overstress the vehicle’s suspension and other towing focused parts.

Understanding Tow Weights of Airstream Trailers

Airstreams have three major size levels. All Airstream models within the levels share commonalities that can confuse the untrained eye. Later, we’ll discuss how each model is different from each other.

Meanwhile, to help you start to understand Airstream travel trailers, we’ll show you the shared factors that each level has to help your prepare for the towing weight of an Airstream trailer.

Small Level

There are eight models of Airstream travel trailers. Four of them fall under the small lightest weight Airstream category.

Each one of these models has an average GVWR under 4,700 pounds. They also have lengths ranging from 16 to 22 (21.8) feet.

For those looking to balance pulling power with fuel efficiency, mid-size pickups (also known as a quarter-ton) or full-size SUVs are a great option. Allowing about 1,500 pounds for cargo weight, passenger weight, and driving horsepower, you’ll want a vehicle with a towing capacity with at least 6,200 pounds or more.

Mid-Size Level

The mid-size Airstream models include the Flying Cloud, International, and Globetrotter. All three models measure between 23-30 feet in length and have a GVWR of 7,475 pounds.

The best tow vehicle for a 30-foot Airstream in this level or one of the shorter versions must focus on pulling power. Half-ton trucks are going to be your best option for these travel trailers. If you’re looking for an SUV, the Ford Expedition with the heavy tow package has a capacity of up to 9,300 pounds.

Car manufactures have been doing a lot to make their half-ton pickups more fuel-efficient in recent years. Even with the Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB weight behind it, your truck will get more miles per gallon today than previous year models.

Full-Size Classic

The Classic is the only model that fits in the full-size category. The GVWR is 10,000 pounds and it comes in either 30 or 33 feet in length. Towing this legendary icon takes real muscle.

Three-quarter ton trucks like the Ram 3500 have the power and size to pull the Classic comfortably. This class of truck has a towing capacity of up to 15,000 pounds. Fuel efficiency isn’t calculated for these heavy-duty trucks, but best estimates are 10 city and around 14 highway.

Certain half-ton trucks with heavy towing packages are capable of towing the Classic. The Ford F-150’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has the option to come with a towing capacity of up to 13,000 pounds from the factory. Talk to your truck dealer for more details.

Average Weight by Airstream Model and Other Features

• Average Dry Weight: 3,075 pounds
• Average GVWR: 3,900 pounds
• Average NCC: 850 pounds
• Average HW: 473 pounds
• Floorplans: 4
• Starting Price: $38,400

The Basecamp series started in 2016 and quickly became Airstream’s top-selling model. It started with the 16-foot model. Recently the 20-foot model came into the world with two multi-functional dinettes that fold down for additional sleeping space for four people.

The new “X” version allows your Basecamp to go off-road. The rear hatch allows you to store long items down the center aisle while you’re traveling.

Airstream does a great job keeping the Basecamp protected with the front corner rockguards. They also place all of hookup connections strategically so your mini Silver Bullet looks sleek and stylish driving down the road.

• Average Dry Weight: 3,350 pounds
• Average GVWR: 4,000 pounds
• Average NCC: 700 pounds
• Average HW: 375 pounds
• Starting Price: $42,900

Aluminum and Airstream are like peanut butter and jelly. When you think of this RV manufacturer, everyone’s first thought is of an airplane-quality aluminum shell with rounded edges in a twinkie-shaped design. That’s until the Nest came along.

Airstream wanted to try their hand in the fiberglass realm but had little experience with it. Once they found Robert Johans and his design, Airstream knew they had something special. They bought his design, brought him on board, and finished it with the features and quality you would expect from them.

The Nest has a rear entry door, wet bath, and all of the features you could ask for in a 16-foot trailer. It comes with either a front bed or a front dinette that folds down. Critics generally prefer the memory foam bed over the dinette when it comes to comfort, but having the versatility of a U-shaped dinette is worth buying a simple bed topper.

Another interesting point is its overall weight. The Airstream Nest weight (4,000 pounds)is heavier than the Bambi 16-foot version (3,500), but lighter than the 22-foot version (5,000 pounds). The advantage with the Nest is having the same feature of the 22-foot Bambi in the 16-foot Nest.

• Average Dry Weight: 3,050 pounds
• Average GVWR: 4,250 pounds
• Average NCC: 925 pounds
• Average HW: 485 pounds
• Starting Price: $49,900

The name “Bambi” has a diverse history with Airstream. In 1961, the company launched a small single-axle travel trailer named Bambi in response to consumers’ desire for smaller travel trailers. After that model fazed out of production, the name continued as a nickname for any small, single-axle Airstream.

A popular model from 2009-2019 was the Airstream Sport. They brought the Bambi back a few years ago in its 16-foot incarnation. Since the new Bambi and Caravel were so similar to the Sport, in 2019, Airstream decided to stop production of the Sport, and expand the Bambi increasing the line to include lengths up to 22 feet.

The Airstream Bambi comes in a 16 rear bed, 19 rear corner bed, or 20 and 22 front bed configuration. It’s the first model that has the traditional Airstream shape. The bright cabinetry and overall interior make it look spacious. The overall features are more standard-issue than it’s sister coach but meet the high bar of Airstream quality.

• Average Dry Weight: 3,900 pounds
• Average GVWR: 4,650 pounds
• Average HW: 528 pounds
• Starting Price: $62,200

Airstream founder, Wally Byam, had two recreational loves. RVs and boats. That’s why he named the Caravel after a sailing ship. He wanted his customers to feel like they were experiencing the same features of a yacht. This model has stayed in production since 1956.

When you compare the Caravel to the Bambi, you’ll notice upgraded amenities that tip the weight scale a little bit. The floorplans and lengths are the same. Differences include a panoramic rear window, electric hitch jack, and other components of improved luxury.

Unlike the Bambi, you’ll find side and rear awnings for the windows. The Caravel also has a front corner rock guard and a windshield protection shield to maintain shell integrity. This RV also has a classier interior look with name brand components and other high-end touches.

Flying Cloud

• Average Dry Weight: 5,639 pounds
• Average GVWR: 7,400 pounds
• Average NCC: 1,761 pounds
• Average HW: 781 pounds
• Floorplans: 14
• Starting Price: $78,900

Airstream advertised the Flying Cloud as the RV that “flys behind your car” in the 1950s. Airstream played on their aircraft-quality aluminum shells. Decades later, the Flying Cloud returned for today’s RVers to become the most versatile and family-friendly travel trailer in their lineup.

The Flying Cloud now has 14 different floorplans that come in:

• Rear queen bed
• Front queen bed
• Rear corner queen bed
• Rear double twins beds
• Front double twins beds
• Rear lower full size and upper twin size bunk bed

The sofas and dinettes fold-down/out for additional sleeping space allowing large families to sleep up to eight people. Even though Airstreams don’t have slideouts, these travel trailers make great use of space to give everyone their own personal space.

Some of the unique features include a rear hatch on 25 and 27 front bed floorplan to store long items while you’re traveling. There are plenty of USB charging ports and the latest in entertainment technology to keep everyone happy on rainy days. You’ll have all the storage you need for personal items and food to keep your brood’s bellies full.

International

• Floorplans: 12
• Starting Price: $91,900

In 1958, Wally Byam and his team introduced the International as the first self-contained travel trailer that was battery powered. It was one of the first RVs that had the capability to boondock with electricity.

Today’s International is the luxury version of the Flying Cloud. It has the same length options (23-30 feet) but doesn’t have the bunk bed or 30-foot rear bed options. Many of the luxury options you find on the Caravel come on the International.

The forest or seashore inspired natural interior brings the outdoors in. You can enhance your experience by allowing the breeze to flow through the coach through all the windows. As you enjoy your new book, you can let the smells and sounds of nature relax you.

When the temperature isn’t ideal, both the air conditioner and heater give you that perfect temperature. The low profile A/C doesn’t have an interior section that sticks out from the ceiling, so you have the best aesthetic look and still receive efficient performance.

Globetrotter

• Average Dry Weight: 6,144 pounds
• Average GVWR: 7,550 pounds
• Average NCC: 1,407 pounds
• Average HW: 818 pounds
• Floorplans: 8
• Starting Price: $96,400

The Globetrotter is unique in its own right due to its adventurous origins. To further advertise his product, and go on a grand adventure Airstream hit Europe by storm. Wally Byam and his friend Cornelius Vanderbilt took a 22-foot model in the 1950s and set out for a worldwide adventure starting in Europe to show how durable his trailer was.

To memorialize that great trek, today’s Globetrotter comes with European-inspired interiors with lengths between 23-30 feet in length. Floorplans feature front or rear bed features. You can choose between the queen or the double twin beds.

The dark wood walls are offset by the bright cabinetry and flooring. Stainless steel appliances and trim give the coach a finished look of high-class appeal. This land yacht travel trailer look has the sophistication that fits the best French districts or contemporary styling of the best crafted Scandinavian decor.

• Average Dry Weight: 8,025 pounds
• Average GVWR: 10,000 pounds
• Average NCC: 1,976 pounds
• Average HW: 1,031 pounds
• Starting Price: $157,400

The Classic is an amalgamation of many of Airstream’s previous models. They took the best ideas, the most iconic look, and rolled it into this 30 to 33-foot travel trailer. You’ll see hints of the Argosy, Safari, and Land Yacht. Today’s Classic gets most of its DNA from the 1980s Excella.

The 30-foot version comes in either a rear queen or double twin. The 33-foot has a front queen or double twin. Despite its size, it only sleeps up to five people. The reason for this is its overall purpose. The Classic is primarily designed for full-timers that want that combination of functionality with iconic style.

It features components like a full dry bathroom that takes up the rear section of the coach. A real desk space for those that work from home. Residential size appliances that allow a couple to live comfortable for weeks without restocking. It now comes with a wifi package and mobile device app to control and stay connected to your coach while you’re away.

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About the author:.

Levi Henley, RV LIFE’s Content Manager and WordPress specialist, is renowned for his expertise in RVing and workamping, having lived on the road since 2015. He’s the author of the popular guide “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It” , a testament to his deep knowledge in the RV community. For more insights into Levi’s nomadic lifestyle and expertise, visit Henley’s Happy Trails .

Levi Henley: Content Manager, Media Specialist at RV LIFE

Levi Henley stands at the forefront of RV-centric content, wearing multiple hats as a Content Manager and Media Specialist for the RV LIFE network. With his deep-rooted expertise in RVing, workamping, and the full-time nomadic lifestyle, Levi has been writing about and living the lifestyle since he hit the road in 2015 with his wife Natalie.

Their journey, punctuated by innovative approaches to nomadic income, has culminated in the guide, " Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It ," a testament to their hands-on experience and knowledge. This resource, available on Amazon and through their personal website, Henley's Happy Trails , offers invaluable insights into the mobile lifestyle. Levi's has written for RV industry media key organizations like Coach-Net, Escapees, and Workamper News.

Beyond his professional prowess, Levi is a man of diverse talents and interests. He's not only an actor and magician but also a certified scuba diving instructor. His adventures across the country in a 2011 Sunstar Itasca, accompanied by Natalie and their two feline companions and rambunctious dog, embody the spirit of exploration and lifelong learning.

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Remembering Airstream’s fanciest trailer: the Land Yacht

The nautically-themed trailer is out of production, but its memory lives on in other Airstream models

Airstream trailers have been nicknamed a lot of things: the Silver Bullet, a Toaster-on-Wheels, and even the Silver Twinkie. But the now iconic American aluminum trailer—especially its largest models—has also been known as a “land yacht,” thanks to its high-end design reminiscent of the largest ships on the sea.

Airstream lived up to this title in 2014 when it debuted what it called “the most luxurious Airstream ever conceived.” The special edition model—the Land Yacht 28 —boasted three rooms and was designed with the help of Mauro Micheli, head designer at yacht design firm Officina Italiana Design , with cabinetry from the Italian firm Tecnoform.

All of that impressive pedigree meant one thing for the Land Yacht: It was fancy. Designed to resemble a luxury watercraft, the 28-foot trailer slept six and came with boat-deck plank flooring, LED lighting, and Corian countertops. The master bedroom boasted a pillow top queen mattress, a 30-inch flatscreen, and plenty of under-the-bed storage.

The technology and decor was also first class. A powered pedestal table moved the dining room table out of the way to free up space, and a powered outdoor awning made shade accessible. The interior came in two color options, dark wood and cream or a lighter wood with dark grey seating fabric.

The Land Yacht started at $146,362 and because it was a special edition model, it had limited production.

“It doesn’t come down to how many Special Edition units we sell, it’s about creating truly unique models that allow our team, and those we partner with a creative outlet to try new ideas,” said Bryan Melton, General Manager of travel trailers at Airstream.

“When you remove certain constraints, you allow engineers and designers to maximize their creativity. The results are truly special, like the Land Yacht, which continue to make strong statements within Airstream’s prolific history.”

Not long after the debut of the Land Yacht, Airstream took many of that model’s favorite qualities and added them to the remodeled Classic trailer and their new line of Class-B luxury touring coaches . Today, the Land Yacht is still on the product page of Airstream’s website , but according to a reputable Airstream dealer in Colorado, the only Land Yachts still left for sale are in Canada.

For many Airstream fanatics, the Land Yacht will go down as one of the fanciest—and best designed—trailers in the company’s history. Take a 360-degree tour, over here .

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• Mountain Wed

The Silver Egg is for Sale!

Make/Model: 1969 Airstream Overlander, International Land Yacht

Length/Weight: 27 feet, approx 4,400 lbs dry

Asking Price: SOLD

Current Location: Asheville, NC   (ask us about delivery)

Our beautiful Airstream has been touring the country and is ready to go for summer camping, full-time RVing, or for use as an off-grid tiny home/Airbnb. It has been lovingly restored with an eye towards preserving as many vintage elements as possible, however all core systems have been upgraded, checked, and modernized for safety and efficiency.

1969 was a terrific year for Airstreams and this International Land Yacht features original hardwood veneer cabinetry (American walnut) and streamlined mid-century modern design throughout. It is lightweight, easy to tow, and has been our full-time home and design studio for the past two years. If you’re looking for off-grid capacity this trailer is outfitted for you! During our time on the road we used the power from our solar panels and propane system almost exclusively, although the trailer is fully equipped to plug in for nights at the RV park.

Features/Upgrades

• Axels and brakes new in 2015 , professionally installed (3,500lb capacity each)
• Tires new and bearings repacked in August 2017 (about 1700 miles on them)
• Pex plumbing throughout, new bath fixtures
• Brand new Thetford toilet
• Refrigerator new in 2015 (runs on propane and electric)
• Reconditioned Armstrong AC with new blade and motor (blows ice cold)
• New 30 gallon fresh water tank
• Newer water pump
• New countertops in 2015
• New 6-gallon hot-water heater in 2015 (propane)
• New custom designed front dinette with bench storage (table lowers to second bed)
• New custom upholstery (Sunbrella stain-resistant fabric) and new high-density foam
• New custom reclaimed oak table top (made in Asheville, NC by The Old Wood Company )
• Luxury foam mattress with bamboo topper
• Wave 6 Catalytic Safety heater
• Two rain-sensing Fan-Tastic fans
• Two re-certified 40lb propane tanks
• Custom blackout shades and linen curtains
• Original propane three burner stove and oven (both work great!)
• Complete three-stage exterior polish 2015 and re-polish in 2016
• Freshly painted interior

Solar Power System

• Four Renogy 100-watt solar panels installed on roof with tilting brackets for maximum efficiency
• Aims 2000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter/Charger 
• Renogy 40 Amp Commander MPPT Solar Charge Controller w/ MT-50 remote display
• Two 6V AGM 256AH deep cycle batteries   (VMAX Tanks) with life span of 8 to 10 years (new in 2016)

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The Airstream Land Yacht is One Trailer You Have to See

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To strengthen the Land Yacht theme, Airstream consulted with Mauro Micheli, the acclaimed yacht designer for prestigious Riva Yachts

Airstream has an interesting history of building Special Edition models. In past years, they have offered the contemporary Eddie Bauer Edition as well as the rustic-themed Pendleton National Park Service Edition. One of the latest selective models to be conceived – and a departure from its other special trailer predecessors – is the Land Yacht 28, which was introduced in late 2014 and has achieved plenty of attention across the highways of North America.

Every special edition model that the company devises carries a distinct theme. What makes the Land Yacht so unique this time around is it was inspired by Airstream leaders of past and present – late company founder Wally Byam and current President and CEO Bob Wheeler as both share a passion for recreational sailing. As Byam inspired many traditional Airstream designs from his passion of travel – on and off the water over the years – Wheeler and his design team commemorated that passion into the Land Yacht 28.

The exterior of the Land Yacht.

To strengthen the Land Yacht theme, Airstream consulted with Mauro Micheli, the acclaimed yacht designer for prestigious Riva Yachts and co-founder of Oficinia Italian Design firm based in Italy. The results were the iconic Airstream profile on the outside with a clean, modern and stylish interior with several forms of function on the inside.

“The Land Yacht is unique as we teamed with Mauro Micheli,” said Bryan Melton, General Manager, Travel Trailers for Airstream, Inc. “With our engineering input, he and his team created the design elements. Our goal was to have a super clean, beautifully appointed interior with attention to every detail. For example, he designed the fridge and freezer to be concealed behind a padded panel, while the cooktop and sink in the galley are concealed with a wood enclosure and built-in aluminum back splashes. They are all hidden providing a refined appearance, yet are easily accessed when they need to be used.”

“Airstream’s Bryan Melton explained that only 45 Land Yachts were scheduled to be built when the model was first introduced. There are only 12 left in the market place across North America and the last one – number 45 – will be completed at the end of September.”

Other key appointments are found in the lavy. While it’s not uncommon for Airstream trailers to feature the shower and toilet/sink in separate areas of the unit, the Land Yacht has an all-encompassing lavy with the essential components in the same space – with fit and finish executed to the tiniest of detail. Another functional design includes the master bedroom. It comes complete with a power memory foam, pillow top queen mattress, plus under bed storage, however, the standard 30-inch flatscreen TV is cleverly located behind a two-way mirror allowing two common functions in one small area.

The all-encompassing head that includes a shower, sink, and toilet in one ideal location.

Some Land Yacht Standards Include:

• A powered solid wood dinette table* • Power stabilizers • A premium awning package • Comfortable, convertible seating • Power entry steps, • Induction cooktop • The Quietstream A/C unit* • Interior hardware* • A new bathroom design* (*Airstream Firsts)

“With its features, the Land Yacht has a heavy designer influence that makes it incredibly clean and unique with a strong yacht theme, while still making it functional, practical to use,” said Melton. “That’s really what it’s all about. Special editions are meant to take us outside our comfort zone allowing us to set new boundaries. The reward comes from our customers who are seeking something a little different, and our special edition models provide just that.”

Melton explained that only 45 Land Yachts were scheduled to be built when the model was first introduced. “We build only two a month and have since we began this Special Edition,” he explained.  There are only 12 left in the market place across North America and the last one – number 45 – will be completed at the end of September.

The Land Yacht is available in two interior colors, Mocha (seen Here) and Polar (shown at top).

“The Land Yacht is kind of an ode to the olden days of Wally (Byam) with his dream and passion of travel, adventure and sailing,” explained Melton. “This model represents the most luxurious Airstream model, with fine detailing and design elements throughout. Once #45 rolls out of the factory, we will temporary suspend the famous Land Yacht badge.”

While Special Edition models from Airstream (including the Land Yacht) have a scheduled life span in the consumer marketplace, the influence and design that are incorporated into these models commonly stay within the Airstream brands. There were a series of features introduced in the Land Yacht, with the most popular being the Quietstream ducted A/C, which has become standard on all but the Sport Airstream models.

“It doesn’t come down to how many Special Edition units we sell, it’s about creating truly unique models that allow our team, and those we partner with a creative outlet to try new ideas.,” said Melton. “When you remove certain constraints, you allow engineers and designers to maximize their creativity. The results are truly special, like the Land Yacht, which continue to make strong statements within Airstream’s prolific history.”

If you have any questions about the company`s Land Yacht Design or wish to join in on the Airstream discussions with other owners be sure to go to AIRForums.com .

Specifications

Length: (exterior):28′ Width: (exterior): 8’5.5″ Height: (exterior) : 9’9″ (w/A/C) Interior width: 8′ 1″ Interior height: 6’6″ (w/A/C) Hitch weight: 842 lbs. (w/LP Batteries) Unit Base Weight: 6,586 lbs. (w/LP, Batteries) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 8,200 Net Carrying Capacity: 1,614lbs. Fresh Water Tank: 39 gal. Gray Water Tank:  37 gal. Black Water Tank: 39 gal. Water Heater w/electronic ignition: 6 gal. Ducted Furnace: 25,000 BTU Sleeping Cap: 1-5