Airstream Travel Trailer Tow Guide
If you are in the market for a new Airstream Travel Trailer, you will need to determine if your current (or future) tow vehicle can be used. Before making a purchase, there are a few key things consider. The below guide outlines the current 2020 Airstream model weights to help determine what Airstream model is right for you and your tow vehicle.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
The GVW is the weight of your fully-loaded travel trailer. This can be determined by the combination of your Airstreams UBW (Unit Base Weight) plus all liquids, propane, passengers, and cargo inside the trailer.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
This is the maximum allowable loaded weight of your tow vehicle or Airstream, as determined by the manufacturer. GVWR includes the weight of passengers, cargo, and the vehicle itself. Exceeding the GVWR poses significant risks as it makes the vehicle difficult to control, slow, or stop.
Tow Rating
The Tow Rating is set by the vehicle manufacturer as the maximum weight that can safely be towed by a vehicle. The weight of your trailer plus the weight of your vehicle (including cargo and liquids in the tanks) should not exceed this rating.
Net Carrying Capacity (NCC)
The Net Carrying Capacity is the total weight that your Airstream can carry, including cargo and passengers. NCC does not include the weight of the trailer itself. It is important to never overload your Airstream, doing so can create a dangerous amount of inertia, making it difficult to stop. Over time the extra weight can also damage the suspension, frame, and tow hitch.
Unit Base Weight (UBW)
The Unit Base Weight, which is also called “dry weight,” is how much the Airstream travel trailer weighs with standard equipment from the factory. This does not include any fluids or cargo.
Hitch Weight
Hitch Weight, also called Tongue Weight, is the amount of weight a trailer’s tongue places on the tow vehicle’s hitch. Because the hitch is attached to the tow vehicle’s frame, exceeding this weight rating will push the rear of the tow vehicle down and unweight the front axle. This will result in difficulty steering, possible loss of traction, and difficulty stopping. If you are close to your tow vehicle’s Hitch Weight limit, consider a Weight Distribution Hitch, this can help spread the weight and level out your Airstream.
The below guide can be used when exploring different 2020 Airstream Travel Trailers and potential compatibility with tow vehicles.
| Airstream Travel Trailer | GVWR | NCC | UBW | Hitch Weight |
| Classic 30RB | 10,000 | 2,212 | 7,788 | 866 |
| Classic 30RB Twin | 10,000 | 2,212 | 7,788 | 866 |
| Classic 33FB | 10,000 | 1,739 | 8,261 | 1,175 |
| Classic 33FB Twin | 10,000 | 1,739 | 8,261 | 1,175 |
| Globetrotter® 23FB | 6,300 | 1,003 | 5,297 | 591 |
| Globetrotter® 23FB Twin | 6,300 | 1,003 | 5,297 | 591 |
| Globetrotter® 25FB | 7,300 | 1,226 | 6,074 | 882 |
| Globetrotter® 25FB Twin | 7,300 | 1,226 | 6,074 | 882 |
| Globetrotter® 27FB | 7,600 | 1,342 | 6,258 | 871 |
| Globetrotter® 27FB Twin | 7,600 | 1,342 | 6,258 | 871 |
| Globetrotter® 30RB | 8,800 | 1,810 | 6,990 | 1,045 |
| Globetrotter® 30RB Twin | 8,800 | 1,810 | 6,990 | 1,045 |
| International Serenity 23CB | 6,000 | 1,239 | 4,761 | 664 |
| International Serenity 23FB | 6,000 | 1,194 | 4,806 | 439 |
| International Serenity 25FB | 7,300 | 1,797 | 5,503 | 837 |
| International Serenity 25RB | 7,300 | 1,700 | 5,600 | 835 |
| International Serenity 25RB Twin | 7,300 | 1,700 | 5,600 | 835 |
| International Serenity 27FB | 7,600 | 1,732 | 5,868 | 791 |
| International Serenity 27FB Twin | 7,600 | 1,732 | 5,868 | 791 |
| International Serenity 28RB | 7,600 | 1,621 | 5,979 | 897 |
| International Serenity 28RB Twin | 7,600 | 1,621 | 5,979 | 897 |
| International Serenity 30RB | 8,800 | 2,283 | 6,517 | 898 |
| International Serenity 30RB Twin | 8,800 | 2,283 | 6,517 | 898 |
| Flying Cloud 23CB | 6,000 | 1,239 | 4,761 | 654 |
| Flying Cloud 23CB Bunk | 6,000 | 1,179 | 4,821 | 654 |
| Flying Cloud 23FB | 6,000 | 1,194 | 4,806 | 467 |
| Flying Cloud 25FB | 7,300 | 1,797 | 5,503 | 837 |
| Flying Cloud 25FB Twin | 7,300 | 1,797 | 5,503 | 837 |
| Flying Cloud 25RB | 7,300 | 1,700 | 5,600 | 835 |
| Flying Cloud 25RB Twin | 7,300 | 1,700 | 5,600 | 835 |
| Flying Cloud 26RB | 7,600 | 1,627 | 5,973 | 903 |
| Flying Cloud 26RB Twin | 7,600 | 1,627 | 5,973 | 903 |
| Flying Cloud 27FB | 7,600 | 1,732 | 5,868 | 791 |
| Flying Cloud 27FB Twin | 7,600 | 1,732 | 5,868 | 791 |
| Flying Cloud 28RB | 7,600 | 1,621 | 5,979 | 899 |
| Flying Cloud 28RB Twin | 7,600 | 1,621 | 5,979 | 899 |
| Flying Cloud 30FB Bunk | 8,800 | 2,243 | 6,557 | 903 |
| Flying Cloud 30RB | 8,800 | 2,283 | 6,517 | 899 |
| Flying Cloud 30RB Twin | 8,800 | 2,283 | 6,517 | 899 |
| Caravel 16RB | 4,300 | 800 | 3,500 | 490 |
| Caravel 19CB | 5,000 | 1,000 | 4,000 | 550 |
| Caravel 20FB | 5,000 | 700 | 4,300 | 565 |
| Caravel 22FB | 5,000 | 800 | 4,200 | 525 |
| Bambi 16RB | 3,500 | 500 | 3,000 | 430 |
| Bambi 19CB | 5,000 | 1,350 | 3,650 | 525 |
| Bambi 20FB | 5,000 | 1,000 | 4,000 | 540 |
| Bambi 22FB | 5,000 | 1,100 | 3,900 | 500 |
| Nest by Airstream™ 16FB | 4,000 | 700 | 3,300 | 375 |
| Nest by Airstream™ 16U | 4,000 | 700 | 3,300 | 375 |
| Basecamp® | 3,500 | 915 | 2,585 | 410 |
| Basecamp® X | 3,500 | 865 | 2,635 | 435 |
If you have any questions or would like more information about Airstream towing, give us a call at 1-800-265-9019. You can also view our Current Inventory to see all of our Airstream models.
