By Cheri Sicard
In the video below we join Patrick Botticelli, Airstream brand manager for Colonial Airstream in Millstone Township, New Jersey, for a tour of the lithium-powered Airstream Trade Wind™ travel trailer. If you were familiar with the Trade Wind trailers Airstream built in the ’50s and ’60s, this is the new-and-improved modern version that takes advantage of new technologies to make an off-grid Airstream like never before.
The model Patrick is showing is the 25FB (referring to front bedroom). The Airstream Trade Wind trailer in the video has a queen-sized bed, but know that this trailer is also available with twin beds instead.
Other interesting options are a rear hatch door that completely opens up the back of the trailer, as well as having a composting toilet.
Patrick says the Airstream Trade Wind is priced between an International and the Globetrotter, but its feature level is one step above the Airstream Flying Cloud.
This off-grid-capable trailer has more power potential than any other in Airstream’s 92-year history. It is fully inverted, meaning it has a 3000-watt inverter and every outlet on board runs off the inverter system. It carries an internal heated Battle Born lithium battery bank with 810Ah and has 600 watts of rooftop solar.
Inside, the large front U-shaped seating area, surrounded by panoramic windows, can be a living room, dining room, or additional sleeping area.
In the kitchen, you will find a nice large square sink set in a laminate countertop. There’s a 3-burner Furrion cooktop. While a gas oven is standard, you can upgrade to a convection microwave. There’s a 12-volt Norcold compressor-style fridge.
There’s a built-in space for a trash can (always a conundrum in RVs), a pull-out pantry, and they even left a space under the counter for the dog’s dish and water bowl.
I love the layout of this trailer with a center split bathroom and a rear bedroom, as it really offers a degree of privacy between the sleeping areas.
The back bedroom features an east/west bed, but you are able to walk around it. Underneath you’ll find a ton of storage. Panoramic windows also surround this area.
More nice features of the Airstream Trade Wind
- Fully ducted 30,000 BTU propane furnace
- Fully ducted 15,000 BTU air conditioner
- Suburban tankless water heater
- Insulated and weather-sealed exterior compartments
- Hinged stainless steel front rock guards
- Tinted tempered glass windows all around
- Wired for additional external solar panels
- Outdoor shower
- Full blackout curtains
- The large awning shades the entire length of the trailer
- Wireless backup camera
- Heated holding tanks
- Built-in clothesline in the shower
- Premium memory foam mattress
What can be improved?
I think it’s an amazing trailer, but then, as a lifelong Airstream fanatic, I admit to being less than unbiased.
Wardrobe closets are in short supply; there is some closet storage but not a lot.
I will say, due to some negative personal experiences with Norcold products and customer service, I wish Airstream had chosen another brand. I suppose this would not make or break my decision to buy an Airstream Trade Wind, but for me, it is a checkmark in the negative column.
2024 Airstream Trade Wind Specs
- Length: 26’2”
- GVWR: 7,300 pounds
- Net carrying capacity: 1,100 pounds
- Fresh water: 39 gallons
- Gray water: 39 gallons
- Black water: 39 gallons
- Sleeps: 5
- 30-amp service
- Solar: 600 watts
- Internal heated lithium battery bank: 810Ah
- MSRP: Starts at $129,400
Learn more about Airstream Trade Wind travel trailers here.
##RVDT2502
About the only thing “Off Grid” about this trailer is you can park it at a campground with no services.
No way in Hell is this trailer at 7,300 pounds and no axle clearance going anywhere near “Off Grid” when it comes to any road other than paved or maintained gravel!
Thank you, Cheri! Well, it is three 39’s for the water tank volumes. That seems okay for black but too little for gray and fresh, especially to boondock much, which is implied by the solar and battery volumes. The price tag also is large. Have a great week and safe travels!