The weight of the trailer as it leaves the factory — no water, propane, or personal gear. The starting point for all weight calculations. → See in specs
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum safe loaded weight set by Airstream. Everything you add (water, propane, food, gear) must keep total weight under this number. → See in specs
CCC
Cargo Carrying Capacity — the difference between GVWR and dry weight. This is your total budget for water, propane, and personal cargo. → See in specs
Hitch Weight
The downward force the trailer tongue exerts on the tow vehicle's hitch ball. Typically 10–15% of the trailer's loaded weight. Your tow vehicle's payload must handle this. → See in specs
MSRP
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price — the base sticker price before dealer markup, options, or negotiation. Actual transaction prices vary. → See in specs
🚗 Towing
Max Tow Rating
The maximum trailer weight your tow vehicle is rated to pull, as stated by the vehicle manufacturer. Must exceed the trailer's GVWR. → See in specs
GCWR
Gross Combined Weight Rating — the maximum combined weight of tow vehicle + trailer + all occupants and cargo. Set by the tow vehicle manufacturer. → See in specs
WDH
Weight Distributing Hitch — a hitch system that uses spring bars to redistribute tongue weight across all axles. Recommended for trailers over 5,000 lb GVWR. → See in specs
Anti-Sway Control
A device (friction bar, dual-cam, or electronic) that reduces lateral trailer sway in crosswinds or when passed by trucks. Essential for larger trailers. → See in specs
Breakaway Switch
A safety device that activates the trailer's brakes automatically if it separates from the tow vehicle. Required by law in most states. → See in specs
Tongue Weight
Synonym for hitch weight — the downward force on the hitch. The loaded tongue weight should be 10–15% of the total loaded trailer weight for safe handling. → See in specs
💧 Tanks & Plumbing
Fresh Water Tank
Holds clean drinking water for the sinks, shower, and toilet. Capacity ranges from 21 to 54 gallons across the Airstream lineup. → See in specs
Gray Tank
Collects wastewater from sinks and shower. Empties at a dump station. Some smaller Airstreams combine gray and black into one "combo" waste tank. → See in specs
Black Tank
Holds toilet waste. Must be emptied at a dump station. Use only RV-specific toilet paper. On combo-tank models, the single waste tank handles both gray and black. → See in specs
Combo Waste Tank
A single tank that handles both gray (sink/shower) and black (toilet) waste. Found on the smallest Airstreams like the Basecamp 16X and Bambi 16RB. → See in specs
Dump Station
A facility where you empty gray and black tanks through a sewer hose. Found at campgrounds, rest areas, and some gas stations. Many are free.
⚡ Power & Solar
Shore Power
Electrical hookup at a campsite, typically 30A (3,600W max) or 50A (12,000W max). Your trailer plugs in with its shore power cord. → See in specs
30A Service
30-amp campsite power — a single 120V/30A circuit providing up to 3,600W. Enough for A/C or microwave, but not both simultaneously. → See in specs
50A Service
50-amp campsite power — two 120V/50A circuits providing up to 12,000W. Runs everything including dual A/C units. Found at RV resorts and newer campgrounds. → See in specs
House Battery
The 12V battery (or lithium bank) that powers lights, water pump, furnace fan, and USB outlets when not on shore power. Charged by solar, the alternator while driving, or shore power. → See in specs
Solar (Rooftop)
Factory-installed photovoltaic panels that charge the house battery. Wattage ranges from 90W to 600W across the lineup. Higher wattage = longer off-grid stays. → See in specs
Off-Grid Score
A 0–100 composite rating based on battery capacity, solar wattage, and tank sizes relative to the rest of the lineup. Higher = more self-sufficient. → See in specs
⛺ Camping
Boondocking
Camping without hookups — no water, sewer, or electrical connections. Relies entirely on tanks, battery, solar, and propane. Also called "dry camping" or "dispersed camping." → See in specs
Full Hookups
A campsite with water, sewer, and electrical connections. The most convenient setup — unlimited water, instant waste disposal, and shore power. → See in specs
Pull-Through Site
A campsite you can drive straight through without backing up. Easier for longer rigs. Back-in sites require reversing the trailer into position.
Leveling
Adjusting the trailer so it sits level using stabilizer jacks and/or leveling blocks. Important for fridge operation, sleeping comfort, and proper tank drainage. → See in specs
🏕️ Airstream-Specific
Single Axle
One axle (two wheels). Lighter, shorter trailers — easier to maneuver and tow. Bambi, Basecamp, and Caravel models. → See in specs
Dual Axle
Two axles (four wheels). Larger, heavier trailers — more stable at highway speed and in crosswinds. Flying Cloud, International, Classic, and most others. → See in specs
Rock Guard
The protective front panel (black or body-color) that shields the trailer's aluminum shell from road debris kicked up by the tow vehicle.
A-Frame
The triangular steel tongue structure at the front of the trailer that connects to the hitch ball. Houses the propane tanks, battery, and breakaway switch.