Airstream Explorer

2026 MODEL YEAR

Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB

Heavy haulerThe biggest class. Demands a ¾-ton or 1-ton truck and experienced towing skills.

Official Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition page on airstream.com ↗

28' 2"Length
6,800 lbDry weight
4Sleeps
$185kBase MSRP
57/100Off-grid
~6.2Water days (2 ppl)

Sleeps up to 4, Rear Primary Bed, Combined Mid-Ship Shower and Lavvy, Stowable Dinette with Chairs and Sofa Seating, Rear Hatch for Indoor-Outdoor Living

Corner showerRear bedStowable dinetteRear hatch
Off-gridCargoSleepsCompactLightValue

How this floorplan stacks up across the lineup

Specifications

Overall bumper-to-hitch length, including the tongue.Length
28' 2"
Widest point of the exterior shell — determines lane fit and campsite clearance.Ext. width
8' 5"
Overall height with A/C unit — the clearance you need for bridges, tunnels, and covered campsites.Ext. height
9' 7" (with A/C)
Standing headroom inside with A/C unit — measured at the tallest point.Interior height
6' 7" (with A/C)
Empty weight from the factory — no water, propane, or personal gear.Dry weight
6,800 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — the maximum safe total weight when fully loaded.GVWR
7,600 lb
GVWR minus dry weight. Everything you add (water, propane, gear) must fit within this.Cargo capacity (CCC)
800 lb
The downward force the tongue puts on your tow vehicle's hitch.Hitch weight
800 lb
Maximum sleeping positions from the factory floorplan layout.Sleeps
4
Single-axle trailers are lighter and easier to maneuver; dual-axle adds stability for larger, heavier models.Axle
Dual axle
Fresh = clean drinking water. Gray = sink/shower drainage. Black = toilet waste.Fresh / gray / black
37 / 40 / 33
Factory rooftop solar panel wattage for charging the house battery off-grid.Solar
300 W (standard)
House battery capacity in kilowatt-hours — powers lights, outlets, and appliances.Battery
2.5 kWh
A 0–100 composite: battery kWh, solar watts, and tank sizes vs. the lineup.Off-grid score
57 / 100
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price — the base sticker price before options or dealer markup.MSRP
$184,900

Size & fit

How the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB measures up — clearance checks and campsite compatibility.

Will it fit?

Your Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB is 9' 7" tall (with A/C) and 8' 5" wide. Here’s how it measures against common openings.

Standard garage door 7' × 9' single-car
✗ Too tall by 31"
Tall garage door 8' × 9' residential
✗ Too tall by 19"
RV garage door 12' × 12' RV bay
✓ Clears — 29" height, 43" width to spare
Standard overpass 14' federal minimum
✓ Clears — 53" height, 43" width to spare
Covered campsite ~12' typical clearance
✓ Clears — 29" height, 67" width to spare

Height includes rooftop A/C. Without A/C the trailer is ~2–3″ shorter. Always measure your specific unit before a tight clearance.

Will your rig fit the site?

Your Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB is 28' 2" long. Combined with a typical tow vehicle (~19'), the total rig is about 48 feet.

19'
Compact back-in 30' site
48'
✗ Over by 18'
Standard back-in 40' site
48'
✗ Over by 8'
Large back-in 50' site
48'
✓ Fits — 2' to spare
Standard pull-through 65' site
48'
✓ Fits — 17' to spare
Full-length pull-through 80' site
48'
✓ Fits — 32' to spare

Lengths are bumper-to-bumper. Add 2–3' for hitch gap. Always confirm site dimensions with the campground before booking.

Weight & cargo capacity

Weight capacity7,600 lb GVWR
6,800 lb
800 lb
Dry weightCargo capacity (CCC)

How much can you pack?

This Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB has 800 lb of cargo carrying capacity (CCC). Water and propane eat into that before you load a single bag — here's what's left for your gear.

451 lb Good capacity

Remaining for personal gear after water and propane (44% of CCC used by consumables).

Fresh water309 lb (37 gal × 8.34 lb/gal)
Propane40 lb

Add common gear to see the impact:

How this is calculated

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) is the maximum weight you can add to the trailer beyond its dry (empty) weight. Fresh water weighs 8.34 lb per gallon (USGS standard). Propane weight is the fuel itself — standard Airstream dual 20 lb tanks hold 40 lb of LP gas. After subtracting these consumables, the remainder is what you have for personal belongings, food, and gear. Exceeding CCC means exceeding the trailer's GVWR — an unsafe and often illegal condition. When in doubt, weigh your loaded trailer at a truck scale.

Your tow vehicle must be rated for at least

7,600 lbfully-loaded GVWR

This is the official Airstream GVWR — the most this floorplan can weigh loaded, and the minimum tow rating your vehicle needs. Official hitch (tongue) weight is 800 lb (~11% of GVWR). Match it to your vehicle →

Tow setup & safety

Can your vehicle tow it?

Checks this floorplan's loaded weight (7,600 lb GVWR) against a tow vehicle's three real limits — tow rating, payload, and combined weight (GCWR). Pick your vehicle:

Comfortable match Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Good margin on every limit. Binds on combined weight (gcwr) at 79%.

Trailer tow rating69%
7,600 lb usedof 11,000 lb
Truck payload63%
1,288 lb usedof 2,030 lb
Combined weight (GCWR)79%
13,070 lb usedof 16,470 lb

Modeled config: Crew Cab 4×4 · 5.3L V8 · Max Trailering Package (NHT). source 1 · source 2

How this is calculated

Three checks, each from the tow vehicle's published 2025-spec ratings for one stated configuration:

  • Trailer tow rating — the trailer at its loaded weight (GVWR, not dry) vs. the truck's max tow rating.
  • Payload — loaded tongue weight (modeled at 13% of trailer GVWR, the mid of the 10–15% rule) plus people & gear in the cab vs. the truck's payload.
  • Combined weight (GCWR) — truck + trailer + everything vs. the gross combined weight rating.

The verdict is the worst of the three: ≤80% of a limit is comfortable, 80–100% is tight, over 100% exceeds it. Manufacturers' "max tow" and "max payload" usually come from different configurations and are mutually exclusive, so each vehicle here uses ONE coherent, sourced config. These are planning figures — your truck's door-jamb certification label is the final word.

What can tow it?

17 of 26 popular tow vehicles can handle this trailer's 7,600 lb GVWR. Green = comfortable (under 80%), yellow = within limit, red = exceeds rating.

VehicleTow ratingMarginVerdict
Jeep Wrangler 3,500 lb -4,100 lb Over limit
Kia Telluride 5,000 lb -2,600 lb Over limit
Hyundai Palisade 5,000 lb -2,600 lb Over limit
Toyota 4Runner 6,000 lb -1,600 lb Over limit
Jeep Grand Cherokee 6,200 lb -1,400 lb Over limit
Toyota Tacoma 6,400 lb -1,200 lb Over limit
Mercedes-Benz G550 7,000 lb -600 lb Over limit
GMC Hummer EV SUV 7,500 lb -100 lb Over limit
Ford Ranger 7,500 lb -100 lb Over limit
Rivian R1S 7,700 lb +100 lb margin Tight
Chevrolet Colorado 7,700 lb +100 lb margin Tight
Land Rover Range Rover 7,715 lb +115 lb margin Tight
Chevrolet Suburban 8,000 lb +400 lb margin Tight
Land Rover Defender 110 8,201 lb +601 lb margin Tight
Chevrolet Tahoe 8,400 lb +800 lb margin Tight
Toyota Sequoia 9,010 lb +1,410 lb margin Tight
Lexus GX 550 9,063 lb +1,463 lb margin Tight
Ford Expedition 9,600 lb +2,000 lb margin Comfortable
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 11,000 lb +3,400 lb margin Comfortable
Tesla Cybertruck 11,000 lb +3,400 lb margin Comfortable
Rivian R1T 11,000 lb +3,400 lb margin Comfortable
Toyota Tundra 11,170 lb +3,570 lb margin Comfortable
Ram 1500 11,340 lb +3,740 lb margin Comfortable
GMC Hummer EV Pickup 12,000 lb +4,400 lb margin Comfortable
GMC Sierra 1500 13,000 lb +5,400 lb margin Comfortable
Ford F-150 13,500 lb +5,900 lb margin Comfortable

Journey performance

Fuel costs and terrain challenges for towing the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB.

Trip fuel cost

Estimate what it costs to tow this Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB (7,600 lb loaded) on a road trip. Fuel economy drops 57% when towing — the heavier the trailer relative to the tow vehicle, the bigger the hit.

miles
$/gal
$224.79 estimated fuel
7.8 MPGTowing economy
64.2 galFuel needed
$0.45/miCost per mile
How this is calculated

Gas vehicles: towing cuts fuel economy 30–60% vs. unladen driving. The penalty scales with the weight ratio (trailer GVWR ÷ tow-vehicle curb weight): a 20% base drag from the hitch + aerodynamics, plus 25% per 1.0 weight ratio, capped at 60%. This aligns with real-world Airstream towing reports (8–15 MPG across the lineup). Cost = distance ÷ towing MPG × price per gallon.

Electric vehicles: the same weight-ratio penalty is applied to each EV's EPA-rated energy use (kWh/100mi), so a ~50% penalty roughly doubles consumption — consistent with the ≈50% range loss EV owners report when towing. Cost = distance ÷ 100 × towing kWh/100mi × price per kWh. We never apply gasoline math to an EV.

These are planning estimates — your actual range depends on speed, terrain, wind, and driving style.

Off-grid capability

How long the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB can sustain off-grid — power endurance and water autonomy in one view.

How long off-grid?

Boondocking endurance for this floorplan — modeled from its real 2.5 kWh battery, 300 W solar, and 37 gal fresh / 40 gal gray / 33 gal black tanks.

1.2 nights Battery-limited

House battery runs down first under these assumptions.

Battery1.2 days
Fresh water4 days
Waste tanks5 days
How this is calculated

Power: usable battery = nameplate kWh × 0.8 (blended depth-of-discharge). Daily load presets — light ≈ 1,500, moderate ≈ 2,800, heavy ≈ 5,000 Wh/day — from published boondocking power budgets, excluding air conditioning (no trailer battery runs rooftop AC for long). Solar harvest = panel watts × peak-sun-hours (summer 5.5, spring/fall 4.0, winter 2.5) × 0.7 system derate. Water: per-person daily use (light 3 / moderate 5 / heavy 8 gal fresh; gray ≈ 80% of fresh; black from toilet use) against the real tank sizes. Endurance is whichever runs out first. Estimates for planning — your real usage varies.

Water autonomy

How many days can the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB camp before needing a refill or dump? Adjust people and usage below.

2 people
3.1 days of camping Limited by fresh water
Fresh water 37 gal
3.1 days

← Limiting factor

Gray water 40 gal
4.0 days
Black water 33 gal
8.3 days

At moderate usage: 6 gal fresh / 5 gal gray / 2 gal black per person per day. Normal showers, regular cooking.

Estimates assume typical RV usage patterns. Actual consumption depends on shower habits, cooking, laundry, toilet type, and climate. Gray includes sink and shower drain; black is toilet only.

Floor plan

Tap a numbered point to see what's where. Zones placed against the official 28RB diagram.

  1. 1Front lounge — Front lounge / console at the nose — the signature Frank Lloyd Wright living zone.
  2. 2Refrigerator — Street-side refrigerator at the head of the galley run.
  3. 3Cooktop — Three-burner cooktop on the street-side galley.
  4. 4Galley & storage — Microwave, counter and pantry storage down the street-side galley run.
  5. 5Toilet & lav — Curb-side toilet and vanity — the two-piece mid-ship bath.
  6. 6Shower — Curb-side shower stall, aft of the toilet in the mid-ship bath.
  7. 7Twin bed (curb) — Curb-side twin bed — one of the two fixed rear beds (RB = rear bed).
  8. 8Twin bed (street) — Street-side twin bed — the second of the two fixed rear beds, with a gap aisle between.
Official Airstream 28RB floor plan · View Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition floor plans on airstream.com ↗

Interior décor options

Official Airstream interior packages for the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition — cabinetry, upholstery, and coordinating materials. Décor is offered by family, so these apply across its floorplans.

Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition

Airstream meets Usonian design - modern form, classic function.

Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Cabinetry
Cabinetry
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Interior
Interior
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Upholstery
Upholstery
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Countertop
Countertop
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Flooring
Flooring
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Bedding
Bedding
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Galley
Galley
Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition — Awning
Awning

Strengths

  • Balanced size for most parks
  • Strong solar / off-grid ready
  • Sleeps 4

Trade-offs

  • Plan payload carefully
  • Premium price point

Frequently asked questions

How much does the 2026 Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB weigh?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB has a dry weight of 6,800 lb and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 7,600 lb, giving you 800 lb of cargo carrying capacity for water, gear, and personal items. It falls in the ¾-ton required tow class.

What vehicle do I need to tow the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB?

You need a tow vehicle rated for at least 9,120 lb towing capacity (GVWR × 1.2 safety margin). The hitch weight is 800 lb, which is 11% of GVWR — your vehicle's payload must handle this plus passengers and gear. Popular matches include half-ton and three-quarter-ton trucks and large SUVs; use the tow calculator on this page for your specific vehicle.

What are the tank sizes on the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB carries 37 gallons fresh water, 40 gallons gray, 33 gallons black. With moderate use for two people, the fresh water tank lasts approximately 6.2 days before needing a refill.

How good is the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB for boondocking and off-grid camping?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB scores 57 out of 100 on our off-grid rating, which is good for dry camping. It comes with 300W of factory-standard solar and a 2.5 kWh battery bank. Use the off-grid estimator on this page for a detailed breakdown by season and usage level.

How much does the 2026 Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB cost?

The base MSRP for the 2026 Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB is $184,900. Actual dealer prices may vary; options and packages can add to the total. Use the financing calculator on this page to estimate monthly payments, and the ownership cost tool for total cost of ownership over time.

How long is the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB and will it fit at campgrounds?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB is 28' 2" overall (bumper to hitch), 8' 5" wide, and 9' 7" tall with A/C. At this length, it is a mid-size rig requiring some towing experience. Most national park and state park campgrounds accommodate trailers up to 27 feet; check individual site limits for longer rigs. Check individual site limits before booking.

How many people can sleep in the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB?

The Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB sleeps up to 4 people using the factory floorplan layout. Sleeping positions typically include a main bed, a convertible dinette or sofa. Check the floor plan section on this page for the exact layout.

Ideal for

Boondocking champBuilt for dry camping off the grid
Premium touringTop-tier comfort & appointments

Seasonal camping guide

How well the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB handles each season, based on its real specs.

Spring
  • 37-gal fresh tank handles dispersed sites
  • 300W solar works well in spring sun (~4h peak)
  • Check tire pressure after winter storage
Summer
  • 300W solar at peak output — 5+ sun hours/day
  • Refill every 2–3 days at dispersed sites
  • A/C draws ~1,100W — requires shore power or generator
Fall
  • 2.5 kWh battery covers longer nights
  • Strong off-grid score for shoulder season
  • Prepare tanks for first frost — insulate exposed lines
Winter
  • Heavier build provides better insulation mass
  • Furnace runs on propane + 12V fan — no shore power needed
  • Small tanks need frequent refills in cold

How well the Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB matches common camping styles, based on its real specs.

Boondocking

Moderate off-grid capability

Family camping

Sleeps 4, works for smaller families

Weekend getaway

Manageable for occasional trips

Full-time living

Livable for extended trips, modest for full-time

Easy towing

Needs a capable half-ton or better

Practical sizing for storing and maneuvering your Frank Lloyd Wright Limited Edition 28RB (29' long, 9.58' tall).

Storage unit

12' × 35' enclosed or dedicated RV lot

Need 33' minimum slot length

Garage fit

Too large for residential garages — RV storage recommended

9.58' clearance needed (with A/C)

Maneuvering

Challenging — best with pull-through sites and practice

29' overall parking footprint

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