Airstream on Saturday unveiled its first all-electric travel trailer, which can use battery power to operate off the grid.
Called the Airstream Basecamp 20Xe, the trailer includes a 10.3-kwh battery pack and 3,000-watt inverter powering a 30-amp electrical system, providing onboard power for charging devices from built-in outlets, as well as running an optional air-conditioning system or microwave. A standard induction cooktop powered by a 110-volt outlet can be used inside or outside the trailer.
A 600-watt rooftop solar array provides supplementary power. The trailer also comes pre-wired for an additional 300 watts of solar-generating capacity, and includes a 20-pound propane tank that can be used for interior heating and hot water, as well as outdoor grilling. Heating can be done using only electricity, only propane, or a combination of the two.
An optional composting toilet helps conserve water, as does a recirculating feature that redirects cold water from the heater into the freshwater tank until it reaches the proper temperature.
The trailer’s 20-foot floorpan includes a dedicated sleeping space at the back and a convertible dinette up front. It’s also equipped with standard 3-inch lift, chunky tires, and stone guards for off-road use, as well as storage space within its teardrop shroud bodywork.
Airstream eStream electric camping trailer
Missing from Airstream’s announcement, however: There is no mention of using the battery pack to help propel the trailer and reduce the range loss of electric tow vehicles, or improve the fuel economy of internal-combustion tow vehicles, as with eStream concept Airstream, shown above, which was unveiled in 2022. That idea has been taken up by startups Pebble and Lightship for use in their luxury travel trailers, both of which are scheduled to start production later this year.
