Recently, Lisa and I had the opportunity to travel to the Hershey RV Show and tour the all-new Trade Wind travel trailer. Airstream boasts this new offering as a game-changer in the world of luxury off-grid travel trailers. During our tour, we were able to climb around, kick the tires, and provide an initial video review of this reincarnated classic.
All New Trade Wind:
While it is a very impressive offering by Airstream, does it live up to the hype? Now that it has been a few months since its release, many prospective buyers have provided their thoughts (hits & misses) on this attempt by Airstream to grab a larger share of the off-grid market. So let's explore in a little more detail the strengths and weaknesses as identified by fellow Airstream Addicts and let you decide if this is the ultimate off-road adventure companion.
Built to Roam Freely:
First, we must give Airstream credit for taking a big risk to design and build the Trade Wind. Over the years, campgrounds have continued to be overcrowded and a larger population of campers have expressed a greater desire to get off-grid. Additionally, solar and lithium battery technology continue to improve, making off-grid camping a more practical option. Airstream was listening to their customers and didn’t hold back on providing a robust off-road capability. The Trade Wind packs a serious punch, and Airstream claims that you can “go further and stay longer” with these enhanced capabilities:
Unmatched Power: With a whopping 810Ah lithium battery bank and 600 watts of solar, you'll have ample power to stay comfortable, even far from the beaten path.
Go Anywhere Confidence: The 3-inch lift kit and off-road tires ensure you can tackle rough terrain with confidence.
Fully Inverted: Finally, an Airstream with a complete 3000-watt inverter, letting you run all your appliances without a hitch.
Temperature-Based Recirculating Pump: This feature saves water by constantly circulating hot water, eliminating the wait for a warm shower and filling up the gray tank.
Compost Toilet Option: A more sustainable waste management solution for eco-conscious campers. No more worries about the black tank filling up while camping off-grid.
Missed Opportunities:
While the Trade Wind goes off-grid in style, there is still some room for improvement. There are areas that many potential buyers have expressed concerns with and would like to see future improvements:
Trim Package: The Trade Wind currently only comes with a flying cloud comparable level base trim package. While not a showstopper, some potential buyers may desire a higher level interior trim package to complement the price tag.
Solar Panels: While the 600 watts of solar is impressive, some buyers have stated a concern with the use of flexible panels and not the more common rigid panels.
12v Refrigerator: Another concern voiced was the 12v refrigerator and the lack of an LPG compatible option. Many buyers are hesitant to be overly reliant on an all-electric refrigerator.
Unused Black Tank: A black tank with the compost toilet option seems counter-intuitive. Some potential buyers stated they would prefer to have the black tank removed and replaced with either a larger gray water tank or a larger fresh water tank (or both). This reconfiguration would allow for longer stays off-grid before needing to empty the gray water tank or refill the fresh water tank.
Outside Storage: While Airstreams are notorious for having limited outside storage, the lack of outside storage may become an even bigger concern for extended off-grid adventures.
Still To Be Determined:
Nothing is ever black and white, and a comprehensive review of the Trade Wind is no different. Here are a few areas where the jury is still out:
Lithium Power Location: With the newly designed Trade Wind and the addition of the 810 Ah lithium battery pack, the designers had to identify a location within the chassis to mount this impressive power bank. Ultimately they chose a location in the underbelly. Only time will tell if this was a wise choice that facilitates easy access for routine maintenance and repairs.
Entry Lock: Airstream selected to venture away from the traditional entry door lock mechanism, perhaps in an effort to move away from its reputation of accidental lockouts. Similar to the lithium battery install location, only time will tell if the new entry lock on the Trade Wind is an improvement or not.
Final Verdict:
The Airstream Trade Wind is a luxurious and powerful trailer built for off-grid exploration. Its impressive battery bank, solar capacity, and off-road prowess make it a compelling option for adventure seekers. However, decisions like the black tank with a compost toilet and the lack of an LPG compatible refrigerator raise questions in many potential buyers about its ability for extended off-grid living.
Is it the BEST off-grid Airstream EVER? The jury is still out. The Trade Wind is a strong contender, but for some off-grid enthusiasts, a few key features might still be missing
Happy Camping and Safe Travels
Rick & Lisa
The Wright Life
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