Want to get away? Here's how to go off-the-grid in this luxury Airstream trailer
The iconic aluminum Airstream has been around since 1931. Affectionately nicknamed “silver bullet” for its distinctive shiny exterior, these travel trailers are known as being some of the safest, easiest, and most fun recreational vehicles to drive.
Adam Coley, general manager at Woodland Airstream of Indiana, is excited to bring the 2024 Airstream Trade Wind to the Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow later this month.
“It is a new release,” he told The Courier Journal, explaining that it just made its public debut in November 2023. “Airstream has been working on this type of off-the-grid, boondocking-slash-harvest-host unit for a while.”
Built to boondock
Boondocking, Coley explained, is when an RV doesn’t need to be hooked up to utilities. “With the Trade Wind, … you can go to a harvest host (and use) the entirety of the trailer off the batteries.”
He said generally, most trailers come with 100 to 200 amp hours of battery power — but the Trade Wind boasts up to 810 amp hours. It also offers 600 watts of solar, whereas most trailers include 300 or less.
“You (can) harvest the sun to recharge those batteries,” Coley said. “You can essentially be off-grid for a (significant) amount of time.”
He added that most Airstream customers are not people who spend their camping trips at local state parks.
“They’re getting off the beaten path; (they’re) going to harvest hosts and boondocking,” he said. “They want to be disconnected from everyone else.”
The Trade Wind’s rugged tires, three-inch suspension lift kit, front rock guards, and solar window shields give campers the ability to head into nature and disconnect, as it means the trailer can traverse over virtually any terrain.
Space to roam
At 26 feet two inches long, the Trade Wind offers lots of space for everyday activities, and different options for sleeping arrangements.
“You can either have a queen bed in the front or two twin beds,” Coley explained. “Statistically speaking, each individual has more sleeping room with the twins, (because) they’re bigger than the queen. And with them being on either side, it … looks very homey.”
He added that there’s also space to rest on the couch, and the dinette drops down to become another sleeping area — so the Trade Wind can potentially sleep up to five people.
The onboard bathroom, shower, and kitchen offer all the comforts of home, while Bluetooth capability and internet-ready solutions keep campers connected wherever they may go.
Camping while connected
Coley explained that a control panel under the TV tells campers everything that is going on with the Trade Wind.
"It’s going to tell you how fast it’s charging,” he said, “(and) how much time you have remaining with (your current) usage.”
With internet service, the panel can be even connected to a phone via Bluetooth, allowing campers to control everything from their mobile device.
“You don’t have to plug in (anything),” Coley added. “You just turn on the inverter, (and) you can start watching TV, cooking meals, making coffee, (etc). You can run the entirety of the trailer, disconnected.”
An external streaming or HDMI device gives campers the capability to play their favorite movies on the two Smart TVs, which sync to the JL Audio Stereo for a surround sound experience.
While the newest Trade Wind is technologically advanced, Coley explained that the archetypal features that Airstreams are known for have not changed. Its aluminum frame, exterior, roof, and interior structure are essentially the same as it’s been for nearly 100 years.
“Airstream only makes improvements — they never make changes,” Coley exclaimed. “Since 1931, 75% of Airstreams are still on the road. Airstreams will last generations; they’re something that you can pass down.”
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at aloha@lennieomalza.com or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at kgregory@gannett.com.
nuts & bolts
Home: This is a 2024 Trade Wind Airstream. It is 26 feet, 2 inches long; 8 feet, 5-and-a-half inches wide; and weighs 6,200 pounds. It is available from Woodland Airstream of Indiana. MSRP is $143,075.
Distinctive elements: Off-grid functionality; onboard bathroom, shower, and kitchen; solar capability; SmartPlug functionality; QuietStream climate control; electric freezer/fridge combo; deep sink; rear-view monitoring system; massive internal battery bank; full-inverted electrical system; recirculating water heater; optional features, including composting toilet, convection microwave rear hatch, and ZipDee rear and roadside awnings; three-burner stove.
Louisville Boat, RV, & Sportshow
WHAT: An annual, five-day event featuring hundreds of booths that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. It showcases the latest in boating, fishing, camping, and RVing gear.
WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: Jan. 24, 5-9 p.m., Jan. 25-26, noon to 9 p.m., Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
TICKETS: Tickets are $14 for adults and children ages 13 and older; children ages 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A $2 discount on full-price admission is available when tickets are purchased online in advance. Special, one-day-only tickets for admittance on Jan. 25 & 25 after 5 p.m. are available online for $5.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit louisvilleboatshow.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Inside the 2024 Trade Wind Airstream, with off-grid functionality
