Learn the Airstream

Towing Basics

Towing is an important part of the Airstream experience. Learn the basics to travel with confidence and enjoy every adventure.

While your tow vehicle choices might seem overwhelming, the information in this guide will help you narrow your options to those that can tow your Airstream and meet all your lifestyle needs. We will start with some questions to help you frame your decision-making process; share the numbers you need to understand to choose wisely and wrap it all up with a detailed chart that puts all the data you need at your fingertips as you evaluate possible tow vehicles. And when it comes to ensuring that your tow vehicle is matched to your Airstream trailer, your local Airstream dealer is your best resource on the ground.

So, how do you choose wisely when it comes to selecting a vehicle to tow your Airstream? While numbers like Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Hitch Weight play a vital role in determining a tow vehicle’s suitability, those stats simply narrow your choices. To make your best selection from those options, you need to ask yourself some important questions. 

Step One: Understand How You Roll

Your tow vehicle does much more than haul your Airstream from Point A to Point Fun. And adventure looks different for everyone. So, starting your tow vehicle search with a clear sense of everything you need is important. These questions can help sharpen your vision. 

How Big Is Your Crew?

Think about how many people typically join your Airstream adventures. This will determine how many seats and how much storage space you require. Just two of you towing a lighter-weight Airstream? A small pick-up or tow-capable gas/electric hybrid might work for you. But a family of five with a dog will be much happier in a passenger van or large SUV.

Are You Gear-Heavy?

How much stuff do you need to facilitate your version of outdoor fun?  Do you haul outdoor sports equipment (skis, bikes, climbing gear, SUPs)? Kid stuff (the pack-and-play, toys and trikes)? What about things like a generator, gas grill or firewood? Consider the weight and volume of all these items when evaluating tow vehicles.

Where Do You Plan to Adventure?

Your preferred destinations should be a key consideration when making your tow vehicle decision. You need a vehicle that can get you where you want to go.  If the mountains are your thing, a tow package, including a heavy-duty hitch and upgraded braking and suspension systems, is essential. Diesel vehicles and heavier-duty EVs often do well pulling heavy loads up steep climbs. Boondockers might benefit from four-wheel drive, while a standard SUV or hybrid could be the answer for Airstreamers with lighter models who like to explore cities, towns and tourist attractions.

Do You Want a Tow Vehicle and a Daily Driver?

Think carefully about additional roles you might need your tow vehicle to play. You can’t ask too much of one vehicle. For example, will your tow vehicle double as your everyday drive? If so, you need to consider the demands of both tasks and look for something that comes closest to fulfilling both purposes. If you have a long commute, you may not be satisfied with the gas mileage you get from a truck capable of comfortably towing your Airstream. Do you want to carry kids or business associates in a van or SUV that’s habitually full of wood chips or smells like gasoline because you haul a generator in the way-back a couple of weekends a month?

You need to ask similar questions when considering a motorized Airstream. Developing a clear vision of your outdoor uses helps ensure that your Airstream Atlas or Interstate touring coach will facilitate those adventures.

Your nearest Airstream dealer is a great resource as you think through these questions.

Back to the Numbers (and the Acronyms)

Once you’ve settled on the best type of vehicle – hybrid, van, truck, EV– for your needs, it is essential to understand and heed the following weight considerations and limits. As you assess your choices, remember that excess towing capacity is better than barely enough. Running your car, van or truck near its towing redline will take a toll on the vehicle and may create stressful white-knuckle moments on mountain roads and desolate desert highways. Your Airstream dealer and vehicle dealership can address all the nuances of these numbers for the Airstream units and tow vehicles you are considering. The car guys can fill-you-in on how various configurations – tow package, diesel engine, four-wheel drive, EVs – will impact both your towing capacity and overall driving experience.

Important Terms to Understand

Unit Base Weight (UBW)

What does my Airstream weigh before I load anything into it?

Often called “dry weight,” this is how much your Airstream weighed when it rolled off the assembly line – before you started putting your things in it. 

Net Carrying Capacity (NCC)

How much cargo can my Airstream safely carry

The maximum amount of weight your Airstream can safely carry - including water, gear, food, clothing, people, after market installed components and other cargo.* NCC is calculated by subtracting the Unit Base Weight (UBW) from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

*Safety Reminder: Occupants are not included in a travel trailer's NCC calculation. Never ride inside a travel trailer while it is being towed.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)

How much can my Airstream weigh when it's fully packed?

This is the maximum allowable loaded weight of your tow vehicle or Airstream, as set by the manufacturer. GVWR includes the weight of passengers, cargo, aftermarket installed components and the vehicle itself. Exceeding the GVWR poses significant risks as it makes the vehicle difficult to control, slow, or stop. 

Tow Capacity

How much weight can my vehicle safely tow?

Tow Capacity means the maximum total weight of a trailer and its contents that a tow vehicle is rated by its manufacturer to safely tow when the vehicle is properly equipped and operated within all applicable weight and loading limits. Actual Tow Capacity may be reduced by factors including vehicle occupants, cargo, optional equipment, tongue weight, environmental conditions, and vehicle modifications.

Hitch Weight (HW)

The load your trailer puts on your vehicle's hitch

Hitch weight (or tongue weight) is the amount of a trailer's weight that is transferred to and supported by the tow vehicle through the hitch. It is the downward force applied by the trailer to the hitch connection, while the remainder of the trailer's weight is carried by the trailer's own axles and tires.

Picking the right tow vehicle can be daunting, but arming yourself with all the necessary knowledge helps make the decision easier. Download the Complete Airstream Towing Guide and explore the various specs for each of our iconic travel trailers.

Note: This guide was updated August 5, 2026. Always consult the most up to date specs for both trailer and tow vehicle and check with your local dealer to ensure compatibility.