In 1958, Wally Byam created what’s widely believed to be the first self‑contained RV—one that could operate without shore power. Today, Airstream continues that legacy by building travel trailers and touring coaches designed to take you as far from the grid as you can imagine, while still running all your amenities. As more people seek remote destinations and quiet boondocking, Airstream makes it possible to explore freely without giving up the comforts of home.
Campgrounds in state and national parks are great, but some of the most beautiful places to spend time are on public lands, specifically Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service areas. There you can experience dramatic scenery, epic sunrises, and calm waters in solitude. Whether you’re exploring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Montana’s Ruby Mountains, or Washington’s mossy waterfalls, boondocking on your own terms is truly memorable. 
Today’s Trade Wind line, Basecamp Xe, Interstate 19X, and the Advanced Power System in Airstream's lineup of Mercedes-Benz® touring coaches, all give you options for rugged travel and the freedom to charge, run power devices off-grid, and do more of what you love without plugging in.
Importance of the Power Inverter
So how does powering your trailer or vehicle work off-grid? Your Airstream’s power inverter converts 12-volt DC battery power into the 110-volt AC power necessary for running and charging devices like TVs, small appliances, phones, and laptops. It’s used primarily when camping without shore power and relying on batteries.
When operating on battery power, the inverter supplies electricity to designated outlets. Depending on your model, not all outlets are inverted. The Trade Wind Travel Trailer and Basecamp Xe feature fully inverted outlets, while most other Airstream models include select inverted outlets marked with a sticker.
When plugged into shore power, all outlets function normally. When running on battery power only, non‑inverted outlets won’t work, and inverted outlets will supply power only when the inverter is turned on.
You might use your power inverter if you are boondocking or are pull-through camping for a night, for example. When you aren’t using your outlets to power devices, it’s important to turn off the inverter to conserve power.
As of Model Year 2024, a 2000W power inverter is standard on all Airstream travel trailer models except Bambi, Basecamp, Basecamp Xe, and Trade Wind. Bambi and Basecamp do not include an inverter as standard equipment.
Designed for off‑grid travel, the Trade Wind 23FB and 25FB, as well as Basecamp Xe come standard with a 3000W inverter that support all AC outlets and enable the 10.3kWh lithium battery bank to power high‑draw amenities including the induction cooktop, microwave, and air conditioning. The new Trade Wind 27FB has an incredibly powerful 5000W inverter. 
Always check the wattage of any device before turning the inverter on and be sure to turn it off when it’s not in use.
Trade Wind’s Focus on Off-Grid Adventures
With more power capability than any travel trailer in Airstream’s 95‑year history, the Trade Wind Travel Trailer is a striking, versatile, and exceptionally off‑grid‑ready addition to our iconic lineup. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or settling into extended boondocking adventures, Trade Wind delivers the flexibility and power modern travel demands.
Roof-mounted solar panels rated up to 600W also help capture energy throughout the day, while a Victron-powered, app-compatible interior monitor puts real-time power management at your fingertips.
A SmartPlug® shore power inlet allows for connecting to campsite electric for extended use or recharging the battery bank. A SmartPlug® TV and internet inlet allows for easy exterior coax cable and ethernet connectivity.
Choose from the Trade Wind 23FB, 25FB, or 27FB. Trade Wind 27FB is the newest addition to the Trade Wind lineup, all of which have a 3‑inch lift kit for increased ground clearance, along with a backup camera that transmits audio and video to a wireless monitor—making maneuvering easier wherever the road leads.
Built to help you play hard and relax just as fully, Trade Wind 27FB delivers the same exceptional quality and legendary durability found in every Airstream travel trailer; crafted to last for generations.
Inside, Trade Wind 27FB feels like a true home away from home. Stretch out in the extended lounge area, unwind with your favorite movies and shows on the 27‑inch 12V DC Smart TV with Bluetooth®, and enjoy immersive sound through the JL Audio® stereo with Bluetooth® connectivity and four speakers—bringing comfort along for every adventure. 
Basecamp Xe
Following in the footsteps of the Trade Wind lineup, Basecamp Xe takes another major step forward in travel independence. Basecamp Xe is an electric-first travel trailer that’s built for everything from off-grid exploration to traditional campground camping. Available in a 20-foot floor plan, Basecamp Xe features a fully inverted 30A electrical system combined with 600W of rooftop solar, 10.3kWh of lithium Battle Born® battery capacity, and a 3000W inverter. Chase adventures near and far while harvesting the power of the sun and enjoying all the comforts of home in Basecamp Xe.
With the combined 3000W inverter, 600W of rooftop solar, and the 10.3kWh lithium Battle Born® batteries, you can enjoy off-grid air conditioning and microwave use. Plus, a Truma Combi eco plus system combines the water heater and furnace functions, and can operate on multiple fuel settings, including all-electric, all propane, or a mix of both. A small hitch-mounted propane tank enables outdoor grilling while serving as backup fuel for the furnace and hot water heater. 
Interstate 19X
In Airstream's motorized lineup, power capability is available throughout the model lines. But the Airstream Interstate 19X is an adventure van designed for true off‑grid travel, anchored by its standard Advanced Power System. A fully electric, single‑fuel architecture replaces propane with a robust lithium‑based solution featuring a 10.3 kWh heated lithium battery bank, a 3,000‑watt pure sine wave inverter, 250 watts of rooftop solar, and a smart multiplex energy management system. Altogether, this powerful electrical system supports lighting, refrigeration, induction cooking, water systems, electronics, and even the 13,500 BTU air conditioner without shore power, enabling comfortable boondocking for multiple days.
For travelers who want extended autonomy, the standard Advanced Power System can be dealer upgraded to the optional Advanced Power Plus, increasing total lithium capacity to 17.2 kWh with additional batteries that significantly extend off‑grid runtime and better support energy‑intensive use or low‑solar conditions. Complementing the electrical system, the 19X uses a diesel‑fired Truma Combi Eco Plus for heat and hot water, heated holding tanks for cold‑weather camping, all‑electric appliances optimized for lithium power, and a Mercedes‑Benz Sprinter AWD chassis, resulting in a compact adventure van that can reach remote terrain and operate independently while maintaining full onboard comfort. And its front brush guard, durable body coating, and Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks will help you navigate far from the pavement.
Interstate GLX and GTX Models
If you love the luxurious interiors found in Airstream's Interstate models but want a more rugged exterior for tackling challenging terrain, Airstream's Interstate 24GTX, Interstate 24GLX, and Interstate 19GTX deliver the best of both worlds. Inside, these models maintain the elegant interiors found in their GL and GT counterparts while adding durable body coating and front brush guards for a rugged look. In the Interstate 19GTX, Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series shocks deliver increased stability with a robust suspension.
Advanced Power System for New Model Year 2026 Mercedes-Benz® Touring Coaches
Airstream touring coaches have always lived at the intersection of performance, comfort, and innovation. Since the first Airstream‑designed motorhome debuted in 1974, we’ve continued to set the standard for motorized RVs.
For Model Year 2026, that legacy takes a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Advanced Power System—a new standard platform engineered to deliver more power, support extended off‑grid travel and simplify energy management on the road.
With fully electric appliances, low‑speed charging, and expanded battery capacity, the Advanced Power System is a complete solution for modern travelers who expect their coach to keep pace with how they explore.
The Advanced Power System includes a bank of high-capacity lithium batteries, a powerful inverter, solar input with dedicated charge controllers, and integrated energy monitoring.
This standard system offers 10.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of usable battery capacity. It is capable of powering the air conditioning system for 8 to 10 hours continuously and comfortably supports overnight boondocking without relying on shore power or generators. It's available standard in all of Airstream's Mercedes-Benz touring coaches (except Atlas 25RT, which has an Advanced Power System with 6.9kWh of battery capacity, and the Interstate 19X LE Outland Edition which can be upgraded to the powerful E1 System).
Advanced Power Plus: An Optional Upgrade with Even More Power
For extended trips, the optional Advanced Power Plus upgrade increases battery capacity to 17.2kWh. This expanded setup supports multi-night off-grid stays and a broader range of energy-intensive use cases. It's available as an optional upgrade in all Airstream Mercedes-Benz touring coaches. 
Advanced Power Plus is available as a factory-installed upgrade on Atlas 25MS, Atlas 25RT, Interstate 24GL, Interstate 24GT, Interstate 24GTX, and Interstate 24GLX models. For Interstate 19GT, Interstate 19GTX, and Interstate 19X, the upgrade can be installed by an authorized Airstream dealer.
Smarter Charging and Solar Integration
To keep energy flowing no matter where you are, the system includes multiple charging methods:
- Low‑Speed Charging: The alternator delivers up to 3,000W of charging power while the engine is running—even at idle or in stop‑and‑go traffic—so charging isn’t dependent on driving speed.
- Solar Charging: Up to 400W of rooftop solar (250W on 19GT and 19X) with MPPT controllers maximizes efficiency, while external ports support additional portable panels.
- Shore Power Charging: Plug into standard AC power to fully recharge in approximately 5 hours (standard) or 9 hours (Advanced Power Plus), depending on battery configuration.
In an era of crowded campgrounds and the need to truly get away from it all, Airstream allows you to find your own magical off-grid memories.
Ready to dive deeper into Airstream's most electrically capable models? Download a brochure and start dreaming of your Airstream adventure today.
Download Interstate 19X Brochure
Want to learn more about Airstream's standard Advanced Power System and optional Advanced Power Plus upgrade? Click the button below to explore this powerful off-grid capable system.
Learn About the Advanced Power System
