I May Get In Trouble For This One! Is the Trade Wind worth it? 

[@jandry6598]

The other thing you you didn’t mention with the upgrade is the weight distribution of the trailer. The batteries being where they are on the Trade Wind (low and behind the rear axle) allows it to have a much lower tongue weight, especially if you are adding all the batteries to the front.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

This is true!

[@neilholland6558]

Another great video Chad on a topic that is widely discussed on various forums. Thanks for having the L-Brackets handy for us to see. That really helps understand exactly what Airstream has done to hopefully mitigate the problem of FES. Keep them coming my friend!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Thank you!!

[@cashbaptista677]

Chad, thank you for all the information on airstreams. We’re going to purchase a Tradewinds in two years upon retirement, doing our research now. Your videos are helping us understand Airstream.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Glad to hear they are helpful! Best of luck!

[@KennyLeduc]

Been watching a lot of your videos and really appreciate the insight you share with your viewers. I'd like to get your spin and what Airstream has to say on the need of a weight distribution hitch and if there are exceptions to the rule. We have been towing a 30ft 5th wheel for 26 years, on our 4th truck now, a new 2023 Superduty with the diesel. Of course with a 5th wheel, tongue weight is what it is to some degree, only to be managed by what else is in the bed of your truck and how you might load the trailer. Point is, with a 3/4 or 1 ton truck, the rear of the truck doesn't sag to much with a much greater tongue weight than what is placed on it by a pull trailer. We are thinking of downsizing and are looking hard at the Airstreams. My concern is a weight dist. hitch by and of itself does nothing for sway control, thats for a sway bar if needed. Looking at KYD's weigh in's, the hitch didn't seem to change the weights across the board by what I would think is a significant amount, except for increasing the weight on your trailer axles which by decreasing your gvwr carrying capacity which is low to begin with on Airstreams compared to other brands. My concern/worry would be how much stress your placing on the tongue/framework of an Airstream? They even mentioned several times and showed they can't open the battery box with tension on the hitch? This for me would be a red flag flexing the frame on a unit that has a bit of history with front end frame/body separation adding undue stress on the trailer. Would like to hear your thoughts on this, as I am currently thinking if we make the switch, I don't feel we will be adding a weight dist. hitch to the equation, not thinking it is necessary and might be the best measure in preventing separation. Looking forward to your response, and if Airstream has a firm position on this, thanks in advance!

[@brendaemanuele9864]

great video! your dealership was very good to deal with on our way home to Nova Scotia last spring. Thank you so much for fixing our door latch and replacing our microwave. Great service!!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Our pleasure!

[@hoytoy100]

We have a 24 TW. Not an electric geek, I just want it to work when I need it to for our dry camp/Boondocking use cases. It fits the bill exactly. Nice machine.

[@csquires]

Great info. I’m relieved to know the early 2024 FC we bought from you has this change. FES was one of my big concerns. We’ve been on several trips so far and are loving our AS!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Hey!! It's great to hear from you! I'm glad to hear you guys are loving your Airstream!

[@Rvator23]

We have a 2023 classic 33 with the upgrade. We still use an Air Ride hitch. It make a huge difference to the induced earth quake effect and a much smoother ride.

[@user-ke4yg2zh2y]

I really enjoy your videos. Keep going.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Thank you!

[@andrewohall]

When I use 15 amp, I have to set my Victron to 5 amp. So I would use the Victron App to control the system, like those of us that have aftermarket install.

[@inchi4it]

Chad, thanks for the excellent video talking about adding solar, lithium, etc, regarding resell value. I am now rethinking a Tradewind over a Globe Trotter. Given the success of this year’s 25 foot model, and hints on if they’re thinking about a 27 foot TW?

[@ChadsRVReviews]

You're welcome! I think the next Trade Wind is going to be shorter.

[@UpintheAir.stream]

Why install a RED ARC Dc dc Charger, a Victron Energy model, would have allowed it to be wired into the CERBO GX, and could of allowed a person to monitor on the touchscreen as well.

[@JohnBahns-c5t]

Chad, the switch is unnecessary. Reps from Battleborn can walk you thru the process of changing the victron setting to allow charging off 15 amp.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Yes, but not everyone is capable of making such changes.

[@g-man2045]

I use the Blue ox system. the chains are suppose to be set at 9 links. Ive gone to 8 links to put less stress on the front of the frame. I dont know if this will help but I hope so. The brackets were put on at the factory when there for repairs. I hope this takes care of "flex"

[@jandry6598]

In our previous trailer we used the 7th link. Our current trailer is a bit heavier, so we are somewhere between the 7th and 8th link. Still testing to figure out which. The key is knowing your truck’s specs. Ours asks for a 50% front axle load return (so return 50% of the original weight / height back to the front tires). BlueOx’s general setup procedure calls for a 100% return, so you may need to adjust to meet your truck’s specs.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Try the 7th link and see if you are still level. Also, make sure you check the weight of your camper and the tongue weight.

[@user-ke4yg2zh2y]

So happy I did not get one. I’ve been so pissed that I couldn’t plug it into 110 V. It was bad enough buying my 2023 flying cloud 25 foot front bed twin would let them in solar with no way to know what my battery level was, I would’ve flipped out

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Do you have a Victron Smart shunt? You need a Victron smart shunt to be able to see your battery SOC.

[@UpintheAir.stream]

Just seen the price of the trade wind $142,000 You could buy a International and have a proper solar multiplus battery install, not the poorly executed design of the trade wind.

[@hoytoy100]

Bought mine new from dealer for $115k. Does that change your mind?

[@TomSarelas]

Thanks, Chad. TFS.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

You're welcome!

[@mikedowling3569]

I have a rocky relationship with Airstream. My first one (‘21 Basecamp 20X) was a lemon they finally agreed to buy back. The replacement has been great. How tone deaf could they be to drop the ball on the 110 issue and not have it from the start? Makes one wonder what else is lurking about, soon to rear it’s ugly head with this new model🤦‍♀️ Nevertheless, the boon docking capability of the Trade Wind has me thinking about getting one 🧐

Great video Chad. Thanks for sharing.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

You're welcome!

[@jnmaher1967]

The new B&W weight distribution system doesn’t use bars. Review this system vs. other weight distribution systems.

[@jandry6598]

It does, they are just much shorter and it uses a hydraulic pump to create the flex rather than a ratchet or brackets.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

I wonder it with the shorter bars if it's flexes the frame less.

[@lmt1022]

Do all 2024's have the FES prevention already added (even the early 2024's)? If they do, is this an internal thing, or is it visible? I do not see anything added inside our front storage area of our 2024 FBT. Thanks!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

All 2024 double axles and it's an internal thing. You won't see it without taking the wall apart.

[@lmt1022]

@@ChadsRVReviews Thank you. I have an early 2024 25FBT and was hoping I had it but didn't see anything. Appreciate your response (and great videos)!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

@@lmt1022 You're welcome!

[@brianf9615]

Honest video.

[@joshuagreen5820]

Future RVs will not use propane. Between the solar and the sure power and the lithium batteries. No genrators required. Call it the California edition But if you want if for cold propane would be nice.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

I think we are years from that being the case, I agree that is the future!

[@cheryluhrig-rivard2963]

I have a 2024 Trade Wind that has buckling around the front storage bay which appeared prior to 60 days of ownership and less than 1,500 miles. If all new Airstreams have the fix for FES from the factory then why is there buckling around the storage bay? My local dealer says that they can install brackets around the storage bay to take care of the problem but I thought that those brackets were already installed by the manufacturer beginning in 2023. I'm confused! I just know that what I'm experiencing should not be happening and I would just like to understand what needs to be done to actually fix this problem? I know that the trailer has not been overloaded, has not been off-road, and I'm using the exact same hitch that I used to pull my prior Airstream for 18 years all over the US and Alaska and never experienced any problems with it so what's going on? I feel like I'm getting the run-around.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

The brackets started in 2024. They will not prevent FES they help but they don’t prevent. What is your tow vehicle and what weight distribution hitch are you using? Is your Trade Wind a twin bed? Did you have the same size Airstream before with storage in the front? Also, call Airstream customer support directly.

[@cheryluhrig-rivard2963]

@@ChadsRVReviews My prior Airstream was a 1999 25' Safari, rear bed twin, and I towed with a Lincoln Navigator with an equalizer hitch and am using the same exact setup on this new Trade Wind. My Trade Wind is the twin model and there is buckling around both sides of the front storage bay. I emailed Airstream Customer Service from the Airstream WebSite (Mothership) after I arrived home in Missouri and noticed the bucking around the storage bay and was basically told to go to my purchasing dealer which is 1,250 miles away. Since it is not possible to go to the selling dealer I went to the Dealer in Missouri, Bill Thomas, and they were awesome and sent pictures to Airstream (I had also provided pictures to Airstream Mothership along with my request for service). Airstream has approved a "fix" but it is my understanding that it is only to add the brackets like you showed in your video. How is that going to fix my problem if my Trade Wind already has the support brackets installed at the factory? I'm confused because I have seen other Airstream Owners who have had additional bracing welded to the frame for the brackets to attach to by the Mothership yet they don't want to even look at my brand new Trade Wind! Any suggestions because I don't want to have to keep having this repair done over and over again?

[@brianz9634]

Great video Chad. Is it accurate to say that all 2024 Trade Winds are reinforced?

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Yes, that is correct!

[@dougdoris8622]

I have a 2024 Pottery Barn 28 RBT and pulling it with a GMC 2500 diesel truck. I use a Weigh Safe WDR. I am thinking about using a standard hitch with my truck as several others have advised me that I don’t need a WDH with my truck. I’m just curious what opinions are about that change.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Airstream recommends the Blue Ox Sway Pro and I would recommend using the 7th link from the top down. Also, try standard hitch towing and see how that feels. Please make sure you check the weight your camper and verify that you have at least 10% of the overall weight of your camper as your ton weight.

[@elainelee6534]

Chad you mentioned in this video you use a Gen Y hitch. Did you get rid of the blue ox hitch you had in your newbie videos?

[@jandry6598]

Gen Y is designed to work with your WDH. It replaces the shank arm and has flex to keep the trailer and TV from bouncing each other as much. Of course they can also be used without WDH depending on what your truck / trailer combo needs.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

jandry6598 answered this one for me. I’m now using the GenY Boss with the blue ox. I have a Video in the works about this setup coming soon!

[@elainelee6534]

Will keep an eye out for it! Thanks Chad!!

[@djstopenhagen3711]

Excellent info question- what about twin bed configuration? did airstream also reinforce the front also?? specifically in 2024 27ft flying cloud and how can a customer tell? thanks

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Yes, they did. The only way to tell is to take front apart and look in side.

[@djstopenhagen3711]

@@ChadsRVReviews I figured you would say that this info is so helpful and backs up a lot of what i read on forums good luck putting your rig back together!

[@ChadsRVReviews]

@@djstopenhagen3711 Thank you!

[@frenchtoastchopsticksmanga5792]

Great info!

[@nicoleweiler8972]

Did they approve a hitch for the Basecamp?

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Not yet!

[@toshlito]

Small correction at 2:56 mark, power equal current times voltage, 30 amps times 220vac is 6600 watts

[@ChadsRVReviews]

I’m not an electrical engineer, so thank you for the comment! When you say 220vac, are you referring to it being a 220 volt system? I believe RVs are all 110v/120v or is that something else? The Tradewind being a 30amp system only has one hot line coming in, a neutral, and a ground connection. Would the math be 30 x 110 = 3,300?

[@Buck0seven]

@@ChadsRVReviewsyou are right, Chad. This is a 110/120v trailer.

[@brianz9634]

@@ChadsRVReviews You're math is correct.

[@jandry6598]

@@ChadsRVReviews RVs and trailers with a 50 amp connection are 220 volt (they have a second hot pole, hence the 4 prongs instead of only 3), but the Trade Wind is a 30 amp only, so it's only 110/120 volts. Though I am also not an electrical engineer. 😆

[@toshlito]

50 amp rv plugs are 220 connections, 30 amp RV plugs 120vac connections. My assumption was that you were connecting via a 50 amp plug since the setting was 30 amps. If you are using a 30 amp plug and drawing 30 amps, then your total power is 30 amps times 120vac(110/120 volt plugs are much closer to 120vac), which is 3600 watts. My guess is that even though the system setting is 30 amps, this is more of a current limit setting, not the amount of current being drawn consistently. As batteries charge, they draw less current. To find the true power that is being consumed, you would need to know the actual current draw going through your power cord.

[@winterjohns]

Chad, you mention that the Tradewind can handle 30 amps on the battery, but can you investigate why it can’t seem to handle a 5 to 7 amp draw while only on batteries. Try running a heat gun or hair dryer and nothing else while unplugged from shore power and you will see what I mean. Thanks for your honest reviews and the videos that you post! Edited to add that it will run them on high but not on medium or low. Again 5 to 7 amps. Has happened on our TW and at least one other new TW on the lot.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

It can run the AC which is more 7 amps when running. It’s a 3000w inverter, I would suspect that it can handle up to 3000w.

[@winterjohns]

@@ChadsRVReviews It can. The problem only happens at 5 to 10 amps. Not more. It trips both GFCI breakers in the breaker box. Please investigate as this appears to be a Victron issue and is happening in several TW’s. Thanks!

[@winterjohns]

Checked the Cerbo and it was drawing 330 watts while on medium and that was where the it tripped both GFCI breakers.

[@Rvator23]

AS will retro a 10a bypass switch as of May 1st. Free of charge but have to take it in.

[@richhowarth2356]

Chad - Not being able to chart with a 15A outlet basically makes the Tradewind useless for its intended purpose (staying away from RV parks). Mine is in to have this fixed.

[@ChadsRVReviews]

I agree! I glad Airstream went a head and fixed it before the next model year! Are you enjoying your Trade Wind?

[@UpintheAir.stream]

You made no mention that Lippert makes the frames for Airstream, and we all know that Lippert is having a huge issue with many Grand Design trailers having frame flex.

[@Tincupping]

FES is a problem from the CEO down. Easy problem to fix, but if they do they are admitting a flawed design and then a class action suit.

[@davidmurphy4676]

The more of these videos that I watch the more I realise that. Buying an airstream is a very iffy project .

[@ChadsRVReviews]

Buying any and all RVs is a project! 🤣

[@user-ke4yg2zh2y]

What about my 2023 ?? 😢😢

[@ChadsRVReviews]

The 2023 Classic, Globetrotter, and Pottery Barn has it but not the Flying Cloud or International. At my dealer, we can add the brackets to the older models (ones that don’t have it). You can do it as preventative maintenance or if you have an issue in the future.

[@UpintheAir.stream]

Don't make excuses for Airstream, the Trade Wind is a poorly executed addition to the Airstream lineup.