New 2025 Airstream Trade Wind 23FB Walkthrough | Off-Grid Beast or Marketing Hype?

In Luv Subbin Episode 289, we travel to the 2024 Hershey RV Show to review the brand new 2025 Airstream Trade Wind 23FB. As experienced RV'ers and Airstreamers, we look at the new trailer and give you our opinion as to whether it is a worthy boondocking machine or just a lot of marketing hype... #2024hersheyrvshow
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[@LuvSubbin]

Some may wonder why I am not a fan of lifting Airstreams as mentioned in this video. Here's why: 1. A 3" lift raises the center of gravity of the trailer. Under normal towing conditions, this is not an issue - the trailer will tow just great. However, under extreme evasive maneuvers (like I experienced when avoiding a wrong way driver on I-95), this increases the probability of a loss of control event. The increase in the C.o.G. is made worse by adding 500 watts of heavy solar panels in the worst possible location - the roof. Finally, we always try and tow with a full water tank to lower the center of gravity. About the only time we don't is when we are coming off a boondocking adventure (which is what this trailer is designed for). Empty water tanks further raise the C.o.G. 2. The lift exposes more surface area of the trailer to the slipstream. Drag is increased proportionally to the increase in surface area. Will this create an increase in fuel consumption? Yes. Is it a lot? No. But it is not zero. 3. The lift increases the step height by an additional 3". Not that big of a deal but if you're raising the door side by 3" to level the trailer, you now have 6" more to go up or down which would probably require a step stool. 4. We've been on BLM lands boondocking. Maybe it's just us but for the most part, the dirt roads are in fairly decent condition and certainly not the Jeep-style off roading that would necessitate greater clearance. If I see a big rock or a deep hole, I go around it. 5. I don't buy the "difficulty in getting into gas stations" argument. I've towed over 127,000 miles and average 220 miles between fill ups. That's 577 gas station stops in 22 years and to my knowledge, I have never scraped bottom. Maybe I have - but I have not noticed it. If you like your lift - that's great: it's your Airstream so have fun with it. I, however, have my opinions.

[@timschroeder6043]

Allow me to add more info regarding the Trade Wind. 1) Standard is a propane oven the microwave is an option that replaces the propane oven. 2) A DC to DC 12V 10amp charger is included giving the ability to charge the batteries while towing. 3) Overhead storage compartments have latches so they remain closed while traveling. 4) Tires are selected to better hold up to travel on gravel roads as compared to paved surfaces. 5) 3 inch lift. Based on my experience many years ago traveling with my parents 1972 27ft Airstream I needed to enter/exit driveways at a non perpendicular direction if the approach angle had more than a moderate degree of rise. Not doing so resulted in dragging the frame (Drag block) out back. 6) I would definitly like having the lift on the 25ft and longer Airstreams. 7) The 12V fridge/freezer is a plus based on my experence with the propane unit. Also I believe all new Airstreams have 12V units. 8) Both Trade Wind 23ft and 25ft units utilize recirculating hot water systems to save from having to run water down the drain before hot water is present. The 2025 GT now has that same feature.

[@CruisinwiththeColemans]

I'm sorry we missed each other at the RV Show! Nice tour! I love those spice/can cabinets!

[@dossfc]

My friend, I apologize for being persistent but if you want to end the alternator issues, get a DC-DC charger to connect between the alternator and the trailer battery. It limits the amount amps the lithium battery can suck out of your truck alternator, stops the issue you’re having once the battery is topped off and will save your alternator from getting burned out. I know because we went through the same issues with our airstream when we switched to lithium batteries. For reference, we use the Renogy 12V 40A DC to DC On-Board Battery charger on out 2016 Airstream Pendleton.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks so much for continuing to watch despite my "paralysis by analysis". We have made the decision to get a DC to DC charger. I'm just waiting for the Airstream International Rally in October to buy one there and maybe get a deal (and support the vendors). I'll probably get the Victron 12V 30A. BTW, Cool! You have a Pendelton!!

[@UpintheAir.stream]

@@LuvSubbin Thank God, tired of hearing about your fixable battery issue. Been trying to get you to do this for 3 months now.

[@Donabouttown]

Hi Rich and Cindy. This is Don & Jenne BRN 27171 from the “clap out” at Alumapalooza 2023. The van you talk about in the beginning of this video is Patrick Botticelli’s from Colonial Airstream!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and great to hear from you again! Seriously??? We had no idea. That is one cool rig. If it's Patrick's, we bet it is tricked out to the max. Hope to see you guys down the road...

[@margaretnoble3074]

Yes I thought that was Patrick's!

[@airstreamer]

NO WAY! Woah, that it is so cool that you guys saw his van!!

[@thewrightlife]

Great review guys! Our 1 year ban from last years Hershey RV show incident is now over. Perhaps we can come back next year on a probationary status. See you at the ACI Rally!

[@LuvSubbin]

@@thewrightlife Well, we’re going to dump a review on one of their units on Tuesday that might get us banned for a year…

[@cliffmolz8719]

We have a 2005 28' Classic and after seeing the new Tradewind we will stick with what we have. Everything is original on our Airstream and still works to include the propane stove and electric/propane refrigerator. I did replace one of the Fantastic Fan motors but that was simple to fix. No lift kit either. We have been living in our Airstream for the past four months while hosting at a campground in Island Park, Idaho over the summer (near Yellowstone). We will be closing the campground this week and heading for home in Central Oregon, but taking a few side adventures along the way over the next few weeks. My wife would like to install a new propane stove before next year, but it will not be a Furion after watching your past videos. Safe travels and keep the videos coming.....

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Your '05 Classic sounds great. Like you, we love the simplicity of the older analog systems and the longevity of the appliances. Cindy laughed out loud when she read your comment about the Furrion. Learn from our mistake... We hate it so much we may still replace it sooner than we should.

[@ktoes]

Point taken, Rich. You’re a good sport! Jeff

[@ktoes]

We’re on the road from a 5 week excursion of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, heading toward St. Louis for our 2nd night in a row of HH. Then to Ohio for the annual Paul Bunyan Show in Lore City. Eventually back to Alabama. How did you end up @Auburn being from Vermont?

[@ktoes]

You guys missed the storage under both twin beds. Twin beds give you 8” more of sleeping room than the queen. The fan by the bathroom removes moisture easily via the slot over the door. The Nova Kool fridge stays consistently cold as well as consumes little energy and gets cold in a much shorter time than the older propane…try it you’ll like it. We own the 2024 23FBT International with factory installed 300 watts of solar, 2000 watt inverter & 2 Battle Born lithium-ion 100Ah. Not crazy about the tankless water heaters but hear the 2025’s have recirculation which improves efficiency. Enjoy your videos. Roll Tide! 😉

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Your points are valid and just represents the fact that "different strokes for different folks". Twin beds could give us 50' of more sleeping room and storage and we still wouldn't want it. The Nova Kool fridge is fine but let's see how long the compressor lasts going down the road versus an absorption fridge which has no moving parts. Ours is still working 22 years later. Will the Nova Kool? Maybe. I know our fridge at home didn't last that long (compressor failure) and it doesn't bounce down the road... And of course, War Eagle!

[@CampingCoastie]

Getting the DC to DC charger is a good decision. It was great meeting you at Hershey!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Great meeting you as well and we'll be getting that DC to DC Charger at the International Airstream Rally in two weeks...

[@mikemadden865]

Welcome back Amp-Man! I agree with manual awnings and stabilizers. Great video and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Mike! "Things Seldom Fail Because They Are Too Simple". Rules to live by. Manual is good.

[@margaretnoble3074]

Thanks for the tour! Wanted to mention that 12v fridge looks identical to ours, which is a NovaKool. Norcold are also 12v and used in some units but seem to be less reliable than the NovaKool. Seeing a NovaKool in this TradeWind is a def plus in my mind! With all the Ahs and solar on this trailer i can think of no better use for a 12v fridge. Re the Micro/Conv....i can see the point with all the batteries and 3000w converter, but it is also nice to have it there to be available when plugged in! 😊 For the record, we love our FC 23cb with manual awning and manual stabilizers. Thumbs up guys!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I may have been a bit harsh on the 12 V fridge. With 810 ah of batteries that should keep things cool for awhile. We're glad you love your FC 23CB and hope to see you down the road someday...

[@ElectronGary]

The 3000W inverter is so you can run the A/C. I do understand that, being from Vermont, that's maybe not as important as if you were from FL. Given the 810AH (9,720Watt Hours) of battery power, there is enough battery to theoretically run the A/C (uses about 1,800W) for 5.4 hours. If the A/C runs 50% of the time, that's over 10 hours of comfort. While the actual run time will be about 20% less, due to conversion losses and other factors, this is still quite useful. Since the 3000W inverter only uses as much power as you're drawing, I would keep it and not replace it with a 1000W unit as you suggested.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I will readily admit that the concept of running the air conditioner off batteries is not something normal to me. Of course 810 ah of battery is massive even considering the compressor fridge would be running near full time in hot temperatures. Additionally, I was under the impression that the idle power draw of an inverter was proportional to efficiency and rating of the inverter. For example, a 1K inverter draws 20 watts at rest, a 2K 40 watts, and a 3K 60 watts. I'm just an Old Corps Power Miser...

[@airstreamer]

Jim says "I'm on team Rich for electric vs. propane" 😊-Jim & Michelle

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks guys! An absorption fridge has zero moving parts and ours is still running after 22 years. I wonder how many of those compressor fridges will still be running after being towed 127,000 miles over 22 years...

[@PJ-gp2hj]

I can run a/c and microwave off grid. Did not blow a fuse. Like the non-gas frig. Twin is the best!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have a pretty serious off grid rig! Each to their own. The important thing is that you love what you have...

[@cbdane]

I love puppies but I’m not a fan of lifts! 😅 You’d have to fight me to take our propane fridge!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching as always! Yes, we love puppies too. I do feel a little bad about talking smack on a compressor fridge with a rig that has 810 ah of lithium batteries. But if you have two or fewer 100 ah batteries, they do not make sense.

[@ZephyrTravels]

So.. we are guessing that a Tradewind is not in your future 😊. The aggressive tread is not why you want the off road truck tires- it’s for the puncture resistant. Off road tires are made to drive over rocks and other debris on a dirt road or gravel road. Also it must be more than just marketing to install truck tires - the Classic been using them for years without issues. And we love our twin beds, it gives us much more usable floor space. But I guess with twin beds it could not be a Luv Sub??? Safe travels.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks guys! You're right that the aggressive tread will help to prevent punctures but I stand by my statement that most BLM lands are not that "off roadie". I'll also vehemently defend my belief that the marketing department is behind putting Michelins on the Classics ("We spared no expense! See? Even the tires are upgraded versus just the standard Goodyears"). As you know, we'll keep our 2002 22' International until we can't Stream anymore... Great seeing you guys earlier at Sampson...

[@HomeAway-5008]

We have had both a propane fridge and 12v. We prefer the 12v especially if you have lithium batteries. I would agree that a lift is probably not necessary on a 23' or shorter Airstream BUT once you get longer than 27' it's a must.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! As I've had some time to reflect, maybe with 810 ah of lithium I was a little harsh on the 12 V fridge... I will, however, respectfully disagree on the lift. Lifts are relatively new and Airstream built 34' triple axle beasts without lifts for decades. We have a number of very experienced Airstreamers with the 34's and none of them have lifts.

[@tracyk.8306]

I second HomeAway.5008. We had both and our propane fridge on our Classic could not keep up in the heat waves. We switched to 12v fridge and no regrets. It sips power, never has failed to cool, and we often use the nighttime setting on the fridge to reduce the running of the compressor while we sleep. It's a far more efficient unit than the propane fridge.

[@mfhairstream6812]

12v fridge is way better. I will never go back to propane

[@StephSH]

I agree that not having a propane oven is a huge flaw in the floor plan.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I can debate the merits of a propane vs 12V fridge but the propane oven - especially for a chef like Cindy - is mandatory.

[@RJ-oe4co]

The lifted airstream looks like Patrick Botticelli’s of Colonial Airstream.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! A few other viewers have also commented that it is his. How cool is that? We never knew. I bet it is legit - I'll have to see if he has a KZbin on it.

[@markdfranke]

I chuckled at your "engineer" vs "salesman" approach when explaining features. According to the literature the 3" lift is to better traverse the uneven roads when going offroad. That may fit under your "salesman" category as Airstream seems to be seeking to offer a camper that competes with specialty campers designed exclusively for off-roading. Yes, Airstreams have been offroad for years without lifts, but the owners are adding lifts on their own so the lift on the Tradewind helps capture that share of the market by offering a camper that people would have lifted anyway.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! The "Outlander"/"Off Road" trend is definitely there as we walk the RV shows. Kudos to Airstream and Dexter for trying to capitalize on that market. I know it will never be available but I would LOVE to know the percentage of Trade Winds that actually need the lift and tires to get to where their owners want them to go. My bet is that the KOA percentage is much higher...

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

That is the same layout as our 23’FC without our queen bed. The first thing I would change out in mine is I would go to the twin beds. I am not a fan of our U shape dinette either. I love the fridge and the convection oven. The bathroom in the back is a pain as well. Without ventilation it gets stuffy in the warmer weather. Now with that said I still love our rig. Safe travels

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks Cotton Tales! No rig is perfect - ours included. BTW, we met the coolest RV manufacturer ever (Storyteller RV) and they are in Birmingham. They invited us to tour their factory and we may try and work that in this fall. The co-founder had a degree from both Alabama and Auburn! He said he was a "dual citizen".

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@LuvSubbin I have heard of those kind of dual citizens, but I do not understand them. They usually pick one or the other though. Safe travels

[@greghanson5864]

Well, not complete. But the Trade Wind is definitely for a unique customer!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I'm not sure it's for us but many people love them.

[@markmontgomery9714]

Agree with your assessment. Twin beds a no go in my book🥰

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Each to their own. For us, it's important regardless of the functionality. Safe travels.

[@dalekarraker6851]

I agree, the trade wind seems like a bit of a reach for Airstream - I understand why they did it but for anything more serious than dirt/gravel you're not going to be buying an Airstream anyway - except maybe a Basecamp. But I gotta go with them on the Twin configuration - it gives you a bit more floor space.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We agree. For Christmas one year, C gave me the book "Cape Town to Cairo" by Lilli Douglass which documents the 14,000 miles taken by Airstreamers during the 1959 African Caravan. They did some amazing stuff back in the day...

[@martiphone4884]

Yeah, we're not fans of the lift either. We like having a propane fridge, stove and oven. Makes me wonder if the folks designing these actually camp, let alone boondock. Love Cindy's positive attitude.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching - I love Cindy's positive attitude as well! Our Airstream is great but we have a running joke about the round-about and the table by my bed that no engineer/designer could have spent a night in it...

[@KimWF570]

I agree, simpler is better. I'm hanging on to my 2010 pickup for that reason! (And I'm in VT!) Rear window bathroom??? Some nice details but I'm looking forward to the concept trailer.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching fellow Vermonter! We would still have our very simple 2001 F-150 if the cruel Vermont winters had not rusted it out. Still, we love the simplicity of our 2002 Airstream.

[@craig-n1f]

We picked up a 20 2325 foot front bed twin with a hatch lithium solar, not a fan of the fridge. Had to install my own shunt I’m still trying to figure out the Victron display on my phone and what’s actually going on in the trailer the 300 W of solar does very well. Hope to see you at the international.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching and definitely look us up at International - we leave for it on Sunday. Maybe we can talk Victron...

[@adam-hd7kg]

Those Airstream prices are unbelievable.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We agree. We paid $34,000 for our Airstream in 2002. For fun, I used the Consumer Price Index to calculate what that would be in today's dollars. It was just over $58,000. That Trade Wind 23' (granted ours is an International) had an MSRP of $126,000...

[@adam-hd7kg]

@@LuvSubbin Was $34,000 msrp or was that after a discount?

[@kchortu]

get a dc to dc charger to isolate the lithium batter from the car's charging system

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Yes, after all my "paralysis by analysis", we have decided on a DC-DC charger. We'll get a Victron 12V 30A. We're waiting for the International Airstream Rally in Sedalia next month to hopefully get a deal.

[@vanderwielen]

Ouch, use a dc to dc converter! Don’t connect your alternator, thru the 7pin directly

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We've made the decision to get a DC to DC charger and will pick one up at the Airstream International Rally next month.

[@harveyevans644]

A guy at the factory told me today, that now if your fantastic fan is close to a vent pipe, like on our 22 INT, they will not install a two way fan. On the lift, when I destination camp for a while, and don't have full hookups, I put my tires on 4 inches of blocks, so I can use my camco waste tank. Also nice to slide stuff underneath. I heard a theory that Airstreams were originally designed to be pulled by a Station Wagons. Trucks our higher off the ground and the lift makes a better connection? thoughts?

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I'll agree that the Camco Blue Tote is a little difficult to use without the lift. We have a 5/8" hose that we connect. It takes awhile but gravity eventually works. Regarding station wagons, they were a very common tow vehicle in the 60's and 70's but at the time, pick up trucks were not a thing like they are today. Pick ups were work vehicles and did not have many of the comforts of the station wagons or big sedans. The important measurement is not the height of the vehicle but the height of the ball in relation to the A frame. With a big truck, you just need a low ball...

[@nm8834]

Thanks for the walkthru! My two cents on the TW…. You cant run the AC for very long on battery alone, so if you have to plug in anyway, all that fancy electric equipment is a waste. Nice concept tho.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I calculated that with our power consumption, we could stay off grid on 810 ah of lithium for 29 days (and that assumes no solar charging). Totally awesome. We would, however, run out of fresh water and have filled our grey/black tanks in 5 days. Food would run out before the 29 days of lithium...

[@nm8834]

@@LuvSubbin 29 days???? 😮 Go Amp Man!!! Or should I say Ohm Mama!!!!!!! Hahahahahhahahah 😂😂😂 Yeah, the water…

[@spankroy]

One big issue with these Trade Wind trailers is their really low cargo capacity. I believe for this model, the cargo capacity is 640lbs.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! Excellent point. I wonder why it is so low? The lithium battery bank - though massive - should not add that much....

[@spankroy]

@@LuvSubbin Good question. Airstream's aren't really known for their high cargo capacity, but this is particularly bad. I'm not sure why they don't just bump up to more heavy duty axles for these trailers. I assume they have some reason for it.

[@craig-n1f]

First😳😂😂

[@LuvSubbin]

Nice!! That indeed was pretty quick...

[@jtlong8383]

The 23 foot Tradewind makes no sense. They’ve added weight and didn’t upgrade the suspension, so you are left with only 700 lbs of cargo capacity. When you fill your fresh water tank (after all, you are going boondocking in this), you are reduced to about 400 lbs of cargo capacity.

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! I don't disagree. Marketing people don't often understand things like cargo capacity when nubby tires look so awesome.

[@richardjackson9790]

The Airstream van you saw in the parking lot, belongs to Patrick Botticelli, the salesman at the Airstream exhibit. No you not an idiot! I agree with you on the all the appliances that shouldn’t be there!

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! (and not calling me an idiot... 😀) Someone else commented that the B190 was Patrick's so I'm considering that "corroborated" . It was definitely the coolest B190 we've ever seen.

[@mfhairstream6812]

definitely not a "off- grid beast"

[@LuvSubbin]

Thanks for watching! We agree. We saw some off road beasts at the show so stay tuned. It's got some great stuff but even I can't imagine needing 810 ah of lithium batteries if the rig is set up to boondock.