2018 Airstream Travel Trailer Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Airstream Travel Trailer is a legendary and iconic recreational vehicle that blends vintage charm with modern conveniences. This travel trailer is known for its unique metal exterior and aerodynamic shape. It stands out on the road and at campsites. Inside, it has a warm and stylish place to live with a variety of floor plans to meet the needs of different travelers. The inside has high-quality materials, smart ways to store things, and luxury features like a well-stocked kitchen, a cozy place to sleep, and a bathroom with a shower. The 2018 Airstream Travel Trailer is the perfect mix of history and modern comfort, making it a great choice for people who want to travel in a way that is exciting and memorable.

Floor Plans and Specifications

Basecamp

Specification Chart

NOTE
All weights listed in the Specification Chart are checked and updated throughout the model year.
Your production trailer may vary from the weights listed.

The UBW and NCC weights listed in the Specification Chart are for the base unit with LP and batteries included.
Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum permissible weight of this trailer when fully loaded. It includes all weight at the trailer axle(s) and coupler.
Unit Base Weight (UBW) is the dry weight of the base unit without options. Net Carrying Capacity (NCC) is equal to GVWR minus
UBW. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), the value specified as the load-carrying capacity of a single axle system, as measured at the tire-ground interfaces.

Specification Tags
For precise cargo capacity, refer to the Cargo-Carrying Capacity tag on the inside of the entry door. The
WEIGHT OF CARGO SHOULD NEVER EXCEED numbers shown on the tag, which is the maximum weight of cargo you can load and carry in your specific trailer as built with its options.
Located towards the front roadside of your trailer are the Tire and Loading, and Vehicle Manufacturing tags.
The Tire and Loading information tag lists the Size and Cold Inflation Pressure of the tires on your vehicle, the weight of your trailer as manufactured, and the GVWR.
The Vehicle Manufacturing tag lists the size of tires and wheel rims, Maximum Cold Inflation pressures, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and Gross Axle ratings (GAWR).

Measuring Hitch Ball Height
The proper height will vary according to the weight you carry and the tires you use. However, checking the height on your trailer is relatively easy:

1. With the trailer parked on fairly level ground, measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame, front and rear.
2. Adjust the front jack until the measurements are equal.
3. Now, measure from the ground to the inside top of the ball coupler. This figure is the hitch height.
   The hitch ball is then usually set 1/2 to 1 in. higher, according to the spring rate of your tow vehicle, to allow for it to settle when the trailer is hitched up.
   Tire Size with Maximum Inflation Pressure Cold
   255/55R18 – 50 PSI (AIl Models)

General Information and Cleaning

The interior of all Airstream trailers has been designed for comfort, convenience, durability, and appearance.
How you use it and how you take care of it, naturally, depends on you. However, if you learn to operate the interior components and take care of them and the trailer properly, this knowledge will add to your pleasure, as well as the long life of your trailer. PERMABLOK3® by Spradling PermaBlok3® is a vinyl protective coating that’s engineered to create a tough, effective barrier against the three biggest problems: germs, abrasion, and stains. You can not see it or feel it, yet the protection it offers results in extended performance and lasting beauty with minimum care. Most stains can be removed with a damp cloth and cleaned with a 1:1 mix of Ivory® soap and water. A 1:1 mix of ammonia and water, or a 1:4 mix of bleach and water can be used for more stubborn stains. Only if needed a 1:1 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water can be used. Use only a soft cotton cloth and rub the stain in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry.

Interior Aluminum Skin
Interior aluminum skin can be cleaned by washing with any mild non-abrasive soap or detergent. Cleaning should be followed by a thorough clean water rinse.
Drying the unit with a chamois or a soft cloth may prevent spots and streaks. Do not use abrasive cleaners or utensils on the aluminum skin as it is coated with a clear coat that could be damaged. Airstream recommends using Pledge® All-Purpose Cleaner to clean interior surfaces including the aluminum skin.

NOTE
When washing or polishing your trailer, always wipe with the grain of the metal.

Window Shades
Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.

Vinyl Covering
Damp-wiping with mild detergent will suffice for routine cleaning. The use of any automotive cleaners designed for vinyl car seats and dashes can provide a more thorough cleaning.

Interior Woodwork
The finish on the interior woodwork is a high-quality furniture finish and should be treated as an fine furniture finish. Use a high-quality furniture cleaner which does NOT contain ammonia or bleach. One good choice is Murphy Oil Soap Clean and Shine.

Counter Area
The countertops are made of a high-pressure laminate and can be cleaned with soap and water, or you can use a common solvent on tough spots. Do not use abrasive cleaners since they could scratch the surface
A protective pad should always be used under hot utensils or pans.

Vinyl Flooring
General Cleaning
Use a soft broom to sweep the floor. A vacuum cleaner may damage the flooring, especially the type that use beater bars. In most cases, a clean damp cloth or mop will suffice to clean dirty flooring. When necessary, a solution of mild detergent or domestic floor cleaning emulsion can be used to clean the flooring. Do not use a wire brush or nylon scouring pads, furniture polish, spirit-based polish, powder or liquid abrasive cleaners, bleach or other strong detergents. Scuffs, dirt, and spillages should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Rubber backing on doormats may result in yellow discoloration of the floor immediately beneath. Choose a natural fiber mat. Rubber feet on furniture may cause staining. Remove them altogether or place coasters or felt pads between them and the floor.
Protecting Your Floor From Physical Damage For spirit-based products such as shoe polish, solvents. hair dye, and permanent marker pens, wipe up spots and marks as quickly as possible. This also applies to mustard and strongly colored foodstuffs. Corrosive substances such as acid and alkaline solutions can damage the surface of the floor. Clean up any spills quickly and carefully avoiding direct contact with the substance. Wear protective clothing such as gloves when doing so. Bitumen/tar from freshly resurfaced or melted roads and pathways, and some inexpensive rubber shoe and slipper soles can cause stains. The above materials are likely to cause damage but are not considered restrictive.

Shower Stall
To clean your fiberglass shower stall unit, use warm water and one of the stronger liquid detergents. Do not use abrasive cleaners as they may scratch and dull the surface of your unit. Stubborn stains can be removed with solvents such as turpentine, paint thinner, or acetone. Restore dulled areas by rubbing with an automotive-type liquid cleaner, then, put the soft glow back into your unit with a light application of liquid wax.

Caution
Applying wax to the base of the shower floor is not recommended, as this could create an unsafe surface.

Telephone Shower Head
The telephone shower head is designed to give maximum flexibility in usage, and provides for water-saving techniques when using your trailer on self-containment. It can be held in the hand and moved about the body. Normally, the best water conservation procedure is to wet the entire body then turn the water off. Apply soap, lather thoroughly, and then rinse the soap off. The shower stall is equipped with an exterior shower door that allows the shower head to be passed through to the outside. Make sure the door remains locked when not in use.

GALLEY
The Basecamp galley has two retractable 120V receptacles with USB ports installed in the galley’s countertop. These flush-mounted receptacles can be pulled up to use the outlets/USB ports. When not in use, simply press the receptacles back down to lock them in place. The receptacle is completely self-contained and sealed should any spillage occur around its casing.

FAQ