An all electric AS, could it work for fulltiming on the road?

[anniemaine]

I found an AS I really like, but it has been converted to all electric (no propane tanks at all). As a first time Airstreamer and RVer, I have no practical experience. I had planned to install solar panels for boondocking, but that wouldn't address hot water and heat/AC. How effective would a generator be at meeting these needs? Would I be extremely limited in finding camp grounds? Is there any upside to all electric? This does look like a beautiful renovation. Would it make any sense to buy it? Help, I could be in love!

Thanks, Annie

Vintage '72 Tradewind - "Like New" - Airstream Trailer Classifieds - Airstream Trailers For Sale

[Joe Palmieri]

It sounds to me like this trailer was meant to be parked in one spot for the season then possibly towed home for the winter. I would not want to be on the road full time with a totally electric trailer of any make.

[Skater]

It's okay if you're always going to use it with an electric hookup. But you're right - without propane and without electricity, you're not going to have hot water or heat/AC. You could use a generator, but that's a lot of extra headache. And some campgrounds do not permit generators, or limit their hours - i.e., you wouldn't be able to run it at night, for example. And don't forget the headache of carrying the generator, refueling it, worrying about it being stolen, etc.

Personally, I'd never buy a camper that was converted to all electric. The price would have to be low low low for me to even consider it, because my next move would be to reinstall propane. I don't really understand why people do this all-electric conversion - propane is actually incredibly safe, probably safer than electricity, and each tank has a LOT of stored energy that can be used to heat things easily - including running our camper's fridge. (We also use our camper as a 'lifeboat' at home when the power goes out, so an all-electric camper would mean it's no better than our house.)

[HowieE]

Annie

Step back and think this one out some more. While someone put a ton of money into that rig it has serious limitations for full timing. There is No Living Space. The size generator you would need, 3500+, will require a pickup truck to carry and mean the truck has to be at the trailer side day and night to keep the beer cold.

As a general rule I advise New RVers never to buy New as they will not get all they really need in the first rig they buy. I would extend that comment to this "unique" trailer. Get you feet wet on a less expensive trailer. Yes odds are you will never see one like this again but I doubt it will meet your long term needs.

Lots of eye appeal but very poor utility.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by anniemaine

I found an AS I really like, but it has been converted to all electric (no propane tanks at all).

That statement really says it all: "I found an AS I really like, but…"

As a new Airstreamer, you would do a lot better to keep looking until you can say, "I found an AS I really like!" No buts.

[anniemaine]

Thanks for the advice. I will continue to look.

[Ganaraska]

Pass on it. You will not be able to travel in comfort because you will seldom find power hookups powerful enough to run everything, and any effort to use solar panels is doomed to failure.

Keep looking, they made them with gas ranges and gas furnaces for a reason.

[xrvr]

We use gas only for the stove. We do not use the water heater and the fridge runs on electric only. We stay only at CG with electric and could use hot plates for cooking without gas. No furnace in our trailer, we use electric heat. Water heater will run on electric if we need it. We have never needed a generater. So, yes you can camp without gas, but you must be selective. Jim

[55AS]

There are no absolutes. All electric can work but it depends entirely on how you intend to use your camper. If you only camp with hookups and do not intend to travel long distances each day this might be the right answer. During my restoration I opted for a 110 volt only fridge due to cost and size issues and so far it has worked great for me but boondocking would require a generator (or using a good old fashioned "ice box"). I find that if the fridge/freezer is full of cold items before I leave home and it is kept shut while traveling that the contents remain quite cold even traveling all day with no power. Multiple days would be an issue but there is always the option of putting everything into a cooler with ice. Not for everyone I know but it works for me.

[68 TWind]

I would not pay as much for an all electric model. We don't use propone often, as we don't camp often without electric, but when we do need it, it is nice. Also consider that when you sell it, you are limiting the number of potential buyers because it is all electric. I would seriously consider that fact as I negotiated the price if you do decide to buy this trailer.

[handn]

An all electric trailer might serve in the south, where no boondocking is done.
For us northerners a furnace is necessary for winter camping. A 5000 btu space heater will keep the inside comfortable down to about 40. Below that the furnace is needed.
I agree with the others, an all electric trailer is not a good idea.
Most of fun of camping is going off the grid.

[Skater]

People, this thread is over a year old. I'm sure the original poster has made his/her decision and moved on by now.

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by Skater

People, this thread is over a year old. I'm sure the original poster has made his/her decision and moved on by now.

In fact, her listing and avatar suggest that she has acquired a 2011 27 foot FB!

[Ganaraska]

How much power is the typical campground set up to supply? Will it handle your lights, stereo, TV, fridge,water heater, kitchen range and air conditioner or electric heaters, all at the same time?

You might be able to get away with an all electric trailer IF you always stop at campgrounds with good electric supply and IF you ration your use of power as necessary.