---
title: "This Airstream Camper Concept Uses Electric Motors to Reverse on Its Own"
description: "Electric car tech enhances this Airstream camper's convenience."
date: "2022-01-19"
modified: "2022-01-19"
authors:
  - name: "James Gilboy"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/james-gilboy"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/43934/this-airstream-camper-concept-uses-electric-motors-to-reverse-on-its-own"
categories:
  - "Car Tech"
  - "Electric Vehicles"
  - "News"
tags:
  - "concept car"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
---

# This Airstream Camper Concept Uses Electric Motors to Reverse on Its Own

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2022/01/Estream-Reverse-Hero.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The last thing most people think a trailer needs is a drivetrain of its own—that'd make it an RV, no? Well, maybe there's a case to be made for one that can move on its own after all, as long as it can make hitching, towing, and backing up smoother the way the [Airstream](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/41019/airstreams-new-off-road-camper-is-a-dually-4x4-sprinter-van-on-all-terrains>)-based [Thor Estream](<https://www.thorindustries.com/innovation-estream>) does.

At the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow, Airstream's parent company Thor Industries revealed a concept for a trailer with a dual-motor electric drivetrain, which streamlines every step of the towing process. Its remote-controlled motors can maneuver it into place to simplify hitching up, then draw power from onboard lithium-ion batteries to propel it along on the road, reducing the penalty to the tow vehicle's efficiency and driving range.

https://youtube.com/embed/l-jExmPklKs

On the move, Thor says the Estream's drivetrain improves its stability, though it didn't specify how. Presumably, it relies on [regenerative tech](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/43349/dmv-flunks-student-driver-for-using-teslas-regen-brakes>) that effectively gives the Estream torque-vectoring trailer braking and sway control. Sounds useful out on the gusty plains.

Once at its destination and unhitched, the Estream can use that same remote-controlled powertrain to reverse on its own, avoiding [that awkward dance of reversing with one's tow rig](<https://www.thedrive.com/cars-101/34337/how-to-back-up-a-trailer>). When stationary, the Estream can hook into a local power supply, or simply continue drawing power from its batteries to power onboard amenities, which mysteriously include Amazon's Alexa. (I thought the idea of sleeping in a camper was to get away from that horrible omnipresent Bezos Bot, but what do I know.)

Hopefully, Thor will rethink allowing Alexa if it decides to bring the Estream to production, as it's only a concept for the time being. Given Airstream customers' deep pockets, though, I can easily see them splashing out on a trailer this gadget-filled, even if it costs more than a San Francisco apartment.

![message-editor%2F1642619558199-estream1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1642619558199-estream1.jpg>)
*Thor Industries Estream concept, *Thor Industries**

*Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com*

## Author
James is a former staff writer for The Drive. He has changed the conversation around electrification, debunked misinformation online, and become a prominent hunter of what he calls "automotive cryptids."

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://instagram.com/jamesgilboy>)