FAQs

Yes. The AE.1 includes redundant manual controls throughout the trailer so key functions remain accessible without the Atlas tablet.

Physical switches are integrated across the interior for things like lighting, brightness control, and turning kitchen and bathroom fans on or off. The canopy can also be raised and lowered using a dedicated switch within the AeroHub.

Some systems, like HVAC, are controlled through the Atlas tablet, but core functions are designed with backup controls in place so you’re never reliant on a single interface.

The AE.1 is designed as a fully integrated electric platform, not a conventional trailer or a lightly electrified one.

Compared to traditional and other electric travel trailers, the AE.1 stands apart in a few key ways:

Electric self-propulsion: TrekDrive™ actively assists the tow vehicle, reducing load and helping double usable range instead of relying solely on passive towing.

The most solar and battery capacity: The AE.1 is designed with more onboard solar generation and battery storage than other all-electric travel trailers, supporting longer off-grid stays without generators.

Integrated microgrid: Power generation, storage, and management are designed as one coordinated system rather than separate components.

Open interior design: The interior prioritizes open, flexible living space instead of segmented, fixed-room layouts common in traditional trailers.

Designed and manufactured in America: Engineering, testing, and production remain closely connected, supporting quality, serviceability, and long-term ownership.

Together, these differences are why customers choose the AE.1 when they want a quieter, more capable, and more modern travel trailer experience.

Approximately 88% of the AE.1’s bill of materials is sourced domestically.

This reflects a deliberate focus on building in the United States, supporting local supply chains, and maintaining a high level of quality and control throughout the manufacturing process.

The AE.1 has a GVWR of 8,200lbs.

In order to tow safely, we require the tow vehicle to have a towing capacity equal to or greater than the trailer's GVWR. Most EV trucks with an upgraded tow package will be capable of towing the AE.1. Additionally, most 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton gas or diesel trucks are up for the job. To be sure, we strongly recommend referring to your vehicle's tow guidelines in the owner's manual to determine whether your vehicle is capable of safely towing the AE.1. We strongly recommend using a weight distribution hitch.

Getting set up at camp is quick and straightforward. Most owners can go from arrival to fully set up in about 10 minutes, and even faster once it becomes part of your routine.

That includes disconnecting from your tow vehicle, auto-leveling the trailer, and raising the canopy to transition from Road Mode to Camp Mode. The process is designed to be simple, so you can spend less time setting up and more time settling in.

You can place an order for the AE.1 at lightshiprv.com. Deliveries are already underway, with a typical timeline of around six months from order to delivery.

Ground-breaking aerodynamic drag performance is part of what makes a Lightship trailer completely unique in the industry. From day one, the AE.1 was designed for maximum aero-efficiency. Dual Mode enables the trailer to convert between low-profile Road Mode (which minimizes the AE.1's frontal area to increase range and towability) to Camp Mode (giving grand, spacious interior headroom and dramatic panoramic windows). 

The AE.1™ comes equipped with our all-electric TrekDrive™ System. The LFP batteries and electric motor provide the trailer with self-propulsion, which lessens the load on the tow vehicle. If your tow vehicle is electric, you'll see an extended range. If your tow vehicle has a combustion engine, you'll experience improved fuel economy.

Yes. Most of the Aero-Electric efficiency benefits found in the AE.1 trailers are the same for a traditional combustion engine tow vehicle. Instead of an increased range, however, you'll see a significantly improved fuel economy compared to towing a traditional travel trailer.

Yes, many customers consider the AE.1 a strong option for ADU-style use, with fewer barriers than permanent construction.

Because the AE.1 is a mobile travel trailer, it typically does not require building permits associated with permanent structures, which makes it appealing for guest space, flexible housing, or temporary living. Local zoning rules still apply, so customers should confirm occupancy limits, utility hookups, and duration of use with their municipality.

We chose not to include a built-in auto-hitch, and instead focused on a solution that performs better in real-world conditions.

The AE.1 is designed around a dual-axle platform, where precision and control matter more than automation at the hitch point. Rather than limiting maneuverability to a fixed system, we offer the Trailer Valet RVR9 as an add-on, giving you full remote control of the trailer with true 360-degree movement.

That means you can position the AE.1 exactly where you want it, whether that’s backing into a tight campsite, aligning for better solar exposure, or making small adjustments without a tow vehicle.

It’s also a more capable solution on uneven or rough terrain. Compared to caster-style systems, the Trailer Valet maintains traction and control where small wheels can struggle, giving you more confidence when conditions aren’t perfect.

Having the dishwasher in the AE.1 is actually a energy saving feature. The dishwasher uses roughly 1.5 gallons of water rather than the average 5-10 gallons when washing by hand. 

Yes. The AE.1 can be towed with TrekDrive turned off.

Even without self-propulsion, you’ll still see best-in-class towing efficiency thanks to the AE.1’s sleek, aerodynamic design, which reduces drag compared to traditional travel trailers.

Your tow vehicle must have the capacity to tow and brake the dry weight of the trailer safely, as there are driving situations where the AE.1 does not utilize self-propulsion, including (but not limited to) starting from a complete standstill.  Please refer to your owner's manual for guidance about your specific vehicle's towing capacity.

If your home loses power, the AE.1™ has the capabilities to serve as an integrated backup power source to support typical household loads. It requires that a licensed electrician install an external power inlet for your home and an additional male-to-male power cable is required.

The AE.1™ uses the NACS — North America Charging Standard.

Yes. The AE.1 is a self-contained microgrid that generates, stores, and manages its own electricity.

Solar panels generate power, a large onboard battery stores it, and integrated control software manages how energy is used across propulsion, onboard systems, and external power outputs. This allows the AE.1 to operate independently at camp while also supporting power needs on the road, and at home, without relying on generators or constant shore power.

Every AE.1™ will come standard with the NACS charging standard, allowing your AE.1 can be charged from both AC and DC, using a standard 120-volt wall outlet, a 30 or 50-amp receptacle (commonly found at campgrounds & RV parks) or at an EV fast charger. Additionally, any time there is sun, the rooftop solar panels will charge the battery, even in transit. 

Every AE.1™ will come standard with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology included. Vehicle-to-Home(V2H) capability will become available in a future software update.

For a level one charger (120volt) the charging rate is 2-3 miles of range per hour. For a level two charger, the rate is from 20% to 80% in five hours, or 0% to 100% in eight and a half hours. For a level three charger the rate is from 20% to 80% in 36 minutes, or 0% to 100% in 67 minutes.

Charging is highly dependent on available solar and on appliance usage of the vehicle, especially our HVAC system. But we have found that a family of four can camp off-grid comfortably for about a week. If a user is conservative with their power usage, it is possible for them to stay off-grid for even longer.

The AE.1 comes standard with 670 W of solar, with the option to expand to 1.8 kW through Solar+. All solar energy is generated from fully integrated roof solar panels that are heat-tempered for increased strength and resilience against the elements, ensuring durability in all conditions.

The AE.1™ vehicle platform uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology. 

Our goal is to make servicing your Lightship as convenient and accessible as possible. Here are the options available for service:

Lightship Service Centers: We have a growing network of dedicated service centers across the country, staffed with trained technicians who specialize in Lightship vehicles. You can visit any of these centers for routine maintenance, repairs, and comprehensive service needs.

Remote Support: Our expert technicians are available for remote support via phone or a video call. They can assist you with troubleshooting and guide you through minor repairs or questions, helping you address issues quickly and effectively.

Warranty: For warranty-related issues, we provide comprehensive support to ensure your vehicle is serviced without any hassle. If necessary, we will arrange to have your Lightship vehicle towed to the nearest service center at no cost to you, ensuring that warranty repairs are handled promptly and efficiently.

Parts Delivery: Should you need specific parts for your Lightship vehicle, we offer expedited shipping to get the necessary components to you as quickly as possible. Our support team can assist you with the installation process if needed.

The AE.1 can be locked and unlocked directly through the Atlas tablet and mobile app, giving you full control from inside or outside the trailer.

A physical key is also included, providing a simple and reliable backup option.

Every AE.1's warranty includes three years of coverage on all general components and an industry-leading 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty on the battery & drive unit. See full details here: https://lightshiprv.com/warranty

The AE.1 starts at $157,500, with pricing varying based on selected upgrades and configurations.

We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent ordering process. Here’s how we prioritize customer orders:

Order of Downpayment: We record your downpayment in the order in which it was received. This means that your place in line is secured based on the exact time your downpayment was made.

Geographic Grouping: To optimize our manufacturing and delivery processes, we may group orders geographically. This allows us to efficiently manage production and ensure timely deliveries within each region.

First-In / First-Out Policy: Within each geographic grouping, we follow a First-In / First-Out order placement policy. This means that orders within the same region are fulfilled in the order in which they were placed.

Striving for Early Delivery: We understand how exciting it is to receive your Lightship vehicle. We will strive to beat the stated delivery date given at the time of your downpayment checkout. Our goal is to get your vehicle to you as soon as possible without compromising quality.

Regular Communication: Throughout the build process, we will keep you informed with regular updates. You can expect timely communications from our team, ensuring you are always up to date on the status of your order. If you would like an update on the status of your order, please reach out to us.

Lightship is partnering with a leader in the RV lending space, Newcoast Financial, to provide financing with competitive rates and terms up to 240 months

We heard from customers that flexibility matters. We simplified the lineup in response to that feedback. So, rather than offering fixed trims like Atmos, Panos, and Terros, we now offer a single AE.1 platform with the 77 kWh battery standard across all builds. From there, you can customize your setup through upgrades and accessories.

You are able to pick up your AE.1 at our Broomfield, Colorado manufacturing facility for free. Additionally, pick-up at our South San Francisco, California showroom can be arranged for a small fee. Delivery across the lower 48 states is available for an additional fee as well.

Yes. We offer a $1,776 discount for veterans. Just let us know during the ordering process and we’ll apply it for you.

While we currently do not offer leasing options, we are always exploring new ways to make owning a Lightship easier and more convenient for you. Stay tuned!

We’re thrilled about the opportunity to introduce our Aero-Electric travel trailers to customers around the world. For now, our focus remains on delivering exceptional vehicles and customer service to the lower 48 states as we fulfill AE.1 orders domestically. Stay tuned for updates on our future international expansion plans—we can’t wait to share what’s next!

Lightship RVs are designed in San Francisco, CA and Broomfield, CO. Every Lightship AE.1™ is proudly manufactured in Broomfield, CO.

Yes, we actively recruiting and growing. Join us in building the future of outdoor travel adventures here: https://lightshiprv.com/careers

Feel free to drop us a line at support@lightshiprv.com