FAQs
AE.1™ Details & Specs
Which vehicles are recommended to tow the AE.1?
- The AE.1 Atmos has a GVWR of 8,200lbs.
- The AE.1 Panos has a GVWR of 7,700lbs.
- The AE.1 Terros has a GVWR of 7,500lbs.
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, which comes standard with every AE.1 Atmos.
When can I expect the AE.1 Atmos, Panos, and Terros to be available?
The AE.1™ Atmos will begin delivery in Spring 2026, with build confirmations open now. The AE.1 Panos will begin delivery by the end of 2026, with the AE.1 Terros deliveries beginning in spring of 2027.
Why design a Dual Mode trailer that moves from Road Mode to Camp Mode?
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).
How does a Lightship travel trailer increase efficiency?
The AE.1™ Atmos and Panos come 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.
Can I tow an AE.1 with a gas or diesel tow vehicle?
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.
Since the AE.1 has TrekDrive™ and is self-propelled, why can’t I tow it with a smaller car?
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.
Charging & Energy
How can I use the AE.1 as a backup generator for my home?
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.
What charging standard does the AE.1 use?
The AE.1™ uses the NACS — North America Charging Standard.
How can I charge my AE.1?
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.
Will Lightship vehicles like the AE.1 offer bi-directional charging & pass-through charging?
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.
How long will it take to fully charge the AE.1 battery system using level one, two, and three chargers?
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.
How long can I stay in an AE.1 off grid?
Charging is highly dependent on available solar and on appliance usage of the vehicle, especially our HVAC system. But we have found that a familly 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.
How much solar capacity does the AE.1 have?
The AE.1™ Atmos features 1.8 kW. The AE.1™ Panos & Terros features 840 watts. 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.
What type of battery technology does Lightship use?
The AE.1™ vehicle platform uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology.
Ownership & Service
Where will I be able to service my AE.1 travel trailer?
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.
What warranty is included?
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: lightshiprv.com/warranty
Purchasing
How does Lightship prioritize customer orders?
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.
What financing options are available?
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
What happened to the L1?
What we've been calling the L1 has transformed into something extraordinary that we've renamed the AE.1™. Shorthand for Aero-Electric, the AE.1 integrates propulsion assistance, advanced aerodynamics, and the most energy-dense battery pack and rooftop solar on the market, giving you unparalleled range and performance. This is not just an upgrade—it’s a whole new category of RV travel.
What are my delivery options?
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.
Are leasing options available?
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!
When will Lightship begin selling outside of the USA?
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!
Company Information
Where are Lightship RVs designed and manufactured?
Lightship RVs are designed in San Francisco, CA and Broomfield, CO. Every Lightship AE.1™ is proudly manufactured in Broomfield, CO.
Are there career opportunities at Lightship?
Yes, we actively recruiting and growing. Join us in building the future of outdoor travel adventures here: https://lightshiprv.com/careers
How can I contact customer support?
Feel free to drop us a line at support@lightshiprv.com