Airstream Basecamp anyone?

[meaningful_meanderings]

After a bit of research and going back and fourth, I've finally decided to try the Airstream Basecamp (BC) (at least until I change my mind again). Not decided yet but leaning towards a good condition used 20x (X package has solar, batteries, and power management).

According to the mfg and other sources, they are a fairly competent four season RV. It is NOT my intent to weather a Montana winter, but would like to have a little below freezing capability for whatever reason. One concern that does not seem addressed in the literature, how does one protect the tanks from freezing while towing in cold weather? Not finding a lot of info on this. Presume these can be connected to the tow vehicle electrical system while underway?

The interior seems well thought out and roomy for it's size. Also like that there seems more focus on durability than pretty, flashy, shiny things. I'm 6'2" (at least was when I was younger), per the mfg specs it should accomodate me standing and laying down. Not so sure about the RR but... well, I've been in some tight spaces before. If this discussion goes well, then I'll go kick some tires.

I like the lite weigh. My 4 door diesel 4x4 tow vehicle has a 17000 lb GCVW and 8000 lb curb weight, Allowing 4000 lb for the BC it still leaves room for overflow gear and supplies in the backseat and truck camper shell.

Looking at getting a quiet 4kwh dual fuel generator and maybe even a portable toilet (w/ shower tent) to extend boondocking.

This will be my first RV and the learning curve will be verticle. Does anyone have any thoughts, experiences, ideas about these, or maybe stuff I've overlooked and/or not cosidered yet? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kirk]

I have seen a few Basecamp trailers but nobody that I know has ever had one. They could be difficult to find used, unless you know of one available. I have known two people who owned a Bambi and both considered it to be a solid trailer. If you get a generator, be sure to get one of the inverter models as they are far less noisy that the standard generators.

 

[CharlesinGA]

With your truck, you can pull a much larger trailer. The basecamp is odd shaped, poor utilization of space, its little more than a bedroom and toilet and place to eat.

What is your tow vehicle? How about a 20 ft Airstream Bambi. I was going to suggest a Bigfoot or Escape but you might have a headroom issue on the Bigfoot, not sure about the Escape claims 6'3" interior height. My 21 ft Bigfoot is 73 inch under the A/C. I seem to recall someone previously mentioning that the Basecamp has a stepped ceiling making at least part of it a non-standup interior.

Not sure what kind of camping or traveling you plan on but I'm not seeing the Bambi being a good choice for much of anything. Cannot recall ever seeing one on the road or in a campground, or anywhere for that matter.

Nothing is four season, but some are three and a half season!

Presume these can be connected to the tow vehicle electrical system while underway?

The 7 way connector should provide 12v to the trailer but not enough to keep a tank heater running and not run the battery down on the trailer. I doubt it has tank heaters. Not even sure where the water tank is. My water tank is under the bed above the floor. Escapes are underneath but spray foaming around the tank is an option. Its the plumbing that freezes, a tank full of water is not going to freeze driving unless you are in extreme cold.

Charles

 

[CharlesinGA]

Why don't you join the Airforums, and read threads in the Basecamp subforum. Your membership log in here works there, as they are both RV Life forums.

Charles

 

[old RV guy]

Those attachable tents designed for the basecamps look handy..

 

[Compadre1]

We purchased a 19' Bambi a year back, like it a lot and tows easily with my Ford Ranger.
I like the Basecamp models. They are the biggest selling Airstreams. Love the back door for sliding things in and out, maybe even bikes or kayaks while on the road. IMHO, biggest drawback of newer Airstreams is the 12 volt fridge. Forces you to upgrade battery package and/or solar. Generator is real helpful, we have a small Honda. Honda's are costly but used ones can be had cheaply.
Also agree that you should join Airstream forums, lots of good info there
Editing to include one more gripe about newer Airstreams. Along with the 12 volt fridge, they have installed on demand water heaters. There are pro's and con's but after a yr of use I'm in the hate camp. Every time you shut off a hot water faucet or shower head, you need to run water again for a bit before it gets hot. Try to be good with a military type shower and you're out of luck. Solution is to leave a faucet open and on low throughout, not real energy efficient or water saving.
Again, happy with our Bambi, but if I had to do over I might have bought a used model with 3 way fridge and tank type water heater.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[meaningful_meanderings]

To address some questions:

I've researched a variety of RVs: Class B/C, toy haulers, softside, popup, slide-out, tents, etc. (Refocused direction a dozen times or more). Went by the Oliver showroom a while back (I like those but just too cumbersome and too many frills). Granted, the Basecamp is small and cramped, would have worked better in our 20s when we looked for reasons to bump in to each other... but really we just want a place out of the elements for bed, potty, and cooking. The deal breaker on most RVs was being only three season and too cumbersome. I don't plan on arctic adventures but need some capability down to low 20s F. Even here in sunny Texas, a nice spring day can freeze you fenders off that night. I'm still kicking tires but for now Basecamp is the front runner all things considered.

The truck is a Ram 2500 Cumins 6.7l diesel, four door, 4x4 with modest lift and larger tires. Have a topper shell on the 6' bed with a kayak rack.

A friend recently got a Thor motor home. There is a lot to like about it but still need a small vehicle in tow. I did not like Thor ergonomics, some of the primary features are not accessible unless slide is deployed. (This seems to be a design criterion in the RV industry IMHO). Initially opposed to it, I'm coming around to the idea of a small class B motorhome, but would then need to get a Jeep, and I'm trying to stay in budget.

This will be our first RV so want to start small. If it works out OK, and we want to stick with it, then maybe by then we will know what we want on the next one.

 

[CharlesinGA]

This will be our first RV so want to start small. If it works out OK, and we want to stick with it, then maybe by then we will know what we want on the next one.

Class B is nothing more than a high roof van. Many folks use them, generally people who stay on the move alot. Very little set up or take down. Mercedes and Ford both have 4x4 or all wheel drive versions. People with Class B's rarely pull a toad, no need for it. Insurance isn't cheap, and maintenance isn't either. The fewer drive trains you have, the better.

Class C is a different story. Setup and take down like a trailer or any other motorhome and that became my issue with mine as far as touring during the day. In your case, you already have a truck suitable for towing (though the lift and larger tires are not as conducive to towing as a stock configuration.)

Don't buy into the four season hype, it ain't. I call some of them three and a half season, but a true four season, nope. Almost any trailer will get you thru a below freezing night if the temps will rise up above freezing during the day.

Charles

 

[UTTransplant]

If you live in the western US, check out the Outdoors RV brand and the various Arctic Fox campers. Those are made in Oregon and designed for cold weather. We had an ORV, and it was the best built trailer we ever owned. We had it down in temps of single digits successfully. We went through a lot of propane though!