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jeffj144 · 05-19-2009, 01:38 PM

Considering purchasing one of the last 2008 fully loaded basecamp for $20k. Given the product is no longer available, has anyone had problems with warranty or getting serviced. For a toy hauler without bathroom, still seems spendy, but would be my first Airstream experience. Any advice would be appreciated.

DCtraveler · 05-21-2009, 05:20 PM

We're in the same boat you are. We've just decided to buy our first airstream and are picking it up this weekend. We decided on the Basecamp for its versitility and maneuverability. We're more campers than rv'ers so we're looking forward to the forced simplicity the basecamp provides. Love this forum and it's been very helpful in our decision. Looking forward to hearing from other owners for their experiences and and travels.

jrsbasecamp · 05-21-2009, 06:38 PM

Hi, I'm a basecamp owner and have had mine a little over a year. I like the versatility and the simplicity of the trailer. I like to venture into the wilderness, this trailer will take you many places that others can't go. Although last year me and my brother took a week long trip to Yellowstone and with the facilities available, we were able to take showers daily, without hauling huge amounts of water on our 3000 mile road trip.The only thing I didn't like about the basecamp was the price but for me getting what I thought i would enjoy long term was important and getting alot of attention can be somewhat trying but also a great way to meet people. I hope this will make your decision somewhat easier. Jeff

martinto · 05-21-2009, 08:09 PM

We purchased one of the 1st ones in the Houston area over 2 years ago. We've enjoyed the limited opportunities we've had to camp. We also like the versatility. We alwasy go for sites with facilities so that hasn't been a problem. Initially had warranty issues and the dealer serivce tech didn't have much experience, but we got through it ok. I think I can fix most anything that might go wrong as it's just a shell on a frame. No problems with the electrical system. Had some early leaks around the doors but new seals under warranty fixed that. She sat out when Hurricane Ike blew through last year and was water tight. The "sunlight" created too much heat in the afternoon sun when camping and the ac worked hard. The original equipment sunlight shade wouldn't stay up so my wife made a cover to fit out of reflective tarp material and used velcro to seal it from inside and did the same for the fan. Remove and replace as needed. It does draw alot of interest and more than a few folks dropped by to inspect. I've carried my Harley Road King in it once, which carried fine, but was a tight fit to get it anchored down. I'm working on a easier anchor method for the next time. Last time out a group of bikers saw us at a gas stop and inundated us with questions on the BC and the ability to carry toys. First time I ever heard a burley and hard core biker call something "cute"! We've only hit the hill country of Texas so far but hope to expand our horizons west and north as time permits. Like to hear more about your experiences.

Friday · 05-23-2009, 11:39 AM

Make some calls as there are some dealers anxious to move Airstream, and especially 'old' Basecamp product. We picked our new 2007 up in Vegas for $12,900. It has the 20 inch wheels and the rest of the goodies. There are some minor upgrades on the 2008, but nothing drastic.

We are dealing with Airstream for some issues with the doors right now... they have been helpful, but unfortunately we live 1000's of miles from an Airstream dealer. This fall we are making a trip to the NW 'states, and will get some work done on it then. We have to drive on a lot of gravel to get out of where we live, and the rear doors let tons of dust in.

It is a nice unit though, tows easily behind our Tacoma... but I am going to see if a single arm WD hitch will fit on it anyway... it is a bit heavy on the tongue...

The beds are comfy for me, but if you are over 6 feet it will be tight.

I think the only servicing issues might be if you destroy it... all the 'little' parts are standard RV gear, but if you really damaged it they might not have some of the bigger pieces available.

Once we get a few little things sorted out, it will be perfect for us.