Basecamp - First Impressions

[Friday]

Well, the Basecamp arrived on Sunday, and I've had a couple of days to look it over. Here are my first impressions:

+ looks sharp, the flush curved windows are sexy
+ good quality floor, seems very solid
+ tows very easily behind my Tacoma
+ lots of comments on it
+ 20" wheels look sweet!

but, here are my issues:

- only 100km on gravel (and not that much gravel on the road) and the front is quite chewed up already.
- the silver/black trim sticker all the way around the bottom is flaking off
- the curbside door is 1/4" out of alignment (still closes OK)
- the curbside floor vent doesn't seal, and lets a lot of dust in on dirt roads
- the solar shade for the skylight had already fallen off (the dealer cleaned up the sticky tape and put a whole new one in the unit - in a bag)
- a couple of rivets on the inside have popped
- one of the set screws for the rear vertical support posts is missing
- one of the screws for the plastic inside door cover is missing
- the drop down steps won't close unless you pull the handle in... ie, the tapered latches don't pop in
- the propane quick connects are hard to get at underneath
- the rear stabilizer jacks are even harder to get at... it says something about a tire-iron looking gizmo to adjust them, but I didn't get one
- the plastic plug for the bottom tube guards had almost fallen out
- the weather-stripping for the skylight is popping out

All that said, my wife and I like it a lot... it just would have been nice too see a bit more attention paid to the details. It is obviously a complicated piece to put together, and it is also obvious it wasn't engineered with precision in mind (ie, you can see lots of shims and adjustments made to the rear doors)...

We'll see how it stands up, as there is no avoiding some rough roads here to get it to pavement. If you are wondering why I didn't get these things addressed at the dealer, it is because the dealer is 4000km from here and I had a friend go pick it up. So, I don't know how any warranty issues will be handled.

Things I'll be fixing first:
- adjust drop down ramp so it closes properly
- adjust cs door (hopefully? I don't know if it can be adjusted at all)
- remove lower tube protector and get it Line-Xed
- either get some big flaps for the truck, or add some extra shielding to the front of the BC. It already has the clear plastic, but that is not working...

I am certainly still glad we got it, but if it was anywhere closer to list price, I'd have expected a lot more...

[xrvr]

Remember it is not an offroad vehicle. Go slow on gravel and dirt roads. Sounds like it should be lots of fun for you. jim

[airbassador]

pictures.... pictures...

and how much weight can you carry in it.

[Friday]

Here is a picture at the dealership... I haven't taken any pics at home yet.

It has the 3500lb axles according to the label... as far as 'slow' goes... I can't go much slower than what I drive... the road here as 20% grades...

[xrvr]

Then maybe mudflaps will help. Get all the kinks out and it will be great!! jim

[tphan]

Really like the looks of it- especially the "wrap-around shades" tinted window. Very sleek!

[5T5]

Looks Great!! What do you plan on hauling in it?

[Friday]

Originally Posted by Jet-Puf

Looks Great!! What do you plan on hauling in it?

Lots of things! Our main cargo will be our mountain bikes and assorted hiking gear, but we also have two Honda dual-sport motorcycles that will fit quite well in the back. There are 6 visible tie-downs, and 2 hiding under the galley, so there should be no issues with them being snug.

[martinto]

We've experienced many of the issues you listed. I went back to the local dealer in Houston over the course of the first year, but they had limited knowledge on repair practices. They handled most issues, but my wife and I did some ourselves. The major issue was door leaks, but they put new seals all around and that did the trick.

We're heading out tomorrow for a 4 day weekend in the Texas Hill country. We'll report any new issues and pleasant experiences.

Good luck with your new toy...hauler!

[bizcamp]

If my memory serves me right, the 20Inch wheel option is for offroad.
Go to the basecamp website and you might see some descriptions of it
being designed for off road applications vs. the typical Airstream.
This design was for camping vs. the typical trailer park applications...
So, that means more off road right?
Bizcamp

[JulianneJ]

Trying to get my friend to buy one, think it would be perfect for her.