Fans of the Airstream Basecamp

[subfan1]

I've noticed that in the videos using an Audi that there is no weight distribution hitch set up. I wonder if you can use a weight distribution hitch on these units. We have a 2016 Cadillac SRX and I know I would need one. No information on the Airstream site, would anyone know?

[SilverGate]

Patrick Botticelli says his 2007 Basecamp does not support a "weight distribution kit", 2:14 into the video in post #3. The 2017 Basecamp has an A-frame, whereas the original 2007 Basecamp has a center beam, say Patrick, 21:24 into the video of post #2.

Additional information is in Section 7.7 of the Airstream 2017 Basecamp Owner's Manual:

Sway Control Device:

"Although Airstream has not intruded into the hitch manufacturer’s field of expertise and performed formal testing, we find the vast majority of Airstream owners purchase sway-control devices.


When passed by large trucks or when exposed to sudden crosswinds, the trailer will be pushed and this action will be felt in the tow vehicle. It is our understanding that the sway control device will reduce the amount of movement, make towing more comfortable, and add some safety. Follow the directions of the sway control manufacturer when having the device installed and when using it."

[SilverGate]

Airstream 2017 Basecamp Owner's Manual (PDF)

[Trae and Ann]

Originally Posted by subfan1

I've noticed that in the videos using an Audi that there is no weight distribution hitch set up. I wonder if you can use a weight distribution hitch on these units. We have a 2016 Cadillac SRX and I know I would need one. No information on the Airstream site, would anyone know?

Good question! We have sway control that we used on prev trailor... It has an L shaped bracket that attaches to the frame which the sway bar sits on. I looked it over and don't see space to install that bracket as the propane cover is in the way. Dealer did not see a good way to use sway bars either.

[SilverGate]

In the video in post #4 here, Patrick comes in out of the cold, lights his Mr. Heater Buddy and says he plans to plumb the heater into the propane tank that comes with the 2007 Airstream Basecamp (the 2017 Basecamp comes with two 20 lb. tanks).

In the video below, Patrick shows how he plumbed the heater to his Basecamp's propane tank and how he utilizes Mr. Heater Buddy in his Basecamp.

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy

[Rocinante]

Just wanted to say thanks to Silver Gate for pulling together all these videos, links and photos into one place, very cool. Thanks!

[SilverGate]

You're welcome, Rocinante, thanks for your note!

Fans, just a reminder: Everyone is invited to participate and share photos and information about any model year Airstream Basecamp trailer.

[SilverGate]

In the video below, Brent Rudd, Airstream Regional Director of Sales, Central Region - Towables, gives a walk through of the 2017 Airstream Basecamp Travel Trailer at the 2016 Southwest RV Supershow in Dallas. He discusses features such as the furnace, which is the Truma Combi heater that doubles as a water heater. He says that the Basecamp has 5 available options: Air Conditioner (Coleman 9200 BTU), Zamp 80 watt panels, Microwave, side tent and rear tent.

RV Tour: 2017 Airstream Basecamp Trailer

[Trae and Ann]

How funny.. The sale pending sign on this video has our name on it!! Should be here before Thanksgiving. Can't wait

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by Trae and Ann

How funny.. The sale pending sign on this video has our name on it!! Should be here before Thanksgiving. Can't wait

How exciting... and what a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Looking forward to seeing more photos of your Basecamp and how you use it!

2017 Airstream Basecamp

[SilverGate]

Just published, "Airstream Basecamp Relaunched!"

"Airstream Basecamp Relaunched!" is a comprehensive overview of the Airstream Basecamp travel trailer from its inception 10 years ago to its recent makeover and re-emergence.

More robust and loaded with new technology and features, the 2017 Airstream Basecamp is a springboard for outdoor adventures, such as hiking, backpacking, camping in remote and off grid locations, mountain biking and kayaking!

A reminder of the joys of living riveted!

Introducing the new Basecamp

[SilverGate]

"After a decade of planning, this month Airstream announced their reboot of the Basecamp trailer."

See what Airstream CEO and President, Bob Wheeler, has to say about the 2017 Airstream Basecamp in the September 26 issue of Outside Interests newsletter:

Airstream News: Basecamp

[eggman]

is there a good link to something showing how to fit bicycles etc inside? didn't the beds on the old models fold up? I'm not seeing similar on video walk thrus I've watched so far

[field & stream]

Originally Posted by eggman

is there a good link to something showing how to fit bicycles etc inside? didn't the beds on the old models fold up? I'm not seeing similar on video walk thrus I've watched so far

In the original Basecamp the opposing benches (which convert to a bed) fold up and leave the floor area wide open. The seats on the new Basecamp fold up, but only to provide access to the storage underneath so the open floor area is not increased. Still can get toys in the new one, but fewer/smaller because the rear door and the floor area are not as large as in the original.

[SilverGate]

The video "Walk Through 2007 Airstream Basecamp" at 27:40 (Post #3) shows Patrick demonstrating how the beds of the original Basecamp fold up.

[wcs]

Looks like a great trailer for outdoors, however I think I would require a larger SUV or truck for towing, than my Jeep.

Specifications from Brochure:

Hitch Weight (with LP & Batteries) 410 (I assume this is TW tongue weight)

Unit Base Weight (with LP & Batteries) 2,585

Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) (lbs.) 3,500
Net Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 915
Fresh Water Tank (gal.) 22 gal. (184 lbs. full)
Gray Water Tank (gal.) —
Black Water Tank (gal.) 29 (Combo) (242 lbs full)
Fresh water + grey/black water tanks at full capacity = ~425.85 lbs.

2585 lbs dry weight (w/lp and batteries)
425 lbs (fluid tanks at full capacity)
500 lbs cargo
-------------------
3510 lbs total (@ 500 lbs cargo)

My Jeep weighs approx ~3400 lbs (without payload)

Jeep GVWR is 4900 lbs. I'm unable to find a GCWR.

3400 + 3510 = 6910 which equates to 2010 lbs over manufacturer's GVWR. I was told by another RV'er that this rating can only be changed by the manufacture. Adding heavy duty shocks, springs, other towing equipment the GVWR is unchanged.

Dry weights: 2585 + 3400 = 5985 lbs - 4900 = 1085 lbs over GVWR.

_____

Other questions:

Height of trailer above ground, when travelling off-road & non paved roads.

What is the current the solar panel ratings, can the solar and batteries be easily upgraded?

[Jazgrass]

Waiting to see someone own and tow one, I have a jeep 4 door and want to use it as tow. I went and saw a demo BC today, I thought it was perfect.
jaz
Anyone have one ?

[KC7ASW]

Originally Posted by wcs

Looks like a great trailer for outdoors, however I think I would require a larger SUV or truck for towing, than my Jeep.

Specifications from Brochure:

Hitch Weight (with LP & Batteries) 410 (I assume this is TW tongue weight)

Unit Base Weight (with LP & Batteries) 2,585

Maximum Trailer Capacity (GVWR) (lbs.) 3,500
Net Carrying Capacity (lbs.) 915
Fresh Water Tank (gal.) 22 gal. (184 lbs. full)
Gray Water Tank (gal.) —
Black Water Tank (gal.) 29 (Combo) (242 lbs full)
Fresh water + grey/black water tanks at full capacity = ~425.85 lbs.

2585 lbs dry weight (w/lp and batteries)
425 lbs (fluid tanks at full capacity)
500 lbs cargo
-------------------
3510 lbs total (@ 500 lbs cargo)

My Jeep weighs approx ~3400 lbs (without payload)

Jeep GVWR is 4900 lbs. I'm unable to find a GCWR.

3400 + 3510 = 6910 which equates to 2010 lbs over manufacturer's GVWR. I was told by another RV'er that this rating can only be changed by the manufacture. Adding heavy duty shocks, springs, other towing equipment the GVWR is unchanged.

Dry weights: 2585 + 3400 = 5985 lbs - 4900 = 1085 lbs over GVWR.

_____

Other questions:

Height of trailer above ground, when travelling off-road & non paved roads.

What is the current the solar panel ratings, can the solar and batteries be easily upgraded?

GVWR and trailer towing capacity are two different things. Read your owners manual for the towing capacity. You can also find it online. You should use a brake controller for any trailer that is more than 40% of your TV weight. 3400# x 40% = 1360#.

[KC7ASW]

Someone asked about a weight distributing hitch and the next responses were with sway bar information. While there are hitch assemblies that deal with both, these are two completely different issues. With the size of these trailers, if you have your load distributed properly, you should have little need for a sway bar. On the other hand, there are many vehicles capable of towing a trailer this size, but may not be able to handle the tongue weight, thus requiring a WDH.

[wcs]

Originally Posted by KC7ASW

GVWR and trailer towing capacity are two different things. Read your owners manual for the towing capacity. You can also find it online. You should use a brake controller for any trailer that is more than 40% of your TV weight. 3400# x 40% = 1360#.

Ok, I'll take a look inside the owners manual. My hitch has a sticker that states 2000 lbs maximum and 5000 lbs maximum with weight distribution.

I was in another RV forum and some of RV owners were telling me that if your in an accident and the insurance company surmises or figures the accident was caused by overloading or overweight, that the insurance companies will often first take a look at the GVWR and GCWR (if available). Supposedly the GVWR can only be changed by the auto manufacture. Towing addons, upgrades, better suspension, axles, etc. won't change the GVWR.

I was told some Insurance companies are using the GVWR to make decisions about an accident and insurance policies, with potential cancellations, etc.

I'm not certain if they know exactly what they are talking about, but the GVWR is used by some RV'ers to determine the GCWR (if not available from the manufacture) and how much weight can be pulled.

To determine what how much you can pull or approx. GCWR one method used:

1. Weigh tow vehicle loaded and gassed up.
2. Weigh trailer loaded ( propane, water, gear etc.)

Then subtract (tow vehicle weight + trailer weight) from GVWR to determine where you at. To be on the safe side the Tow vehicle weight + trailer weight shouldn't exceed the GVWR.

This is a guesstimate and not your actual GCWR. (Gross Combined Weight rating)

A couple of calculators I came across.

Towing Calculator
http://www.huskytow.com/towing-calculator/

Travel Trailer Weight Calculator
http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-...eight-tt.shtml