Interested in Basecamp

pgg61 · 07-13-2008, 12:30 PM

I'm interested in one of these, especially at what seems the lower prices they're selling at. My interest is using this for a Star Party traveler. Mostly long weekends, lots of gear to pack and unpack quickly.

Since I'd be using it in the spring and fall in the Rocky Mountains the main drawback seems to be no heater. Anyone have any possibility or ideas on safely adding a propane heater to one of these? Simple but safe solutions are OK.

Is the optional fridge electric or LP?

Hot water would be nice but not a necessity since it does have a burner. Cooking would be done mostly with a Coleman travel grill.

Were there any big changes between '07 and '08?

Thanks
P

overlander63 · 07-13-2008, 01:02 PM

Welcome to the forums. You can put a catalytic LP heater in the trailer.

Foiled Again · 07-13-2008, 01:06 PM

They aren't being made in 09 so they will either be "highly collectible" or an Edsel. They are basically designed as a mini toy hauler. Strap in a motorcycle or ATV and go to the wilderness. As such they might be great for stargazing since you have to get away from anything vaguely resembling surface lighting to get great views of the night sky. It really should be a good boondocking vehicle.

Hot water? Well are you aware that the sink basically allows you to hand pump up water from a reservoir? I think you only carry 10 gallons on the BaseCamp. If you have access to a source of water I have seen an exterior tankless propane hot water heater that is designed to be hung from the outside ladder of an SOB. How hard would this be to hang from a tree?

Of course your tow vehicle could possibly carry several jerry cans of water, or additional anything you want.

(I love Airstreams, but if you're looking for tiny, check out the Oliver and the Casita. Fiberglass eggs!)

Paula

GT1963 · 07-13-2008, 01:21 PM

Look at camping world and the buddy and big buddy heaters. You can run a propane line into the Base camp with a flex hook up and have your propane tank sit outside. Both heaters have their own oxygen sensor thus will shut off if not enough oxygen.

We had the small one and it heated up our 21 GT no problem - we set it on the counter - out of way of the dogs - did not want them catching fire at night with their tails wagging

They are really portable and can be used with the small propane canisters so you can head to your favorite veiwing site and keep warm without making a big fire......

pgg61 · 07-13-2008, 04:51 PM

Thanks for all the quick replies and good ideas. I like the looks of both those heaters, either one should do the trick. Would have to go with the Big Buddy over the Little Buddy as the Little Buddy shows it has issues over 6500 ft.

I'm used to boiling water for hot water so not having instant hot water isn't a biggie for me. Doesn't seem like it would be too hard to put in an RV water pump for the sink if that really seemed like a nuisance.

I have looked at the small tear drop and the like. They're very cute and yes, probably more for your money. However, since some of these trips will be with my wife but other times I'll be sharing the camper with a fellow star observing buddy, those might be a little too cute and cozy for a couple of 50-ish guys. ;-)

My wife has given the go ahead to get one of these if its what I want, so who knows. We have an old Playmoor which we've taken out on the road for trips with the kids but they're getting to big for that now and the camper just seems like a lot to haul. I like the multi-purpose look and capabilities of this basecamp.

Thanks

mary.ehrlich · 07-14-2008, 06:33 AM

We have a basecamp (it is for sale if you are interested in a barely used one) and we got a little propane heater from Home Depot. It is amazing how quickly it heats up that small space. We camped when it was quite cold and I turned it on for about 1/2hour and didn't turn it on again. I absolutely love my little unit, but the husband wanted more room so we just got a used Internation and am actually camping in it for the first time right now. I would love to keep the Basecamp for just a quick now and then get away, but hubby vetoed that. Good luck. You will have a blast.