Anything I need to know / Picking Basecamp up next week

[msneedtx]

Good afternoon,
I have been researching the basecamp for many months and finally found one I am picking up next week. It is a 2008 with all the options (highlights):

• 3000# Axle
• Tent
• 20" rims/tires
• Roof rack system
• Powered TV Amp
• 3 speed fan,
• LED Lighting system
• Water tanks
• Toilet
• Bags

I am pulling this with my Toyota Landcruiser (daily driver 1995 with 360,000 miles/60k on new engine) with rooftop tent and ARB Fridge/Freezer, etc., Most reliable car I have ever owned.

I don't think I have any kind of attachment for the brakes to allow the brakes on the Basecamp? to operate so new to that but will investigate getting that hookup. I probably will need to install some air assists to the springs so that ride height is not compromised in the rear but my sense is this is a very light trailer.

I will use this for just me and an occasional companion when I go to various motorcycle races and the appeal was being able to tow the race bike (Kawasaki ZX10R - 440lbs). I enjoyed the Land Cruiser rooftop tent (very comfortable and safe since you camp on top of the truck) but the setup time during race weekends and inability to move the truck after I setup camp became the driver for going this route.

I will probably try to mount a very good chock (Condor or Baxley) or rear mount Pit-bull so I can just ride it in. I will have to get a good ramp that easily fits in back and folds up. Key is tying it forward so weight is exerted toward the chock which is very stable but would have to be mounted with quick release mounts to the floor.

I probably will not use the tent attachment much unless I am on a full camping vs race trip.

Anything I should know about the Basecamp world prior to purchasing or using?

Here is a pic of the tow vehicle in full trim at the races

p.s. Yes that is a motorized cooler.. my pride and joy and yes it has wheelie bars and I use them ;-)

regards,
Mark

[overlander64]

Greetings msneedtx!

Welcome to the Forums and the world of Airstreaming!

Originally Posted by msneedtx

Good afternoon,
I have been researching the basecamp for many months and finally found one I am picking up next week. It is a 2008 with all the options (highlights):

• 3000# Axle
• Tent
• 20" rims/tires
• Roof rack system
• Powered TV Amp
• 3 speed fan,
• LED Lighting system
• Water tanks
• Toilet
• Bags

I am pulling this with my Toyota Landcruiser (daily driver 1995 with 360,000 miles/60k on new engine) with rooftop tent and ARB Fridge/Freezer, etc., Most reliable car I have ever owned.

I don't think I have any kind of attachment for the brakes to allow the brakes on the Basecamp? to operate so new to that but will investigate getting that hookup. I probably will need to install some air assists to the springs so that ride height is not compromised in the rear but my sense is this is a very light trailer.

I will use this for just me and an occasional companion when I go to various motorcycle races and the appeal was being able to tow the race bike (Kawasaki ZX10R - 440lbs). I enjoyed the Land Cruiser rooftop tent (very comfortable and safe since you camp on top of the truck) but the setup time during race weekends and inability to move the truck after I setup camp became the driver for going this route.

I will probably try to mount a very good chock (Condor or Baxley) or rear mount Pit-bull so I can just ride it in. I will have to get a good ramp that easily fits in back and folds up. Key is tying it forward so weight is exerted toward the chock which is very stable but would have to be mounted with quick release mounts to the floor.

I probably will not use the tent attachment much unless I am on a full camping vs race trip.

Anything I should know about the Basecamp world prior to purchasing or using?

Here is a pic of the tow vehicle in full trim at the races

p.s. Yes that is a motorized cooler.. my pride and joy and yes it has wheelie bars and I use them ;-)

regards,
Mark

Three things that I would suggest outfitting your 4-Runner with to prepare it for its duty as Airstream Base Camp tow vehicle:

• A high quality trailer brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 or the equivalent Hayes Lemerez unit.
• A weight distribution hitch such as the Reese Strait-Line with Dual Cam Sway Control (600 pound weight distribution bars should be maximum considered).
• A heavy duty external transmission fluid cooler if your Toyota doesn't already have one. If the radiator hasn't been replaced, recored, or recently boiled out, it might be a good idea to insure that it is up to cooling at its maximum.

Good luck with your Base Camp!

Kevin