The Airstream Basecamp has recently been released and in this post, we’ll take a look at its design, available features, floor plans, and pricing. To begin, let’s do an overview of this small travel trailer. According to the copy, the new Basecamp is advertised to appeal to those who want to see the world, who love adventure, and who want to do it all in a tough and comfortable travel trailer.
The Airstream Basecamp is lightweight so it can be towed with an SUV. This alone makes us very excited about the Basecamp, but let’s see if it has what it takes to be worth the money considering Airstream travel trailers are not inexpensive.
Airstream Basecamp Design
In true Airstream fashion, the Basecamp looks sleek yet sexy thanks to its beautifully contoured body and curves. The aluminum structure is very aerodynamic and is assembled with the classic Airstream rivets providing strength and the classic look we all know and love about Airstream.
The front panoramic curved window adds light and style that make the Basecamp quite unique when it comes to small travel trailers.
Inside the Airstream Basecamp, you’ll find a very well laid-out interior that is not only functional, but looks fantastic. The fabric colors are subtle earth tones, aptly named River Rock, Red Rock, and Warm Stone. The interior features marine-grade flooring in a warm wood tone.
The Basecamp was originally conceived and design in 2007 via a partnership with Nissan Design America. Since that first iteration, it has changed quite a bit as new ideas and fresh innovations were added. Additional functional design features and materials designed for comfort, convenience, and durability have been added.
Airstream Basecamp Features
When it comes to features, the Basecamp by Airstream is loaded. One of the first things I noticed when looking at the Basecamp features was just how many of those featured was standard and not an optional add-on. I’m sure that will translate to a higher price, but if you are like me, I prefer a travel trailer to already have what I need rather than wade through available options.
If you want to get on the road and off the grid, the Airstream Basecamp comes pre-wired for solar. It also comes equipped with the Bose Bluetooth Soundlink Color speaker, docks, and USB ports for easy charging of your smart devices and an efficient ventilation, hot water, and cabin heating system.
In addition to the side door, the Airstream Basecamp has a rear hatch. The rear hatch measures 26 inches by 46 inches which allows you to easily load and unload gear. You end up with 126 inches of rear cargo space for items like bikes or kayaks. Another cool feature of the rear hatch is that you can either close it or leave it open and attach a removable screen to allow fresh air to circulate through the travel trailer.
Want to take a shower outside? Not a problem with the Basecamp since it comes with a bathroom pass-through that allows you to use the showerhead outside. A fold-down sink and tempered glass cover help maximize interior counter space. The storage bench has ample storage space and converts to a bed. The main door features a slide screen.
As far as heating and air conditioning, you’ll find the Basecamp to be more than adequately prepared to keep you comfortable. Available is an optional Quietstream a/c with a 2-speed fan to keep you cool during those hot days in the desert. When the temperature drops, you’ll be kept warm and cozy with the Truma Combi Eco Plus heating system that is designed to heat water and the interior cabin.
Let’s take a look at a few of the exterior standard features of the Airstream Basecamp:
- Semi-Monocoque Aluminum Superstructure
- UV protected aluminum exterior
- Thermal barrier protection between inside and outside
- Tinted glass
- Two 20-pound tanks with auto 2-stage regulator
- Deep cycle battery with converter
- Hand painted chassis
- Pre-wired for solar and an optional 160w solar package with upgraded battery.
In the interior, you’ll find many standard features. Here are a few:
- Aluminum interior walls and ceiling
- Two fans (one can be replaced with the optional AC unit)
- Tank monitoring system
- 5/8″ Tongue and Groove wood flooring
- Panoramic front window with blackout shades
- Handcrafted Italian Like-Ply Laminated interior cabinets
- LED interior lighting
- Overhead storage
Overall, the Airstream Basecamp is very well equipped but it only comes with less than a handful of options.
Basecamp Airstream Floor Plan
When it comes to choices for floor plans, you only have one choice: the Airstream Basecamp was designed to provide a kitchen, bathroom, and bed. It gives you what you need in a well-designed and efficient package. Space is very well-maximized and what goes into the interior of the Basecamp does what it’s meant to do efficiently.
The sleeping area easily converts to a seating area with two tables on which to dine and entertain. The table rotates to any angle you desire. The bed layout sleeps two adults.
The kitchen is towards the front of the Basecamp and sleeping is towards the rear of the travel trailer. The toilet-shower combo is to the right if facing forward.
The interior of the Airstream has a clearance of 6 feet and 3 1/5 inches. The exterior length is 16 feet 3 inches and the overall width of the Airstream Basecamp is 7 feet.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 3,500 pounds with a net carrying capacity of just over 900 pounds.
In Summary
Based on what we’ve seen so far, the Airstream Basecamp is not the most innovative trailer available. Some of the features such as solar pre-wired and charging stations are already available on many other travel trailers. What it does in terms of innovation is the styling, the use of construction materials, and how interior space is maximized for adventure. Though not necessarily on the cutting edge of travel trailer technology, it does, however, package its many features into an efficient, beautifully-designed, and space-maximized travel trailer.
The Airstream Basecamp is not for everyone and from the looks and functionality, it is aimed at the younger generation of travel trailer enthusiasts. Its cost is in the high range for a travel trailer this size, but for those who can afford it, want a functional well-designed and capable travel trailer, the Airstream Basecamp will do just fine.