Compare Airstream’s lightweight single-axle travel trailers, the Basecamp 16X, Basecamp 20X, and the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp.
What is an Airstream Basecamp?
In 2007, Airstream introduced its lightest and smallest travel trailer yet. The Airstream Basecamp was launched as a lightweight, compact travel trailer fit for the growing young adventurer. Unlike the traditional “silver bullet” facade Airstream is known for, the Basecamp resembles more like a tent made of their iconic aluminum.
Sadly, only about 200 units were built before Airstream shut down production of the model and took it back to the drawing board. In 2017, they re-released the Basecamp 16 and in 2020, they launched the Basecamp 20 and the optional X package for added rugged features.
Lightweight and tough enough to go anywhere, the Airstream Basecamp continues to be the ideal choice for off-road campers everywhere.
Standard Basecamp Features
The Airstream Basecamp may be small in size but it is jam-packed with all the necessary features for those weekend getaways. With its efficient use of space and lightweight construction materials, the single-axle travel trailer is light enough for almost any tow vehicle.
Starting with the kitchen and galley, inside you will find a two-burner propane stove, a flatware organizer and spice rack, a 12v electric refrigerator, and a stainless steel sink with an integrated cover. The lounge area easily converts into a bed come nightfall, comfortable enough for two.
Although small and light, all floorplans have a surprisingly spacious wet bath and shower with a pass-through feature. This allows the showerhead to be passed from the inside to the exterior shower for easily rinsing off pets, kids, kayaks, shoes, etc.
Airstream designed the Basecamp with adventurers in mind! With tons of overhead storage throughout and exterior undercarriage cabinets, you could easily pack away all your camping necessities. From kayaks to bicycles to fishing gear and more, Airstream has installed a rear hitch door to help out with the loading and unloading.
Known for their lasting quality and high-end features, Airstream designed a freeze protection system built into each unit. To help out during those colder months, the Basecamp features a built-in winterization kit along with 12v tank heaters, in addition to a heated underbelly. All are controlled by the Truma Combi Eco Plus heating system which monitors cabin heat as well as the hot water and power.
Now let’s take a look inside the Basecamps floor plans and see how they compare!
Basecamp 16, 16X
The Basecamp 16 sleeps two people and is the smallest of the Basecamp floor plans. With a length of 16’ 2”, it is 7’ wide, has an exterior height of 8’ 8.75”, and an interior height of 6’ 3.5”. All Basecamp 16s come equipped with 15” Goodyear tires.
It has a payload of 850 lbs, a dry weight of 2,650 lbs, and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 3,500 lbs. Perfect weight for most SUVs!
If you are the boondocking kind of camper, it’s best to keep in mind that the Basecamp 16 and Basecamp 16X only have a 21-gallon fresh water tank and a 24-gallon gray/black combination tank. That could be a game changer for those times you do not have sewer hookups.
This unit has two 20 lb. steel propane tanks with an auto 2-stage regulator and a 30 AMP service single A/C with a heat strip of 9,200 BTU. All are controlled by the Truma display board.
As for sleeping arrangements, the dinette with two removable table tops, comfortably converts into a bed. Simply store away the two table tops and place the additional back cushions on top to create a full-sized bed.
As mentioned above, in 2020 Airstream launched the X package to give their base models a few more rugged features. The Basecamp 16X specs are nearly equal to those of the Basecamp 16, with only a few changes.
It has a lift kit that adds an additional 3 inches in exterior height but stays the same in interior height. Even though it has a lighter payload of 800 lbs, the GVWR remains the same at 3,500 lbs.
The Basecamp 16X gets a makeover with 18” Goodyear tires, instead of the standard 15”, and stainless steel rock guards to protect the aluminum shell and front panoramic windows from damage caused by road debris and off-road tracks.
Basecamp 20, 20X
Need a little bit more room? The Basecamp 20 comfortably sleeps up to four people! With an overall length of 20’ 2” and a width of 7’ 9.5”, it has an exterior height of 9’ 1.5” and an interior height of 6’ 7”. The additional feet really make all the difference in this unit. All Basecamp 20s are equipped with 16” Goodyear tires.
Keeping it light, the Basecamp 20 weighs in at 4,300 lbs GVWR with a payload of 900 lbs. Airstream really made sure to design an easy-towing RV suitable for a variety of mid-size SUVs. With the slightly larger tires, you can tackle more roads with confidence.
In this unit are larger, separate fluid tanks with a 23-gallon fresh water, 28-gallon gray water, and a 21-gallon black water tank. This could be a decision-making spec when it comes to choosing between floor plans. If you boondock, or will not be connected to sewer lines for quite some time, it’s important you monitor your fluid levels and electricity.
The Basecamp 20 offers two separate sleeping areas, suitable for up to 4! Like the Basecamp 16, you can convert the rear dinette benches into a bed, but the second sleeping area is located in the front lounge area. The crescent-shaped lounge/dinette, which easily seats up to 5, turns into a comfy bed for 2; simply lower the table top and cover it with the included mat.
Similar to the 16, the Basecamp 20 has one 30 AMP service A/C with a heat strip of 13,500 BTU. Again, another spec that is important to know when it comes to energy management and even solar panels.
Good to Know:
All Basecamp travel trailers are pre-wired to support solar panels! Airstream designed four access points inside the unit, 3 on the rooftop and 1 on the front.
If you are looking for something just a tad more rugged and “off the grid” capable, the Basecamp 20X is your trailer. With all the same features as the base model Basecamp 20, the X package adds 4 inches to the height and comes with a two-step entry instead of one.
For that extra protection, stainless steel rock guards and underbody skid protectors are installed. The standard 16” tires are swapped out for 18” Goodyear tires to give it a small lift. The Basecamp 20X does have a lighter payload at 800 lbs, respectively. If the occasional off-grid camping is what you want to do, this trailer has got everything you may need.
REI Co-op Special Edition
The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp travel trailer was designed for the dedicated off-road adventurer. This Basecamp is a lightweight, self-sufficient, and off-road capable travel trailer, built on the Basecamp 16 floor plan. This new model is built from environmentally friendly, lightweight materials with innovative water conservation features, an optional composting toilet, and an exclusive solar upgrade.
Like the Basecamp 16, the REI Special Edition is light enough to tow with an SUV or small truck and carries all the essentials you need, like a full kitchen, restroom, and sleeping quarters. Unlike its sister models, this special edition trailer gets a completely unique and refreshing interior. Designed to bring the outdoors in, REI’s signature green is featured throughout the seating fabric to the bath wall and the kitchen mesh nets.
It would not be a special edition Basecamp if Airstream did not step up with exclusive amenities.
Some features only available on the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp include:
- L-track storage system with two quick-release L-track clips with overhead and undercarriage options.
- Lockable storage compartments equipped with USB charging ports, a cable passthrough, an updated design to allow for storing larger items such as an umbrella, and the QR code linked to Airstream Support.
The Galley:
- A stainless steel sink with an Epicurean cover manufactured entirely from recycled paper.
- Artisan Birch Plywood used in the kitchen cabinet and furniture which is up to 30% lighter than standard plywood and CARB compliant.
- UV-LED Smart Drinking Faucet to effectively reduce bacteria and microorganisms to properly disinfect the portable water for freshwater.
- There is a larger storage space below the sink and new vertical storage next to the all-electric refrigerator with green mesh nets and gold bungee cords.
Wet Bath:
- Optional composting toilet, eliminating the need for flushing. By doing so you use significantly less potable water stored in your 21-gallon fresh tank and also prolong the life of the 24-gallon combination holding tank.
- Recirculating water heater feature that delivers instant hot water to the shower and kitchen sink simultaneously at/near your preferred temperature (between 95-130 degrees Fahrenheit).
Exterior:
- A new solar option that offers 360 watts of flexible rooftop solar panels and a 200Ah lithium battery bank for on-the-go sustainable power – the most solar of any Airstream available today!
- Exclusive 25-piece REI Co-op product kit which includes REI Co-op brand and partner products, like two Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chairs, Campwell picnic table, and bench covers, kitchen utensils from OXO, towels, mugs, rechargeable lanterns, various sizes of Pack-Away Cubes, a Camp Roll Table, and much more.
The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp offers another adventure option for people seeking vehicle-supported experiences that bridge the worlds of car camping and RVing. Explore new roads, seek new adventures or leisure in seclusion far from any campground crowd easily with this special edition trailer.
Is the Basecamp Worth the Price?
That is really up to you and your needs as a camper! Airstream designed the Basecamp to be the ideal home base when out on the road. It is a solid, compact travel trailer, light enough to tow and jam-packed with high-end features.
From its space-saving wet bath and shower to its convertible dinettes and built-in technology, the Basecamp is rugged enough to go anywhere and comfortable enough to keep you there.
