Get FinancingA Closer Look At Airstream’s Basecamp X-Package
People love Airstream’s Basecamp travel trailer for a multitude of reasons, apart from the manufacturer’s distinctive style and craftsmanship. The compact 16- or 20-foot (4.9- or 6.1-meter) camper is easily towable with a midsize SUV or half-ton truck. Also, the single-axle Basecamp is maneuverable and rugged enough to venture where other trailers fear to tread.
That latter selling point—the Basecamp’s off-roadability—is greatly enhanced by Airstream’s X-Package, an option available on Basecamp 16 and 20 models and a standard feature on the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 16X. The X-Package’s off-road enhancements are well worth it for boondockers and others who prefer to find seclusion away from the crowd.
Protection & Ground Clearance
Part of the X-Package, which Airstream introduced in 2018, is a lift kit which gives Basecamp X models 3 inches (76 millimeters) of extra ground clearance. This adds to the trailer’s existing already impressive ability to traverse steeper terrain thanks to an impressive departure angle (a lower body that slopes upward behind its axle). Altogether, the X-Package makes it much less likely that the rear of the Basecamp will scrape the ground when coming out of the driveway or negotiating a dip in the trail.
X-model Basecamps also receive heavier-duty, all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler tires designed for the backcountry. The rubber is mounted on stylized “black shadow” aluminum wheels. To protect the Basecamp from gravel, branches, and debris, the X-Package adds a stainless steel stone guard to the nose of the trailer. In addition, the front window receives solar protection from harsh sunlight.
The Airstream Basecamp
The popular Basecamp is instantly identifiable as an Airstream despite some design differences from its older siblings. Its wraparound front windows are not only visually striking from the outside, but they also provide a panoramic vista of the great outdoors from the interior. Blackout shades provide privacy for changing clothes or sleeping.
The Basecamp 16 and 16X sleep two in their 16-ft-long chassis, and the 20-ft Basecamp 20 and 20X sleep up to four. Both models have multifunction interiors with a convertible rear space for eating, sleeping, lounging, or storing equipment. The Basecamp 20 and 20X also have a front dinette that is convertible to sleeping space. Airstream notes that owners of Basecamp 20 models enjoy the option to “set it and forget it,” leaving the rear set up as a bed and the front as eating and living space.
The REI Co-op Special Edition
The Basecamp 16X is available in an REI Co-op Special Edition, which comes standard with the X-Package as well as sustainability features including post-consumer recycled materials. Owners can choose between 200 or 360 watts’ worth of durable, roof-mounted Merlin solar panels. The 360-W solar package includes two 100-amp-hour Battle Born lithium batteries and four tough solar panels of military design.
The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp 16X comes with a UV LED water filtration system, a composting toilet, and a recirculating water heater that conserves fresh water that would otherwise be wasted while waiting for it to heat up. Another perk is a 25-piece REI Co-op product kit, including Campwell table and bench covers, two Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chairs, OXO kitchen utensils, reusable mugs, Pack-Away Cube storage, a rechargeable lantern, and other camping goods.
Find New & Used Airstream Trailers For Sale
RVUniverse.com lists a smorgasbord of new and used Airstream Basecamp 16X and 20X travel trailers for sale, along with other new and used Airstream campers for sale.
Source: Airstream