An Off-Grid Test of Airstream's Most Rugged Trailer

An Off-Grid Test of Airstream's Most Rugged Trailer

After a six-hour drive, we parked the loaner Airstream Basecamp X on a dirt road near Bridgeport, California, but we knew it wasn't our final stop. Three friends and I were in the western corner of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, a haven for dispersed camping, and I was determined to find an isolated patch of land somewhere up the unpaved road, with dreams of hiking trails and hot springs outside our trailer door. It was Friday afternoon, though, and with the fall sun quickly disappearing below the sawtooth peaks of the eastern Sierra Nevada, the weekend crowds were drifting in—Winnebagos, Jeeps, and Jaycos, all snaking by, searching for their own spot away from everyone else.

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After a few moments of looking over the alpine valley, a friend spotted a trail in the distance. “How about there?” he suggested, pointing at a forest road dotted with small boulders and mountain sagebrush. A narrow passage contoured a pine-dotted hill, with a tiny turnaround visible about a half-mile ahead. While larger RVs and trailers would struggle, our 20-foot trailer seemed perfect for the challenge. Under the waning sun, we rolled over rocks and squeezed between trees in our 2020 Ford Expedition Max 4x4 until we successfully navigated the truck and the 3,500-pound trailer into a dirt clearing, proving the Basecamp X was a seamless gateway to our serene escape.

Testing the Basecamp X Off-Grid

The growing appeal of a nomadic lifestyle has led to a surge in camper van popularity, and moments like our adventure in the Sierra highlight the importance of having a vehicle like the Basecamp X. This versatile and well-crafted trailer excels both off-road and on, providing a reliable option for extended escapes from typical amenities like water, gas, and electricity.

The Basecamp series features some of Airstream’s smallest models. Since its relaunch in 2016, the 16-foot version has been the company’s top seller. Designed to be efficient, towable, and rugged, the Basecamp line was built for those craving off-grid experiences with ample amenities. This was emphasized by Justin Humphreys, Airstream’s vice president of sales, who said, “The Basecamp model line was originally built for people looking to experience off-grid life and still have everything within reach.” My test trip in February covered the 16-foot model, but this adventure marked my first experience with the 20-footer, which debuted this year. The X package, priced at an additional $3,000 on top of the $45,900 base price, includes increased ground clearance, off-road Goodyear tires, and stainless-steel stone guards. Humphreys added, “The Basecamp 20 encompasses all of the same off-grid capabilities as the 16 but also represents a lot of market and customer feedback.” The features like the additional bed and increased water tank capacity made this model preferable to the 16-footer for me.

Interior Functionality and Design

The interior of the 20-foot Basecamp X is cleverly designed, providing ample space for gear and food for my fellow campers. The dinette table, for instance, swivels to allow easy access without others having to get up. Unlike the smaller model, where daily bed packing was necessary, the 20-footer offers a more comfortable setup with a convertible king bed, storage, bathroom access, and dining space all accessible simultaneously.

I particularly enjoyed the open overhead compartments, which are designed with burly mesh and cargo bars for straightforward storage—ideal for quick access to gear, snacks, and essentials like sunscreen or lanterns. It provides transparent, fuss-free storage perfect for random items but not for fragile goods during towing.

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On the Trail: Practicality Meets Adventure

The hanging compartments and underbed storage accessible from the back hatch perfectly exemplify what this trailer excels at. It introduces a sense of organization to the camping experience but maintains a design that encourages outdoor living. The Basecamp X is user-friendly, straightforward to unpack, and uncomplicated to run off-grid, making it an ideal choice for those looking to hit the trail quickly.

Airstream has impressively engineered the trailer’s internal systems for boondocking. The 2021 model’s dual 12-volt Lifeline GPL-24T AGM Deep Cycle batteries, combined with the 180-watt rooftop solar package, ensure a powerful and efficient operation. Despite heavy use of fans, lights, and the fridge, the batteries remained robust. Separate tanks for grey and black water added convenience, especially after multiple days of camp cooking.

Towing the Basecamp X behind the Ford Expedition highlighted its lightweight and rugged design. It managed steep grades and rough off-road conditions effortlessly. The narrow profile proved advantageous on forest roads, and the additional three-inch lift and skid-plate protection offered peace of mind. However, a close watch on the underbody was necessary to avoid potential damage from exposed plumbing while off-road.

Areas for Improvement

While the stovetop performed reliably, a slightly larger surface would accommodate cooking for larger groups more comfortably. Propane monitoring could also be improved, as our furnace unexpectedly shut off during a cold night. Adding a dedicated trash compartment would prevent clutter and reduce the risk of attracting wildlife.

Despite minor drawbacks, the Basecamp X stands out for its affordability, compact footprint, and exceptional off-road capabilities. With the RV industry becoming increasingly competitive, prospective buyers face tough choices. Whether investing in a Basecamp X, a van conversion, or other options, each offers unique advantages for various adventures.

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