Even if you’re not into the travel trailer thing, you probably still have an appreciation for Airstream. Since the 1930s the unmistakable sleek and polished shape of the Airstream has evoked romantic images of life on the road. They’re also not cheap or everyone would probably own one.
Although Airstream has offered a number of compact and price-minded trailers in the past, they hope to spark a new following with the re-release of their Basecamp trailer. At a shade over 16-feet long and weighing only 2,585 pounds, the Basecamp is ideally suited to the growing number of light trucks and mid-sized SUVs on the market. Fewer people these days are inclined to convert their daily driver into a bonafide adventure mobile, so having a hitch-and-go solution for the weekends is an attractive option.
The Basecamp has a handful of unique features which make it appealing to those hoping to not get sucked into trailer parks and crowded campgrounds. For starters, the trailer was designed with higher than normal ground clearance with an enhanced departure angle and larger tires for rough road performance. The unique but still classic shape retains the aerodynamics consumers demand for optimal fuel efficiency, and the wrap-around forward window helps give the interior sense of openness.
One of the main selling points to the Basecamp is the newly redesigned back door. The previous iteration of the Basecamp had a more complex door with a larger aperture that many felt was poorly executed. The new model retains the convenience of the rearward facing door but with a cleaner, more useful design. For people with a lot of gear portaging needs, that rear cargo area is reason enough to buy the Basecamp. Used to shuttle a kayak, pair of bikes, or even a small motorcycle, Airstream’s weekend escape pod looks pretty fun.
At an entry point of $35,000 it still isn’t a cheap unit, no Airstream ever will be. But there is no denying the quality and thoughtful design of the Basecamp. The list of standard and available options means you can build a trailer to meet your specific needs. I don’t know about you, but I really want one. www.airstream.com
