Airstream Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition FAQ

What are the dimensions of an Airstream Basecamp REI?

The Airstream Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition is offered in two layouts: the 16X and the 20X. Here's a breakdown of their measurements:

Basecamp REI 16X

• Exterior Length: 16 feet 2 inches
• Exterior Width: 7 feet
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 9 feet
• Interior Width: 6 feet 4.5 inches
• Interior Height: 6 feet 3.5 inches

Basecamp REI 20X

• Exterior Length: 20 feet 2 inches
• Exterior Width: 7 feet 9.5 inches
• Exterior Height (with A/C): 9 feet 5 inches
• Interior Width: 7 feet 2.5 inches
• Interior Height: 6 feet 7 inches

The 16X is ideal for couples or solo adventurers who want a lightweight trailer that's easy to handle. The 20X adds four feet of length, making it better suited for families or groups who want more space for meals, sleeping, and storing camping equipment.

How many people does an Airstream Basecamp REI sleep?

Sleeping capacity varies based on which model you choose:

The Basecamp REI 16X sleeps two people comfortably. The rear benches (24 inches x 76 inches each) convert into a full-size bed that measures 76 inches by 76 inches. You also have the option to set up a half bed (38 inches x 76 inches) while keeping one bench available for sitting.

The Basecamp REI 20X sleeps up to four people. The front U-shaped dinette converts into sleeping space for two, while the rear benches (26 inches x 78 inches each) also transform into beds. You can configure the rear as two individual beds, a half bed (41 inches x 78 inches), or a complete bed (82 inches x 78 inches).

Both floor plans come with Knoll fabric upholstery made from 50% post-consumer recycled materials. This fabric has a stain-resistant finish that holds up well to outdoor activities and adventure gear.

What kind of vehicle do I need to tow an Airstream Basecamp REI?

Both Basecamp REI models can be towed by many mid-size SUVs and light-duty trucks. Here's what you need to know about weights:

Basecamp REI 16X Towing Requirements

• Unit Base Weight: 2,700 pounds (with LP and batteries)
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 3,500 pounds

Basecamp REI 20X Towing Requirements

• Unit Base Weight: 3,500 pounds (with LP and batteries)
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): 4,300 pounds

Your tow vehicle should have a towing capacity that goes beyond the GVWR. For the 16X, we recommend at least 4,000 pounds of towing capacity. For the 20X, we recommend at least 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for safe operation. Many popular SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer, and mid-size trucks can handle these weights.

A weight distribution hitch is necessary for safe towing. Both models include a powered hitch jack as standard equipment, which makes hookup easier. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for its specific towing capacity. If you need help determining if your vehicle works well with this trailer, the team at Airstream of Maine is here to assist.

Where can I get service for an Airstream Basecamp REI?

You can get service for your Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition right here at Airstream of Maine! Our dealership is located in Lebanon, serving Southern Maine, the Seacoast region, and New England.

We offer full service and maintenance for all Airstream models, no matter what year they were built. Our certified Airstream Service Technicians have completed factory training in Jackson Center, Ohio, and receive ongoing training to stay up to date on the latest features and repair techniques.

From routine maintenance like sealant inspections and winterization to warranty repairs and major restorations, our service team is ready to help. We stock common Airstream parts to help get you back on the road quickly.

Schedule your service appointment by visiting our service page or calling our dealership directly. We're here to support your ownership experience for years to come.

What is the learning curve for owning an Airstream Basecamp REI?

The learning curve for owning an Airstream Basecamp REI is manageable, even for first-time RV owners. While there are certainly things to learn, most new owners become comfortable within their first few trips.

When you purchase from Airstream of Maine, you'll receive a thorough delivery walkthrough that covers all the systems and features. We recommend taking your first trip to a campground within a two or three-hour radius of home. This lets you learn your trailer in a comfortable setting without the challenge of a long journey.

Key things to become familiar with include:

• How to set up and level your trailer at the campsite
• Connecting utilities like electric, water, and sewer
• Understanding the power system and monitoring battery levels
• Operating the water purification system
• Basic maintenance like checking sealants and tire pressure
• Winterization and de-winterization procedures

The Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition includes features that make RV ownership easier. Powered stabilizer jacks and a powered hitch jack reduce the physical work during setup. The recirculating water heater gives you instant hot water without waste. The UV-LED water filtration system delivers safe drinking water directly from your fresh water tank.

Airstream provides extensive online resources through Airstream Academy, with videos, articles, and answers to common questions. Plus, every new Airstream includes three years of Coach-Net 24/7 roadside assistance, so help is always just a phone call away.

Most owners find that while the first outing involves some learning, by the second or third trip, everything starts to feel natural. The important thing is to be patient with yourself and remember that every Airstreamer started exactly where you are now.

Does owning an Airstream Basecamp REI make sense living in Maine?

Absolutely! Maine is a beautiful state for Airstream ownership, and the Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition is particularly well-suited for New England adventures.

Camping Seasons: Maine offers excellent camping from late spring through early fall. The prime camping season typically runs from May through October, with summer providing warm temperatures perfect for coastal and mountain exploration. Fall camping in Maine is spectacular, with brilliant foliage displays throughout the state's forests and mountains. Summer is peak season along the coast, while fall offers quieter campgrounds and stunning scenery. The Basecamp REI's insulation and heating features make it suitable for cooler shoulder season camping.

Outdoor Activities: Maine features over 50 state parks, Acadia National Park, and thousands of miles of coastline and wilderness. The Basecamp REI's compact size makes it perfect for navigating Maine's campgrounds, from coastal locations along the rocky shore to mountain spots in the western mountains to lakeside parks throughout the interior. With the X-Package included as standard, both models can handle unpaved logging roads and forest service roads that lead to remote camping areas. Popular destinations include Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the Rangeley Lakes region.

Equipment Features: The Basecamp REI Co-op Special Edition is built for Maine's climate. The 30,000 BTU ducted furnace and air conditioning with heat pump keep you comfortable during cool summer evenings and warmer days. The optional 360-watt solar package with lithium batteries allows you to camp off-grid in Maine's remote wilderness locations. The UV-LED water filtration system and recirculating water heater help conserve water during your trips. The enclosed, insulated, heated underbelly provides important protection during spring and fall camping when temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Local Convenience: With Airstream of Maine located in Lebanon, you have local service and support close by. This makes routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades convenient throughout your ownership. Our team knows the Maine camping scene and can recommend wonderful places to explore throughout the Pine Tree State.

Storage Considerations: Maine winters are cold and snowy, so proper winterization is important. Most Maine owners winterize their trailers in late fall and store them indoors or under cover during winter months. We strongly recommend indoor storage or at minimum a quality cover to protect against heavy snow loads and ice. Our service team can help with fall winterization and spring de-winterization to prepare your trailer for each camping season. Proper winterization protects your investment from freeze damage.

The Basecamp REI's build quality, including its hand-riveted aluminum shell and solid insulation, makes it well-suited for Maine's climate. From exploring Acadia's coastal beauty to camping in the western mountains to discovering hidden lakes and forests, this Airstream is built for Maine exploration.