I was intrigued when I first heard about this latest Airstream creation: the Basecamp. Designed by the folks at Nissan, it was to be a kind of antithesis to the other Airstream trailers. As the Basecamp's advertising went, it was not to be "a living room on wheels".
The final product is probably best described as cute. The Basecamp looks very European, in that quaint Old World kind of way. Hence, while I can imagine it in front of a log cabin in Switzerland, I have trouble trying to visualize it cruising through the Rockies. Perhaps it's just my own peculiarity, and I'm not sure what exact market Airstream was aiming with this, but I have my doubts whether it will sell in North America.
My first impression of the aesthetics was also rather reserved. I like the classic Airstream look and think the latest designs keep nicely within that tradition; but the Basecamp deviates too much, in my opinion. It's too futuristic; it looks like something The Jetsons would use to transport some kind of miniature robotic horse! Once I got more used to the shape, however, I started to admire it more. I'm still not entirely convinced, but it's not as bad as my first impression.
In terms of what it's supposed to be: the Airstream Basecamp is a two-person travel trailer. And I highlight the word travel. This not so much for tourists, at least in the way Airstream describes it, as it is for people who want to travel, go adventuring, go exploring. The name suggests much the same, too. Drive it somewhere, set it up, use it as a base camp! The Airstream site also draws attention to the fact that the trailer's big enough to be used to haul small vehicles like ATVs and such. So you could use it to haul around a small robotic horse!
Now, the layout.
It's very symmetrical, and has a slightly teardrop shape, when seen from above. In other words, the back, where you walk in, is narrower than the front. Next, you notice two consoles—one on the left and one on the right. It's a bit like the consoles you find in a minivan. On the left, you also find the power control. Next, as you step forward—and stand under what could be a large skylight—you're flanked by two seats/beds (both 50") and fronted by the main console. Here, starting on the left, you find a round sink; a "work center", or, as I like to call it, empty space for you to do stuff like slice vegetables; and cook top. It's all very cozy.
And, finally, price:
The Airstream Basecamp runs around $30,000 for the 2008 model. For me, that's just too pricey for what's offered. But please feel free to disagree!
In terms of what it's supposed to be: the Airstream Basecamp is a two-person travel trailer. And I highlight the word travel. This not so much for tourists, at least in the way Airstream describes it, as it is for people who want to travel, go adventuring, go exploring. The name suggests much the same, too. Drive it somewhere, set it up, use it as a base camp! The Airstream site also draws attention to the fact that the trailer's big enough to be used to haul small vehicles like ATVs and such. So you could use it to haul around a small robotic horse!
Now, the layout.
It's very symmetrical, and has a slightly teardrop shape, when seen from above. In other words, the back, where you walk in, is narrower than the front. Next, you notice two consoles—one on the left and one on the right. It's a bit like the consoles you find in a minivan. On the left, you also find the power control. Next, as you step forward—and stand under what could be a large skylight—you're flanked by two seats/beds (both 50") and fronted by the main console. Here, starting on the left, you find a round sink; a "work center", or, as I like to call it, empty space for you to do stuff like slice vegetables; and cook top. It's all very cozy.
With all that out of the way, we can take a look at some numbers and specifications.
The Airstream Basecamp is 16'2" long, 7'2" wide, and 8'2" tall. That's exterior, however. Inside, it's 6'1" from floor to ceiling, which ain't much, and 72" across. The trailer's gross weight is 3,250lbs, which is up 500lbs from the 2007 edition.
And, finally, price:
The Airstream Basecamp runs around $30,000 for the 2008 model. For me, that's just too pricey for what's offered. But please feel free to disagree!