If you’re hunting for a compact, rugged and quality-built travel trailer, look no further than the Airstream Basecamp 20X. This lightweight and versatile camper is the perfect hub for all your outdoor pursuits, plus it’s packed with thoughtful features to make your getaways more comfortable.
In this Airstream Basecamp 20X review, we will explore the trailer’s interior and exterior features, learn about its capabilities, and discover its price tag. Let’s get moving.
And remember, buying a travel trailer is a big decision. To make a choice you won’t regret later, always try before you buy. Rent an Airstream Basecamp 20X on Outdoorsy to get a feel of it before purchasing.
The Airstream Basecamp 20X is an adventure-oriented rig that’s brimming with all features you need to travel off-grid and camp in comfort. Read our ultimate review to learn what it has in store for you.
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What’s the Airstream Basecamp?
Airstream’s Basecamp campers are among the smallest and lightest travel trailers that the Airstream RV brand has designed. The first Basecamp was unveiled in 2007 and was re-invented in 2016 to create the Basecamp 16. The latest in the series is the Basecamp 20, launched in 2020.
In total, there are 4 Basecamp models, the Basecamp 16, which is 16 feet long, and the 16x, which is the same size, but packed with features for rugged travel. The other models are the Basecamp 20, which is 20 feet long, and the Basecamp 20X, which is similar to the 20, but loaded with off-roading capabilities.
Although all the Basecamp models retain the same shiny aluminum facade as regular Airstream RVs, their design is rather unusual, departing from the traditional rounded shape of the classic Airstream. They have a re-imagined teardrop profile to maximize the aerodynamics of the trailers.
However, the Basecamp trailers still maintain the same level of quality and incomparable durability that Airstream rigs are known for. Most importantly, the four models come with basic RV amenities like a galley, lounge area, sleeping space, and a bathroom.
Now that you’re aware of the Basecamp lineup, let’s break down the Airstream Basecamp 20X model.
Introducing the Airstream Basecamp 20X
Just like the Airstream Basecamp 20, the front of the 20X has sprawling panoramic windows that give it a sleek look from the outside and allow you to take in the world around you from the inside. As mentioned above, the body has a teardrop shape with a sleek aluminum finish.
So, what is the difference between the Airstream Basecamp 20 and 20X? Well, both rigs are similar, except the exterior of the 20X is made to handle rough terrain. While the Basecamp 20 is geared toward the usual road-tripping, the 20X is designed to appeal to off-grid and overlanding travelers.
The Basecamp 20X travel trailer comes with a lift kit that adds an extra three inches of clearance, a better departure angle, rugged rims, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, a heavy-duty steel stone shield on the front body, solar front window protection, plus underbody skid protectors.
2022 Airstream Basecamp 20X Specs
Here’s the Basecamp 20X trailer by the numbers: It’s 20 feet long and 7 feet 9 inches wide. The exterior height with the optional air conditioning is 9 ft 5 in, but only 9 ft 1 in high without the AC. The interior height is 6 ft 7 in.
The unit’s dry weight including LP and batteries is 3,500 pounds and the maximum trailer capacity is 4,300. The total weight the Basecamp 20X can carry, including cargo and passengers, is 800 pounds. Moreover, the hitch weight with LP and batteries is 535 pounds.
The Freshwater tank has a capacity of 23 gallons, graywater tank 28, and the blackwater tank holds 21 gallons. There are alsotwo2 propane tanks with a total capacity of 9 gallons.
Airstream Basecamp 20X Interior Review
Inside the Airstream Basecamp 20X are all the comforts of home to make your camping trip more comfortable. Here’s what to expect:
Sleeping Arrangement
Airstream Basecamp 20X has clever sleeping arrangements in the rear and front. The seating area in the back converts to create a mega bed for two or even three, while the front dinette sofa can transform to accommodate two sleepers. However, the trailer comfortably sleeps 4.
Galley
At the center of the Airstream Basecamp 20X is a modern kitchen that makes feeding everyone easy. It has a two-burner cooktop and a sink, each with a tempered glass cover. You’ll then find a 4.3 cubic feet refrigerator with a freezer up top and an optional microwave. For groceries and dishware storage, there’s lots of space under the sink and cooktop.
The large picture windows will give you added visibility as you carry out your culinary duties. The window slightly opens for ventilation, and you can also use the fantastic fan on the roof. Between the cooktop and sink is a smart pull-up electrical outlet with plugins and USB ports in case you want to run your blender or charge a device.
Living Area
The Airstream Basecamp 20X has a very flexible living area. There are two large sitting areas at the back and front that can be used to entertain guests, serve meals, or act as a workspace if you’re a digital nomad. The front dinette area has a large spinning table, and there are two smaller tables at the rear bench seating.
You’ll love the reading lights over the back door and conveniently placed USB charging ports to charge your devices. The side windows allow plenty of light, but there are shades with zips when you need some privacy.
Bathroom
The camper has a wet bath with a porcelain toilet and a shower wand that hangs up on the wall. There’s also a towel bar, a mirror on either side of the door, and a Basecamp branded pocket organizer that snaps into the wall for your bath supplies.
Furthermore, there’s a toilet paper holder, a ledge for shampoo and conditioner, a retractable clothesline, and hooks to hang clothing. To let in natural light, the bath has a window with a privacy curtain. When showering, there’s a gap on top of the door to allow airflow and a small roof fan on the bath’s roof.
Storage
There’s plenty of storage throughout the Airstream Basecamp 20X. You’ll find storage cubbies in the bedroom that also have USB ports, spacious under-the-sink cabinets, and deep storage spaces with lexan doors on either side of the bath.
More options include hooks on the side of the cooktop, net storage pockets on the rear door, and under-floor storage that can hold up to 50 pounds. If you want to bring your kayak or other big piece of gear, there are tie-downs on the spacious galley floor. Of course, there are plenty of gear racks on the ceiling.
Towing
With a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 4,300, this adventure-oriented rig is lightweight enough, so you don’t need to invest in a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Plus, its aerodynamic shape makes it is easy to pull. Most small to midsize trucks and SUVs can tow this nimble travel trailer.
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Special Features
Standard features on the Airstream Basecamp 20X include 12V tank heaters, a suburban propane furnace, tankless water heater, an insulated underbelly for cold weather camping, two stabilizer jacks, and interior storage cabinets. It also has a custom-molded propane tank cover.
In addition, there’s a solar controller display, tank and battery monitoring panel, and a propane leak and smoke detector. Optional features include a 9200 BTU air conditioner with a heat strip, a 180-watt solar package, and a microwave.
Decor Choice
There are three interior decor choices. The Glacier Lake with blue seats and orange accent in the stitching and storage rack bar. The Red Rock choice has gray cushions with red accents in the stitching and rack bar. Then there’s the forest option, where the cushions are green with a yellow stitching and rack bar.
2022 Airstream Basecamp 20X Exterior Review
The exterior of the Airstream Basecamp 20X is made of a riveted aluminum structure that the classic Airstream trailers are known for. Although the front looks elegant with deco-style, tinted wrap-around windows, don’t underestimate what this trailer is capable of. The camper’s body is rugged enough to get you as far off the beaten track as you want to go.
For smooth off-road sojourns, the trailer is fitted with very aggressive off-road tires and aluminum rims, as well as plenty of ground clearance between the tire and wheel well trim. The rear of the trailer goes up, giving you a better departure angle so that the back of the trailer never drags on the ground when going up a sharp hill.
The stainless steel front stone guards hold up against road debris, and there’s a film to protect the body from rock chips. Tinted window guards offer added protection, while a steel double step brings helps you get in and out of the rig smoothly.
The main entry door is on the unit’s side, and at the rear is another door for bringing in gear. They all have an insect screen. You’ll find porch LED lights on the trailer’s side, and at the back are LED tail lights with cast aluminum housing.
You’ll also love the outside utility shower whenever you want to rinse something or take an outside bath. Need extra storage? There’s an exterior compartment where you can place your wheel chocks, hoses, and other equipment.
2022 Airstream Basecamp 20X Price
How much does an Airstream Basecamp 20X cost? The base MSRP of the 2022 Basecamp 20X is estimated to be $55,602. The cost will increase if you want options like solar, air conditioning, and a microwave. The standard Basecamp 20 starts at $54,400.
Pros and Cons of the Airstream Basecamp 20X
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of the Airstream Basecamp 20X:
Airstream Basecamp 20X Advantages
- It has a Sleek Design – With its re-imagined profile that resembles a machine built for the spaceship program, the Basecamp 20X is sure to turn heads and start conversations wherever you go.
- Off-road Capabilities – The meaty tires, great ground clearance, and light-armored exterior give you the license to explore far-flung places beyond developed campgrounds.
- Homely Interior – The inside of the Basecamp 20X not only makes a great first impression, but it’s also functional. It has all the amenities you need to travel and camp comfortably for as long as you want. That includes sleeping space, a modern kitchen, a wetbath, and lounge area.
- It’s Lightweight and Easy to Tow – This travel trailer weighs under 4500 pounds when fully loaded, meaning you can tow it with a medium truck or SUV. Its streamlined shape also makes it easy to pull. With its small footprint, maneuvering, parking, and reversing won’t be a problem.
- Fuel Savings for Tow Vehicle – At a time when fuel costs are at an all-time high, you’ll appreciate towing a camper that doesn’t harm the MPG of your tow vehicle. The trailer’s aerodynamic profile means it cuts through wind, and its weight won’t overwhelm your tow vehicle’s engine.
Airstream Basecamp 20X Problems
- Small Space – If you’re a couple or traveling with a friend, this rig has enough space. But it begins to feel cramped when more than three people are on board. Plus, there’s no separation between the areas in the RV apart from the wet bath.
- Steep Price – The Basecamp 20X’s quality is unquestionable. But many campers may feel that forking out over $55,000 for this pull-behind may be a price too steep, considering you can get a more sophisticated off-road trailer at that amount.
- Manufacturer Issues – There are several complaints regarding this Airstream travel trailer. First, in previous Basecamp 20X models, the manufacturer wrongly stated their freshwater tank had a capacity of 27 gallons while it actually only held 23 gallons. The second common Basecamp 20X issue is that the blackwater flush valve is backward on many units.
Is the Airstream Basecamp 20X Worth it?
If you want a luxury off-road experience, all in a small package, then the Basecamp 20X is definitely worth it. This sturdy, elegant, and high-quality travel trailer will also appeal to anyone who loves the Airstream brand and wants to get on board with the off-grid travel lifestyle.
Airstream Basecamp 20X: A Small but Mighty Off-Road Trailer
Built for adventure, the Airstream Basecamp 20X is a small camping trailer that will take you places other rigs can’t go. It’s tough enough to navigate difficult terrain, and it’s packed with all amenities you need for a comfortable camping experience.
