Airstream introduced the Basecamp back in 2007 and refreshed it with a major redesign in 2016. For 2021, Airstream gives us the Basecamp 20, which is a longer, wider, and taller version to pull with your midsize SUV or small truck.
The Airstream Basecamp 16 is the brand’s small pull-behind camp trailer that’s light enough to pull with a Subaru. But it is, well, a small trailer.
For those who drive a slightly more powerful midsize SUV or pickup truck (some of the most popular vehicles in North America), Airstream just launched an enticing option.
Weighing in at 3,400 pounds, you can pull the Basecamp 20 with most midsize SUVs and pickups like the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger. It ticks the scale at 850 pounds heavier than the Basecamp 16, but with that weight, you get a lot more space.
While the Basecamp 16 sleeps two, the Basecamp 20 will sleep three adults, or two adults and two children. And it even comes in a ruggedized Basecamp 20X configuration.
Airstream Basecamp 20: Family-Size Tow-Behind
At 20 feet long and with two configurable sleeping areas, the Basecamp 20 hits a size suitable for a small family or a few friends.
Airstream pitches it as a camper meant for “adventurists.” And it offers design elements meant to haul gear and empower outdoor activity. For example, it has a rear hatch for loading toys like kayaks, bikes, and fishing gear. And it has a dedicated 126 inches of unobstructed cargo depth from the back hatch for loading this gear.
That cargo space converts to a dining room-style sitting space for up to five people. It also converts into the second sleeping area for two. Up front, a second seating area doubles as a bed for two children or one adult.
In between the two sleeping areas sit the kitchen and bathroom, allowing a fully enclosed living space for inclement weather. We haven’t seen this one in person yet, but the extra space in the Basecamp 20 does seem significant compared to the Basecamp 16, which is clearly designed with just two people in mind.
The Basecamp 20 comes with a deep well of available features. It has a 27-gallon freshwater tank, a 28-gallon gray-water tank, and a 21-gallon black-water tank. It has a 900-pound carrying capacity for gear and a 16,000-BTU ducted furnace. Air conditioning is optional, and it’s solar-ready.
Basecamp 20X
Much like the Basecamp 16, the Basecamp 20 also comes in an X version. This model is similar to the standard Basecamp but comes with bigger tires and other features meant for towing on rougher roads. These include:
- More ground clearance
- Larger Goodyear Off-Road DuraTrac Tires
- Larger stylized aluminum wheels
- Stainless steel front stone guard protection
- Tinted window guards
- Steel double step
Shopping around for a new tow-behind? Check out our article on the best rugged camping trailers here.
Airstream Basecamp 20 Pricing
Airstream trailers are expensive. With aluminum bodies and premium materials, the Basecamp models carry a higher price than many similar-size trailers. But Airstream contends that these will last for decades, and given the popularity of vintage Airstreams, it seems likely that they will.
The Basecamp 20 has an MSRP of $45,900, and the Basecamp 20X has an MSRP of $48,900. Airstream dealers are taking orders now and will begin receiving inventory in the coming weeks.
