I had an amazing first year with my BC 16, traveled about 7,000 miles throughout the west. For those of you considering this trailer, it is well built, gives you all you need and keeps you outdoors adventuring. So easy to bring with you and travels safely and pretty easily…..
Always do your first couple nights in your driveway, that way you can figure out those items you need. Buy the items and leave them in the trailer, no transferring item from house to trailer.
We bought our Basecamp 16, five years ago. Preparation is vital for camping, understanding your needs, and having backup systems for everything. We took the camper out twice the first 6 months, more a dry run than anything. We wanted to know the possible idiosyncrasies before we set out on our three-month, 12,500-mile western excursion. Because our plan was to boondock we became quite conservative with all of our resources. We boondocked almost entirely but never filled the camper's water tanks, the water weight is prohibitive. We'd buy two 5-gallon water containers before we made it to our campsite, and they would last for about ten days.
We're thinking of the Basecamp 20X. We're currently full time in our No Bo 19.6 so not new to travel trailer life, but really want to downsize to something smaller and upgrade to better quality. Currently the Basecamp 20X is in first place. Thanks for all your content!
Lol! Your fly swatting experience brought back not/funny memories of our Airstream trip in 2017. We added fly paper to our RV essentials list. While fly strips aren’t nice to look at, it sure helped when a large family of gnats decided to visit. We put it up overnight and woke up to a bug-free trailer in the morning. Happy travels!
Look at other videos of 16x. There are lots of sub par workmanship. If you own a travel trailer you need to be a diy person. Many things will fail, that’s just the nature of these trailers vibrating on the highway. This will save you a lot of headaches. You guys were lucky that an Airstream dealer was close.
Pro tip for the bugs: a cordless vacuum works great to suck em all up and is a fun version of the game. Pro pro tip: take the screen off the exhaust fan and turn that sucker to max and watch them all depart.
Dump the fresh water as you start back, small dribble on road, no worries. See manual for location of valve under frame. No need to pull extra weight. Pee without filling toilet with water. Just pee and open trap. Wash dishes in a bowl then dump gray water outside in woods.
I want to upgrade to a Basecamp so badly, but that tongue weight! The Jeep is 350, so I know it’s way over. Makes me sad because it’s essentially PERFECT, aside from the tongue weight.
So was the screen door closed and the flies still got in? Or did you inadvertently left the door open and the flies got in? Also, was the window covered under warranty? Did they say why it failed? That is a pretty concerning issue...had that happened driving down the hwy, that could be catastrophic.
Yes, the screen door was closed but it is not intended to be a perfect seal and that was our downfall. As for the window, yes, everything was covered. From what we understand, the type of sealant they used was not strong enough. They replaced it with something stronger and we haven't had any issues. We're grateful it happened the way it did and we weren't driving down the highway at the time.
Doing yacht deliveries offshore without a water maker, you have what's in the tank. We typically eat on plastic disposable plates and bowls, but sometimes use the dinnerware on the boat. We never stack dirty dishes because then you have to wash both sides, not just the inside. I can take a fairly decent shower using a 1 liter bottle with a small nail hole in the cap.
Did ya ever add some fly paper to the list? 😂 Those little round things that unroll, then hang from the ceiling, door way, etc work really well. They were lifesavers when I lived overseas in containerized housing. 👌
I have tried those “round pull out roll thing” I think from Ace hardware and I only catch 5% of the flies. The other 95% I kill with a swatter. Takes 10 or more mins a night. And mites/midgets take longer!
TIP: Re-use a windex spray bottle with 75% alcohol in it to shoot down flies like a squirt gun. Alcohol kills them fast and it's fun to shoot them down. Be careful you dont spray the alcohol on items it can damage.
Time spent watching this video was certainly worthwhile for me. Your video production skills in front of the camera and post production have improved with each video produced. Content has also improved. Onward...
Great video, I was wondering if my Highlander would pull it. Probably after the fact but you should have a spare tire in RAV. A 12 volt air pump is handy also. Love your channel
That's odd, normally the propane regulator will automatically switch to the next propane tank when one is empty... considering the other tank has propane.
Yes, that’s one option for the setting. We always like to have one full tank so we like to know when the other tanks is empty. So we don’t leave that setting on. We are thinking about getting a monitor so we don’t have to do it this way though. Our lesson was not to forget about the electric options for heat that are in the Basecamp too!
Curious how the Rav4 is doing with the basecamp. The basecamps tongue weight is high, do you experience a lot of sag in the rear suspension of the rav4?
We are hoping to get the same BC in couple years so will be following your videos, plus we are from Chicago area also so be interesting to see where you guys go.
Yes, that’s one option for the setting. We always like to have one full tank so we like to know when the other tanks is empty. So we don’t leave that setting on. We are thinking about getting a monitor so we don’t have to do it this way though. Our lesson was not to forget about the electric options for heat that are in the Basecamp too!
My tanks on my 72 Airstream don't have a cover, so I can see the indicator by looking out the window. When it turns red and switches to the secondary tank, I switch the regulator and get the empty one refilled.
how do you not have a flyswatter? I live in the country and have 2 in the house, i in the garrage, and 1 in the barn. I travel with 1. AND I have DEET, and netting.
Love the cicada issue! I do the same and worse with any bug. Great info. We have had our Mission Overland Summit for two years and still learning. Great job 😊😊
@@cardiogirl798 it's like a grasshoppers cousin and while I love the sound, I don't leave windows open when driving now because of them. At least it wasn't a big year for them, we are expecting the heavy 7 year cicadas this year in our area of PA.
You can set it up to pull from both at the same time but then when you run out, you are truly out. This way, we know when the first tank is out, we can switch to the second one, and then work on getting the first refilled.
Don't drink trailer water. New maybe, but no telling what can grow in there. I'd use chlorine periodically or some such cleaning agent. Pack in some bottled water for potable water.
I had an amazing first year with my BC 16, traveled about 7,000 miles throughout the west. For those of you considering this trailer, it is well built, gives you all you need and keeps you outdoors adventuring. So easy to bring with you and travels safely and pretty easily…..
Always do your first couple nights in your driveway, that way you can figure out those items you need.
Buy the items and leave them in the trailer, no transferring item from house to trailer.
We bought our Basecamp 16, five years ago. Preparation is vital for camping, understanding your needs, and having backup systems for everything. We took the camper out twice the first 6 months, more a dry run than anything. We wanted to know the possible idiosyncrasies before we set out on our three-month, 12,500-mile western excursion. Because our plan was to boondock we became quite conservative with all of our resources. We boondocked almost entirely but never filled the camper's water tanks, the water weight is prohibitive. We'd buy two 5-gallon water containers before we made it to our campsite, and they would last for about ten days.
We're thinking of the Basecamp 20X. We're currently full time in our No Bo 19.6 so not new to travel trailer life, but really want to downsize to something smaller and upgrade to better quality. Currently the Basecamp 20X is in first place. Thanks for all your content!
Lol! Your fly swatting experience brought back not/funny memories of our Airstream trip in 2017. We added fly paper to our RV essentials list. While fly strips aren’t nice to look at, it sure helped when a large family of gnats decided to visit. We put it up overnight and woke up to a bug-free trailer in the morning. Happy travels!
Look at other videos of 16x. There are lots of sub par workmanship. If you own a travel trailer you need to be a diy person. Many things will fail, that’s just the nature of these trailers vibrating on the highway. This will save you a lot of headaches. You guys were lucky that an Airstream dealer was close.
No coffee?
NO COFFEE??
You guys. I mean...you guys. ☕️😆
Musta have java!
Pro tip for the bugs: a cordless vacuum works great to suck em all up and is a fun version of the game.
Pro pro tip: take the screen off the exhaust fan and turn that sucker to max and watch them all depart.
My first three years are a great experience. My Basecsamp is a great travel companion.
We might buy a Basecamp soon, and your videos are super helpful. We are travel trailer newbies, too.
Re; Change a flat tire. Recommend getting AAA Roadside Assistance, maybe $175 a year....and never change a tire again. Let the experts change.
1, our RV has it's own coffee press
3, actually there is a cheap battery meter on Amazon that will tell you %
Don't worry all campers and boats have these type of issues once you get the bugs worked out you will enjoy it more thoroughly .
Love Page and Prescott, heading back there soon.
Instant Starbucks coffee is great for camping
Always need a Plan A, Plan B, and Plan Starbucks!
We really enjoy your videos plus every time you say something about "Carmen" I get a good laugh. :)
Dump the fresh water as you start back, small dribble on road, no worries. See manual for location of valve under frame. No need to pull extra weight. Pee without filling toilet with water. Just pee and open trap. Wash dishes in a bowl then dump gray water outside in woods.
I want to upgrade to a Basecamp so badly, but that tongue weight! The Jeep is 350, so I know it’s way over. Makes me sad because it’s essentially PERFECT, aside from the tongue weight.
Same concern here especially on the 20x which is the model we are interested in
Consider weight distribution hitch. No trailer sway. Better handling with more weight to front wheels. Possibly hitch weight solved.
So was the screen door closed and the flies still got in? Or did you inadvertently left the door open and the flies got in? Also, was the window covered under warranty? Did they say why it failed? That is a pretty concerning issue...had that happened driving down the hwy, that could be catastrophic.
Yes, the screen door was closed but it is not intended to be a perfect seal and that was our downfall. As for the window, yes, everything was covered. From what we understand, the type of sealant they used was not strong enough. They replaced it with something stronger and we haven't had any issues. We're grateful it happened the way it did and we weren't driving down the highway at the time.
Doing yacht deliveries offshore without a water maker, you have what's in the tank. We typically eat on plastic disposable plates and bowls, but sometimes use the dinnerware on the boat. We never stack dirty dishes because then you have to wash both sides, not just the inside. I can take a fairly decent shower using a 1 liter bottle with a small nail hole in the cap.
I always talk my why way thru things. "Look out fly I'm coming for ya". Lol!
Did ya ever add some fly paper to the list? 😂 Those little round things that unroll, then hang from the ceiling, door way, etc work really well. They were lifesavers when I lived overseas in containerized housing. 👌
I have tried those “round pull out roll thing” I think from Ace hardware and I only catch 5% of the flies. The other 95% I kill with a swatter. Takes 10 or more mins a night. And mites/midgets take longer!
TIP: Re-use a windex spray bottle with 75% alcohol in it to shoot down flies like a squirt gun. Alcohol kills them fast and it's fun to shoot them down. Be careful you dont spray the alcohol on items it can damage.
Time spent watching this video was certainly worthwhile for me. Your video production skills in front of the camera and post production have improved with each video produced. Content has also improved. Onward...
Thanks for the great reporting, it was very helpful and fun.
Thank you both👏
I think your last lesson warrants adding fly ribbon/tape to your camping kit. Great video you two... appreciate the tips!
This is why our potted plants in the RV are things like Venus Flytraps
Get Milwaukee battery air pump, a bit pricey but worth it. Check your air before every leg of trip. You should have a spare tire?
Great video, I was wondering if my Highlander would pull it. Probably after the fact but you should have a spare tire in RAV. A 12 volt air pump is handy also. Love your channel
That's odd, normally the propane regulator will automatically switch to the next propane tank when one is empty... considering the other tank has propane.
Yes, that’s one option for the setting. We always like to have one full tank so we like to know when the other tanks is empty. So we don’t leave that setting on. We are thinking about getting a monitor so we don’t have to do it this way though. Our lesson was not to forget about the electric options for heat that are in the Basecamp too!
Does your Truma not have the 100% electric heat option? I thought that was standard. I always use that when plugged into shore power.
It does and that would also been a good solution! It’s nice having a few different options as back ups
Curious how the Rav4 is doing with the basecamp. The basecamps tongue weight is high, do you experience a lot of sag in the rear suspension of the rav4?
Lots of great points you mentioned.
Awesome videos! I love them all! Quick question, what weight distribution hitch do you have installed?
We are hoping to get the same BC in couple years so will be following your videos, plus we are from Chicago area also so be interesting to see where you guys go.
Doesn’t it have an option that you can have both propane tanks open to pull from?
Yes, but we like to know when one tank is empty so we always have at least one full.
You didn’t have a spare tire?
What brand are your hanging fans & how long do they last?
The bit about the window coming loose on a new Airstream gives one pause.
It was a little concerning in the moment but some tape and a quick visit to a service center and it was all fixed up!
I'm thinking of selling my Revel van and getting a BC 16.
Does the frig run without shore power?
Yes, the fridge will work without shore power! 👍🏼
Thank you for great content. 👍
I hope you realize that your propane regulator switches automatically to the second tank.
Yes, that’s one option for the setting. We always like to have one full tank so we like to know when the other tanks is empty. So we don’t leave that setting on. We are thinking about getting a monitor so we don’t have to do it this way though. Our lesson was not to forget about the electric options for heat that are in the Basecamp too!
My tanks on my 72 Airstream don't have a cover, so I can see the indicator by looking out the window. When it turns red and switches to the secondary tank, I switch the regulator and get the empty one refilled.
@@tagoooU do you live full time on it ? How long does 1 tank usually last ?
Not full time. I fill one tank a year on average they are the 40 pounders I think.
Do you share your actual packing list anywhere?
We don't have one published yet but that's a great idea!
how do you not have a flyswatter? I live in the country and have 2 in the house, i in the garrage, and 1 in the barn. I travel with 1. AND I have DEET, and netting.
I thought the "X" was for camping off-road / boondocking (?)
It allows for those things, yes. And we've done that as well.
Love the cicada issue! I do the same and worse with any bug. Great info. We have had our Mission Overland Summit for two years and still learning. Great job 😊😊
@@cardiogirl798 it's like a grasshoppers cousin and while I love the sound, I don't leave windows open when driving now because of them. At least it wasn't a big year for them, we are expecting the heavy 7 year cicadas this year in our area of PA.
Your propane regulator should be automatic switch over. Just turn both tanks on.
We like knowing when one goes out so we can get it refilled. Having one on at a time works best for us. Thanks!
I really hope that I was hearing you wrong when you said “we need to learn how to change a tire”.
You heard it right! Everyone starts somewhere and we had to learn that as part of our process.
Toyota says the max tongue weight is 150lbs?
Paper plates will extend your water use.
I thought the tanks auto switch when empty
You can set it up to pull from both at the same time but then when you run out, you are truly out. This way, we know when the first tank is out, we can switch to the second one, and then work on getting the first refilled.
Purchase a fly swatter.
I spray the flies with either glass cleaner of a vinegar water mix. Its great, slows them down, less chasing!
Or get AAA roadside assistance.
I feel like this was the first time leaving your parents basement ? Little shocking to see people so unprepared for reality.
Goodluck moving forward!
With coffee i get the 3 in 1 coffee packets
Probably just easier to stay in hotels
coffee? you forgot coffee???????
Don't drink trailer water. New maybe, but no telling what can grow in there. I'd use chlorine periodically or some such cleaning agent. Pack in some bottled water for potable water.
New Airstream's are not worth the money. Gorilla tape indeed.
I woulda returned that trailer thats terrible quality. But good luck with your adventures.
“I would like to return my airstream all these months later because of some adhesive” 😂