As a clarification point for the tire pressure, you should run your tires at the recommended psi per the sticker on your vehicle/trailer or your owners manual. I run mine at 50 psi due to being the recommended pressure per Airstream Customer Service.
Cass- THAT was incredibly helpful! Seriously, I think most of us just say 'yah, yah' to checking that screws are tightened. Don't laugh, but- I noted just how many screws got loose over time, and- instead of loosing them, becoming a Napoleon 'toy' & needing to repurchase them (another 'yah, yah' event- 'I'll get around to that')- what a great reminder! I think getting the bearings repacked is huge as well but I've heard too many stories about campers on highways...Not that anyone can make it fun, but- just 'gittin' R Done!' was a very valuable video. So, thank you! Missed Jasper & Napoleon, but I love mine & really like yours (yours are lower maintenance for me) but- they aren't very helpful on 'checking the camper' list. Glad your eyes are recovering & glad you're thinking about hitting the road again! Glad you put a video- let's us know that you are doing well.
Hi David! So glad to hear the video was helpful! It's amazing how loose things become after towing. Thank you for watching!! Jasper + Napoleon will definitely be back in the videos soon!
For sure, but Cass won't be able to remove those screws if she wants to. She will have to decide which screws will never need to be removed again. (Heat will disable Loctite, but concentrated heat only). Good comment.
Great video and content. People don’t realize the work needed to maintain a RV. No less to live in one full time. It’s nice to see a women competently in handling this tasks. Knowing what stuff should look like (batteries) without being an expert lets you realize when something is off. Hope to see Jasper and Napoleon out on the road with you soon!
They will definitely be back in the videos once we hit the road! And yes, it’s like a mini earthquake when driving down the road, so definitely takes some maintenance to keep up. Thanks for watching!
I do these "safety checks" around my cars when on a trip...not so much when driving locally around town. People at rest areas have asked me what I was doing just looking at my car all around....and the answer is simple, safety checks....making sure it looks good for the rest of the trip. Wicked smart advice! No one likes a breakdown.
Hey, you’re back! Hope eyes are doing well, you were hurting last video or so ago. Suggestion, instead of white lithium on the door catch, I’d recommend spray silicone. It dries leaving a dry layer of silicone on the metal pieces allowing parts to slide nicely past each other. Spray the latch mechanism and spray the striker plate on the jamb. But, before using get some WD40 or carb cleaner or brake cleaner and spray out the latch mechanism and get out all the dirt, grime and previous grease. Let it dry then spray in the spray silicone. The benefit to spray silicone is since it is dry, it doesn’t attract/catch dirt and grime. That’s the biggest enemy to those kind of mechanisms. While you’re at it you could do the same for the hinges on the door and also on the hitch latch mechanism. And then the same for the rear door. Can find that at any hardware store. Works great! Looking forward to your upcoming adventures!
Thank you so much!! Really appreciate that, as it is something I have to clean off with the white lithium. I'll take a look into that next time, thank you so much for the details!
Great video. As we've commented before, we pull a nucamp t@b 400 BDL and pretty much do just about everything you do. A couple of suggestions; if you're not using one, purchase a Air Pressure Monitoring system. Getting a flat going down the road on a two wheel trailer is going to prove challenging. A monitoring system could help you detect a problem before you're dealing with it at 55mph. We have a TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge | 5941 for checking our tires and a Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 800 (Not for Human) Non-Contact Digital Temperature Gun,16:1 DTS Ratio, 58℉ to 1382℉(-50℃ to 750℃), Yellow and Black that I use when we stop to check wheel bearing temperatures. While we have the wheel bearings serviced every 12k, I still check the wheel bearing temps. While there will be a slight difference on each side, anything more than 30 degrees and I'll starting looking for a tire/RV shop. Check out Fort Knox locks for an outstanding trailer hitch lock. Passing through TN about four weeks ago and stopped to get gas. A white Toyota pulling a Basecamp pulled in a few pumps down with a young woman driving and the first thing I said to my wife "bet that's the lady from Tails of Wanderlust" and she said no and naturally she was right. Something she reminded me of every so often that day. Safe travels
Great tip on the TPMS. I just installed a TST version and am testing it out. It's so much nicer to have that then check the PSI every time I stop for gas!! Great tip on the wheel bearing temperature. Didn't think to monitor that so thank you for sharing. Funny part is there are a lot of white 4Runner/Basecamp combos out there now. Safe travels to you both as well!!
Okay, that video wore me out and made me realize how I don't do much maintenance on my cars. I'm always impressed with how thorough you are. Except that it makes me depressed that I'm not. lol, just kidding. Glad you're back online, I hope you enjoyed your time off. I also hope your eyes are healing nicely. You should send this video to Airstream, I bet they'd be impressed and maybe even say, "Hey, you forgot to.........." You perked up my day today! Have FUN!!!
Hi George!! My time away was quite relaxing. Couldn't do much with my eyesight, so just relaxed with Jasper most of the time! And agree I'd love to hear what other things Airstream recommends. Thanks for watching!
Your videos are so great. VERY informative. Me and my family just got a Basecamp and I’ve been binge watching your videos to learn all your tips and tricks. Thank you!!!
Your very handy and great maintenance routine, more than i've ever done! Couple additions, always inflate tires to manufacture specification not to max tire psi. On all cars and trucks, manufacture psi ratings are on white and yellow sticker inside drivers door jamb, not sure about your particular trailer, possibly in owners manual, rating sticker somewhere or contact dealer or manufacture. Check tires for dry rot, often trailers sit outside in weather and not used much making them much more susceptible to dry rot, little tiny or sometimes larger cracks between the tread and even on sidewalls. Use some type of rubber, leather conditioner on tires can make them last longer (not tire shine:)) They make what's called bearing buddies which are bearing caps with greaseable zerk fittings allowing you to grease axle bearings yourself utilizing an inexpensive grease gun. White lithium grease comes in spray can with straw making it easier to penetrate into desired areas. Outdoor spray silicone also works well and not as messy, doesn't attract dirt like lithium grease. Thanks for sharing, Cheers Happy Trails!
Great tips thank you so much Robert!! For the PSI, the tires on the Basecamp are not what came stock with the trailer and do have a different PSI rating. It's a good clarification point as I ended up going off of what is recommended for the X package tires. I'll definitely be looking into that spray silicone!
It's great to see you back online more regularly! We hope the blue eyes are healing well and use Blue Loctite 242 for some of the loose bolts & screws to keep those tight down the road. We just did all our RV maintenance and the rooftop units needed some cleaning for sure. Also, look at the 2 tire TPMS unit from TST for the camper - it helps for keeping an watch on things. Our sticker came in today too - thank you and see you on the next video!
So glad the sticker came in!! Really appreciate you picking that up. I just put a TST system on the Basecamp and am currently testing it out. So far I really am enjoying it, although it's amazing how much the ambient temperature impacts the PSI while the trailer is parked.
After that I would check into a hotel with a spa to relax :) Thank you for sharing that. Its all important and has to be done in order to live and travel safely and comfortably. Thank you again and safe travels.
I'm very glad to hear that your eye sight is better it's really good to see you make another video thank you for sharing stay healthy stay safe and God bless you 👍👍👍
Great video Cass! People sometimes focus more attention on the living space and forget that these campers do actually travel on public roads at high rates of speed. It may not be absolutely necessary but it's not a bad idea to apply some grease to the inside of the trailer hitch "cup" and or the ball hitch on your tow vehicle. Don't forget to check those taillights. Have fun! Stay safe!
Great tips Donald thank you!! I put the grease on the hitch ball when I hook up, but completely forgot to mention that. Thanks for the tip on the Lock Tight!
Happy you are able to hit the road again! Should have my little camper soon and this awesome video will be saved for reference. Olive is very sensitive to fire alarms, so when I played the video, she came running into my room when she heard the alarm test!
Glad you’re doing better. Maintenance…the gift that keeps on giving. Owning a travel trailer seems to be a lot like owning a Harley…constantly having to tighten things up…😁
If you want to protect any of your plastic exterior items I suggest Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat. I applied it to all the plastic area on my Chevy Avalanche last year. They are still looking rejuvenated and shiny to date even with the Northeast Winter. Great results for a $20 product on Amazon.
For those screws that keep coming loose put a couple drops of locktite on the threads and be done with it forever. You can get it at any hardware or auto parts store. Good on you for have a torque wrench-the average RV owner doesn’t own one.
Dear Cass . . . Glad to see you are back online, and crossing my fingers for your eyes! On another subject I need to talk to you about your alarms. Unless your Basecamp is going to be launched into space on the top of a Saturn rocket, I doubt very much that you need to monitor CO2, and I don't think that's a CO2 detector. You do need to monitor CO, also known as Carbon Monoxide, which is a HEAVY gas. So please recheck to see if that's actually a CO2 detector. If not, then Home Depot here you come. If it is, please consider remounting it close to the floor. BTW, that air compressor on your truck is a nice feature. Do yourself a small favor and get yourself an extension air line of 10ft.
A little Loctite on the screws that are prone to coming out all together or that little nut on the ceiling light will secure them just fine. All it takes is one drop on the thread. Nice work and great advice. That's why your base camp will last a long time. Your attention to preventive maintenance! Cheap insurance.
I’ve missed your posts as I’m interested in a Basecamp 16X but most of the BaseCamp post are sales pitches trying to sell inventory or orders. I get a feel for what it’s like to be onboard with your posts. I’ve RV’d in a Monaco Class A 34’ towing a Honda CRV and want to downsize. I have a Toyota Tacoma DCLB with canopy just need the basecamp. Maybe a iKamper rooftop tent if I can’t find a BC. Glad you’re healthy and back at it. Take care.
How about using some Lock Tite compound on the threads of some of those screws that frequently rattle loose. The compound acts like liquid lock washers for those screws. Mechanics use this stuff all the time.
Bravo for torqueing the lug nuts! If lug nut is too tight to begin with, torque wrench (TW) won't reduce tightness so good practice is to loosen the lug a bit before torqueing. And never use your TW to loosen things. Where you position your hands and the manner in which you apply force while torqueing can impact accuracy. Best practice is to apply CONSISTENT force for all lugs while holding the TW's grip at the SAME spot (understand how leverage works)....and even better, also support the head of the TW with your other hand while applying force. See tests on YT where user uses only one hand to torque. Torqueing is especially critical for your front wheels...inconsistent tightness causes your rotors to slightly warp which causes a wobble (felt through your steering wheel) when braking. Always store your TW with torque set to lowest/loosest setting. :)
Hi, I'm not sure if someone has already commented about this... that max tire pressure on the sidewall of your tire isn't what you should set them to. It's only the highest pressure they are rated to go to for whatever use a manufacturer (Toyota/Ford/Airstream) uses them for. If they are the correct size and rating of tire that Airstream recommends for your trailer, then Airstream should have recommended tire pressures for your Basecamp model that you should be following or at least using as a guideline. Perhaps 50lbs is what they recommend, I don't know, but I didn't get that impression. I'll admit that I'm a car guy by hobby and not by profession but I've seen many, many people look at that sidewall pressure rating and set the tire pressure at it if not very close to it. That can be dangerous since over inflating a tire can change the ride (or trailering) dynamics very much. I hope this helps and I hope I'm not overstepping my commenting boundaries. Love your travel independence and I've shared your channel with my daughter in hopes she can get ideas and maybe follow somewhat in your footsteps someday. Stay safe!
Hi Mark! Not overstepping at all, thank you so much for pointing that out. I should have made a comment in the video about recommended vs. max, but I focused a lot on max. Airstream recommends running the tires at 50 psi, which is what I run them at. I don't have a label on the Basecamp as I upgraded the tires, so these aren't the stock ones that came with it. Really appreciate you pointing this out, as don't want that to get confusing to some!! (going to edit that part out). Thank you so much for watching and letting me know!!
WD 40 works just as well as the white lithium grease but it's easier to use and not quit as messy. Also, a little blue Loctite on those screws, nuts and bolts will help keep them from coming loose. Use the blue, not the red.
Add blue loctite to your AC bolts and other screws. Don't use red or green loctite as these two are for long term to permanent usage and requires heat to remove. Blue does not require heat it will break loose easily when needed for repairs. As a part of tire maintenance use a spray bottle of soapy water to check for leaks also you can use a small magnet to find hidden nails and screws as long as they're ferris metals
Walbernize is a wax you apply after wash and dry. Apply a little following the grain then wipe almost right after when it becomes white.with a soft microfiber ;-0)
We just ordered an REI edition 16X and a couple of things. 1. Super appreciate all of your videos. We have just binged washed most of them 😂 So informative and really gave us a lot to consider. Thank you 🙏 2. With regards to tightening all the screws that you did in this video, would it make sense to put a dab of loctite on all of them so they don't loosen up? I'm kind of surprised they don't come from the factory with a little bit of loctite on them. 3. How many watts is your solar? I see you have the Battleborn lion setup.
So glad the videos are helpful and congrats on the new BC! You could do a bit of loctite, but it’ll make a lot of them permanent. For example, the screws around the plastic window pieces - just in case the plastic ever cracked id prefer to have the option to easily remove. I’d recommend picking and choosing which ones you loctite down. I had 340W Zamp panels total between the deployable and rooftop, with 200A of Battle Born lithium (which were amazing) Let me know if you have more questions!! If you do, sending me a new comment vs reply is the most effective way. I don’t always get alerts to replies.
Thanks for all the content. It would be great if you showed how you get your hot water system to work. I have a 2021 Basecamp 16X and can't any hot water.
Are you having troubles with the Truma control panel and can't turn the hot water on? Or when you set the Truma to on, does no hot water come out? There is an Airstream Basecamp facebook group and there are several posts about the second issue. It usually is how your valves are set underneath the Truma bench.
Great video Cass. I don't have a Basecamp and I still watched the whole thing. I was wondering if you ever gave any thought to doing a review video on the 4runner as a tow vehicle. For example MPG, how's the power, do you tow in S4 and your overall impressions. Seems like the weight of the Basecamp is in the sweet spot for the 4runner. It would be nice to hear the experience of someone who tows as much as you do. Thanks for the great content!
Hey Sebastian! That is a great topic for a video. I would love to do that when I'm towing it over a pass so I can show how the 4Runner acts. But I always forget. I'll try to remember! Thanks for watching!
Hi Cass. I'm really happy your eyes are improved to the point where you are about to get out on the road again. You must be so happy and full of hope!!! I'm a retired guy looking to get either a class B van or a small travel trailer . So, briefly, when you were shopping for your trailer, did you consider any of the Intech products? I'm down to either the Basecamp or the Intech Sol Horizon. Because I am a tall guy, 6'3", the extra ceiling height and 80" long bed have me thinking Intech. You must be really busy. That said, I appreciate any comments you have. Finally, great content in this video!!! You touch on the maintenance issue, which is overlooked by most people with everything they own. Thanks!!!!
Hi Brad!! Glad you enjoyed the video! When I was shopping I looked at the T@B trailers vs. the Basecamp. I never checked out the Intech products. Unfortunately don't know too much about them. But, being 6'3" I would say the bed in the Basecamp may be a bit tight. I'd recommend testing that out (and the shower and kitchen height) to make sure you are comfortable.
I feel as though you should be getting some kind of “honesty in YouTubing” award for this. You mean to say that #RVlife isn’t all mountain lakes and glorious sunsets?? 😉
I really appreciate that!! Want to make sure that all aspects are seen and it's good to highlight the work that goes into it as well. Thanks for watching!
Hey 👋🏻 in the market for an Airstream Basecamp 16X and live in NJ. I know you said you purchased yours in NJ, was just wondering where if you remember 😉 Thanks
Cass- Thanks for the very informative video. Just purchased 2018 Basecamp 16. May I ask where you purchased your bed that looks like it fits perfectly. Thanks.
Congrats on the new Basecamp Jim! I purchased a Viscosoft 3" memory foam topper and then cut it to size with a bread knife. The memory foam is very easy to cut.
I’m sure someone may have said this by now but…..CO is Carbon MONOXIDE. One Carbon and one Oxygen molecule. Have to do the correction because there are Carbon Dioxide alarms.
As a clarification point for the tire pressure, you should run your tires at the recommended psi per the sticker on your vehicle/trailer or your owners manual. I run mine at 50 psi due to being the recommended pressure per Airstream Customer Service.
So glad to see you making regular content again. I missed you while you were gone. Glad your sight's getting better too :).
Thanks Carl!! Going to try to post on a regular basis again.
Cass- THAT was incredibly helpful! Seriously, I think most of us just say 'yah, yah' to checking that screws are tightened. Don't laugh, but- I noted just how many screws got loose over time, and- instead of loosing them, becoming a Napoleon 'toy' & needing to repurchase them (another 'yah, yah' event- 'I'll get around to that')- what a great reminder! I think getting the bearings repacked is huge as well but I've heard too many stories about campers on highways...Not that anyone can make it fun, but- just 'gittin' R Done!' was a very valuable video. So, thank you! Missed Jasper & Napoleon, but I love mine & really like yours (yours are lower maintenance for me) but- they aren't very helpful on 'checking the camper' list. Glad your eyes are recovering & glad you're thinking about hitting the road again! Glad you put a video- let's us know that you are doing well.
Hi David! So glad to hear the video was helpful! It's amazing how loose things become after towing. Thank you for watching!! Jasper + Napoleon will definitely be back in the videos soon!
My poor dogs were completely freaked out by the detector tests. 😳They HATE that noise. Hahaha!!!!
Oh no haha!! Jasper is as well, I always have to test them when he is not around.
Your Basecamp X couldn't have a better Mom. Much more thorough than I would have guessed.
She’s definitely well taken care of but also very well used. Thanks for watching!
Your so good at fixing things. So independent.
Appreciate that Wes!
Some Blue Loctite on screws/bolts will help keep them from getting loose.
For sure, but Cass won't be able to remove those screws if she wants to. She will have to decide which screws will never need to be removed again. (Heat will disable Loctite, but concentrated heat only). Good comment.
Blue loctite is an excellent call...
Just don't use the Red, and you can still get them if needed
Thanks for the insight!
Thanks for the tip!
Great video and content. People don’t realize the work needed to maintain a RV. No less to live in one full time. It’s nice to see a women competently in handling this tasks. Knowing what stuff should look like (batteries) without being an expert lets you realize when something is off. Hope to see Jasper and Napoleon out on the road with you soon!
They will definitely be back in the videos once we hit the road! And yes, it’s like a mini earthquake when driving down the road, so definitely takes some maintenance to keep up. Thanks for watching!
I do these "safety checks" around my cars when on a trip...not so much when driving locally around town. People at rest areas have asked me what I was doing just looking at my car all around....and the answer is simple, safety checks....making sure it looks good for the rest of the trip. Wicked smart advice! No one likes a breakdown.
Agree with that! Glad you are in the habit of doing them as well. It’s a great precaution. Thanks for watching!
Hey, you’re back! Hope eyes are doing well, you were hurting last video or so ago. Suggestion, instead of white lithium on the door catch, I’d recommend spray silicone. It dries leaving a dry layer of silicone on the metal pieces allowing parts to slide nicely past each other. Spray the latch mechanism and spray the striker plate on the jamb. But, before using get some WD40 or carb cleaner or brake cleaner and spray out the latch mechanism and get out all the dirt, grime and previous grease. Let it dry then spray in the spray silicone. The benefit to spray silicone is since it is dry, it doesn’t attract/catch dirt and grime. That’s the biggest enemy to those kind of mechanisms. While you’re at it you could do the same for the hinges on the door and also on the hitch latch mechanism. And then the same for the rear door. Can find that at any hardware store. Works great! Looking forward to your upcoming adventures!
Thank you so much!! Really appreciate that, as it is something I have to clean off with the white lithium. I'll take a look into that next time, thank you so much for the details!
Great tutorial. Don't forget to check the tire pressure in both spares, Airstream and 4Runner.
Super important. You don't want to be stuck on the side of the road with two bad tires.
Great tip thank you!
Agree with that!
What a nice person. Smart too. Glad your eyes are better.
Thank you Marty, appreciate that!
Good to see you back. Excellent video.
Thank you so much Gerard!
Great video. As we've commented before, we pull a nucamp t@b 400 BDL and pretty much do just about everything you do. A couple of suggestions; if you're not using one, purchase a Air Pressure Monitoring system. Getting a flat going down the road on a two wheel trailer is going to prove challenging. A monitoring system could help you detect a problem before you're dealing with it at 55mph. We have a TEKTON Digital Tire Gauge | 5941 for checking our tires and a Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 800 (Not for Human) Non-Contact Digital Temperature Gun,16:1 DTS Ratio, 58℉ to 1382℉(-50℃ to 750℃), Yellow and Black that I use when we stop to check wheel bearing temperatures. While we have the wheel bearings serviced every 12k, I still check the wheel bearing temps. While there will be a slight difference on each side, anything more than 30 degrees and I'll starting looking for a tire/RV shop. Check out Fort Knox locks for an outstanding trailer hitch lock. Passing through TN about four weeks ago and stopped to get gas. A white Toyota pulling a Basecamp pulled in a few pumps down with a young woman driving and the first thing I said to my wife "bet that's the lady from Tails of Wanderlust" and she said no and naturally she was right. Something she reminded me of every so often that day. Safe travels
Great tip on the TPMS. I just installed a TST version and am testing it out. It's so much nicer to have that then check the PSI every time I stop for gas!! Great tip on the wheel bearing temperature. Didn't think to monitor that so thank you for sharing. Funny part is there are a lot of white 4Runner/Basecamp combos out there now. Safe travels to you both as well!!
Im glad that your eyes are getting better, a relief!!!!
Very much so! Thank you!
Okay, that video wore me out and made me realize how I don't do much maintenance on my cars. I'm always impressed with how thorough you are. Except that it makes me depressed that I'm not. lol, just kidding. Glad you're back online, I hope you enjoyed your time off. I also hope your eyes are healing nicely. You should send this video to Airstream, I bet they'd be impressed and maybe even say, "Hey, you forgot to.........." You perked up my day today! Have FUN!!!
Hi George!! My time away was quite relaxing. Couldn't do much with my eyesight, so just relaxed with Jasper most of the time! And agree I'd love to hear what other things Airstream recommends. Thanks for watching!
It’s great to see you emphasize the unsexy work of regular maintenance. So many problems can be avoided and peace of mind is nice ;)
Absolutely! A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Thanks for watching!
Your videos are so great. VERY informative. Me and my family just got a Basecamp and I’ve been binge watching your videos to learn all your tips and tricks. Thank you!!!
You’re welcome, so glad they are helpful. Enjoy the BC!!
Your very handy and great maintenance routine, more than i've ever done! Couple additions, always inflate tires to manufacture specification not to max tire psi. On all cars and trucks, manufacture psi ratings are on white and yellow sticker inside drivers door jamb, not sure about your particular trailer, possibly in owners manual, rating sticker somewhere or contact dealer or manufacture. Check tires for dry rot, often trailers sit outside in weather and not used much making them much more susceptible to dry rot, little tiny or sometimes larger cracks between the tread and even on sidewalls. Use some type of rubber, leather conditioner on tires can make them last longer (not tire shine:)) They make what's called bearing buddies which are bearing caps with greaseable zerk fittings allowing you to grease axle bearings yourself utilizing an inexpensive grease gun. White lithium grease comes in spray can with straw making it easier to penetrate into desired areas. Outdoor spray silicone also works well and not as messy, doesn't attract dirt like lithium grease. Thanks for sharing, Cheers Happy Trails!
Bearing buddy's...Great suggestion!
Great tips thank you so much Robert!! For the PSI, the tires on the Basecamp are not what came stock with the trailer and do have a different PSI rating. It's a good clarification point as I ended up going off of what is recommended for the X package tires. I'll definitely be looking into that spray silicone!
@@TailsofWanderlust Glad to help! It's actually waterproof silicone, lol not outdoors... oops! Really good video, thanks again!
Very good and detailed inspection. I love a woman with a torque wrench!
Thanks Philip!! Glad you enjoyed the video!
It's great to see you back online more regularly! We hope the blue eyes are healing well and use Blue Loctite 242 for some of the loose bolts & screws to keep those tight down the road. We just did all our RV maintenance and the rooftop units needed some cleaning for sure. Also, look at the 2 tire TPMS unit from TST for the camper - it helps for keeping an watch on things. Our sticker came in today too - thank you and see you on the next video!
So glad the sticker came in!! Really appreciate you picking that up. I just put a TST system on the Basecamp and am currently testing it out. So far I really am enjoying it, although it's amazing how much the ambient temperature impacts the PSI while the trailer is parked.
Great video 👍📹my friend. Maintenance is very important before hitting the road.
Thank you very much!
After that I would check into a hotel with a spa to relax :) Thank you for sharing that. Its all important and has to be done in order to live and travel safely and comfortably. Thank you again and safe travels.
I love the idea of a spa after! Thanks for watching Patti!
cant wait to see where you're heading next!
To the mountains!! I'll definitely share some videos.
I'm very glad to hear that your eye sight is better it's really good to see you make another video thank you for sharing stay healthy stay safe and God bless you 👍👍👍
Thank you very much Jorge! Hopefully I'll be back to posting regularly soon. Appreciate you checking in and watching the video!
I'm inspired by how thorough you are. Glad that your eyes are getting better. Nice work
Thank you very much, appreciate that!
Welcome back, missed your videos.
Appreciate that!!
See you on the road soon! Hope to see a video of a typical day on the road with the fur babies. What you eat and where you hang out etc
That's a great idea for a video! I'll try to work on one in the future. Thanks!
Don't forget to check the spare tire air pressure and nice job on checking lug torque
Ahh great point. Thanks for adding that!
When you pull the breakaway switch it’s good to grease the activator key.
Thanks Larry!
Awesome ur eyes are getting better 👍👍👍👍👍😀😀😀😀
Thank you!!
Glad you can resume adventuring.
Thank you very much Emmie!!
Great video Cass! People sometimes focus more attention on the living space and forget that these campers do actually travel on public roads at high rates of speed. It may not be absolutely necessary but it's not a bad idea to apply some grease to the inside of the trailer hitch "cup" and or the ball hitch on your tow vehicle. Don't forget to check those taillights. Have fun! Stay safe!
Great tips Donald thank you!! I put the grease on the hitch ball when I hook up, but completely forgot to mention that. Thanks for the tip on the Lock Tight!
Cass glad your eyes are okay
Thanks Art!
Wow, interesting, thanks for sharing this video,lots of interesting maintenance, I amazed and proud to her your accomplishments. Have wonderful day.
Thank you so much! Appreciate you checking out the video!
Glad to hear that your eyesight is getting better.
Thanks Greg!
Happy you are able to hit the road again! Should have my little camper soon and this awesome video will be saved for reference. Olive is very sensitive to fire alarms, so when I played the video, she came running into my room when she heard the alarm test!
Oh no haha! Poor Olive! Hope your camper comes in soon!
Glad you’re doing better. Maintenance…the gift that keeps on giving. Owning a travel trailer seems to be a lot like owning a Harley…constantly having to tighten things up…😁
Haha sounds pretty similar!
keep up the great videos im learning alot
So glad to hear that, thanks for watching Mike!
Hurray! Looking forward to having your videos back in the feed 😁🎉
Thanks Andi!!
Maintenance is crucial.
Agree on that. Thanks for watching!
Fantastic detail. Thanks for sharing and be safe!
You are welcome, thank you for watching!!
So nice to see your eyes again!
Thanks Jason!
Glad the vision is improving.
Thank you!
Happy to see that your vision is finally improving. Nice to be able to see your eyes again! Great video!
Thanks Leo!
If you want to protect any of your plastic exterior items I suggest Cerakote Ceramic Trim Coat. I applied it to all the plastic area on my Chevy Avalanche last year. They are still looking rejuvenated and shiny to date even with the Northeast Winter. Great results for a $20 product on Amazon.
Awesome thank you for sharing that product!
Excellent review! Thanks.
You’re welcome, thanks for watching!
Love seeing you do all this stuff yourself!
Thanks Steph!! Intimidating at first, but once I learned it's not hard to do at all.
Pleased to hear you are going back on the road. I have missed your 'outback' videos.
Thanks Sue! A bit more preparation and then yes I’ll be back out there.
For those screws that keep coming loose put a couple drops of locktite on the threads and be done with it forever. You can get it at any hardware or auto parts store. Good on you for have a torque wrench-the average RV owner doesn’t own one.
Definitely need to pick some of that up. Thanks Cory!
welcome back cass! glad to see you and see your eyes are doing better
Thanks Brandon!
Thanks for all the info on your airstream they are belt so well good to see you. As always
Thanks for watching Allan!!
Dear Cass . . . Glad to see you are back online, and crossing my fingers for your eyes!
On another subject I need to talk to you about your alarms. Unless your Basecamp is going to be launched into space on the top of a Saturn rocket, I doubt very much that you need to monitor CO2, and I don't think that's a CO2 detector. You do need to monitor CO, also known as Carbon Monoxide, which is a HEAVY gas. So please recheck to see if that's actually a CO2 detector. If not, then Home Depot here you come. If it is, please consider remounting it close to the floor.
BTW, that air compressor on your truck is a nice feature. Do yourself a small favor and get yourself an extension air line of 10ft.
Haha love this Eric. Yes it is a CO monitor, not CO2. Although launching into space could be fun.
A little Loctite on the screws that are prone to coming out all together or that little nut on the ceiling light will secure them just fine. All it takes is one drop on the thread. Nice work and great advice. That's why your base camp will last a long time. Your attention to preventive maintenance! Cheap insurance.
So true. A little preventative maintenance will go a long way. Thanks for watching!
Awesome to see you are back! We've missed you so much!
Aw, thank you!! Really appreciate that!
this is an awesome video on maintenance and being prepared.
Thank you Luis! Appreciate you watching!
Another great, informative video! Happy for you that you are back to traveling, too!
Really appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
Good job PMS is very important, nice torque wrench stay safe take care always.
Thank you Antonio!! Appreciate it.
Great video Cass! Fantastic you're back on the road to take us along with you.
Thanks Phil!
I love you independent nature and you confidence
Appreciate that Joe! Thanks for watching!
Wow that’s great you can take care of things, good luck in your travels.
Thank you Mark!
Tire pressure is not dictated by the sidewall max info on the tire. It is located on the placard on the left of the trailer by the tongue.
These are not the tires that came with the Basecamp originally, so the placard no longer applies in my case.
BLUE IS MY FAVORITE COLOR. TAN IS A CLOSE 2ND.
My favorite color as well!
Hi Cass! Great video with excellent tips, thank you! I am so glad your eyes are getting better!
Thank you so much Sara! A little bit better each week thankfully!
Both dogs jumped out of their skins when you tested the smoke detector. :-)
Oh no! Yea I always have to test it when Jasper is far away.
My cat jumped and ran away with the alarm 🤣
Haha! Guess I should give a warning on those noises next time.
Basic maintenance so good to know!! Thank you!!!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
I’ve missed your posts as I’m interested in a Basecamp 16X but most of the BaseCamp post are sales pitches trying to sell inventory or orders. I get a feel for what it’s like to be onboard with your posts. I’ve RV’d in a Monaco Class A 34’ towing a Honda CRV and want to downsize. I have a Toyota Tacoma DCLB with canopy just need the basecamp. Maybe a iKamper rooftop tent if I can’t find a BC. Glad you’re healthy and back at it. Take care.
Have you seen the Four Wheel truck campers? I’m consider a Tundra and Four Wheel camper in the future.
How about using some Lock Tite compound on the threads of some of those screws that frequently rattle loose. The compound acts like liquid lock washers for those screws. Mechanics use this stuff all the time.
I definitely need to add some. Just need to make it to the store to pick it up. Thanks for the tip!
Bravo for torqueing the lug nuts!
If lug nut is too tight to begin with, torque wrench (TW) won't reduce tightness so good practice is to loosen the lug a bit before torqueing. And never use your TW to loosen things.
Where you position your hands and the manner in which you apply force while torqueing can impact accuracy. Best practice is to apply CONSISTENT force for all lugs while holding the TW's grip at the SAME spot (understand how leverage works)....and even better, also support the head of the TW with your other hand while applying force. See tests on YT where user uses only one hand to torque.
Torqueing is especially critical for your front wheels...inconsistent tightness causes your rotors to slightly warp which causes a wobble (felt through your steering wheel) when braking.
Always store your TW with torque set to lowest/loosest setting.
:)
These are amazing insights and tips, thank you very much!!! Appreciate you adding clarity around those items.
Hi Cass! Was wondering if you had done a video on mouse proofing your Basecamp? I’d be super interested in that! 🐭😊
Hi! Not quite yet, but I filmed a "boondocking tips" video that it will be in. Should be out in a couple of weeks!
Thank you for your video. We noticed the back door pockets and would like to purchase them, do you remember where you bought them?
You could consider to check if the nuts on your battery connections are tight. If they are loose they could generate heat and fire hazzard.
Great tip, thank you!
It’s good to see you not having to wear the dark glasses anymore. 👍
Thanks Edward! They are still around and are my go to when I’m outside for awhile. But it’s nice to not wear them all the time.
Hi, I'm not sure if someone has already commented about this... that max tire pressure on the sidewall of your tire isn't what you should set them to. It's only the highest pressure they are rated to go to for whatever use a manufacturer (Toyota/Ford/Airstream) uses them for. If they are the correct size and rating of tire that Airstream recommends for your trailer, then Airstream should have recommended tire pressures for your Basecamp model that you should be following or at least using as a guideline. Perhaps 50lbs is what they recommend, I don't know, but I didn't get that impression. I'll admit that I'm a car guy by hobby and not by profession but I've seen many, many people look at that sidewall pressure rating and set the tire pressure at it if not very close to it. That can be dangerous since over inflating a tire can change the ride (or trailering) dynamics very much. I hope this helps and I hope I'm not overstepping my commenting boundaries. Love your travel independence and I've shared your channel with my daughter in hopes she can get ideas and maybe follow somewhat in your footsteps someday. Stay safe!
Hi Mark! Not overstepping at all, thank you so much for pointing that out. I should have made a comment in the video about recommended vs. max, but I focused a lot on max. Airstream recommends running the tires at 50 psi, which is what I run them at. I don't have a label on the Basecamp as I upgraded the tires, so these aren't the stock ones that came with it. Really appreciate you pointing this out, as don't want that to get confusing to some!! (going to edit that part out). Thank you so much for watching and letting me know!!
WD 40 works just as well as the white lithium grease but it's easier to use and not quit as messy. Also, a little blue Loctite on those screws, nuts and bolts will help keep them from coming loose. Use the blue, not the red.
Great feedback, thank you!! I carry WD-40 as well so I'll have to try that next time.
Add blue loctite to your AC bolts and other screws. Don't use red or green loctite as these two are for long term to permanent usage and requires heat to remove. Blue does not require heat it will break loose easily when needed for repairs. As a part of tire maintenance use a spray bottle of soapy water to check for leaks also you can use a small magnet to find hidden nails and screws as long as they're ferris metals
Really good to know on the difference in the loctites thank you. And thanks for the soapy water idea, that's great!
Wow! Really liked liked this video. Great job.
Thank you Cindy!
You do nice work be blessed glad you’re feeling better
Thank you Dominic!
You are welcome 🙏
Walbernize is a wax you apply after wash and dry. Apply a little following the grain then wipe almost right after when it becomes white.with a soft microfiber ;-0)
Thank you!!! I had no idea since I've never washed the Basecamp haha!
excellent informative video..thanks for posting
Glad it was helpful!
We just ordered an REI edition 16X and a couple of things.
1. Super appreciate all of your videos. We have just binged washed most of them 😂 So informative and really gave us a lot to consider. Thank you 🙏
2. With regards to tightening all the screws that you did in this video, would it make sense to put a dab of loctite on all of them so they don't loosen up? I'm kind of surprised they don't come from the factory with a little bit of loctite on them.
3. How many watts is your solar? I see you have the Battleborn lion setup.
So glad the videos are helpful and congrats on the new BC! You could do a bit of loctite, but it’ll make a lot of them permanent. For example, the screws around the plastic window pieces - just in case the plastic ever cracked id prefer to have the option to easily remove. I’d recommend picking and choosing which ones you loctite down.
I had 340W Zamp panels total between the deployable and rooftop, with 200A of Battle Born lithium (which were amazing)
Let me know if you have more questions!! If you do, sending me a new comment vs reply is the most effective way. I don’t always get alerts to replies.
@@TailsofWanderlust Awesome, Thanks again! Happy trails!
You inspire me! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!! Happy to hear that. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for all the content. It would be great if you showed how you get your hot water system to work. I have a 2021 Basecamp 16X and can't any hot water.
Are you having troubles with the Truma control panel and can't turn the hot water on? Or when you set the Truma to on, does no hot water come out? There is an Airstream Basecamp facebook group and there are several posts about the second issue. It usually is how your valves are set underneath the Truma bench.
Hello Cass, an excellent maintenance run-through. Whilst you touched your van spare tyre, did you also check the PSI? Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul! Great point, no I did not check the PSI in the spare. Great thing to do thou!
Great video Cass. I don't have a Basecamp and I still watched the whole thing. I was wondering if you ever gave any thought to doing a review video on the 4runner as a tow vehicle. For example MPG, how's the power, do you tow in S4 and your overall impressions. Seems like the weight of the Basecamp is in the sweet spot for the 4runner. It would be nice to hear the experience of someone who tows as much as you do. Thanks for the great content!
Hey Sebastian! That is a great topic for a video. I would love to do that when I'm towing it over a pass so I can show how the 4Runner acts. But I always forget. I'll try to remember! Thanks for watching!
Very interesting. It's a lot of work but I'm sure it's much less work than having to deal with something breaking on the road.
Absolutely. It’s a lot more to get things fixed. Thanks for watching!
Hi Cass. I'm really happy your eyes are improved to the point where you are about to get out on the road again. You must be so happy and full of hope!!! I'm a retired guy looking to get either a class B van or a small travel trailer . So, briefly, when you were shopping for your trailer, did you consider any of the Intech products? I'm down to either the Basecamp or the Intech Sol Horizon. Because I am a tall guy, 6'3", the extra ceiling height and 80" long bed have me thinking Intech. You must be really busy. That said, I appreciate any comments you have. Finally, great content in this video!!! You touch on the maintenance issue, which is overlooked by most people with everything they own. Thanks!!!!
Hi Brad!! Glad you enjoyed the video! When I was shopping I looked at the T@B trailers vs. the Basecamp. I never checked out the Intech products. Unfortunately don't know too much about them. But, being 6'3" I would say the bed in the Basecamp may be a bit tight. I'd recommend testing that out (and the shower and kitchen height) to make sure you are comfortable.
Ultra black gasket silicone from autozone last forever.
Ahh good to know, thank you!
I feel as though you should be getting some kind of “honesty in YouTubing” award for this. You mean to say that #RVlife isn’t all mountain lakes and glorious sunsets?? 😉
I really appreciate that!! Want to make sure that all aspects are seen and it's good to highlight the work that goes into it as well. Thanks for watching!
Wow! You Did it Great Job For RV
Thank you!
Blue Loctite will improve your screw maintenance life.
I really need to add some of that. Thanks!
Cass what do you use for a GPS when driving? thank you!! your a fantastic wealth of knowledge!!
Just Google Maps, as I was only about 9' tall with the Basecamp. With the truck camper I may look for something else since I'll be close to 10'
Hey 👋🏻 in the market for an Airstream Basecamp 16X and live in NJ. I know you said you purchased yours in NJ, was just wondering where if you remember 😉 Thanks
Hi Jeff! I purchased from Patrick over at Colonial Airstream.
My hat is off to you.
Thanks!
Oh lort, can you please explain a little more about mise in the next video🙏
I'll try to do a vide on that in the future. There are a few spots on the trailer that I've plugged and haven't had issues since then.
Cass- Thanks for the very informative video. Just purchased 2018 Basecamp 16. May I ask where you purchased your bed that looks like it fits perfectly. Thanks.
Congrats on the new Basecamp Jim! I purchased a Viscosoft 3" memory foam topper and then cut it to size with a bread knife. The memory foam is very easy to cut.
@@TailsofWanderlust Thank you, the last piece to outfitting my basecamp before hitting the road!
You're welcome!! Safe travels and have fun!
I think I would get some blue loctite! That’s a lot of loose screws lol.
That's a great idea. Thanks for watching!
Great video! I need to do this with my rig!
Really glad it was helpful!
Cool video🖤😎
Thank you!
I’m sure someone may have said this by now but…..CO is Carbon MONOXIDE. One Carbon and one Oxygen molecule. Have to do the correction because there are Carbon Dioxide alarms.