While Airstream is best known for its classic “Silver Bullet” travel trailer, named for its curved aluminum exterior.
Airstream also makes the Basecamp, which is a complete departure from its classic iconic travel trailer.
As the Basecamp is smaller and lighter and offers a very different exterior as well as interior.
In addition, unlike the classic Airstream, the Basecamp was built from the ground up to be the ultimate adventure camper.
Making it the perfect camper for those who want to explore the great outdoors and get off the beaten path without giving up the comforts of home.
If you’re interested in the Airstream Basecamp though, you’re probably wondering what one costs.
The Airstream Basecamp costs anywhere from $48,000 to $62,000, depending on its size, trim level, and options.
If you’re looking for a more detailed answer though, make sure to keep reading.
As we provide a full cost breakdown of the Airstream Basecamp below.
Airstream Basecamp (Least to Most Expensive Trim Level)
One of the most significant factors that can affect the cost of the Airstream Basecamp is its trim level.
As there are currently four main trim levels available for the Basecamp, including the 16, the 16X, the 20, and the 20X.
Which affects everything from its length and weight to its floorplan and features.
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Length | Dry Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airstream Basecamp 16 | $50,000 | 16′ 2″ | 2,650 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 16X | $52,000 | 16′ 2″ | 2,700 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20 | $56,000 | 20′ 2″ | 3,400 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20X | $58,000 | 20′ 2″ | 3,500 lbs |
Airstream Basecamp 16
Quick Specs
- Price: $50,000
- Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,650 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The Airstream Basecamp 16 is the cheapest version of the trailer you can buy, with an average price of $50,000.
Which might not seem all that cheap at first.
Especially when you consider the fact that similar-sized campers can cost half as much.
However, when you take into account everything the Basecamp 16 has to offer, its price starts to make a little more sense.
As the trailer is packed with premium features you won’t find on any other camper in its class.
Airstream Basecamp 16 Floorplan
Including such features as an aluminum exterior, handcrafted aluminum entry doors, and windows, an enclosed aluminum insulated heated underbelly, 12V tank heaters, a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure, and a Truma Combi™ Eco Plus heating system.
As well as aluminum interior walls and ceiling, handcrafted Italian Lite-Ply® laminated interior cabinetry, panoramic front windows, blackout shades, and Spradling stain resistant indoor/outdoor cushions, to name just a few.
Airstream Basecamp 16X
Quick Specs
- Price: $52,000
- Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,700 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
With an average price of $52,000, the Basecamp 16X is just slightly more expensive compared to the standard Basecamp 16.
However, for this slightly higher price, you get a whole lot more extras and goodies.
As the Airstream Basecamp 16X is the upgraded version of the Basecamp 16.
Which offers several key upgrades and features not found on the base 16, which we’ve listed below.
Airstream Basecamp 16X Upgrades
- 3-Inch Lift Kit
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Tires
- Stainless Steel Front Stone Guards
- Solar Front Windshield Protection
- Increased Departure Angle
- LP Low-Pressure Grill Port
- Optional Air Conditioner
And because of all these upgrades, most people tend to go with the 16X over the 16.
As you get a lot more features and capability for not a lot more money.
Other than the upgrades listed above though, the two campers are pretty much the same.
As both trailers offer the same floorplan and amenities and have the same overall length.
Airstream Basecamp 20
Quick Specs
- Price: $56,000
- Length: 20 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,400 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
First released in 2021, Basecamp 20 is the big brother to the original and smaller Basecamp 16.
As it’s four feet longer than the 16 with an overall length of 20 feet 2 inches, and weighs about 750 pounds more, with a dry weight of 3,400 pounds.
This extra length and weight though, allows the Basecamp 20 to offer more features and amenities compared to the smaller Basecamp 16.
Airstream Basecamp 20 Floorplan
Most notable of which is its higher sleeping capacity.
As the Airstream Basecamp 20 offers a four-person sleeping capacity.
Thanks to the camper’s convertible sleeping space in the rear and its convertible front dinette booth.
Making the Basecamp 20 perfect for families that love the Basecamp 16 but need more sleeping space.
Another big difference between the 16 and the 20 is that the Airstream Basecamp 20 features a camp side kitchen instead of the front kitchen.
Which when combined with the mid-bath, helps to divide the two sleeping spaces inside the camper.
The one amenity that these two campers share in common though is their small two-piece wet bath.
As the extra space in the Airstream Basecamp 20, doesn’t translate into any additional bathroom space.
Airstream Basecamp 20X
Quick Specs
- Price: $58,000
- Length: 20 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,500 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
Much like the 16 and 16X from above, the Airstream Basecamp 20X is the upgraded version of the Basecamp 20.
As the Airstream Basecamp 20X offers several upgrades and features not found on the 20, which we’ve listed below.
Airstream Basecamp 20X Upgrades
- 3-Inch Lift Kit
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Tires
- Stainless Steel Front Stone Guards
- Solar Front Windshield Protection
- Increased Departure Angle
- LP Low-Pressure Grill Port
- Optional Air Conditioner
And also like the 16 and 16X from above, it’s common that most people tend to go for the 20X over the 20.
As the Airstream Basecamp 20X provides a lot of extra features and capability for not a lot more money.
Other than the upgrades listed above though, the Basecamp 20 and Basecamp 20X are pretty much the same.
As both campers offer the same floorplan and amenities and have the same overall length.
Popular Options that Add Additional Cost to the Airstream Basecamp
While both the Airstream Basecamp 16 and Airstream Basecamp 20 are loaded with pretty much every feature and amenity you could want or need.
There are a handful of add-ons and upgrades for the Airstream Basecamp that will increase its cost, for those looking for a few more creature comforts.
Roof-Mounted Air Conditioner With Heat Strip
While it might seem strange for a small camper that costs $50,000 or more to not come standard with an AC, there are several reasons why the Basecamp doesn’t offer a roof-mounted air conditioner standard.
The first of which is that these campers are designed for off-grid use, which means that they will often not be connected to shore power.
Which you would need to run the AC anyway.
Which leads to the second reason why an AC is not including standard on the Basecamp.
As the roof-mounted AC adds not only 3-inches of extra height to the camper but also adds extra weight.
Because of this, if the camper is going to be used while not connected to shore power primarily, then it makes sense to just remove it from the top of the camper.
If you do plan on doing a lot of campground camping though and want an air conditioner, you can add a roof-mounted AC with a heat strip to both the Airstream Basecamp 16X and 20X, as an option.
200W/300W Solar Package with Interior Monitor
For those that intend to do a lot of extended boondock camping in the backcountry, a must-have option is the Basecamp solar package.
As this will provide the off-grid power you need to run your lights and charge up all your electronic devices, no matter where you are, as long as you have sun.
Available in both a 200-watt and 300-watt version.
The 200-watt version is what’s available on the Airstream Basecamp 16, while the 300-watt version is what’s available on the Basecamp 20.
Which has to do with the amount of space on the roofs of each respective trailer.
Microwave
The last main option that you can add to the Basecamp is a microwave.
Because while the Airstream Basecamp’s galley offers a two-burner propane cooktop, a stainless steel sink, and a 12V refrigerator standard, for those that prefer to cook meals with a microwave, it will need to be added as an option.
How the Airstream Basecamp Compares in Price to Other Similar-Sized Campers
Now that we’ve gone over all the different trim levels and cost-adding options available for the Airstream Basecamp, let’s take a look to see how the price of this camper compares to other similar-sized campers on the market.
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Length | Dry Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Foot Scamp Trailer | $20,000 | 16′ | 2,400 lbs |
| Forest River R-Pod RP-180 | $25,000 | 20′ | 2,950 lbs |
| 16-Foot Deluxe Casita Spirit | $27,000 | 17′ | 2,480 lbs |
| Winnebago Hike H170S | $27,000 | 20′ 7.5″ | 3,502 lbs |
| Winnebago Micro Minnie 1700BH | $28,000 | 20′ 9″ | 3,280 lbs |
| Lance 1475 Travel Trailer | $45,000 | 19′ 8″ | 2,600 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 16 | $50,000 | 16′ 2″ | 2,650 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 16X | $52,000 | 16′ 2″ | 2,700 lbs |
| Airstream Bambi 16RB | $55,000 | 16′ 1″ | 3,000 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20 | $56,000 | 20′ 2″ | 3,400 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20X | $58,000 | 20′ 2″ | 3,500 lbs |
| Airstream Bambi 20FB | $62,000 | 20′ 7″ | 4,000 lbs |
FAQs
The cheapest Airstream is the Airstream Basecamp 16, which has an average price of $50,000 and is Airstream’s smallest and lightest camper designed for outdoor adventuring.
The higher cost of the Airstream Basecamp can be worth it for those looking for an uncompromising premium lightweight camper designed for off-grid camping and boondocking.
According to Airstream, all Airstream trailers, including the Basecamp are four-season capable.
However, there are a few caveats to this, for one, when the trailer is not in use, it must be winterized, and two, when the trailer is in use, the trailer needs propane and electricity (battery or shore power), so the heater and tank heaters will function.
All trim levels of the Basecamp, including the 16, the 16X, the 20, and the 20X are equipped with a two-piece wet bath with a combined shower and toilet.
All Airstream Basecamps can be taken off-road, for more extreme off-roading though, you should opt for the “X-Package” on the Basecamp.
As the “X-Package” provides a 3-inch lift kit, Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires, front stone guards, front windshield protection, and increased departure angle for better off-road performance.
Four limiting factors will dictate how long you can boondock in an Airstream Basecamp, which includes power, propane, water, and food.
And while it’s possible to have indefinite power with a solar package, the amount of propane, water, and food you can store has its limits.
Which will typically not allow you to boondock in an Airstream Basecamp for longer than seven days.
Wrap Up
As you can see, when it comes to how much an Airstream Basecamp costs, there can be quite a range.
With the base trim level Airstream Basecamp 16 starting at $48,000, up to the loaded Airstream Basecamp 20X trim level topping out at $62,000.
And while that seems like a lot of money for such a small camper, and it is, remember that these are luxury premium campers that are built with the highest quality materials and come with all the bells and whistles that you could want in a camper.
The good news, however, if the Airstream Basecamp happens to be beyond your budget is that there are plenty of similar-sized campers on the market today that have many of the same features as the Basecamp, but at a much lower price.
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