You might remember back to the 1950s when home builders and power companies wanted to bring you into the future. A catchy slogan, “Live better—electrically”, vaunted the idea of electric heat, electric water heaters—all things in your proper home had to be electric. Now the RV industry—at least Airstream—while not adopting the slogan, is carrying forth the same idea. Enter Airstream Basecamp 20Xe—the “all-electric capable travel trailer.” What’s inside—and outside—Airstream’s new baby?
Lots of power up top—Airstream Basecamp 20Xe boasts 600 watts, standard
Up top, you’ll find 600W of rooftop solar panels. They pump the juice into a 10.3kWh lithium Battle Born® battery pack. Making that power useful to shore-power appliances is a 3,000W inverter.
Airstream says its Basecamp Xe expands the features of the popular Basecamp 20 model. The fully inverted system powers outlets and trailer functions. This might seem a bit surprising, but the big “Silver Twinkie” company says that includes an optional air conditioner and microwave, even when off-grid. In case ol’ Sol is not cooperating, a 20-pound propane tank supports outdoor grilling and serves as a backup for the furnace and water heater.
Airstream puts human face on all-electric promotion
Just as the 1950s and ’60s industry move toward “all electric living” brought a “human face” with coloring books featuring likeable characters, so Airstream is doing the same. Airstream wants you to meet Shyanne Orvis. She’s featured prominently in Airstream’s Basecamp Xe promotion.
Shyanne’s a fly fishing angler who took the Basecamp Xe to the bayou in southern Louisiana. After spending the day on the water with her family, they had a comfortable, self-sufficient place to stay, complete with a fully-stocked kitchen and a wet bath. “With the Basecamp, we didn’t have to worry about anything – it has everything we needed to make the kids comfortable,” Shy said. But what about those all-electric features?
Really, just what does “all-electric” mean?
The Basecamp Xe includes all-electric appliances, such as a refrigerator, induction cooktop, and water heater. With a lithium battery bank and inverter, it powers all these functions while off-grid, including air conditioning and the microwave when boondocking. The trailer is also equipped with 600W solar panels and can support an additional 300W of portable panels to increase solar charging. Of course, there’s more to RVing than juice in the light fixtures. Airstream says the Basecamp Xe offers a spacious galley, onboard wet bath, and ample storage.
Designed for staying away from the typical RV park, “the Basecamp Xe is built for rough terrain, featuring a 3-inch lift and rugged tires. It also has ample gear storage and a propane system that provides flexibility in extreme conditions. The Truma Combi eco plus system combines the water heater and furnace functions, using the lithium battery bank for an all-electric setup. An optional composting toilet is available for additional water savings.”
Interested in aesthetics?
“With a 20-foot floor plan, the Basecamp Xe is perfect for various travel styles,” says Airstream’s blog. “Two décor options, Sandstone Canyon and Granite Ridge, offer a comfortable, functional space with a dedicated sleeping area and a convertible dinette. The Bluetooth sound system and smart storage solutions ensure comfort and convenience during your travels.”
If you want to learn more about the all-electric Airstream Basecamp 20Xe, download the brochure to explore the features of this innovative travel trailer, which starts at $76,900.
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This looks cool, but I really wish they’d figured out how to get some motors in the wheels…
Would have been great to get powered wheels, but it’s still a very nice RV.
“vaunted”?
“Boasted about”? It doesn’t work here, Andy? Why am I flashing back to Mae West? Oh, yeah. She vaunted to be alone.🤣 Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
It was Greta Garbo, I think. 😀
Well, dang! You’re right, Tommy. Mae West had lots of great sayings, but that wasn’t one of them. Should have looked it up before I opened my big mouth.🫢 (I’m surprised Andy didn’t call me on that goof.😉) Mae West: “When I’m caught between two evils, I generally like to take the one I never tried.” “When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better.” –With those as a couple of mottos for my (younger) life, I’m surprised I made it to 78 (so far).🤣 Have a great day.🤗 -Diane
Thank you for the information, Russ and Tina! I’d like a bit more inside room for the kind of money this must cost. Interesting though. Have a great day and safe travels!
“All electric?” but with propane backups?
I never cared for the basecamp. Especially for the price of this one. You can get a nice towable RV for that price.
Do I really need to heat “hot water”? Just a pet peeve of mine.
Thanks, Vanessa! Fixed it. Can’t believe I missed that.😱 (Now I’m in hot water.🙄) Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com