For the price point, I really hope they get their act together and step up on the quality control. I really like the BC20x but I want them to put out a “quality” product. 50-60k should get you better than this. Cmon Airstream! 👎
Airstream, aka THOR, don’t care unless it hurts sales. I had a 23FB, and 4-ish years into its use my foot went through the floor. Their pluses of being almost/kinda/sorta leakproof, watertight and airtight (more than other brands) is also their weakness. People breathe, shower, and cook. What they don’t tell you is the flooring is (was, they now use a composite) plain plywood, there are no drains for window condensation to exit the trailer so it rots the plywood out. What irked me was when the repair shop explained it’s common, happens a lot, Airstream is well aware of the issue but all repairs occur after the warranty period, so… ehh, ho cares. When he was describing the process to remove everything in the trailer ripping out the floor, and putting new plywood down, he said that mold and mildew resistant plywood is what they recommend but it cost more. How much more? About $5 per sheet, it’s the kitchen bath grade, greenish tint that hardware stores sell. The cost difference is about $50/unit my size. Then he explained that it’s what they use a small strip of on the entrance and shower lips, as those areas have failed in the 2 year warranty period. As I thought about it… Airstream chose to save $50, knowing that a few, quite a few would have a $25,000+ expense four years later, but chose to not improve because it will be out of warranty by then… I got pissed. There was nothing in their brochures about this wood rot issue, had someone said AIR IT OUT AFTER EVERY SHOWER AND ANYTIME YOU SEE CONDENSATION ON THE WINDOWS!” I would have known the reason why. Note this only affects people who use these in cold environments, which I love.
Thanks for the video! We're supposed to take delivery of ours at the end of the month. We will definitely be looking for those issues before leaving the Airstream dealer here in Colorado.
@@ac7438 We ended up passing on it because when we went to pick it up, it had all sorts of quality issues. We ended up doing a van build instead. I hope yours in holding up well.
I love the basecamp. However, for the money some of these "concerns" are not worth it the money they are asking for these trailers. Thank you for this video.
You could do what we are, our SUV friendly bc16 is for camping with occasional AC to cool down. We are throwing $60k into a 1976 Sovereign 31' vacation home. In 30 years it's been in the family the floors are not rotted and still bone dry inside. Airstream sure doesn't make em like they used to but love to throw around that name don't they!
Awesome! I attribute a lot of those problems to it being one of the first lots out of the factory. The best resource is the Basecamp20 group on Facebook.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2021 16X on order and and enjoyed hearing the negatives. Like a baby, it’s going to take 9 months for delivery so I have time to learn and evaluate. Thanks from Texas :)
Most of the things you have talked about, would increase weight, Most people buying a basecamp are looking to pull with smaller vehicle. The plastic components on the outside are in common use. And if you do not store your Airstream inside, be ready to replace everything in the years ahead. Good video. Appreciate your opinions of it.
For the cabinet doors opening, I attached Velcro prices above and below the door on the cabinet. Then put straps with Velcro on both ends and it keeps the doors closed while in transit.
Great Video! I am in thinking about getting the basecamp 20x in the next year, Thanks for telling me the issues you are having so early i’m having the basecamp..
Starting at $50,100 coupled with the nightmare “The JOP Fam” had with their Airstream Caravel 16RB, I would definitely be gun-shy about a Airstream investment🍋💰
Airstream prides itself on the quality - and the AL frames are gorgeous (if that’s your thing). But all the talk of quality issues - and in this case there are a few materials choices that simply don’t live up to their use cases.
Which cabinets are you referring to? While they all look uniform from the outside, there are utility covers and other protrusions that impact the space inside. The two above the fridge are the same H/W/D as well as the three on the left of the galley.
@@SlowYourRoll Hi Ryan, thanks for the reply. I contacted airstream and they may be able to get me interior dimensions for any cubby behind black glass. We are also going to try and see one this month and bring a soft measuring tape just in case :).
Nice video! We just placed a deposit to reserved one......in 12 to 16 months!! I look forward to more of your videos! Cant wait to look into these problems on delivery!
We have been looking but have not bought. What we loved was how large the sleeping space is we are 5 11 and 6 1 . The wet bath space is adequate to stand in. The storage concerned me. The netting is cheap. It should be high grade like the survival bracelets. The bambi had more comfort and storage options except for carting gear like kayaks or bikes so we were back to the 20x basecamp. You can get the same lift on the Bambi its single axel, too, but no rear door. There are no exterior hauling options on the camper to carry those. So they would need to be on the vehicle. Not sure this is our final choice . We also plan to travel for extended time to visit grandkids for months at a time. For now, we have 3 yrs to decide. Gross vehicle weight is a big factor as well. Of course, from what I heard from the dealer in winter the water tank can freeze. Unfortunately this limits the use of the toilet to 3 seasons and the need for a casset toilet.
The sleeping area fully assembled is a large king. Not sure if the physical dimensions off the top but it is really large. Storage is limited but there is a tow hitch that can be welded to the frame for a gear box or “Pack Mule”. It just takes some creative solutions. If you want a fixed bed and a little more storage I’d suggest Bambi or Caravel. Those would require a roof rack on your tow vehicle for gear. We camped below freezing and had no issues with the tanks. They have heaters and if you add some antifreeze to Grey/Black you’ll be ok. Just keep the ambient temp inside above 50 degrees.
I actually took it a step further and travel without the spare. A risk I mitigate by carrying a repair kit and portable air compressor. You need a high lift jack anyway to change a flat. Minus 50lbs on the tongue.
I have been told that Thor is the real company that make the airstream now. Maybe that is why all of the quality and short cuts are being made with airstream now. We have a 1960 AS and love it. Hope things get better with manufacture on these hate to see the quality go.
I just have to ask the question because I too am in the market for an RV. Actually, I’ve been in the market for years and years. I mean I really want to buy one of these things but the quality is so subpar compared to any other industry it truly begs the question...why do we buy these really outrageously expensive boxes on wheels just to have the shower wand holder fall off the wall? I mean are we being punked? There must be a hidden video somewhere, correct?! The current state of what we, the consumers, find acceptable from a quality control perspective is horrendously sad. Just. Sad. Shame on us.
Run. ALL RVs with VERY rare exception have significant problems AND you are right, consumers have failed to hold companies & dealers accountable which is why the problems never go away. One reason for this is that many RV owners seem to take pride in fixing their own rigs. I applaud their expertise but if you pay good and often very big money you shouldn’t have to be your own repairman/woman. And, it’s not just how they are made, try finding a dealership with mechanics who really know how to repair & troubleshoot the myriad of issues. And good luck getting any part in less than 3 weeks even pre covid. Sorry to say that the future for RV/Trailer industry consumer oriented improvements is grim because most are now made/controlled by one company, Thor with a handful of others making the rest. If tents had air conditioning, I’d switch back in a minute. :)
Very good video. Your explanations were very easy to understand. I really like these small travel trailers with the back hatch to get more circulation. I wish there more options for small trailers with back hatches.
You have to go all the way up to the Classic models to get the metal door covers on the outside. Seems that Airstream believes these simple upgrades are really valuable based on the cost difference.
To fix the spot where your showerhead was, put wood glue on some toothpicks put them in the existing holes, trim the ends and put it all back together .
Toyota 4Runner for tow vehicle. It is adequate if you reduce weight forward of the trailer axel. With my setup tongue weight fluctuates between 420-480lbs. Overall trailer weight with gear is~3750lbs. 4Runners are underpowered so they wont be breaking any land speed records on inclines but you don’t want to be going fast towing anyway.
Instead of a larger screw, consider a drywall screw that has a plastic expander sleeve. Push the plastic thingy in, use the existing screw (for depth issues) to mount and you’re done.
I have a had a wonderful experience with my 2021 BC 16. Really no issues, everything has been working and wearing great. Put 7,000 miles on it in the first year!
That’s god to hear. I have heard less bad things on the 16 models writ large. If you follow my videos you will see shortly the issues we had with the furnace.
Wow I thought airstream was quality made for the price tag but I guess not. Such a hassle and not being taken care of my the dealership. It’s so sad that once you drive a vehicle or RV off the lot, the dealership doesn’t even bother to be helpful to resolve all these technical issues
The dealership has been pretty good at fixing the items. The issue is they are overwhelmed by service appointments and getting it in is difficult. I’ve been waiting a month just to confirm an appointment.
i have water coming to my basecamp 2023 on the floor ONLY while I am driving; wander if other owners got the same issue. :-( Not yet fix by the dealer....
Why don’t you put level clips to keep the drawer doors shut when you travel. I don’t why Airstream doesn’t do a better engineer job when they built these expensive units
Hope this video gets airstream to do some public relations damage control , if it was up to me all these issues would be done free of charge along with a bonus upgrade. Airstream exists due to their reputation they should be embarrassed !
All the repairs are covered by the warranty. To your point I think Airstream should extend the warranty and identify these as recall items for those outside the warranty window. I purchased this based on their purported reputation.
For a trailer this expensive airstream needs to fix and greatly reduce problems. Especially the hot water heater and refrigerator! This product is crap! Airstream needs to pay attention to quality assurance. I’m done! You have convinced me to buy an Oliver trailer! I hope airstream pays attention to your video!
Airstream hasn’t reached out to me directly and the service department has been good about fixing the issues. I’m pretty confident Airstream does watch some of these because they have implemented changes over the years based on videos I’ve seen. One in particular is the modular bed. Early models this was one piece and now it’s cut in two sections to allow you to adjust the bed size and access the storage.
How’s the T@B? We just sold our T@G XL to some friends of ours and picked up a BC 20x. Loved the little teardrop but also had tic-tac problems. Like everything RV..
Thanks for doing this video? How long you had the BaseCamp when all these issues happened. If Thor owns Airstream. Im sure the management is trying to cut cost
At this point we had the Basecamp for one month. I’ve seen similar issue with other manufacturers. The saving grace is service does a good job addressing issues. A year ago it was hard getting an appointment due to the significant increase in purchases 2020-2021. I do wish AS would install metal instead of plastic fittings.
Currently none. The dealership suggested two which I purchased to find out later they don’t fit. The Basecamp a frame isn’t very big and the propane locker takes up most of that room. Another option is to drill into the a frame. Also those systems ultimately add weight (60-100lbs) to the tongue weight which I don’t have wiggle room on.
Thanks for this video. It will help us put together a checklist for our acceptance walkthrough. Are you generating enough solar energy without hookups? Have you looked into the Bluetti vs the cost/return on investment?
Make sure the black water flush works too. I forgot to cover that but it’s a common problem. As far as solar we’re only running DC. 180w on the roof and a 100w suitcase has been more than enough. Next project is installing a 2000w inverter so stay tuned on performance with AC/DC pulling from the batteries. Good luck on your walk through!
Absolutely. Work travel has picked up so I haven’t been able to get out and shoot. In short they fixed all the small issues but the hatch still pops out on the top. I’m guessing the strike plate is not strong or deep enough to engage the latch bolt.
@@glenntaylor1679 I don’t know if it’s been remedied among the fleet but it took three trips to service for them to reenforce the kick plate, add some spacers for increased depth and personally being cognizant of applying appropriate force to close it. They just need a longer latch bolt to compensate for the force.
Did you get all of these issues repaired? That is a LOT of money to spend on a camper to have these kinds of issues. And since you posted this, we've had an enormous amount of rain in Oklahoma.
@@SlowYourRoll I never buy extended warranties, but I got sucked in. After reading like a novel all the things that is DOESNT cover, doesn't really sound like it covers anything....Good thing I cancel at any time.
That’s horrible. Airstream is known for their quality. I’ve been interested in this model. I guess high demand means more production which translates to bad quality? I’m disappointed.
Yea it’s disappointing but I equate it to automobiles. Take a BMW where a 7 series is going to be a lot nicer than a 3 series. The 3 series gets more people into the brand but in the end it’s just as expensive to service. The Basecamp is Airstreams entry point for people who can’t throw $100K+ down on an rv. It gets them into the brand. At the end of the day I like it and that’s my internal justification. Wait on the ‘22 line to see if they address the existing issues.
Like all commodities created today, they're run by the Harvard MBA Business Model. Cheaply sourced parts, lax quality control, and over priced for the durability/quality expected of Airstream. i hope Airstream is listening, because perhaps another manufacture of RV Travel Trailers may respond & do better.
With that door gap , I'd be concerned about Murder Hornets and wasps finding their way in , I guess you just jam a rag or something in there to keep them at bay.
Thank you for the video. I ordered mine last October and should get it in August. How is the OnDemand water heater, are you satisfied? About the nets, at first glance they didn't seem that bad, do you think the tearing could be related to the form of the boards in the bottom of the net? if not what kind of weight do you think they can safely support? I hope I can store a good amount of stuff there. Not necessarily heavy objects but fill them with bags of clothes, sleeping bags and such. Hope your issues get resolved promptly with Airstream. Thank you
It’s responsive in about 15 to 20 seconds. We are still trying to find the right amount of hot/cold combo for the shower. The tearing is a result of the boards having a right angle and the nets being tapered. They fit but it’s tight. You’ll be fine with bags, linen, pillows on the nets.
We did spend a night upon purchase not at the dealership but down the street at a harvest host testing out all the systems. These issues didn’t manifest until the second or third trip with the exception of the black tank flush which we expected.
Not good value. Plastic housing for a key component, gaps. Too bad companies that have built their name on quality start to cut costs in the wrong areas.
It's against the law in 14 states to lock your propane tanks into a container if you have an accident. Also never hitch your trailer up with your stabilizer Jack's down. It's the best way to warp your back door. But I'm sure you knew that before you made your purchase.
Good point on propane safety. Can you add the source to help others who may not be aware? The only things I’ve found are OSHA standards and relate more to commercial propane use. My concern is locking the compartment during long term storage when the tanks are off or not in the RV altogether. When we use propane it’s always accessible in the event of an incident and turned off while traveling. Regarding the hatch I always raise the leveling jacks first before the trailer jack. In this case the tech said the the strike plate was mounted too far forward.
@@SlowYourRoll Yes I can give my source. It was a certified Airstream technician named Zeke at Lazydays RV in Knoxville TN. Give him a call he'll be glad to help you give better information before you put out videos on locking your propane in containers. Or any other problems that you are having with your airstream basecamp.
We have the same issue with the back hatch on our 20X. Not only does the top not latch appropriately, but the handle fell off the door. Never hitched with the stabilizer jacks down so I’m not so sure this is user error...
@@jroamforgood6370 has the issue been resolved or are you still dealing with it? Camping World adjusted the strike plate which helped a little bit it still pops out when we travel.
The issues with this BC has little to do with "Quality Control" and more, if not everythjng, to do with DESIGN. I cant even say engineering, because i really dont even see that given the petty issues. Given the pricepoint of AS models compared to competitors, it is obvious they are trying to milk/gouge customers hard... and that is unfortunate. I work in automotive Mfg and a $50k car is light years better in every way... and that shouldnt be. I highly doubt AS units are built by Swiss watch makers and their pay rates.
It is sad to see considering the record revenue they received from 2020-2022. Granted they probably rushed production to keep up with demand but I’m seeing in 2023 they still rely on the dealerships to address production issues instead of their quality control dept.
None of these recreational RVs are built for more than a couple weeks per year sitting in a campground. Seriously. Even Airstream will tell you that none of their rigs are designed for four season or full-time living. Stick to two weeks a year vacation and most of these will last a long time. The premium price you pay for an Airstream is for the eye-candy interiors and shiny exterior. Nothing more, nothing less. If you are looking for something more substantial I suggest taking a look at an Oliver trailer.
![Winterizing the Basecamp [Basecamp 20X]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ay5S8Vc5Okw/mqdefault.jpg)
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.15 (1/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TLBjiHvkKtE/mqdefault.jpg)
For the price point, I really hope they get their act together and step up on the quality control. I really like the BC20x but I want them to put out a “quality” product. 50-60k should get you better than this. Cmon Airstream! 👎
Airstream, aka THOR, don’t care unless it hurts sales. I had a 23FB, and 4-ish years into its use my foot went through the floor. Their pluses of being almost/kinda/sorta leakproof, watertight and airtight (more than other brands) is also their weakness. People breathe, shower, and cook. What they don’t tell you is the flooring is (was, they now use a composite) plain plywood, there are no drains for window condensation to exit the trailer so it rots the plywood out. What irked me was when the repair shop explained it’s common, happens a lot, Airstream is well aware of the issue but all repairs occur after the warranty period, so… ehh, ho cares. When he was describing the process to remove everything in the trailer ripping out the floor, and putting new plywood down, he said that mold and mildew resistant plywood is what they recommend but it cost more. How much more? About $5 per sheet, it’s the kitchen bath grade, greenish tint that hardware stores sell. The cost difference is about $50/unit my size. Then he explained that it’s what they use a small strip of on the entrance and shower lips, as those areas have failed in the 2 year warranty period. As I thought about it… Airstream chose to save $50, knowing that a few, quite a few would have a $25,000+ expense four years later, but chose to not improve because it will be out of warranty by then… I got pissed. There was nothing in their brochures about this wood rot issue, had someone said AIR IT OUT AFTER EVERY SHOWER AND ANYTIME YOU SEE CONDENSATION ON THE WINDOWS!” I would have known the reason why. Note this only affects people who use these in cold environments, which I love.
Thanks for an honest review and showing the defects. This helps my purchase decision.
Thank you ! I was already getting ready to buy one; But now I'm rethinking about the purchase .
Thank again.
Your videos have been extremely helpful. I’ve been weighing the pros and cons of getting one now for a few months. Thank you
Thanks for the feedback! If you want to see specific topics covered let me know.
Thanks for the video! We're supposed to take delivery of ours at the end of the month. We will definitely be looking for those issues before leaving the Airstream dealer here in Colorado.
Its Hecho en Mehico
How's the trailer?
@@ac7438 We ended up passing on it because when we went to pick it up, it had all sorts of quality issues. We ended up doing a van build instead. I hope yours in holding up well.
Thank you! Very thorough and well presented.
I love the basecamp. However, for the money some of these "concerns" are not worth it the money they are asking for these trailers. Thank you for this video.
You could do what we are, our SUV friendly bc16 is for camping with occasional AC to cool down. We are throwing $60k into a 1976 Sovereign 31' vacation home. In 30 years it's been in the family the floors are not rotted and still bone dry inside. Airstream sure doesn't make em like they used to but love to throw around that name don't they!
Thanks for sharing! We're considering getting a Basecamp 20X. Your videos are helpful! Keep making them.
Thanks for the honest review. I'm hoping to buy one soon. You definitely helped me decide to get one and I'll watch for those problems.
Awesome! I attribute a lot of those problems to it being one of the first lots out of the factory. The best resource is the Basecamp20 group on Facebook.
Thank you. Considering the purchase of one these units. Safe travels to you.
Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks for the video. I have a 2021 16X on order and and enjoyed hearing the negatives. Like a baby, it’s going to take 9 months for delivery so I have time to learn and evaluate. Thanks from Texas :)
Did you get it through Airstream DFW? I had mine serviced there and they did a great job.
Sucks! If they’re selling they’re not going to make many changes until demand goes down 😢
Most of the things you have talked about, would increase weight, Most people buying a basecamp are looking to pull with smaller vehicle. The plastic components on the outside are in common use. And if you do not store your Airstream inside, be ready to replace everything in the years ahead. Good video. Appreciate your opinions of it.
Thanks for watching!
For the cabinet doors opening, I attached Velcro prices above and below the door on the cabinet. Then put straps with Velcro on both ends and it keeps the doors closed while in transit.
Thanks for the update. Useful info as we’re picking up our 20X next week.
Thanx for the vid’s!! Waiting for ours, looking forword for your updates!;) cheers!
Great Video! I am in thinking about getting the basecamp 20x in the next year, Thanks for telling me the issues you are having so early i’m having the basecamp..
Thanks for the great video! I'll definitely keep all of this in mind. It's nice to know you can order parts and install them yourself, if needed.
Starting at $50,100 coupled with the nightmare “The JOP Fam” had with their Airstream Caravel 16RB, I would definitely be gun-shy about a Airstream investment🍋💰
Airstream prides itself on the quality - and the AL frames are gorgeous (if that’s your thing). But all the talk of quality issues - and in this case there are a few materials choices that simply don’t live up to their use cases.
I can’t find dimensions for the cabinets anywhere online. I hope we can visit one soon with a tape measurer!
Which cabinets are you referring to? While they all look uniform from the outside, there are utility covers and other protrusions that impact the space inside. The two above the fridge are the same H/W/D as well as the three on the left of the galley.
@@SlowYourRoll Hi Ryan, thanks for the reply. I contacted airstream and they may be able to get me interior dimensions for any cubby behind black glass. We are also going to try and see one this month and bring a soft measuring tape just in case :).
Nice video! We just placed a deposit to reserved one......in 12 to 16 months!! I look forward to more of your videos! Cant wait to look into these problems on delivery!
Wow still that far out for preorders? Each year gets better than the previous. Can’t wait to see what they come out with.
We have been looking but have not bought. What we loved was how large the sleeping space is we are 5 11 and 6 1 . The wet bath space is adequate to stand in. The storage concerned me. The netting is cheap. It should be high grade like the survival bracelets. The bambi had more comfort and storage options except for carting gear like kayaks or bikes so we were back to the 20x basecamp. You can get the same lift on the Bambi its single axel, too, but no rear door. There are no exterior hauling options on the camper to carry those. So they would need to be on the vehicle.
Not sure this is our final choice . We also plan to travel for extended time to visit grandkids for months at a time. For now, we have 3 yrs to decide. Gross vehicle weight is a big factor as well. Of course, from what I heard from the dealer in winter the water tank can freeze. Unfortunately this limits the use of the toilet to 3 seasons and the need for a casset toilet.
The sleeping area fully assembled is a large king. Not sure if the physical dimensions off the top but it is really large. Storage is limited but there is a tow hitch that can be welded to the frame for a gear box or “Pack Mule”. It just takes some creative solutions. If you want a fixed bed and a little more storage I’d suggest Bambi or Caravel. Those would require a roof rack on your tow vehicle for gear. We camped below freezing and had no issues with the tanks. They have heaters and if you add some antifreeze to Grey/Black you’ll be ok. Just keep the ambient temp inside above 50 degrees.
Great info. Removing one propane tank - The X package puts it over the tow load of my Limited 4rummer so cutting back on weight is a great idea.
I actually took it a step further and travel without the spare. A risk I mitigate by carrying a repair kit and portable air compressor. You need a high lift jack anyway to change a flat. Minus 50lbs on the tongue.
I have been told that Thor is the real company that make the airstream now. Maybe that is why all of the quality and short cuts are being made with airstream now. We have a 1960 AS and love it. Hope things get better with manufacture on these hate to see the quality go.
I just have to ask the question because I too am in the market for an RV. Actually, I’ve been in the market for years and years. I mean I really want to buy one of these things but the quality is so subpar compared to any other industry it truly begs the question...why do we buy these really outrageously expensive boxes on wheels just to have the shower wand holder fall off the wall? I mean are we being punked? There must be a hidden video somewhere, correct?! The current state of what we, the consumers, find acceptable from a quality control perspective is horrendously sad. Just. Sad. Shame on us.
Run. ALL RVs with VERY rare exception have significant problems AND you are right, consumers have failed to hold companies & dealers accountable which is why the problems never go away. One reason for this is that many RV owners seem to take pride in fixing their own rigs. I applaud their expertise but if you pay good and often very big money you shouldn’t have to be your own repairman/woman. And, it’s not just how they are made, try finding a dealership with mechanics who really know how to repair & troubleshoot the myriad of issues. And good luck getting any part in less than 3 weeks even pre covid.
Sorry to say that the future for RV/Trailer industry consumer oriented improvements is grim because most are now made/controlled by one company, Thor with a handful of others making the rest. If tents had air conditioning, I’d switch back in a minute. :)
Very good video. Your explanations were very easy to understand. I really like these small travel trailers with the back hatch to get more circulation. I wish there more options for small trailers with back hatches.
Check out the InTech series of trailers. Small, light weight, and great for hauling gear.
You have to go all the way up to the Classic models to get the metal door covers on the outside. Seems that Airstream believes these simple upgrades are really valuable based on the cost difference.
To fix the spot where your showerhead was, put wood glue on some toothpicks put them in the existing holes, trim the ends and put it all back together .
Thanks for the video.
What is your towing vehicle and experience / tips.
Have fun,
Toyota 4Runner for tow vehicle. It is adequate if you reduce weight forward of the trailer axel. With my setup tongue weight fluctuates between 420-480lbs. Overall trailer weight with gear is~3750lbs. 4Runners are underpowered so they wont be breaking any land speed records on inclines but you don’t want to be going fast towing anyway.
Instead of a larger screw, consider a drywall screw that has a plastic expander sleeve. Push the plastic thingy in, use the existing screw (for depth issues) to mount and you’re done.
sad to hear about the quality. I'd be very concerned about that door too.
I have a had a wonderful experience with my 2021 BC 16. Really no issues, everything has been working and wearing great. Put 7,000 miles on it in the first year!
That’s god to hear. I have heard less bad things on the 16 models writ large. If you follow my videos you will see shortly the issues we had with the furnace.
Wow I thought airstream was quality made for the price tag but I guess not. Such a hassle and not being taken care of my the dealership. It’s so sad that once you drive a vehicle or RV off the lot, the dealership doesn’t even bother to be helpful to resolve all these technical issues
The dealership has been pretty good at fixing the items. The issue is they are overwhelmed by service appointments and getting it in is difficult. I’ve been waiting a month just to confirm an appointment.
Grreat information 👍
Thank you for sharing🥰
The biggest gripe I have is the combo grey and black water, it's a deal breaker for me. There should be separate tanks, (imo).
Yes on the 16 model but the 20 does have separate tanks for black, gray, and fresh.
i have water coming to my basecamp 2023 on the floor ONLY while I am driving; wander if other owners got the same issue. :-( Not yet fix by the dealer....
I just ordered an 2024 REI 20X. I didn’t want the glass storage doors.
Nice. I just watched the Colonial Airstream tour. The glass is a pain and I like the added water filtration system. Enjoy!
Good analysis
What the heck do you have boards for? Firewood?
Why don’t you put level clips to keep the drawer doors shut when you travel. I don’t why Airstream doesn’t do a better engineer job when they built these expensive units
What are level clips? And how would you install them? Thanks for clarifying ✅
Any updates?
I am pretty sure you can get those magnetic latches at pretty much any home store... you don't need to pay shipping.
Yes they are more common than I thought at the time. Hardware stores sell them as well.
Hope this video gets airstream to do some public relations damage control , if it was up to me all these issues would be done free of charge along with a bonus upgrade. Airstream exists due to their reputation they should be embarrassed !
All the repairs are covered by the warranty. To your point I think Airstream should extend the warranty and identify these as recall items for those outside the warranty window. I purchased this based on their purported reputation.
For a trailer this expensive airstream needs to fix and greatly reduce problems. Especially the hot water heater and refrigerator! This product is crap! Airstream needs to pay attention to quality assurance. I’m done! You have convinced me to buy an Oliver trailer! I hope airstream pays attention to your video!
I'm curious to know if Airstream has reached out to you and or addressed your concerns.
Airstream hasn’t reached out to me directly and the service department has been good about fixing the issues. I’m pretty confident Airstream does watch some of these because they have implemented changes over the years based on videos I’ve seen. One in particular is the modular bed. Early models this was one piece and now it’s cut in two sections to allow you to adjust the bed size and access the storage.
Thanks for the video. What year is your basecamp? Wondering if they have addressed any of the issues in newer models.
It’s a 2021. One of the earlier ones to be delivered. I know they made changes to the heat ducting on later 21s.
Wow. Very substandard quality and design. I was considering a basecamp but will get a Tab 400 instead
I love my NuCamp T@B 320S Boondock! Perfect for 5'6" me.
How’s the T@B? We just sold our T@G XL to some friends of ours and picked up a BC 20x.
Loved the little teardrop but also had tic-tac problems. Like everything RV..
Thanks for doing this video? How long you had the BaseCamp when all these issues happened. If Thor owns Airstream. Im sure the management is trying to cut cost
At this point we had the Basecamp for one month. I’ve seen similar issue with other manufacturers. The saving grace is service does a good job addressing issues. A year ago it was hard getting an appointment due to the significant increase in purchases 2020-2021. I do wish AS would install metal instead of plastic fittings.
What brand of sway control do you use?
Currently none. The dealership suggested two which I purchased to find out later they don’t fit. The Basecamp a frame isn’t very big and the propane locker takes up most of that room. Another option is to drill into the a frame. Also those systems ultimately add weight (60-100lbs) to the tongue weight which I don’t have wiggle room on.
Thanks for this video. It will help us put together a checklist for our acceptance walkthrough. Are you generating enough solar energy without hookups? Have you looked into the Bluetti vs the cost/return on investment?
Make sure the black water flush works too. I forgot to cover that but it’s a common problem. As far as solar we’re only running DC. 180w on the roof and a 100w suitcase has been more than enough. Next project is installing a 2000w inverter so stay tuned on performance with AC/DC pulling from the batteries. Good luck on your walk through!
Are you going to do a follow up video on how the dealer took care of your problems?
Absolutely. Work travel has picked up so I haven’t been able to get out and shoot. In short they fixed all the small issues but the hatch still pops out on the top. I’m guessing the strike plate is not strong or deep enough to engage the latch bolt.
@@ryanhogan5958 That's disappointing the latch issue continues. As follow-up, has that been remedied by Airstream?
@@glenntaylor1679 I don’t know if it’s been remedied among the fleet but it took three trips to service for them to reenforce the kick plate, add some spacers for increased depth and personally being cognizant of applying appropriate force to close it. They just need a longer latch bolt to compensate for the force.
@@SlowYourRoll Understand & thank you for a great channel-
Do you have a link to download the parts manual?
This is what I used www.airstream.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2020-Basecamp-Parts-Book.pdf. When in doubt, check with Airstream.
@@SlowYourRoll thank you.
Did you get all of these issues repaired? That is a LOT of money to spend on a camper to have these kinds of issues. And since you posted this, we've had an enormous amount of rain in Oklahoma.
So, did u subscribe to the extended Airstream 84 month warranty? Stupid question. I know
No I didn’t opt for the extended. May bite me but I bought based on their previous quality standards.
@@SlowYourRoll I never buy extended warranties, but I got sucked in. After reading like a novel all the things that is DOESNT cover, doesn't really sound like it covers anything....Good thing I cancel at any time.
Darn! Shower just feel off, make me doubt the quality of airstreams rolling now 😧
Good stuff! Following !
That’s horrible. Airstream is known for their quality. I’ve been interested in this model. I guess high demand means more production which translates to bad quality? I’m disappointed.
Yea it’s disappointing but I equate it to automobiles. Take a BMW where a 7 series is going to be a lot nicer than a 3 series. The 3 series gets more people into the brand but in the end it’s just as expensive to service. The Basecamp is Airstreams entry point for people who can’t throw $100K+ down on an rv. It gets them into the brand. At the end of the day I like it and that’s my internal justification. Wait on the ‘22 line to see if they address the existing issues.
Like all commodities created today, they're run by the Harvard MBA Business Model. Cheaply sourced parts, lax quality control, and over priced for the durability/quality expected of Airstream. i hope Airstream is listening, because perhaps another manufacture of RV Travel Trailers may respond & do better.
Thx!
For 40-50k I would really expect the quality to be higher
Should be total quality build and made to last. Customer should not have to retro fit door latches and replace things on a brand new AirStream.
Well that’s helped me make up my mind….NO….NOT FOR ME….
With that door gap , I'd be concerned about Murder Hornets and wasps finding their way in , I guess you just jam a rag or something in there to keep them at bay.
Honestly I never had murder hornet invasion included in my list of concerns but it’s there now. Thanks for that 😂.
Hecho en Mehico
Thank you for the video. I ordered mine last October and should get it in August. How is the OnDemand water heater, are you satisfied? About the nets, at first glance they didn't seem that bad, do you think the tearing could be related to the form of the boards in the bottom of the net? if not what kind of weight do you think they can safely support? I hope I can store a good amount of stuff there. Not necessarily heavy objects but fill them with bags of clothes, sleeping bags and such. Hope your issues get resolved promptly with Airstream. Thank you
It’s responsive in about 15 to 20 seconds. We are still trying to find the right amount of hot/cold combo for the shower. The tearing is a result of the boards having a right angle and the nets being tapered. They fit but it’s tight. You’ll be fine with bags, linen, pillows on the nets.
Bummer. Tab 400 for me it is.
I think if I was going to spend that much money, I would camp a day or two, at the dealership, to work out all these issues, before going on a trip
We did spend a night upon purchase not at the dealership but down the street at a harvest host testing out all the systems. These issues didn’t manifest until the second or third trip with the exception of the black tank flush which we expected.
Not good value. Plastic housing for a key component, gaps. Too bad companies that have built their name on quality start to cut costs in the wrong areas.
Shoulda got an A frame...
For the amount of money you have to drop for an airstream this is shameful
Aren’t you Airstream owners afraid of hail storms?
Definitely a concern. The Basecamp model has a flat unfinished roof so less of a concern. Cardboard over the solar panels works in pinch.
It's against the law in 14 states to lock your propane tanks into a container if you have an accident. Also never hitch your trailer up with your stabilizer Jack's down. It's the best way to warp your back door. But I'm sure you knew that before you made your purchase.
Good point on propane safety. Can you add the source to help others who may not be aware? The only things I’ve found are OSHA standards and relate more to commercial propane use. My concern is locking the compartment during long term storage when the tanks are off or not in the RV altogether. When we use propane it’s always accessible in the event of an incident and turned off while traveling. Regarding the hatch I always raise the leveling jacks first before the trailer jack. In this case the tech said the the strike plate was mounted too far forward.
@@SlowYourRoll Yes I can give my source. It was a certified Airstream technician named Zeke at Lazydays RV in Knoxville TN. Give him a call he'll be glad to help you give better information before you put out videos on locking your propane in containers. Or any other problems that you are having with your airstream basecamp.
We have the same issue with the back hatch on our 20X. Not only does the top not latch appropriately, but the handle fell off the door. Never hitched with the stabilizer jacks down so I’m not so sure this is user error...
@@jroamforgood6370 has the issue been resolved or are you still dealing with it? Camping World adjusted the strike plate which helped a little bit it still pops out when we travel.
Fuck airstream I’m not getting it anymore
The issues with this BC has little to do with "Quality Control" and more, if not everythjng, to do with DESIGN. I cant even say engineering, because i really dont even see that given the petty issues.
Given the pricepoint of AS models compared to competitors, it is obvious they are trying to milk/gouge customers hard... and that is unfortunate.
I work in automotive Mfg and a $50k car is light years better in every way... and that shouldnt be. I highly doubt AS units are built by Swiss watch makers and their pay rates.
Typical corporate run business. Rest on their laurels while decreasing quality and maximizing profits.
It is sad to see considering the record revenue they received from 2020-2022. Granted they probably rushed production to keep up with demand but I’m seeing in 2023 they still rely on the dealerships to address production issues instead of their quality control dept.
Sounds like you should have bought something else
Seems like a really poor quality product
Buy an Oliver Travel Trailer. Airstream is just overpriced garbage.
None of these recreational RVs are built for more than a couple weeks per year sitting in a campground. Seriously. Even Airstream will tell you that none of their rigs are designed for four season or full-time living. Stick to two weeks a year vacation and most of these will last a long time. The premium price you pay for an Airstream is for the eye-candy interiors and shiny exterior. Nothing more, nothing less. If you are looking for something more substantial I suggest taking a look at an Oliver trailer.