4000 Mile Road Trip to the Southwest in our Airstream Basecamp

[@nicoleweiler8972]

We just finished a 4000 mile trip with our Basecamp as well, from Virginia to Southern California. Since we have 2 large dogs, we took a more northern route due to the extreme heat. This is our 12th time across the country (military moves) and so I've learned to stay North unless you're just trying to get across fast! Over the 16 nights, we stayed at quite a few KOAs (to top off water/power and dump), boondocked a few times, and stayed at a few places without hookups. I snagged 2 last-minute nights in Yellowstone, and we made the decision to take our dogs with us while touring the park and leave them in the truck with A/C on. They didn't mind, and we found a few spots to walk them, plus it gave us peace of mind to have them close. While at KOAs, we left them with the AC on and monitored the temp with Waggle, but it wasn't as reliable as I had hoped. If you make another trip, I HIGHLY recommend Sonora Bridge Campground near Bridgeport, CA (and the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center). The hiking is gorgeous, the views epic, and its not crowded at all, like the NPs. The campsites are beautiful but no hookups, so we booked a night at the KOA in Coleville, which was extremely clean and even had a dog wash station. All in all, our favorite stop on the trip.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your experience an tip. May I ask what was not great about waggle? I was debating on getting it.

[@kardyify]

I really enjoy your videos. My wife and I purchased a 2023 16X last fall and have camped one night. Actually we have had it for sale. Your videos may make us change our mind. I am 80 and have camped my whole life and am still able to tent camp. like you, we live in the PNW and love it here. We also like Baja. I have been a user of Snow Peak products for years. We also travel with our dog (a Baja rescue) Maybe we will rethink the future use for the Basecamp. Thank you.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Thanks very inspiring! I hope to be able to camp and go on adventures like you when I’m 80! Thanks for watching!

[@robp3431]

I have (2) large dogs I enjoy taking on hiking trips and am considering a tear drop or basecamp trailer, so greatly appreciate your tips and experience, especially the gas generator consideration

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Glad I can help you make a better decision! I used to be all about solar but it won't last if you want to run the AC or winter camping. Thanks for watching!

[@CashJohnston]

Great video! You have a lot of really nice camping gear. The gears in your car must be strong to pull your awesome airstream.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Our Airstream is actually one of the lightest Airstream with only 2,500lbs dry weight. My Audi can tow 6,600lbs. That's plenty of power to tow the Airstream. Thanks for watching!

[@rustymidkiff5377]

I have a Basecamp 20X, and often take my dogs with me boondocking. With my set-up I can run the AC for 4 hr., but never leave camp for more 3hr. Great video!

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

I've been hearing mixed results with how long you can run the AC on a generator. I can typically run it for 5-6 hours on 1 gallon of gas in mild temps. But the desert is way too hot so I would say 3-4 hours max. This is the first time that I had to leave my dogs in the BC. We take them everywhere with us. Thanks for watching!

[@rustymidkiff7014]

I have the BLUETTI 500 (stored under the bed) with the 5000 W inverter I’m able to mimic shore power and run everything in my unit. The blue Eddie will run my AC along with everything else in the camper for two hours, with no external power, input, such as solar/gas generator. When I’m Boondocking, I deploy my 420 W external solar panels and a champion 2500 W dual fuel generator using propane. The BLUETTI 500 will allow simultaneous, solar, charging and charging from the generator. This combination allows me to put more power into the battery than the AC is pulling. I have not attempted to run the AC for more than 10 hours in this configuration… But I would imagine I would be able to do this for two possibly three days. Also, my wife and I enjoy sipping coffee on Saturday mornings and watching your videos… Great content… safe travels!

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Sounds like you have an awesome set up! I have a Bluetti AC200P but it won't run the AC for that long. I still love the unit and have it stored in the BC underneath the seats on 95% of my trips.

[@정환-e5d]

한글 자막없어서 좋은 말씀 이해는 다 못했지만 참 유익한 영상이었습니다

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

I will type in Korean next time. ha ha!

[@jensiej4590]

On longer trips we need to work from our BC16X. Have you seen a tatami-height foldable table you'd recommend for use in the Airstream Basecamp? We'd like to leave the bed set up all day, but need some laptop space.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

I actually have a tatami height table for the BC. It’s made out of aluminum and has foldable legs. Super light weight! We unfold it and use it as a dining table on our bed as we leave our BC in bed set up 95% of the time! Unfortunately I don’t have a link for it as I got it from a local Korean market. Thanks for watching!

[@rickalexander9499]

Another Great video. Thanks for sharing your adventures

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@encyphered]

A few years ago, I experienced my Helinox Savanna has been blown over INTO a fire ring and the mesh panel on the chair being "volatilized" 😱

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

😱😱😱 Oh my... crazy story! All products have their pros and cons. Thanks for watching!

[@ej3365]

기대했던 영상이! 멋진 여행하세요^^

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

네 감사합니다^^ 여름에 부지런히 여행 다니려구요!

[@DrXtoph]

I like your videos! You've inspired us to get the '23 BC 16X REI!!

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

I'm really excited for you guys to get the BC 16X! You'll have such a great time! Join the Airstream Basecamp group on Facebook if you haven't already to share your adventures and see other's! Thanks for watching!

[@tangobravo8889]

If i was dealing with summertime temps I would “NEVER” leave my pets unattended for more than an hour. There is such a thing as “mechanical failure” or “power outage” so you are playing Russian Roulette with your pets lives. More than one hour max, bad idea.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

ok. Thanks for the tip and your concerns and thanks for watching!

[@danielson855]

안녕하세요! 우연히 Basecamp 구매을 위해서 고민하면서 검색하다 멋진 채널을 발견했네요 ㅎㅎ 저는 남부 캘리 ( 샌디에고 ) 쪽에 살고 있고 저희도 부부가 골든두들 강아지 두마리을 키우고 있습니다. 이제 첫째 강아지가 10살이 되면서 조금 더 편한 캠핑을 위해서 Camper van 이나 작은 Trailer 구매하려고 고민중에 있습니다. 그중에 Basecamp 16x 을 알게되었고 Drive way 을 세울수 있을거 같아서 이번주 주말에 매장에 가보려고 하네요 ㅎ Geo pro 15tb 도 고민중인데 거친길에서는 좀더 16x가 더 좋을거 같은데... ㅎㅎ 모르겠네요. 그래서 말씀해주신 내용들이 모두 큰 도움이 되었습니다. 저의 플랜B 는 Ford transit van 깡통을 구매해서 캠퍼밴을 만드는건데... 생각보다 가격이 많이 올라갈거 같아서 그런것도 고민이 되네요 ㅎ. 언제 샌디에고로 놀러오시면 같이 캠핑하면 좋겠네요.:) 구독하고 다른 영상들도 잘 보겠습니다. 감사합니다.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

안녕하세요? 저희도 처음 캠핑 시작한 동기가 강아지때문이었어요. 그러다가 좀더 편한 캠핑의 방법을 찾다보니 basecamp를 구입하게 되었고 지금 3년 넘게 사용중인데 정말 만족스럽습니다. 이번 주말에 보러 가신다니 제가 다 설레는데요, 아마 실제로 보시면 더욱 마음에 드실겁니다. 저희도 처음에 다른 rv를 주문했다가 basecamp 16x를 결국 사게 되었는데요 말씀하셨다시피 basecamp가 노지 캠핑에도 적합할거 같습니다. 저희 작년에도 캘리포니아 놀러갔었는데 너무 즐거웠습니다. 저희 캠핑 그룹에 캘리 분들이 정말 많거든요! 같이 캠핑할 날이 있었으면 좋겠네요. 혹시라도 궁금하신 점 있으면 언제라도 문의 주세요! 나중에 트레일러 뭐 사셨는지도 알려주세요 궁금하네요 ㅎㅎ

[@danielson855]

@@SirCampalotOutdoors와~ 이렇게 친절한 답변주셔서 정말 감사드립니다. 두 강아지와 성인 두명이 지내기 좀 작을까 걱정했는데, 만족하신다면 저도 기대되네요. 네 주말에 가서 잘 보고 좋은 결정하겠습니다. 5년전에 샌디에고에서 포틀랜드로 강아지들과 같이 로드트립하면서 캠핑하고 즐겁게 보낸적이 있습니다. 개인적으로 시애틀과 포틀랜드의 자연환경을 너무 좋아해서 그곳에 사신다니 더 부럽습니다. :) 나중에 혹시 궁금한 부분 있다면 질문을 좀 드려보겠습니다. 그럼 아기 탄생도 축하드리고 가족분들 모두 즐거운 캠핑 즐기시면 좋겠네요!!!!

[@danielson855]

@@SirCampalotOutdoors 안녕하세요! 주말에 매장에서 Basecamp 16x 을 잘보고 왔습니다. REI ver. 도 마음에 드는데 고민이 너무 많네요 ㅜㅜ 괜찮으시다면 제가 인스타로 DM 드려도 될까요? 여쭈어 보고 싶은것들이 있어서요! 감사합니다.

[@ericchaoliu]

Do you have 16x or the 20x basecamp in the video? Thanks

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

I have a 16x!

[@Youngcamping]

타키비 솔로, 스텐마이테이블, 2unit igt 세트는 2인 사용으로 최고의 조합 같아요. 저희도 가을에 시애틀 놀러가게 되면 간단하게 이렇게 가려구요! 저번에 옐로우스톤 갈때는 igt도 사용 안하고 마이테이블 두개만 사용했던거 보면 장거리 여행은 가볍고 심플하게 빠르게 세팅하고 철수할 수 있는 조합이 최고인 것 같습니다! 아! 그리고 혹시 영상에 입고 계신 파타고니아 CLASSIC RETRO-X FLEECE JACKET 추천해주실만한가요? 항상 고민하는 제품인데 남가주에선 입을일이 별로 없을것 같아 보류중인데 입으신거 보니 또 다시 사고 싶어지네요 ㅎㅎ

[@encyphered]

엇 시애틀오시면 같이 캠핑가시죠!

[@Youngcamping]

@@encyphered 좋아요! 시애틀 캠프그라운드랑 예약 하고 일정 정해지면 알려드릴게요~! 저번에 캠핑하는데 이웃 캠퍼분이 디셉션패스 쪽이 너무 좋다고 추천해주셔서 9월중순에서 말쯤에 그쪽에서 3일이랑 밑에 올림피아랑 레이니어 마운틴 사이쯤에서 3일정도 캠핑 생각중이에요!

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

For sure sometimes a minimalistic setup is better than tons of gear. I still like the entry IGT and 1 burner set up. I think it's enough for more activities. I love the Patagonia retro X. I tried some other Patagonia sweaters but didn't like the feel of the fabric. The retro x is really comfortable but it might be too much for California weather. One thing that I will note is that it does a pretty good job of breaking wind compared to other sweaters. I wore a snow peak sweater that's thicker than the retro X but I can feel the wind while the retro X provides a nice shield. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

@santayoung Deception Pass is the iconic campground for Western Washington. There are lot of people that goes there and the view in the campground is nice but the view at the campsite is nothing special. The campsite is also smaller. For some reason, I think California's campsite is quite big compared to Washington's. Let me know when you visit, we can go camping together! It doesn't have to be Deception Pass. There are other campgrounds that have better views at the campsite.

[@rexfordangkahan6374]

Love your content! Keep up the great work

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Thank you! I'll keep working hard to make more content like this in the future!

What awning is that and do you like it? How is it rain and a little wind?

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Hi there! I have a Moonshade and I've been using it for almost 3 years. You can get it here: moonfab.com/ and use discount code SIRCAMPALOT at check out to get $30 off the Moonshade. It holds up well up to medium and somewhat high wind. I've had the Moonshade up when camping on the beach and nobody else dared to have their awning out. It doesn't work well in rain. I will keep you dry when you step out of the basecamp, but it will drip water over time. I don't mind it too much and find it manageable sitting under the moonshade under light to medium rain.

@@SirCampalotOutdoors I love your youtube handle, a play on Sir Camelot :).

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@cjmi52]

I like the videos where you talk.

[@SirCampalotOutdoors]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll try to do more talking videos in the future!