Airstream Basecamp 16X Bumper: EZ Rec Rack Utility Bumper Installation & Specs

[@Flap999]

No matter the state of the world, there will always be a serious need for people who can build things. That’s a really nice design.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Absolutely agree with that. They did an amazing job with the design. Thanks for watching Jutt!

[@Flap999]

@@TailsofWanderlust Always look forward to your videos Cass. You and the kids be well. :)

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Jutt!

[@philt5782]

I love the outdoor kitchen attachment. Great video.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Phil! Yes, very excited for that carrier. Appreciate you watching!

[@damonried1720]

First class installation. Hats off to crew at EZ Rec Racks.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Damon! They really did a great job on the install.

[@martyevans8162]

Each of the episodes on your channel is so educationally based with whatever the subject or issue you are presenting, we all learn something new! This bumper & what’s to come with it later is a real asset for you. Always miss the lovable Jasper & Napoleon when they aren’t in the episode. Hope all is continuing well with you, Stay safe.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That’s really great to hear Marty! Thank you. And Napoleon & Jasper will be back soon!

[@pattiamaya4671]

Does look EZ and it looks so natural on the back of The Basecamp. Bravo!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Patti! Appreciate you checking out the video!

[@donaldmann8841]

Awsume upgrade! This will open up a whole new world of possibilities.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Absolutely! Very excited for this new addition. Thanks for watching Donald!

[@patrickschnurbusch5169]

thanks for sharing this! I saw a picture of this bumper and was going to have one built, but for that price I will just purchase it from EZ Racks! Great Job guys!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Nice!! Hope you enjoy it!

[@lawrencelee2599]

Cass, so glad you are back! You channel I’d by far the most informative and interesting channel I watch. I’m looking to downsize from a 34’ Monaco Class A to 16X Base Camp which I will tow with a Toyota Tacoma DCLB. Mostly I am finding cheesy salespeople selling BC’s on video. I have just learned sooo much watching your videos. Hope you have regained your vision totally (I’m having cataract surgery in two weeks) and having a great summer and wonderful fall. If you know of any other BC videos that are good I appreciate you letting me know about them. Thanks again for all the info! Larry Lee Tacoma WA

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Lawrence! Good luck with the cataract surgery!! I haven't watched too many other Basecamp videos. I purchased mine from Patrick at Colonial Airstream who does have a few detailed tours out there. Mainly I'd recommend joining the facebook groups for the Basecamp. It's an amazing community and there are a lot of great posts with questions, tips, etc.

[@BlackDogDesigns]

This is awesome, so happy for you Cass! We just sold our Ford F-350 and our 28 Ft TT and we are downsizing. We bought a sweet clean 2019 Tacoma Pro with 5,000 miles on it and we are shopping for a new trailer, my head is spinning with all of the research we are doing.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Congrats on the new Tacoma! That truck should treat you well for many years. And yes, the research can be overwhelming. Good luck with all of it!

[@jonathanmorgan4916]

Nice looking bumper Cass!! I found your channel researching single axel toy haulers, go figure. You are causing me to fall in love with the Base Camp x only one problem. Probably not going to be able to stuff a dirt bike in through the back door. This bumper though.......I know the weight rating is off a little (100#’s) but at least it brings hope. Maybe the Base Camp 20x would work. Don’t want to get to heavy, I also enjoy the versatility of a Toyota tow rig in the Tacoma. Just finished up a trip to Moab and Prescott with the old trailer and am ready to upgrade. Take care, love all the great videos.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That's great that my content came up, thanks for checking it out Jonathan! Long shot, but have you seen the older Basecamps? Back from 2008 timeframe. They had the actual loading ramps. Not sure what the specs are on them thou, and they are hard to find.

[@byronpyles996]

This addition is priceless for a smaller trailer like a basecamp.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Absolutely. Especially when towing with a SUV. I’ve never had the ability to bring along a generator or the like due to not having the exterior storage.

[@tobiahvega7611]

Clean install!!! And it looks SOLID.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Extremely! It really is great quality. Thanks for watching Tobiah!

[@mariaangelina3936]

Thank you for replying to my question. And replying so quickly. I just started watching your videos. So I haven’t watch them all yet. If you haven’t done a video on the towing capacity of your car, I think it would be a good idea.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Really appreciate you checking them out Maria! I haven't done one specifically on the towing capacity, but on towing over a mountain pass instead. Here it is if you interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJqsh2eYfs14qq8

[@barrywatler7482]

Such a simple fit for so much benefit thanks for sharing stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@TailsofWanderlust]

They sure did a great job with it. Thanks for watching Barry!

[@LydiaKrow]

This is so cool! It really does look good and matches the aesthetic of the Basecamp so well! I hope they use this as a promo video, it's very well put together, as always. :)

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you very much Lydia, really appreciate that! It's now live on their website blog as well.

[@itsnotme07]

Nothing but WOW! Cool stuff and much easier to bring that extra bike or cooler or firewood or generator...nice!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree! I don’t bring a lot of outdoor gear as I never had the exterior storage. This is amazing for that.

[@Mercy-lb5rq]

Greetings I'm new to the site I found it by accident if there is such a thing I so appreciate how you present information and a teaching format stay safe out

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you so much Mercy I really appreciate that!

[@mikestone9839]

Well, about time you got the bumper!!! I told you it is a great addition months ago. LOL. Did you watch the video on his web site? That was my install!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Was it really?! That’s awesome! Yea it’s an amazing bumper.

[@mikestone9839]

@@TailsofWanderlust yes really! The installation video. You can catch a glimpse of me near the end. I’m camping and have my bike with me now and have used it every day!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Love it! I’ll have to rewatch that installation video. Such a great bumper, so glad you’ve been using yours so much!

[@mikestone9839]

@@TailsofWanderlust here’s a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJDZi3t6edibftE

[@mikestone9839]

@@TailsofWanderlust BTW, it’s great seeing you out on the road again after your very serious eye procedure!

[@kathyk-d1802]

Great Video and addition to the base camp. You get a carrier and keep the garbage (old kitty litter) & other stinky stuff outside.😂😂 can’t wait to see how you use it!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Haha you got that. I’ve got a bag in the back of the 4Runner for those items. Try to get them out of the Basecamp as soon as possible. Thanks for watching Kathy!

[@LaCatLady]

Great job! Looks good and very functional.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

They sure did an amazing install. Thanks for watching!

[@dianaclark2867]

That is an awesome upgrade!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Diana! I’m very excited for it.

[@johnw.8347]

This is a neat addition to the Airstream.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree with you on that John. Thanks for watching!

[@sebastianjerrytone4062]

That is such a cool bumper!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree with you on that! They did a great job designing it. Thanks for watching Sebastian!

[@DrXtoph]

you have very helpful content and present it very clearly- Thank you.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Glad it was helpful!

[@markreynolds3850]

Very nice addition to your trailer.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Mark!

[@robp3431]

Very nice, I can certainly see an outdoor kitchen/prep set up as option.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree, that's what I'm most looking forward to. Thanks for watching Rob!

[@jameslamb9960]

Hi Cass, great video. Keep looking for those Base-camp enhancements. I like your video's. I am going to look at a BaseCamp 20X at an off road show tomorrow at Homewood Lake Tahoe.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Oh nice! I’ll be curious what you think of the 20. I still haven’t seen one in person.

[@duanefrazier2685]

Thank you for this one. The one thing that really bothered me about the rather expensive Basecamp was the lack of a bumper. I can only guess what it would cost to repair even a parking lot dent in one.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree, this bumper is such a great add-on to the Basecamp.

[@upliftphotography]

That's a game-changer....thanks for sharing!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

You’re welcome, appreciate you watching!

[@ArkansasAmber]

You have inspired me so much to look into RVing….have u thought about the class c & then just haul a little car….but I assume ur setup is because of how off grid u go

[@TailsofWanderlust]

So glad to hear that Amber! I personally am hoping to get away from towing, which is why I'm moving to the truck camper. It's not difficult to do, but it does take more planning.

[@wildbill23c]

That's a great addition for bikes or other light weight items. Although, some idiot will see that hitch in the bumper bumper and hook up their ATV trailer, boat, etc. to it and try to tow it with those little self tapping screws holding it onto the trailer frame.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That’s why the manual and all say 140-150lbs max and not rated for towing. Let’s hope no one tries it!

[@twowander2470]

I'm interested in that awning! Maybe that will keep my rear hatch from leaking.

[@JohnCarolina870]

Another great video Cass! I had made a comment about you cooking outside before so it would be fun to see you get the grill attachment and maybe a canopy. I had a similar setup for my Jeep's hitch receiver for football tailgating some years ago and I felt like I was running a Western chuckwagon. As always, keep up the great work and please stay safe! 🤙

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Yea I would love that rear setup, as then the outdoor kitchen is well out of the way but always set up and ready to go. That’s great that you took yours tailgating. Such a good use of an outdoor kitchen.

[@JohnCarolina870]

@@TailsofWanderlust Well it is just nice that you will have that hitch and you can customize your options based on your trip. You have made wonderful use of your kitchen in the Basecamp and it clearly serves you well when you need to stay indoors or are boondocking, etc. But there are so many options for trailer hitch kitchens (many under your 150 lb limit) that it would seem a fun addition. I would advise getting a kitchen box than can be closed and locked since, you use your truck during the day for other adventures. Mine swung out to the side and I could use the back for several features, but I had a higher weight limit directly off my Jeep than you will have. You could just have a cook surface and a sink and use a lightweight roll-top aluminum camping table for the prep surface. We use a table from Camco that weighs only 11 lbs and can be used to seat 4 after meal prep. I think we paid about $65 online.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Great info on the outdoor kitchen options, thanks John! Sounds like you have a really great setup going.

[@JohnCarolina870]

@@TailsofWanderlust Oh my daughter has been following you ardently and looks to travel alone one day. She isn't quite old enough yet but you have inspired one young lady to get out and explore. She wants to do the converted van route so she can truly stealth camp. She will be getting one of your Jasper hoodies for her birthday. :-)

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That is amazing to hear!! Love hearing of others thinking of taking the leap into solo travel. The converted van route would be a great way to go. I have a few friends who have switched from a trailer to a van and love it. Much more flexibility. And thank you for giving her one of the sweatshirts! That means a lot.

[@raynejam1716]

thanks for sharing Cass! Love the utility bumper! Also love that rear awning. Any info on it?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Rayne - thanks for watching! No info on the rear awning. A friend of Ira's made it. Would love if he sold them, but at this point he isn't. If that ever changes, will definitely post about it!

[@raynejam1716]

@@TailsofWanderlust thank you!!

[@docwalker75]

Purchased! Thanks

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That's awesome! Hope you enjoy it and good luck on the install!

[@docwalker75]

@@TailsofWanderlust install was a piece of cake with the proper tools. Thanks again for the video. The bumper looks bad ass! 😊

[@TailsofWanderlust]

So good to hear! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@livinglikarockstar]

Excellent product, appears a very easy installation. To install in no friend mode, after the self tappers place a jack under the hitch to supply vertical pressure when drilling permanent frame anchors and/or use locking plyers, the type that grip:) under hitch supports clamped onto the frame once it's position before drilling. nice to see someone giving it a go at small business venture rather than sitting at home collecting a check, if i had a basecamp i'd definitely be making the investment! Thanks for sharing, happy trails! as well, nice to see you are in good spirts Cass.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Really great tips on how to support the install when solo, thanks for sharing the thoughts. And thanks Robert! Always really nice to support small businesses.

[@finerbiner]

Janice and i need to t put 2 mtn bikes on our basecamp and this is awesome.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Definitely gives you some great options. Thanks for watching Larry & Janice!

[@georgelucas6720]

Pretty cool. Like his rear awning, too. Is that next? Great to see you, Cass. My knee recovery has been pretty boring until today! How are your eyes coming along?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Oh no, hope the knee recovers quickly! Eyes are getting a bit better every month. At 20/25 now! Yea love the rear awning. A friend of his made that.

[@RubiconSS26]

Very cool. Nice addition.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching!

[@RevGerryRM]

Very nice and excellent job 👏

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Gerry, appreciate you watching!

[@RobertSmith-os2zj]

Very nice design, looks great .

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks. Appreciate you checking out the video Robert!

[@paengsolo2047]

Nice bumper Cass always stay safe

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Antonio!

[@markreams3192]

Very cool bumper! Does the installation effect the warranty on the trailer?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Great question, but I’m not sure. I’m well out of warranty so not something I had thought about.

[@leeeverett8109]

oOo EZ Combo Carrier (drooling)!! That's exactly what I need!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Right?! Such an amazing idea. Thanks for checking this video out also Lee!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Lost your comment on the new mattress video. But just wanted to say have an amazing trip!

[@georgevenckus]

Beautiful , nice job!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks George!

[@carls4552]

Very cool and interesting video. Thanks for sharing this Cass.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching Carl!

[@barbarafrisella1755]

Couldn’t help but notice the awning/canopy Ira had off the back of his base camp. Are you able to provide any info about that- looks like it locks into the channel along the outside of the back of the trailer. I am a fan Cassie- thanks for sharing all the insight and experience you have gained.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Barbara - Yes it is an awning his friend made. It sits in the keder rail and then uses tent poles and tie downs to hold it up. His friend doesn't currently make them to sell, but if that changes I'll be sure to get the word out!

[@cooltwinmomful]

Thanks for the video Cass! Had no idea the installation was that straightforward. I'm getting a 20X in November so would love to hear more about the upcoming mods these guys have planned and how the 20X installation differs. Great to see you back in action!! Also....could you ask the guys how much they weigh? Thanks!!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you Sue!! I’ll pass along that you’re looking for info on the 20X. Exciting that yours should be delivered soon!

[@arlenesolis024]

Wish you were at the east coast lol great job 👏

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Arlene!

[@onedaycloser2872]

Great video 👏👏👏👏

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you very much! Appreciate you watching!

[@jimkress5929]

amazing!!! great add for the basecamp

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Definitely! Thanks for watching Jim!

[@hinslensen682]

I m wondering if you need an extra license plate and tail lights because carrying bikes at the back it covers those two at the back of your rig. Anyway in my country you does.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Hins - I'm not sure if we would here. I'm planning on carrying the combo carrier when it comes out so it wouldn't cover. But if it ever does, I'll definitely look into that. Thanks!

[@kenbaker4528]

Looks great. Like it belongs on there.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

It sure does they did a great job designing it. Thanks for watching Ken!

[@cruisebone]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree! It was an amazing design. Thanks for watching!

[@bichonmomr]

ummm. Hello Airstream. You need to buy this guys design. he deserves it.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Definitely deserves it!

[@JSomerled]

The bumper is cool,but I really like all the other functions it brings..

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Agree, it really expands the options. Thanks for watching James!

[@tammieconnerystephens2379]

That is an awesome addition!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Tammie! Very excited for it.

[@stevenquintanillaXYZ]

Great content!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you Steven!

[@carlosandrade7439]

This lady is GORGEOUS! respectfully.

[@shekharmoona544]

Airstream is going to steal this. 😂😂😂

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Let’s hope not, it’s nice to be supporting a small business.

[@EliMendozaHair]

Perfect add on! Also where is the awning from?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

It was custom made. Sadly, not available on the market

[@ringochin770]

Very nice, what are you going to use it for?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks! The plan is to use it for the sneak peek at the end.

[@Banagal]

What a great idea!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

They definitely filled a need I didn’t know was there. Thanks for watching!

[@MikeB-in1nd]

Thanks for sharing

[@TailsofWanderlust]

You’re welcome, appreciate you watching Mike!

[@michaelbeckwith1073]

I have Jeep and use a rack like that and it made for so much room

[@TailsofWanderlust]

That’s awesome. Glad it’s worked out well for you!

[@doloresgarcia7585]

Awesome!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Dolores!

[@azxp]

Super cool!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching!

[@upliftphotography]

Are you using brake control and weight distribution hitch?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Yes there is a brake controller in the 4Runner. I do not use a WDH.

[@jimgam730]

Well, that's just down right groovy.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Jim! Appreciate you checking out the video!

[@jimgam730]

@@TailsofWanderlust You are quite welcome. I'm glad I found your channel and look forward to your video's. Take care.

[@shekharmoona544]

I wonder if a ladder attachment could be made?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Not sure what you could securely attach to on the roof. But if anyone could figure it out, it’d be these guys.

[@mariaangelina3936]

Can you tell me what the towing capacity is on your car? I want to get a jeep wrangler and the towing is a max of 3500 pounds. I want to get Basecamp like yours, which is less than 3500#. The airstream sales person said I should have a car that towes 20% more than the weight of the trailer. But she told me I should get a car that towes 5000 pounds.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

The towing capacity on the 4Runner is 5000lbs, and tongue weight 500 lbs. I agree with the Sales agent, it's better to have a bit more power. Also, check the tongue weight capacity of the Wrangler. The Basecamp may be too much weight for that.

[@PJ-gp2hj]

Love it!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching PJ!

[@hellapellanyc6465]

Can you tow a small boat with this?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

No

[@RobinAngel61]

ok, question....were you little nerves having someone cutting/ drilling in to your base camp @ first?/ it LOKKS AWESOME!/ can't wait to see how you use it/ great video

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Haha absolutely! Did you hear my comment in the background as Ira pulled the plastic piece out? 😂

[@RobinAngel61]

@@TailsofWanderlust I did/ heck, I felt you pain....glad it all worked out/ looks great!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Me too! Thanks Robin!

[@matthewgorski7947]

How much is the cost to install the EZ Rack utility bumper on the basecamp?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hi Matthew - it would depend on who you paid to do it. If you are near the Indianapolis area, I'd recommend reaching out to Ira at EZ Rec Racks to see what their thoughts are on that.

[@jefftrapp5407]

Has anyone asked Airstream whether this affects warranty or is recommended?

[@imerc11]

Magnuson Moss Warranty Act Basically says that the company cannot void your warranty for adding an aftermarket part unless it directly affects whatever is being disputed. If you add a solar panel to the roof of your airstream they couldn’t void your warranty on the suspension. But they could if you drilled a hole through the roof and it leaked.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Ira!

[@jefftrapp5407]

Possibly warranty issues aside, I did take the time to ask Airstream what they thought about this modification. They said they didn't recommend it. That might not mean much but it could come up if you had an accident and insurance could point to a loading, balance or tongue weight issue.

[@jefftrapp5407]

@Brett McCabe I think that's a pretty broad generalization. I once saw a tail heavy travel trailer get into a fishtail and it ended up crashing, luckily no one was hurt. I do think the engineers at the factories know a bit more than that average person. I did contact airstream about this and they said it's not recommended, would void the warranty on the frame etc. and I asked my insurance company and that sort of unapproved mod would also void your insurance.

[@Greybeardmedic]

On another note, at minute 5:50 when they point the camera under your frame I can see a wad of duct tape that has been jammed into an inside corner of the frame of your Basecamp. It was placed there for a reason, and its now falling out... Cass? Is this your work, or did someone working on your trailer give you a duct-tape repair?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Good eye Eric! This is my in the middle of nowhere attempt at plugging the holes where mice come in. Happy to report it works. Less happy to report I swore I’d do a permanent solution, and a year later I still have duct tape 😂

[@Greybeardmedic]

@@TailsofWanderlust How about getting underneath there cleaning it with soap/water... Let it dry... Masking it off with painters tape and putting in some caulk or Flex seal. Despite the fact that it's on TV all the time it's a decent product. Cheap fix too. If you use flex seal spray then use lots of masking paper unless you like messes

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for thinking through that fix. My plan is to take a piece of metal and bolt it in back there. I just haven’t taken the time to go to the hardware store. It should have a couple tiny holes in it for any water drainage if needed.

[@Greybeardmedic]

Nice bumper, but where's Jasper?

[@TailsofWanderlust]

He stayed back at my boyfriend’s house for this one. It was a really warm day for him to be outside for that long.

[@stephenpolos1689]

Good video 😃 why did you pick a base camp it's really expensive and small why not a bigger Airstream my be 20 feet 🤔 all Airstream trailer are more expensive than other trailer just asking 🤔

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Stephen! If you check out around the 12 minute mark in this video I explain why on the Basecamp. There were several things that went into that decision. It was also the cheapest Airstream at the time, so I was a lot more comfortable with the price. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boXSZGtqZ9mCmtk

[@rodrountree8420]

That’s cool!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Ira and Buk sure did a great job with it. Thanks for checking out the video Rod!

[@ladweeb1798]

Sweet!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Appreciate you watching!

[@aaronbrown6266]

I want one!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Aaron!

[@ron343]

Nice job looks like a factory mod.

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks Ron! They did an amazing job designing it.

[@user22162]

Glad for you beautiful lady that you have good friends and the amazing bumper :)

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you very much Vladimir! Appreciate you checking out the video.

[@JimBurwellsPetiquetteHouston]

Very very 😎

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Jim!

[@chadclark2684]

❤️❤️❤️

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Chad!

[@chadclark2684]

@@TailsofWanderlust Of course!! Great work and I’m still envious 👍

[@mimibauer1384]

💛💛

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching Mimi!

[@tjava2338]

👍

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks for watching!

[@50spudman]

👍✌️

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Hey Spud Man!

[@50spudman]

Hello Cass!

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thanks!

[@yun81088108]

이런게 미국의 힘인가 보다"

[@TailsofWanderlust]

Thank you for watching!

[@64maxpower]

Only a cool chick would describe something that looks good as "looking mean"

[@TailsofWanderlust]

haha love that you picked that out!