Airstream Basecamp 20x Winter Camping - 4 season trailer

#airstreamtrailer #basecamp20x #airstreamliving
In Today’s video, Tay and I are sharing our honest thoughts about the airstream basecamp 20x trailer. From how we have dealt with 4 degree weather, freezing pipes, condensation, insulation, and how it truly handles on the road.
Comment below what surprised you the most about the struggles we have dealt with!

[@CB10-6]

I love the fact that you’re a real couple making good use of your Basecamp X. Your video about your experience is the best. I wish more people out there could be like you- just straight up.

[@TayAndBrock]

Awww Thank you!!

[@glenntaylor1679]

We purchased a 2023 20x for our property in northern Michigan woods. Not once have we even considered staying in the dead of winter. I.e. .Subzero temps, snow load & other icing issues. But we have stayed in the early spring, summer, and fall. Temperature ranges from 25 - 90 degrees - No issues. But we know it’s - and our limitations.

[@ptandthelongblackpew7951]

I did a winter in our Basecamp in Boise. Temps got down in the teens. I added an electric space heater for inside and a portable outside propane heater (small green tank) to thaw gray and black water pipes in order to dump tanks. Extra steps, but kept walls inside dry. I did end up leaving bathroom door opened most of the time for heat to get into bath area. Used a blow dryer on T valves if they got hung up due to freeze. Antifreeze in tanks was a must. Moving blankets under mattress helped insulate bed, but under bed remained chilly!

[@ThomasJeffersonWolfcall-kn3bx]

What surprised me the most, is that you two have decided to live in a trailer for some reason.

[@austincamsmith]

I own a Basecamp 20x and am down in the Durango area. I can echo everything you guys said. Thanks for taking time with these videos - I've learned a lot from them. Hope to catch you guys on the road out there.

[@TayAndBrock]

Great to hear and safe travels!

[@wanderdawg]

Ok. So this is an issue that I also have some good experience. Last year I spent a month in January/February at Breckenridge where most nights were sub zero and one night it was actually -31. My setup at Tiger Run RV Resort included a heated water hose and I also heavily insulated where the hose left the source and entered the Basecamp (by the way I have a 2021 20X). I also had AirSkirts to prevent cold winds from blowing under the trailer. Within the first week I had frozen lines going to the sink. Not only where these lines on the outside wall but over the wheel well. I got into the curb side storage and insulated those lines. I also placed Reflectix between the lines and the outside wall. I then went under the sink and insulated those lines. That worked. As you have described in this video the other issue is the plastic pipes from the tanks up to the ejection handles. So funny that I saw you broke your gray tank handle as I did the same thing! My solution was a propane tank mounted heat lamp. In order to focus the heat in the right area and not let it dissipate I built a hood with Reflectix. I would implement this fix in the afternoon when I was getting the strong Colorado sun, but it was actually on the other side of the trailer. This worked but was a pain to implement. I am currently going back to Breckenridge in late March and hoping to experience somewhat warmer temps. I have also insulated those pipes and included heat tape that I can connect to a power source. If that doesn’t work I have a propane heater that is similar to a small cannon and creates high CFM of hot air. I will only be in Breckenridge for a week and then will be going to Park City for another week. Then heading to southern Utah the first of April to do Zion and Moab.

[@robertlucas8599]

Very insightful, thanks for sharing your experiences!!!

[@VHangout]

Thank you for this info as I'm looking ahead at what I'm gonna grab for full time and I love cold weather.

[@TayAndBrock]

Awesome! Like we said, it’s do-able as long as you’re aware of the challenges

[@tusk242]

Thank you , we live in Wisconsin and that is a very big help in selecting. Temps often dip during winter, sometime for a week or two, it will dip into the single degree temps, but will climb to 14-25 degrees after. With these temps it means less snow, fluffy. When about to the 30's snow storms and drifting snow in high winds, can make it harder to take care of such things to mentioned to maintain during weeks of little SUN.

[@AnneRoland]

Excellent presentation. Very informative and extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattHayashi]

Thank you for being honest. We've had our BC for a year and were planning on winter camping this year.

[@TayAndBrock]

Glad it was helpful! Winter camping is so fun as long as you're prepared :)

[@user-ue5oq3ix9z]

Thank you so much, Tay and Brock… we were looking into getting the REI Basecamp 20x, we will be in Alaska for half of the year next year, and we wanted to have a 4-season trailer, and this gave us the insight we need… really grateful for this video… thank you so much.

[@joshbenedict6694]

😅

[@parkcitymacs]

We have had our Lance at 15 degrees, in Utah, not a drip of condensation!! and it’s so warm we have to crack a window. With an on board air compressor we can winterize on the fly for driving if you don’t want the propane on. Propane is cheap!!!!!!!! We can go 10 days under 20 degrees with 2 tanks easily. The small 1685 Lance comes with 3 tanks but we deleted one tank to have the jack moved so we can open a tailgate . 2 tanks last forever in a real insulated trailer. The valves are tucked up inside the heat chamber. All the water is air duct heated on propane not heater 12v tape. We shut or open a vent the bathroom because it gets so hot when the heater is on. I think Lance thought the bathroom needs to be the hottest in the trailer when it’s cold.

[@loststar129]

Wow! Good to know guys! I’m planning on getting one, but it seems like the dream of waking up in a winter wonderland can become a winter nightmare; 😂. I agree with you that it depends of how you describe the winter season; as an example. I think that for a milder cold weather, it will work nice; like Florida. Anyway, great videos Guys…

[@TayAndBrock]

Thank you so much for watching and best of luck finding the best one for you!

[@SSL0707Star]

How dare airstream claims that Basecamp is a four season trailer… it’s now even a 3.5. Oliver might be one of the best choices.

[@JayMontgomery]

Thank you! Something for me to think about. I live in Northeast Ohio and winters are bad (for the most part). We have Mark Wahlburg Airstream Dealership literally down the street from my house and I always look over and see the 16x and 20x they have on the lot and really want one. However, I like to watch videos like yours of the pros and cons.

[@drn380]

I was thinking about buying one of these to live in. Now I am not so sure because I live in Canada. Thanks for the info saved me a pile of cash.

[@TayAndBrock]

Glad we could help and thank you for watching!

[@CF-lu9zg]

Great information, thanks!

[@TayAndBrock]

You bet!

[@oxdogoxSF]

Thank You Thank You Thank You

[@SameerKumararya]

Very informative. Y'all convinced me to start away and consider the bambi or caravel instead

[@TayAndBrock]

I assume you’ll have similar experiences since they are the same make, but I hope I’m wrong!

[@wanton1234]

Great info thanks

[@bookbakery]

Thank you so much!! I was thinking about getting one. I don't mind mild winters (like where I live in the SE). I can layer and get under the covers in a flannel gown when I sleep, but we don't have the temperatures you are talking about here, and I am not interested in it, especially with the issues you have pointed to. I am striking the base camp off of my wish list.

[@TayAndBrock]

I'm glad this was helpful!!

[@markj10]

Sounds like you need to revisit your choices of trailers! I’ve lived full time in Bambi for 10 years and never had much issues in Colorado through cold winters, but you must prepare properly. Remember it’s metal so cold & heat are intensified!

[@user-oi7by2mv8n]

As a Basecamp owner, Thank you for the video. However, I thank you two purchased the wrong travel trailer. Safe Journeys!

[@snoo333]

thanks for the info.

[@nicolekinkade6701]

We live in our basecamp full time (in IA this winter, brrr) and we use a heated wire wrapped around the outside pipes and then wrap insulated tape around that. Had no issues! but not super convenient if you're moving spots often since we have to undo it and redo it anytime we move

[@wicked.peaches.1797]

Thank you for the tip!

[@VoltedSoldier]

Could have just bought a fiberglass Oliver trailer.

[@raymondclark1785]

Good info. I ve been thinking of downsizing from a class c to a Basecamp. We are snowbirds but even the commute takes us thru 20 degree temps. Atleast in the motorhome the back is still getting heat on the road. Maybe the propane heater needs to be replaced with a diesel heater which would be safer on the road.

[@TayAndBrock]

That's definitely an option! If we continue using it in the winter we would try to insulate the exterior pipes since those are our only issue!

[@houla]

Just started watching the channel because I own a 2020 TRD pro, and have been considering your trailer in the 16 or 20. That being said, as a guy who has made his living for 25+ years working on Mercedes-Benz and to a lesser extent BMW (which = Range Rover)you’re gonna miss that Toyota.

[@TayAndBrock]

We still have the toyota

[@jamesray3920]

I'm a truck driver otr I trun my truck in winer at night unless high winds in teens , I use my army blanket with a double sleeping bag very warm , ok to slove your not being warm enough is a simple solution install a espar or Wesco diesel heater easy and simple install this bunk heater will run you out this small space many truck and rv use this and van life but it began in semi trucks can use it below zero as long as diesel fuel has antigel In it but I never had a issue and I have a 2017 Mercedes Benz sprinter van 170 3.0 I'm building out I just bought a truman varioheat comfort zone that uses propane. To be honest I rather camp in winter, no bugs i like, burning wood , main reason's i dont need ac I live in texas this past summer 2 months of over 100 degrees no fun 😊 I like the base camp just open your mind to solution to love your purchase

[@Kristian_Saile]

I find it wild that the base camps aren’t insulated at all. I would guess the windows being so large would be a source of major heat loss but less so the walls. We have a 19’ Flying Cloud and live in the UP of Michigan, where it is currently below zero and it is stored in the pole barn. I have read that 20 degrees is about as low as these things can safely operate. When it is cold it takes never to get the interior up to temp and the furnace runs a lot even after it is warmed up. The walls are reasonably insulated so that’s not an issue but single pain windows in any camper are the real sign of it being an extended 3 season camper. Double pain make a huge difference for true winter capability. The other big helper with winter are side skirts and heat tape. Have you considered having side skirts made? Then keep a small heater under the camper when they are up, deploy your sweet hose when needed then stow it back underneath. Our tanks are heated too but the freezing if those valves would be a deal breaker for me and potentially a very bad time. Our 19 FC has 30 pound ranks which make a big difference for cold weather and are much appreciated for sure.

[@TayAndBrock]

We misspoke and they do have a small amount of insulation but it's very minimal. It gets very warm in the basecamp but so much heat gets lost through the walls. In the winter we often have ice on the door. If you are operating solely off propane you will go through both tanks (20lb) in just a few days. We considered air skirts but the price is just too much. We opt for hookups in the winter :)

[@jamesdoerr4318]

Guys, thank you for making this video. It was a real eye-opener. I had a Jayco 15 years ago and understand everything you are saying. I thought the Airstream would not have these problems. The best thing is to build one myself. The problem with that idea is it will be a square box and not aerodynamic like the Airstream. Thanks again.

[@TayAndBrock]

So glad it was helpful! We still love it, but preventing freezing on the exterior is quite the challenge. Building your own would be awesome!

[@allswellinendwell6957]

I don't think this is bad in any way. Full timing adds a whole level of complexity that you've found out. These issues obviously are no fun to deal with 24/7 but I don't think would be nearly as pronounced for a weekender. Thanks for the honest review. I'm looking for a mobile basecamp for east coast skiing. We don't get nearly as cold as the mountain west for nearly as long so maybe not as big an issue, plus for a weekend I could always dry camp

[@TayAndBrock]

great points! We actually just listed the trailer for sale. Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but thought we'd give you a heads up!

[@allswellinendwell6957]

Thanks but I'm east coast and not ready quite yet.@@TayAndBrock

[@erickphillips8507]

Can you explain how the propane turns on automatically? Is it to power the furnace? I know the hot water has antifreeze protection. I should add that we purchased a 2023 Basecamp 20x last Oct and I’ve never heard of this. Great video!

[@TayAndBrock]

Yes. There’s an internal thermometer that turned the propane on (to fuel the furnace) when the temp gets below whatever you have it set to!

[@erickphillips8507]

@@TayAndBrock Thanks!

[@ctrawick3]

It is a 4 season trailer, but it’s dependent upon where you choose to spend that 4th season - I wouldn’t consider living in it at elevation in the winter time. Many trailers aren’t designed to withstand that with all internal systems.

[@leosmith4293]

An Arctic Fox travel trailer or pickup camper (Northwood RV) would be a better choice for your style of winter camping. for either option, you wold be better served with a 3/4 ton truck.

[@user-ng9uc3vu3k]

Hey you 2 .. thanks for the video. One comment, & PLEASE do your own research .. IF you haven't lubricated your valves, hinges, .. any sliding, rubbing, contacting surfaces .. I would be inclined to use modest amounts of synthetic grease, on vital points. Several products to choose from, .. but most of their freezing points, are well below what any of us would want to experience. I've used it on door knobs (it can freeze very hard here, too), valves, electric motor bushings, and so on. I feel like things last longer, in general (how can one prove this?). Synthetic grease is a superior lubricant. Probably my most interesting experience .. our 7 year old kitchen refrigerator's transfer fan, from the freezer, to the main refrigerator space, stopped working, .. so NO cooling for the main space .. (It's a very small, puny thing that looks more like it belongs in a toy science kit). And in a "Hail Mary" effort, I lubricated the fan's axle, next to the nylon bushing, with synthetic grease .. put things back together, and turned the frig back on, to minimize the thawing .. and started looking for a replacement fan ($60, for another toy fan!) .. and what happened is that in 6 hours, .. the grease must have soaked into the fan bushing enough to allow it to start running again, normally. I suppose .. it's there is some residue that forms, from the nylon wearing away, after thousands/whatever of hours of operation? That was almost a year ago, .. still no problems, .. and doubt that this particular thing is going to reoccur. Sheesz, .. I wonder how many people have replaced their fridges, over something like this?? .. actually, I don't want to know. If I were you, .. I'd even slightly coat those flap surfaces, that that you showed, on your Basecamp.

[@garse70]

When you spend $40k on a trailer, these things should be taken care of.

[@croaker4747]

Good video, but I have an idea. Hook it up and drive south for the winter.

[@BuildYourTribePodcast]

We bought the trailer to travel for snowboarding… so that doesn’t quite work 😂

[@7443jan]

Thanks for the info. Never expected, no isolation? Hot in summer, cold and wet in winter. Why would I buy one? What are the pro's?

[@BuildYourTribePodcast]

We’ve recently learned there is actually a very thin layer of insulation, so it’s not totally unprotected. With that being said, you *can* make this trailer work in the winter, but it’s not easy. We would really call it a 4 season trailer. Overall, we LOVE the basecamp 20X and think the pro’s outweigh the cons. We have numerous other videos on the TayAndBrock channel that go into the Pro’s of trailer life (:

[@brianhawk1854]

Its not hard insulating pipes home Depot, plumming. If to hard ask for help. Skirt around your trailer anyway u can. Heat it. If the bathroom cold heat it up. Reflect could work real good id put it on outside with magnetic with felt glued to not scratch. Put on during winter stormes if u need to. Seems like ude figure it out. Costco has some good quality heaters

[@thebeetlejoose]

What four season trailer would you upgrade to after having the Airstream 20x?

[@BillSprague]

Thank you for keeping me from making a mistake. I’ll keep considering an Oliver.

[@jasonreis1974]

How does the Toyota pull it for ya? We are about to pull the trigger on one and gonna pull it with a Tacoma

[@TayAndBrock]

We made an in-depth video on it!

[@bradsharpe9413]

Can you use half ac and half propane heat?

[@BuildYourTribePodcast]

Yes (as long as you’re plugged in)!

[@dacrazycard7086]

So this camper has ZERO insulation in the walls? Aluminum and glass are the absolute worst for retaining heat. I can't see how they can call this a 4 season at all. I would love to see thermal imaging on this. I am sure your heat escapes within a few hours of turning off the furnace. You sure? Zero insulation? That's crazy.

[@BuildYourTribePodcast]

We later learned there is a tiny amount of insulation, but it’s minimal and nonexistent in some areas

[@usernameisusername]

0:35 I see what you did there😊

[@paladinmd1]

Good video, but not exactly factual. The base camp is insulated between the outer shell and inner shell. The floor also has additional insulation. There are great videos on KZbin that show the construction from the factory. Winter camping is always harder, and takes additional planning and supplies for anything exposed. Good content, keep up the good work.

[@eriepazap6701]

False. Batt insulation in walls.

[@nomad9935]

Appreciate the truth.

[@sharonrose340]

Are you thinking about getting something different?

[@TayAndBrock]

Nope! We still love the basecamp

[@eddiebrady6351]

Valuable info! Thanks! I would expect better quality from Airstream…

[@JohnLaFosse]

The main drawback to buying an airstream in my opinion or any retro style camper is the propane furnace is not worth it. too much condensation. I insulated my GFC and installed a halcory diesel heater. In sub zero temps, I was in a t-shirt. If I had an airstream I'd do the skirts (expensive), diesel heater throwing out the propane furnace and perhaps a small wood stove. I'd also get rid of the propane stove and use an infrared cooktop. The induction stoves can cause reproductive harm and the infrared works with any cookware. For the price you paid for the basecamp, you could have got a vintage restored trailer with custom winterization options. I'd sell your airstream and take the loss to upgrade a more solid winter build. Maybe sell the 4runner too and go with a Kimbo on a pickup truck.

[@TayAndBrock]

that's great feedback. thank you!

[@JohnLaFosse]

@@TayAndBrock if your stationary during the winter try doing a 4 season tent with a stove Jack and a planet fitness membership to shower. You can still heat the airstream for meals etc but sleep in the tent. Or get air skirts.

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

No insulation? 60K and no insulation?

[@linamensappliance1399]

It has insulation i own one

[@protech991]

Sure get old being lied to by rv manufacturers 😆

[@johndanczak]

The fact anyone would need to insulate a trailer this expensive on their own is Outrageous. Airstream, what are you doing? Get an Oliver. Far better!

[@brianhawk1854]

So negative

[@sow4now]

For the money, inexcusable.