User Guide Video Outline for the Airstream Basecamp: Click below to go to video section or scroll through each section.
Interior - Electrical
Battery Disconnect Switch
Battery Care and Cleaning
Power Center
120-Volt and USB Outlets
Solar Charging System
Holding Tank Heater
Battery and Tank Level Monitoring
Water Pump Operation and Strainer
Interior Lighting and Switches
Interior - Appliances
Air Conditioner
Microwave
Kitchen Cooktop
Ceiling Vent Fan
Refrigerator
Kitchen Faucet and Sink
Furnace
Water Heater and Controls
Interior - Lavatory
Wetbath Clothesline
Wetbath Exhaust Fan
Wetbath Toilet
Wetbath Shower
Interior - Furniture
Converting the Rear Living Space (Dinette Tables to a Bed)
Converting the Front Dinette to a Bed in Basecamp 20
Window and Door Shades
Storage Nets
Cabinet Storage in Basecamp 16
Cabinet Storage in Basecamp 20
Interior - Safety
LP and Carbon Monoxide Detector
Onboard Fire Extinguisher
Smoke Detector
Cargo D-Rings
Basecamp Interior - Electrical
Battery Disconnect Switch
While the Basecamp is in storage, make sure the battery disconnect switch is in the "off" position. When in use (plugged in or using the solar battery chargers), be sure to turn it to the "on" position to get full power and keep the battery voltage up.
Battery Care and Cleaning
Power Center
Learn how to access your Airstream Basecamp Power Center which houses all of your breakers and fuses.
Push the panel to reveal the instructions for which breakers and fuses control the power in the Basecamp.
One the left: 110-volt breakers with information sticker
On the right: 12-volt breakers with information sticker
120-Volt and USB Outlets
The Basecamp galley has retractable 120V receptacles with USB ports installed in the galley’s countertop. These flush-mounted receptacles can be pulled up to use the outlets/USB ports. When not in use, simply press the receptacles back down to lock them in place. The receptacle is completely self-contained and sealed should any spillage occur around its casing.
Grab the socket and pull upward until it stops.
12-Volt Power Circuits
The current in the converter system is 12 volts direct current (12 VDC) negative grounded. Power sources that supply 12 VDC current to the system are as follows:
• Main charge line from tow vehicle
• Trailer batteries
• Converter
The power sources listed above are all electrically connected to the 12-volt distribution fuse panel that distributes current to interior branch circuits. The circuits provide power to operate all 12-volt DC lights, pumps, motors, and appliances.
The power converter is a solid-state electronic power supply and is maintenance-free. It is so self-sufficient and quiet that you will probably not know it is working except for the fact that your batteries are always charged, and your 12-volt lights and appliances always work. If any 12-volt appliance fails to operate, first check your 12-volt distribution fuse block, located behind the decorative front door in the front right-hand corner of the converter and inspect all fuses. If a fuse is opened or blown, replace it with the same size fuse (never install a larger fuse). If the fuse opens again, have an electrician or certified RV technician locate the circuit trouble. Replace blown fuses only with the same type and amperage size previously used.
If the power converter is not working, first confirm the RV supply or shoreline cord is plugged into a live circuit. Then check all the 120-volt breakers in your RV distribution panel to make sure they are on. If the breaker is tripped, follow instructions to reset the breakers. If the breaker trips again, consult an electrician or certified RV technician.
Solar Charging System
Holding Tank Heater
There are dual tank controls inside the Basecamp 20
There's a single switch inside the Basecamp 16 & Basecamp REI.
12-volt heat pads are installed with the fresh and black/gray water tanks. These pads are individually switched, located at the bottom of the roadside cabinet beside the refrigerator, which allows the saving of battery power in freezing temperatures. RV antifreeze may be used to protect the black/gray tank.
When the outside temperature is near freezing, simply switch “ON” the holding tank heaters. Built-in sensors will activate the heat pads when the contents of the tank drops to 44°F. Once the liquid is heated and rises to 64°F the heat pads will automatically deactivate. Switch the power “OFF” when the ambient outside temperature remains above freezing or when the tanks have been emptied.
Battery and Tank Level Monitoring
The SeeLevel II Tank Monitor panel displays information about the battery voltage (left), fresh water level (middle), and grey/black (Basecamp 16) tank usage levels (right).
The information from each tank function is displayed by percentage (0-100%).
Water Pump Operation and Strainer
Flip the switch on the top right corner of the display to turn on the fresh water pump.
The Basecamp water pump switch (monitor panel mounted, see Appliances in this section) operates the pump. Once the switch is turned on, the pump will run until the water pressure reaches about 55 PSI. At this point, an internal pressure switch will shut it off. When a faucet is opened, the water pressure will drop and the pump will start to run again.
As a general rule, the water pump should be turned off while using a city water hookup, however the water pressure at some campgrounds may be low. The water pump can be turned on to assist the city water hookup pressure. Be sure there is some water in the fresh water tank. The pump will only use the water that is needed out of the tank to bring the pressure up to the usual standard of 55 PSI.
Access to the water pump will be necessary for periodic cleaning of the strainer screen. Refer to Section 8 - Maintenance for water pump access and strainer screen removal.
NOTE: Turn off the water pump while traveling to prevent water from being pumped in the event a faucet opens in transit.
Interior Lighting and Switches
The light switches are located just inside the main entry door to the left.
From left to right: exterior lighting above the door (Door), interior ceiling lights in the front half of the trailer (Front), interior ceiling lights in the rear of the trailer (Rear), interior lighting in the wet bath (Shower).
Basecamp Interior - Appliances
Air Conditioner
Twist the temperature control knob to the desired setting and the on/off knob for low, medium, high controls.
The directional control knob lets you decide to force more air towards the front or rear of the trailer.
To clean the combination unit's air filter, remove the grille by popping out the grille and pulling out the filter. Run water through the filter from the sink and let it air dry before returning to the unit.
Microwave
Cooktop / Range
Lift the cover to reveal the built-in range top which has two burners, two knobs, and a spark ignitor button.
Turn the knob until it says, "light", push the spark ignitor button until the flame appears, and then turn the knob to your desired heat setting.
When finished cooking, turn the knobs to the "off" position and let the burners completely cool before lowering the cover to prevent any damages.
Note: Be sure not to use a skillet or pan over 10 inches on range top.
Ceiling Vent Fan
Turn the knob to raise and lower the lid to your desired height.
Choose from 5 speeds on the dial to control how fast the blade spins. There is also a dip switch located on the fan that will automatically turn the fan off if you close the lid.
Refrigerator
Faucet and Sink
When closed, the built-in sink lid offers more kitchen counter storage space. You will also want to keep the faucet folded down and lid closed while traveling.
After opening the lid, the faucet is found laying down and needs to be flipped upward to use.
Pull the faucet upward until it stops in an upright position.
Choose your water temperature by vertically moving the handle.
Turn the water on by pushing the sink handle to the right.
Furnace
Water Heater and Controls
Basecamp Interior - Lavatory
Wetbath - Clothesline
Wetbath - Exhaust Fan
Wetbath - Toilet
Wetbath - Shower
Basecamp Interior - Furniture
Converting the Rear Living Space (Dinette Tables to a Bed)
Converting the Front Dinette to a Bed in Basecamp 20
Window and Door Shades
Storage Nets
Cabinet Storage in Basecamp 16
Cabinet Storage in Basecamp 20
Basecamp Interior - Safety
LP and Carbon Monoxide Detector
If there is ever a propane leak in the cabin, this device will signal a warning.
Onboard Fire Extinguisher
Smoke Detector
Cargo D-Rings