‘Electric-First’ Airstream Basecamp 20Xe Camper Trailer Is Off-Grid Adventure-Ready

Airstream calls its latest travel trailer its first “electric-first” model. What does that mean? Features that use modern technology to help keep you off-grid for longer. The new Basecamp 20Xe includes more than just a bigger battery; the company describes it as having a “focus on energy independence.”

Adds On-Grid Functions to Off-Grid Camper

The Xe starts with Airstream’s Basecamp 20X. The company’s compact travel trailer is designed to be towed by SUVs and smaller trucks, and to be taken further from paved roads.

Basecamp 20 is a three-sleeper that weighs just over 3,400 pounds. The X means bigger tires, more ground clearance, window guards, and stone protection versus the standard Basecamp — features designed for off-grid life, or at least helping you get to that backcountry site.

The Basecamp 20Xe elevates that by trying to help you stay off-grid for longer once you’ve arrived, starting with a new inverter-fed power system.

A standard Basecamp 20 needs shore power for the outlets to work. And propane to run the heater, furnace, and stove. The 20Xe has an efficient induction cooktop and more efficient optional AC and microwave, all of which can operate just fine on electric power alone.

The 30A electrical system includes a 3,000W inverter to power the appliances and the interior outlets. A 10.3kWh Battle Born battery bank stores the electricity, and it comes with 600 W of solar panels on the roof to help the cells recharge.

If you need more power, you can add 300 W of solar. A prewired port on the exterior makes it quicker and easier.

Cook Inside or Out, Electric or Gas

“The Basecamp Xe is testament to the fact that travelers today want the freedom to take whatever kind of trip they have in mind,” said Airstream President and CEO, Bob Wheeler. “Electrical independence is a key part of that equation.”

You can use the galley’s induction burner inside or outside through a 110V plug.

The hot water can circulate back into the fresh tank until it gets hot to save fresh water, and you can add a composting toilet to save more water there.

You don’t have to run the Airstream entirely on electric power. Extreme cold, bad weather, and other unexpected situations can make that tough, so the 20Xe still has space for a 20-pound propane tank.

The Basecamp 20Xe can use propane to run the Truma Combi eco plus house heat and hot water if needed. You can also mix which appliances use what power source. Of course, you can use the propane for grilling, because what’s camping without cooking over fire?

Airstream Basecamp 20Xe Price

The starting price for the Airstream Basecamp 20Xe is $76,900. That’s $17,300 more than the non-e model, but that one doesn’t come with A/C, solar, batteries, electric heat, or hot water.