2023 R1T Quad, trip down the Oregon Coast Towing Airstream Basecamp

[mblist]

Just spent three weeks and around 2,000 miles wandering down the Oregon coast and back up through the middle of Oregon from the Seattle area. I was towing an 20’ Airstream Basecamp. I had recently traded my 27’ Airstream in for the Basecamp. Now that my wife has passed I found the bigger Airstream to be too big, too heavy and not necessary for me and the three dogs.

I had no problems charging along the way using Rivian and Tesla chargers and, of course, the 50 amp outlets at campgrounds. I stayed mostly at Oregon State Parks. I don’t know how many have used them, but the state parks are just fantastic.

in a couple there were only 30 amp outlets and I didn’t have the proper adapter but I immediately bought one on my return. You have to get a specialized adapter and I got mine from EVSE Adapters.

i am one of those strange people who stick to the speed limit and try not to go over 60 when towing. I do keep an eye out and pull over for more hurried drivers. The efficiency was far better with the Basecamp and I got just over 1.3 as opposed to 1.1 with the larger Airstream.

I always set the ride height to medium and the ride feel to firm when towing. I have done 35,000 miles in my Rivian and still on original tires. They are at about 6/32 right now.

see below for some pictures.

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[COdogman]

Amazing pics - thanks for sharing!

 

[Riviot]

How do you like the layout and bed of the Basecamp compared to your other Airstream? The double door seems like a waste of space and the bed looked like a not fun setup/storage every day. If it was 2 humans and 1 dog, would you still think it adequate?

I've been split between a Basecamp and 22' Bambi.

 

[frisard]

I am an Airstream Bambi 20FB owner who considered a Basecamp. It came down to mostly off road camping or not. She decided we didn’t want off-road so much as RV parks.

 

[EVtowing]

in a couple there were only 30 amp outlets and I didn’t have the proper adapter but I immediately bought one on my return. You have to get a specialized adapter and I got mine from EVSE Adapters.

I have one of those as well and it is very useful..

Thanks for your post and glad to hear you are still camping; that’s a nice looking setup and looks like it meets your needs.

 

[Erik+]

Not an RV person, but your setup looks great. Sounds like a fun trip, thanks for sharing.

 

[jplblue]

Sorry to hear about your wife. Thanks for sharing your adventures.

 

[AirplaneDr]

I have one of those as well and it is very useful..

Thanks for your post and glad to hear you are still camping; that’s a nice looking setup and looks like it meets your needs.

Does the charger or vehicle automatically limit the charging rate to 30 amps when using the adapter or do you have to manually lower it to prevent from tripping the breaker?

 

[alexpuw]

Hey - sorry to hear about your spouse. But I did think I saw you going south I5. I’m a fellow Rivian R1T. I’m considering fixing up my ikamper to do the same and use it as a spare room at my house.

 

[DavidMillett]

Just spent three weeks and around 2,000 miles wandering down the Oregon coast and back up through the middle of Oregon from the Seattle area. I was towing an 20’ Airstream Basecamp. I had recently traded my 27’ Airstream in for the Basecamp. Now that my wife has passed I found the bigger Airstream to be too big, too heavy and not necessary for me and the three dogs.

I had no problems charging along the way using Rivian and Tesla chargers and, of course, the 50 amp outlets at campgrounds. I stayed mostly at Oregon State Parks. I don’t know how many have used them, but the state parks are just fantastic.

in a couple there were only 30 amp outlets and I didn’t have the proper adapter but I immediately bought one on my return. You have to get a specialized adapter and I got mine from EVSE Adapters.

i am one of those strange people who stick to the speed limit and try not to go over 60 when towing. I do keep an eye out and pull over for more hurried drivers. The efficiency was far better with the Basecamp and I got just over 1.3 as opposed to 1.1 with the larger Airstream.

I always set the ride height to medium and the ride feel to firm when towing. I have done 35,000 miles in my Rivian and still on original tires. They are at about 6/32 right now.

see below for some pictures.

Which EVSE Adapter did you buy?

 

[Andy Wallace]

Looks great - plus you got the color I wanted, so I’m a little jealous! Question: you said you used the 50-amp outlets at campsites - are these outlets using the plug that comes with the Rivian adapter? I’m new to a lot of the charging stuff..

 

[mblist]

storage

Because the Basecamp 20’ had two eating areas I leave the bed made up. Amazingly it is actually quite comfortable. (I like a firm bed) but you can actually buy “toppers” for it if you want something softer.

 

[mblist]

storage every day. If it was 2 humans and 1 dog, would

Hmmm depends on your spouse. Some people may find the basecamp somewhat limited with regards to storage.

 

[mblist]

Does the charger or vehicle automatically limit the charging rate to 30 amps when using the adapter or do you have to manually lower it to prevent from tripping the breaker?

You are supposed to limit it manually to 24 amps, which I did. Still charged up to 100% overnight, remembering I always got to the campground early and left by 10:00 am.

 

[mblist]

Which EVSE Adapter did you buy?

I got this one. I actually called the bloke and spoke to him. Very nice and helpful
https://evseadapters.com/products/tt-30p-to-nema-14-50r-ev-adapter

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