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

[jeeden]

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

Just to clarify for anyone that might stumble on this post. This is a 120v 30 amp connector common at parks and RV locations not to be confused with a 240v 30 amp "dryer plug" in a house. You can use a "normal" adapter for just about any plug as long as you limit the amps in the Rivian to 20% of the circuit with the EXCEPTION of the one he has listed above. These TT30 adapters are specially wired to provide the correct grounding for the RV parks and a "normal" adapter that converts to the plug type will not work.

Bottom line, any adapter for any plug type except for the TT30, make sure you get the "EV" version like the one OP linked.


BTW, great pics!

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[clockwork crane]

Sorry for your loss and thanks for your post. This is my dream setup so I appreciate the info and great pics!

I’m renting a non-Airstream to take my kids on a “camper trailer trial” road trip from Orange County up around 2-3 points at or around Morro Bay, CA. It’s a ~22’ Geo Pro 19fbs, so I figure whatever efficiency we experience, the Basecamp 20x would be a little better.

3 of our 7 nights will be without hookups, but I’m expecting to be able to connect the trailer shore power plug into the Rivian using a 30amp to 15amp adapter, in case I need to top up the 12v system.

Do you (or anyone) have experience using a Rivian for low-amp shore power? I’m guessing we could probably run everything except the microwave and air conditioning.

TL;DR: If you don't need the air conditioner, everything else works fine. If you do, some trailer modifications are needed.

I have basically the same setup: R1T gen 1 quad on 21s with a Basecamp 20X. I have used the Rivian for shore power with a 30amp to 15 amp adapter and it works fine. It will charge the battery, run the DC loads, and it will also run the microwave easily (RV microwaves are very low power, like 600-800W tops). The Rivian cannot run the air conditioner without some modifications, and obviously it can't handle large loads on the 120V outlets.

I got my Basecamp modified to have a Victron Multiplus inverter, and that has a sort of 'boost' mode that will let you draw from shore power up to a set limit (I set it to ~1500W) and then supplement from the batteries, and so far that is working fine.

I also replaced the stock air conditioner on my Basecamp with a heat pump that has a soft start, and I can run the heat pump from the Rivian without problems. You _might_ be able to get away with just one or the other (inverter or soft start), but you need at least one, and I'm not sure that the soft start alone will work if the battery charger kicks in and starts pulling that extra 200-300W and trips the breaker.

I've previously tried a couple of solar generators, using the Rivian to charge the solar generator and then the 30A from the solar generator to run the Basecamp. It works, but it's a bit janky and inefficient.

 

[agame32]

TL;DR: If you don't need the air conditioner, everything else works fine. If you do, some trailer modifications are needed.

I have basically the same setup: R1T gen 1 quad on 21s with a Basecamp 20X. I have used the Rivian for shore power with a 30amp to 15 amp adapter and it works fine. It will charge the battery, run the DC loads, and it will also run the microwave easily (RV microwaves are very low power, like 600-800W tops). The Rivian cannot run the air conditioner without some modifications, and obviously it can't handle large loads on the 120V outlets.

I got my Basecamp modified to have a Victron Multiplus inverter, and that has a sort of 'boost' mode that will let you draw from shore power up to a set limit (I set it to ~1500W) and then supplement from the batteries, and so far that is working fine.

I also replaced the stock air conditioner on my Basecamp with a heat pump that has a soft start, and I can run the heat pump from the Rivian without problems. You _might_ be able to get away with just one or the other (inverter or soft start), but you need at least one, and I'm not sure that the soft start alone will work if the battery charger kicks in and starts pulling that extra 200-300W and trips the breaker.

I've previously tried a couple of solar generators, using the Rivian to charge the solar generator and then the 30A from the solar generator to run the Basecamp. It works, but it's a bit janky and inefficient.

Awesome info and details, thanks.

I also imagine if I want to prioritize charging my truck at the RV site, I could plug the truck into the pedestal and then plug the camper into the truck bed with both running simultaneously, right?

 

[flybone89]

Sorry for your recent loss.

We have a 2024 Airstream 23FBT that falls between your previous 27’ and Basecamp and we get closer to your Basecamp with efficiency of 1.3 or slightly more sometimes - unless we have a head wind! Our 23FBT is slightly narrower (8’ vs 8’6”) than the 25’+ sizes so wonder if that helps with drag.

We don’t usually have to worry about choosing between trailer or charging at the pedestal as our trailer has lithium batteries with solar so we can go days without plugging in unless we absolutely need AC. So we usually charge if we only have one option.

But has anyone found resistance to allowing charging now at campgrounds? I know some are charging fees which I don’t mind though not sure it’s a true measure of actual consumption vs someone with a larger RV. But that’s fine as long as they let me charge. I am more concerned about not getting to charge since a lot of places where we camp can be pretty remote and the only charging nearby is the campsite.

Kevin

 

[9pilot]

Moved to Oregon 10 years ago, and you are correct about the state parks. Rivian just opened new chargers here in Astoria at the base of the Meglar bridge. Hope you enjoy your travels with your Rivian/Basecamp as much as I do !

 

[clockwork crane]

Awesome info and details, thanks.

I also imagine if I want to prioritize charging my truck at the RV site, I could plug the truck into the pedestal and then plug the camper into the truck bed with both running simultaneously, right?

I expect so. I've done that at a DC fast charger but I haven't tried it at a campground or other level 2 charger. Theoretically it should work the same way.

 

[Arewon]

This looks awesome, so happy for you and the dogs!

Sorry about your wife passing.

 

[Robin]

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.

Awesome

 

[jwanderson88]

I'm interested in how much your trailer weighs. I'd say the aerodynamics of the shape helps a lot. It's funny how many trailers have a flat wall in front with terrible aerodynamics.

 

[mblist]

I'm interested in how much your trailer weighs. I'd say the aerodynamics of the shape helps a lot. It's funny how many trailers have a flat wall in front with terrible aerodynamics.

The Rivian reports the trailer weighs about 4,000 lbs. at least that is what it thinks. Sometimes a bit less, usually not more. The amount of water in the tanks makes a difference.

 

[Eeyore]

Just to clarify for anyone that might stumble on this post. This is a 120v 30 amp connector common at parks and RV locations not to be confused with a 240v 30 amp "dryer plug" in a house. You can use a "normal" adapter for just about any plug as long as you limit the amps in the Rivian to 20% of the circuit with the EXCEPTION of the one he has listed above.

I think you have the wrong %. IF you limited the 30 amp circuit to 20%, you'd only be able to charge at 6 amps.

The correct percentage is 80%. That means you can charge at 24 amps and not exceed the code maximum for the circuit.

 

[jeeden]

I think you have the wrong %. IF you limited the 30 amp circuit to 20%, you'd only be able to charge at 6 amps.

The correct percentage is 80%. That means you can charge at 24 amps and not exceed the code maximum for the circuit.

Yup, your right, didn't mean to frame it that way


As long as you REDUCE it BY 20%

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