The tough, eco-friendly Airstream trailer treads lightly but boldly

Airstream has teamed up with outdoor company REI for a limited-edition version of its scintillating Basecamp, producing what it says is its most enduring trailer yet. The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp relies on solar power, recycled materials and water-saving features to minimize its environmental footprint, while a rugged exterior ensures it’s more than able to venture off the tarmac.

The newly introduced trailer is based on Airstream’s lightweight and compact Basecamp 16, a 16-foot (4.9m) single-axle aluminum hull designed to be towed by an AWD crossover or similar-sized vehicle. The REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp features many of the same features as the original, such as panoramic windows for generous views from the galley, a wet bath, and a convertible dining/living/sleeping area with sleeping space for of them.

But Airstream has reinvented the Basecamp with a new focus on sustainability. That means fabrics and laminates made in part with post-consumer recycled materials, a cutting board sink lid made from recycled paper, and kitchen cabinets and furniture made with lighter, plantation-grown birch plywood. .

Exclusive to the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp is an optional composting toilet to avoid the need to flush the toilet, leaving more water in the 24 gallon (110 liter) holding tank. A recirculating water heater that pumps hot water on demand helps you on that front too, meaning you don’t have to wait for your shower to heat up.

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The trailer is also solar-ready with an option for 360 watts of flexible roof panels, which power a 200 Ah lithium battery bank. This system powers on-board amenities such as an optional microwave, all-electric refrigerator, UV-LED smart water faucet designed to kill bacteria for a nice clean glass of H20.

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A 25-piece REI Goods Kit is also packed on board, which includes items such as camping chairs, a picnic table, cooking utensils, a rechargeable lantern, and other camping accessories. This features a dedicated compartment inside the trailer for easy storage, while L-track systems are built into the floor and walls to secure cargo while in transit.

To outfit the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp for off-road adventure, Airstream includes its outdoor-oriented X-Package as standard. That means a 3-inch lift kit for better ground clearance, heavy-duty Goodyear 235/75R15 Wrangler radial tires and black aluminum wheels, rock guards and window guards.

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Those extra bells and whistles add quite a bit to the Basecamp’s price, with the standard starting at US$46,000 and the REI Co-op Special Edition Basecamp starting at $52,900. The new model is available to order now via the Airstream website.

Source: Airstream