Airstream Basecamp with ARB Awning

Aug 6, 2019

****Updated 5.26.21****

We developed an Airstream Basecamp Awning kit That includes a Overland Vehicle Systems Nomadic Awning and Installation Hardware on your Basecamp.

————What follows below is a post about one of the first awning installs we did on a Basecamp———-

Airstream designed its Basecamp for adventurous travelers who want a small camp trailer that’s tough and full-featured. It’s hard to find fault with the Basecamp’s design — Airstream really crammed a ton of goodness into the 16-foot Basecamp. The design includes a sliding screen front door, Lite-Ply cabinetry, water heater, fridge, shower, sink, porcelain toilet, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for two. Unfortunately, the Basecamp also includes one glaring design flaw — a pathetic excuse for an awning. Better remember the sunscreen — you’ll need it in camp.

Airstream Basecamp ready for a custom mounted ARB awning

The Visor Challenge

Because of its rounded body and arched roof, creating an effective awning for the Basecamp proved more than Airstream wanted to tackle. Instead, they designed something that resembles a windshield sun shade. In Airstream’s defense, they refer to the awning that comes standard with the Basecamp Trailer as a Visor, so they were pretty much admitting the thing is useless. As you can see from the picture below, to call the Visor an awning would be an insult to awnings everywhere. It is, in a word, inadequate.

Airstream Base camp without the ARB Awning

 

Challenge Accepted

The client originally took the Basecamp to Airstream for an awning upgrade and was denied. They should have come to Reparadise first. With a plan in place, we turned Spencer loose on the build.

We started with an ARB awning for the Basecamp. ARB awnings are constructed from tough polyurethane-coated poly / cotton ripstop canvas. They are fully waterproof and provide UVP 50+ sun protection. Spencer chose 80/20 aluminum framing extrusion to provide a stiff, lightweight mount for the awning. Custom aluminum brackets were designed and installed to pair the straight-sided awning with the curved shape of the trailer.

ARB Awning installed on an Airstream Basecamp

Mission Accomplished

The Basecamp wears its new ARB awning upgrade with pride. The ARB unit extends nearly 100 inches from the side of the trailer, providing campers the weather protection they need on a backcountry adventure.

We now sell an Awning and kit for your Airstream Basecamp.

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!
Continue shopping