The Airstream Basecamp vs Basecamp Xe choice comes down to off-grid power. Both 2027 models share the same 20-foot body, bed sizes and water tanks. The Xe adds a 10.3 kWh lithium battery, 600 watts of solar and a 3,000-watt inverter, weighs 250 pounds more and starts at $88,900, against $69,900 for the Basecamp.
| Specification | Basecamp | Basecamp Xe |
|---|
| 2027 starting price | $69,900 | $88,900 |
| Lithium battery | 2.5 kWh, only with the solar option | 10.3 kWh, heated |
| Roof solar | 300 W, optional | 600 W |
| Inverter | None listed | 3,000 W |
| Cooktop | 2-burner propane stove | 1,500 W portable induction, single burner |
| Propane tanks | Two 20 lb | One 20 lb |
| Unit base weight | 3,500 lb | 3,750 lb |
| GVWR | 4,300 lb | 4,500 lb |
| Exterior length | 20 ft 2 in | 20 ft 2 in |
| Fresh, gray and black tanks | 23, 28 and 21 gal | 23, 28 and 21 gal |
| Sleeps | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
Prices are the 2027 starting prices on Airstream's model pages, and the other figures come from Airstream's specification pages, all read on 19 October 2026. Airstream's model pages give only a starting price, so ask any dealer for an out-the-door figure that includes options, taxes and fees.
Browse Airstream and other travel trailers for sale on Searchshop.
We compared the two trailers line by line using Airstream's own model and specification pages, read on 19 October 2026. The differences and recommendations come from published data, not test tows or camping trips. Airstream lists one floor plan for each 2027 model, and both specification pages describe the same 20-foot 2-inch single-axle trailer with a torsion axle, a 3-inch lift kit and Goodyear off-road LT235/85R16E tires.
Both models also carry the same transferable warranty: a 2-year bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year structural limited warranty. Because the size, chassis and warranty match, the comparison below focuses on the systems that differ.
The Basecamp Xe starts $19,000 above the Basecamp, at $88,900 against $69,900 for the 2027 models. The main differences are in the electrical system.
- A 10.3 kWh heated lithium battery bank, against a 2.5 kWh lithium battery that the Basecamp offers only with its solar option.
- 600 watts of roof solar as standard, against an optional 300-watt system on the Basecamp.
- A 3,000-watt inverter and a 120-amp converter. The Basecamp has a 50-amp converter and its specification list shows no inverter.
- A touch-screen power display that shows charge, solar and inverter readings.
The Xe also changes the kitchen and heating appliances, adds a JBL stereo with Bluetooth, an Ethernet inlet and a shower water recirculating system, and offers a composting toilet as an option. Those are covered in the sections below.
The Basecamp Xe is the better choice for camping without hookups, because it carries about four times the battery capacity and twice the solar of a Basecamp with its solar option. On the Basecamp, the 2.5 kWh battery and 300-watt solar system come only with that option.
The inverter is the practical difference. An inverter turns battery power into household 110-volt power, so the Xe's 3,000-watt inverter lets it supply household power from the battery when no hookup is available. The Basecamp's specification list shows no inverter.
Both trailers have a pre-wired port for extra portable solar panels. On the Basecamp the port is rated for 200 watts with a 15-amp controller required. On the Xe it is rated for 400 watts with a 30-amp controller required. Both use a 30-amp SmartPlug shore power inlet at campgrounds.
The Basecamp cooks and heats water with propane, while the Xe cooks on electric induction and carries one propane tank instead of two.
The Basecamp carries two 20 lb propane tanks. It has a 19,000 BTU ducted furnace, a tankless on-demand propane water heater and a 2-burner stainless steel propane stove with a hinged glass lid.
The Xe carries one 20 lb propane tank. Heat and hot water come from a Truma Combi Eco Plus, which Airstream lists as a ducted furnace rated at 7,500 or 14,300 BTU and a water heater with a 2.64-gallon tank. Cooking is on the 1,500-watt portable single-burner induction cooktop.
Both trailers have an 11,000 BTU air conditioner with a heat pump, a 4.3 cubic foot 12-volt refrigerator with freezer, an optional microwave and an exterior low-pressure propane connection for a grill.
The Basecamp Xe weighs 250 pounds more than the Basecamp, with a unit base weight of 3,750 pounds against 3,500 pounds. Its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the most the loaded trailer may weigh, is 4,500 pounds against 4,300 pounds.
The Xe has slightly less net carrying capacity, 750 pounds against 800 pounds for the Basecamp. Airstream lists the same 22.75-inch hitch ball height for both.
When you choose a tow vehicle, compare its towing capacity with the trailer's GVWR rather than its base weight, and check that its payload covers the hitch weight plus passengers and gear. Your vehicle's owner's manual and door-jamb label give its ratings.
Airstream lists the same exterior and interior dimensions, bed sizes and tanks for both trailers. Each sleeps up to four. The dinette converts to a lounge and to sleeping space, and Airstream lists the complete bed as 82 by 78 inches, with a separate convertible space of 43 by 78 inches.
Both trailers have a space-saving wet bath with a removable hand-held shower head, an exterior shower with hot and cold water, and 23-gallon fresh, 28-gallon gray and 21-gallon waste tanks. The tanks are insulated and heated in both. Inside, both have 6 feet 7 inches of interior height with the air conditioner and floor L-track for tying down gear.
The Xe adds an optional composting toilet and a standard recirculating water system for the shower, neither of which appears on the Basecamp's specification list.
Searchshop had no used Basecamp Xe listings on 19 October 2026, so shoppers who want the Xe's lithium system should plan on buying new. That day, 12 used Searchshop listings had "Basecamp" in the title, and none of them was an Xe. Eight were 16-foot Basecamps and four were 20X models, from the 2017 to 2025 model years.
Most new Basecamp listings that day were 2026 model-year trailers, a mix of the Xe, the 20X and some 16X units. None of the matched listings showed an asking price. These figures are listings whose title matched the model name on that date, and they change daily.
Choose by where you camp and how much you want to spend.
- Choose the Basecamp if you mostly stay at campgrounds with hookups, want to keep the price near $70,000, or prefer cooking on a 2-burner propane stove with two propane tanks.
- Choose the Basecamp with the solar option if you want some lithium battery and solar capacity for short stays without hookups, without paying for the full Xe system.
- Choose the Basecamp Xe if you camp off the grid often, want household power from the battery through an inverter, and want to cook on induction with a single propane tank on board.
- Consider a used Basecamp 16 or 20X if budget matters more than the newest systems, and check the battery and solar setup on each trailer.
If you are still deciding whether an Airstream is right for you, read our guide to Airstream alternatives and what they cost, our guide to the best small RVs and compact trailers and our pop-up camper vs travel trailer comparison. When you are ready, compare new and used Basecamps and other travel trailers for sale on Searchshop.
The 2027 Airstream Basecamp Xe starts at $88,900, according to Airstream's model page read on 19 October 2026. That is $19,000 more than the 2027 Basecamp, which starts at $69,900. Starting prices do not cover options, taxes or dealer fees, so ask the dealer for an out-the-door figure.
No. Airstream calls the Basecamp Xe an "electric-first" travel trailer, and it still carries one 20 lb propane tank and an exterior propane grill connection. Its electric side includes a 10.3 kWh heated lithium battery, 600 watts of solar, a 3,000-watt inverter and a 1,500-watt induction cooktop.
Both the Basecamp and the Basecamp Xe sleep up to four, according to Airstream's specifications. The dinette converts into sleeping space, with a complete bed of 82 by 78 inches and a separate convertible space of 43 by 78 inches. Airstream lists the same bed sizes for both models.
Yes, both the Basecamp and the Basecamp Xe have a space-saving wet bath with a toilet and a removable hand-held shower head. Each has a 21-gallon waste tank and a 28-gallon gray tank. The Xe also offers an optional composting toilet and a recirculating water system for the shower.
