Top 5 Boondocking Tips for the Airstream Basecamp | Water Saving Tips | Where Mice Come In & More! 

I'm going to miss your basecamp stories. I got mine a month ago and your vids have been very helpful. Thank you for all the work.

Good tips - we do Boondocking on modest 4x4 trails and have found it to be an advantage to park the trailer in the shade and place the solar in the sun. We've found that threading a cable lock through the trailer to the solar stand helps our peace of mind leaving it when we hike or go wheeling.

Great advice for on plugging those holes. I can just see my beagle destroying the inside cabin trying to get to the mice!

My tip for extending water use: I keep a mixing bowl in the sink. The cleaner water, from washing hands and rinsing clean dishes, I dump into a bucket in the bathroom. I also dump my bathing bowl water in the bucket. I then use the bucket water to flush the toilet.

Just yesterday I was wondering about you and the animals, missed you all, but I figured it was due to workload and just needing a break. Glad to see you are doing well. Even with our big 24+ ft trailers and dual tanks I carried a 5 gallon jug for water. Each trip out to explore was also a "refill the jug" trip. We were fortunate as we never had mice in the trailer and our cat was definitely NOT a mouser. All your tips are spot on and very good ones. Until next time... Travel safe.

There’s a specific more robust spray foam insulation that is “rodent proof” that might work under your camper. Also there is a product like steel wool that is copper and more rodent resistant. Can’t wait for the truck camper build. 🙂

You, Jasper and Napolean are the best.

Agree on black/grey tank. We use a diaper genie for toilet paper. Lithium and solar, yes and yes!

Always great tips. Thank you.

Gray water idea, I saw a woman with one of those black rubber boot trays filled with rocks. She sat it in the sun and ran a drip hose from the gray tank. Using the cap with the hose connection meant for flushing. The water dripping on the hot rocks evaporated :)

Excellent video and tips!

Nap and Jas are so so well behaved sweethearts

Great tips, thank you and stay safe.

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Love seeing you, Jasper and Napoleon!

Great tips for any of the smaller travel trailers which we own. Love your concise and fun presentation, thank you Cass!!

Super video - always good to see you, Jasper & Napoleon! And excited about your truck camper build! Thanks!!

Hi from Tennessee. Fantastic video. Great tips. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.

Hey Cass. Awesome to see u again. I’ve missed u and Jasper and Napoleon. Great tips as usual. Keep the videos coming and be safe 😁👍

Thanks for the great tips that will add days to our boondocking adventures.

Glad to see you back! Hope the truck camper renovation is going well. Good tips! Especially the ones with the mice. Aww but what about Napoleon’s fun! 😂😂

Such a truthful and solution based review, thanks!

Excellent video!

Love boys in the Video especially where it looks like Jasper has the zoomed! Great tips that can probably be used with other RV’s- water conservation. Thanks for sharing these tips. Can’t wait to see the truck set up!

Great Tips! Really Good to know❤

Thanks for posting Cass. Looks like I wasn't the only one missing you. Now you're going to have to give us tips on how to keep mice out of a camper :)

Thanks! I just bought a BC 2019. I wondered about mice. You are very helpful!

Officially obsessed! these vids are putting me at ease for my first venture out in my camper. Will be using a lot of these tricks for my boondocking. Also expect to use a lot of these toilet tricks to reduce grey/ black water fills.

Yes yes yes on all the tips, the toilet paper tip I have always used in my BC and former RV’s as not only does it save tank space but keeps the system from clogging. Yes I ordered the BC with solar panels and battleborns , on your advice, I have never had to worry about power, and yes a king flannel sheet covers my bed so my furry companion keeps my sheets fur free….thx Cass for always sharing, you saved me a lot of hard lessons before I launched my BC adventures……safety boondocking has me a bit hesitant about going out, you do have Jasper but I don’t think my black lab is scaring anyone off.

Love your content! You're the best! This is my obligatory content to improve your results in the RU-vid algorithm. :) ❤ Subscribed!

Wonderful video

I saw a lady that uses a spray bottle with vodka in it. She cleans dishes by spraying them with vodka and wiping them off! Disinfecting and no odor 💜

Awesome content! You have successfully won me over as a New SUBSCRIBER! Yayyyyyy

Miss your videos Cass! I hope your new journey with your bed camper is going well, and your renovations are almost done!

I love your tips...they work for any combination. I have a 4Runner and converted cargo trailer...I do the same thing for pet mess on the bed 😉💯

Hopefully the airstream changes all the little problems that cass had been showing to everyone, love the video, always explain very detail!

so funny I was just thinking about you three.... good tips, presented well... give Jasper a 🤗

Thank you! I hope Airstream are taking notes.

Great video, as usual! We've been boondocking/dry camping going back to the late 80s. Your point about TP is excellent! We've been in locations where there is no trash pick up for miles, and to keep smells down, we would burn this in our campfire daily. We too mostly use solar now, but the generator is still a nice emergency piece of equipment to have and our Honda is whisper quiet in Eco mode (although it still makes noise). For the roof, since it appears there is no built in ladder, now that you have a Tundra (which we too have and love), maybe a ladder can fit in there? We only have a pair of Suit case panels, but find keeping them clean even of mild dust, improves efficiency.

Nice to see you back. It amazes me that I've had my Scamp for about 15 years and have never had a mouse in it. Knock on fiberglass. Asian lady bugs - that's a different story. Enough to plug up the gas inlet to my water heater. BTW, my house-mate little black cat Tweety Bird brings live mice into my house and seems quite proud of herself.

Have not boon docked yet in my Basecamp X but plan to as soon as possible this year . I had mine in the Airstream Manufacturing and repair facility in Jackson Center Ohio for some repairs to the rock shield " denting " and the second broken shower head but they found cracking in the trim that is around the roof top and had to replace it . For anyone who has a BC I would inspect it while they are still under warranty . As usual Casey great tips and advice all us wannabe explorers look up to you . Thanks !

good one

Thanks!

thanks for thew tips they will help with my build as well

For those frame gaps... what about getting a can of "GREAT STUFF spray expansion foam"? It would fill the cavity completely, and insulate. I should not think that critters would snack on that foam... but even if they did, they would have to be at it a long time to tunnel in.The insulation would also deaden any ringing or vibration in the frame, but probably not a measurable amount. Just and idea, and a single can would do the trick. Not expensive at all, though I recommend wearing gloves, because those cans can quickly become a sticky mess. Any excess expanded foam can be cut away with a razor blade or sharp knife. Just a suggestion for a more permanent solution. :)

I am totally with you on the fridge vents, I don't have an Airstream but on my Casita there are two big vent panels on the side. I was unaware of the large holes that are on the underside out of view but saw a vid about wasp proofing a trailer with aftermarket screens. When I took the vent panels off to install the screens (easy fix by the way), I was astounded at how big the holes were that came from the factory. They were easily big enough for small mice to get in let alone any bug. I have had ants come in twice but at the campsite; I found that Windex makes a great insecticide without concerning me about my own breathing capabilities. I always travel with a roll of duct tape, it does almost everything. Good tip about the bowl smaller than the sink, my fresh water tank is 25 gallons and clear so I open the outside door to see it when I camp to monitor its level so I can gauge water consumption with my shower. I use the 12v water pump all the time to make it exact but leave it off for using the "facilities" as the toilet uses a LOT of water to flush. This gives me at least 2 days more capacity. To help the bowl from looking gross, I spray it down with silicone spray so the contents slide easily out each time. I have to admit I don't wash many dishes (other than pots/skillets) as I use paper plates ( I know, bad for the environment, mea culpa).I always use single ply toilet paper, I think it has pretty minimal bulk. Do you also?

I'm glad to see you post a video. I've been missing your vids. I know that they make a spray foam insulation that is made to keep rodents out. I believe it would hold up better than your duct tape. Also, copper wool as opposed to steel wool is a better mouse deterrent. Peppermint oil works great too. Take care Cass. Looking forward to your nest video.

Thanks for addressing mice issues. This is rarely talked about and is a huge problem with trailers and vehicles that sit anywhere for an extended period of time.

I bought a pair of fingerless gloves after watching your videos. They are very helpful in the winter.

Victron and their components are awesome, well worth the money!! Battleborn is the way to go for a beginner also, they are great batteries. I'm really glad when I was looking into building my cargo trailer out, I did the legwork researching those components for my power system. It's a fair amount of capitol upfront, but it is well worth it!!! Our trailer is nearly ready (functionally it everything is working) we are just working on finishing touches at this point. With 800W of solar incoming, we are capable of using a lot of power easily without stressing the system much at all (and I have stressed the system to it's limits, so I know what I'm capable of running simultaneously without any concerns). Some good times ahead being off grid!

I love the look Napoleon gave like I have to pay rent and Jasper doesn’t oh I see how it is.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

You could plug the holes with spray foam insulation. You can get a can at any hardware store. Thanks for the tips! I’m looking into my boondocking options

Just purchased the 20X...my orientation is next week so THANK YOU for the "mouse stories"... #1 on the list of things to talk to my tech about for any tips they might have too ;)

Seal your tailgate with a rubber door seal. We have the same tonneau cover. No more water or dust.

For anyone with those vents still in place, I would recommend removing the panel and installing a piece of 1/4" steek grate and secure it in place with zip ties, or use some JB Weld, depending on how far you want to go. The vent will still have good airflow, but not allow any critters through. Seems like a design flaw though, considering it's a camper that will be used in the wild.

Wonderful tips, thank you!! I do the separate toilet paper thing too 😉. Have you ever heard of an antimicrobial pee cloth? Kula was the original but there are knockoffs now ( don’t know if they’re as good). I originally got one from REI for hiking but loved it SO much I now use them all the time and always have one with me. I drink a lot of water and pee a lot so this is a huge toilet paper saver for me. Happy travels!

Of course Napoleon is an excellent mouser. He’s a wundercat! I was thinking that whoever bought your Basecamp certainly benefited from your fixes.

The amount of dirt a dog brings in is not joke. And if they roll in something stinky 😫

Awesome video. MORE DETAILS ON TOILET PAPER!

Thanks for another great video I'm starting mouseproofing today! Also I must have missed a different post but curious about the hitch you have on the back of the camper. What's it for? Thanks again.

Thank you for this wonderfully helpful video. Because of your videos, we have a 16X ready to pick up at the end of July. AS should give you a finders fee 😉 We are upgrading from tent camping. I sure hope our dog and cat take to camper. Best of luck preparing your truck camper for exotic camping in Alaska! Your videos have been so valuable as well as entertaining. Best wishes in 2022 and beyond!

Awesome video! Good point about plugging holes for mice. How do you keep critters from gnawing on your tow vehicle’s wires?

I am hoping to buy an airstream later this year, still deciding between the base camp and the Bambi. I have yet to walk through them so guessing that will be the deciding factor. Either way some boon-docking will be in the future so all tricks are good to know!

Hi Cass Jeff and l Enjoy your Videos. We just did a 5,000 mile 10 day trip to buy a used 5th wheel. We though of you when we started our journey. From Ca to Ocola Florida. Wow 👍🙋‍♀️

I think upgrading to a larger camper if you have to do all that extra to live out of it. Nice tips also using a bed shell for the truck and mounting panels on it would be cool.

Have you thought about upgrading your airstream for a larger one? I really like the flying cloud with the office, larger fridge, oven, larger bathroom, and lots of storage.

Congratulations on the Battleborn sponsorship.

Another great video, Cass. I have mentioned that my daughter follows you and plans her own travels next year in a custom van. Question: She has a cat but she is mostly indoors. and has never been leashed. Did you have a transition period for Napoleon? Also, could you share the brand of outdoor mat you use? It looks like good material to keep clean. Thank you and stay safe, lady!👍👍

Been using a trash can in our old house for years in the bath room. Works great. Mechanic wet paper towels great for cleaning private areas. On really bad days fast orange mechanics hand cleaner is your friend. Learned that one from turning wrenches and living in my van.

Thanks for all the great tips! Do you find yourself choosing your boondocking spots based on not being in shade so that you have enough solar? If so, how do you handle the heat in the summer? I have a similar solar and battery setup to you and struggled after about day 4 in a more forested campground (granted, the weather wasn't ideal).

Regarding TP in the trashcan: I spent some time kiteboarding in Brazil and everywhere we stayed, that was how they did it. It was weird at first but you get used to it.

OMG the mice issue is terrifying. I’d be headed home very quickly. Thanks for those tips.

Curious; how do you stay cool on warm days in a aluminum skin camper ?

Cass,I am looking at both the BC16X and the Bambi16RB. Any thoughts on preference? Clearance issues? Toyota Tacoma with a Leer canopy TV so I want to stay 16’ max. Thank you for so many informative posts - you are the best! Hope to keep following you and your “kids” adventures. Keep posting!

I sure never thought about mice getting in. My wife will roll over in her grave if I get a cat. Although your black cat looks just like hers. Watching KYD, I have figured out I want an Airstream. I really enjoy what you are teaching me about them. Cheers, James

Super useful video! I’m considering getting a basecamp (i have a large German Shepperd, and i can expect a visitor every now and then). Should i consider the 20, or is the 16 large enough? Any additional mods recommmended for easy access to boondocking locations? Thanks!

Could get a portipotty and then you could dump grey water and dump your black in any restroom

5:43 you do what! no no no no no.... (and why do you have a grin as you talk about this!!) hahahaha

Hope your doing well and the truck camper reno is not giving you too many headaches. Which were your considerations to select the 16Ft Basecamp instead of the 20Ft?

Great tips! Will definitely be looking for rodent entry points. Yuck!!

Napoleon is the best!

Happy Thanksgiving and Have and Merry Christmas *Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers* I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your RU-vid channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others RU-vidrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their RU-vid channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER* *vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions. Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months. Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle. If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures. Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks. Another alternative is renting somewhere, Hotel, Apartment, although it can probably get expensive. What ever you decide, or choose to do or as a possible alternative, Please Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed... *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful Consider installing; *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. *Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle. Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights. *Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others. *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking. Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. *VERY IMPORTANT* I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services. *Safety is Paramount* *Your Life is Important* *You want to Live to Travel another Day* *So Be Safe* *Stay Alert* *Keep your vehicle gas filled* Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty. Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant, Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze). You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads. Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions. Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving. Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You..... Author Advocate for Humanity, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 11/15/2022, 11/18/2022

Great tips. ? 1. Did Airstream offer the Composting toilet when you bought your Basecamp? 2. Briefly saw the picture of pickup camper. Were you in a Truck Camper Before the Basecamp OR are you transitioning TO a pickup camper? 3. IF STILL in a Basecamp would you have considered a Basecamp 20 id it was available? My full 8'bed standard cab V8 Toyota Tundra would be tow vehicle for a Basecamp 20. Thanks

Hi, I am really happy I stumbled onto your video. I have never RV'd but have been researching them for the past few months and recently the Basecamp has caught my eye. Like you I have a large dog and I was really happy to see there's enough room for me and him in the Basecamp. I hope you don't mind, but I have 2 (potentially dumb) questions for you. 1, My dog isn't the most coordinated, and I was wondering how your dog handles the step into the trailer, specifically going in? I am fearful my guy might slip and his leg might get caught. Hopefully I'm just being overly cautious. 2, Where did you learn about the electrics and solar etc? I love the idea of solar, but I know nothing about it other than it converts sun to energy. Thanks

Mouse!!! Moth balls take care of them. Just barely enough to let the smell out, that would keep any rodents, snakes far far away from them. You can hang them outside once arrived at the camp site and put them away when you are on the love on a airtight container.

Can you boondock with the standard setup Basecamp and run electricity and heat for 2 days no problems?

Which bike rack is that

Hi. If you were to buy the Basecamp today.. Would you buy the 16X or the 20X? And why? Thank you in advance!

Hey did I see you in Kansas today??

What size socket did you use for your stabilizer jacks? 3/4” ?

Where did you get the internal black cover for your AC in your Basecamp?

How does the mileage of the pickup compare to the 4 Runner ?

What video editing software do you use for your RU-vid channel?

I would get a metal mesh screen to cover those mic3 holes

Hi Cass! I thought you were selling your BC!

How did you fix the floor leak next to the refrigerator?

How are you liking the way the Tundra tows the Basecamp

What plastic bags are you using in the bathroom to collect your toilet paper?

Cass usually there is a sign at dump stations that says that the water provided is ‘not potable’. People use it to facilitate flushing black water tanks or rinsing dump hoses. Filling up your fresh water tanks at this location might have consequences.

I’m surprised you would not go lithium battery in conjunction with a 2000+ solar power bank portable solar panels…….if you were to do again

Wow how much did you spend on this Airstream camper only to find it had 2 rodent entries! Napoleon must have been thrilled to be mousing. I imagine you were as cool and calm talking about the mice as you were when you discovered them?