Bike Rack Solution for 2018 Airstream Basecamp Travel Trailer

Question:

Trying to see if this will fit an Airstream Basecamp - 2018 model - the clearance behind the propane tank cover is not that big - has anyone tried and does this work? The clearance is narrow - see photos - but could remove the cover piece, install the mount and reinstall the cover.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Your photo suggests that the space available on your Airstream Basecamp trailer's frame to install the Stromberg Carlson Bike Bunk # CC-275 is just not large enough for a good fit. The Bike Bunk's brackets are almost 5-inches wide and it appears you'd have to do some serious cutting on your propane cover. On such a nice new premium travel trailer like the Basecamp I can see why this might make it more desirable to find another bike carrying solution.

You might take a look at the Jack-It 2 Bike Rack for A-Frame Trailers, part # LC429756, which secures at your jack mount. I linked a photo with dimensions to help you see if this offers a better solution.

Depending on your tow vehicle we may offer a front-mount hitch receiver that would allow you to install a hitch type rack in that front receiver on your tow vehicle. A front hitch also makes it a lot easier to maneuver your trailer at a campsite or to position it in your garage when storage time comes. Please feel free to tell me about your tow vehicle and I will be glad to check for a front hitch.

Another possibility is to install a universal-fit rear RV hitch on the Basecamp so that you can mount your RV-rated bike carrier there instead. I linked our entire range of RV hitches. These are made to fit trailer frames of various widths. I recommend first checking with the folks at Airstream about this possibility by providing them with your trailer VIN.

Please do keep in mind that any bike rack you use on the trailer - either on the front in the Bike Bunk or on the rear in a RV hitch - must be specifically rated for use on trailers. Standard auto hitch racks cannot be used on trailers due to the increased stress on the rack from the trailer motion. I also linked all of our RV bike racks.

expert reply by: Adam R