Recommended Weight Distribution and Electric Jack for an Airstream Basecamp 16

Updated 05/25/2021 | Published 05/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(167)

$124.53

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2602)

$29.76

Electric Jack w/ Footplate - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black

(1845)

$183.42

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(166)

$525.46

Chain Hangers for Reese Weight Distribution Systems - Bolt On

(68)

$92.71

Question:

My daughter bought an Airstream Basecamp 16 to tow behind her 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I wand to buy her a wd Hitch and electric Jack for her birthday June 16. It seems like Fastway E2 with trunions will be adequate and have ground clearance on this little trailer. I was looking for 600 lb tongue weight, but only 800 comes up on your site now. Tongue weight will be 350-400+-. What is the right part number for this application? Also, what do you recommend for an electric jack that is small enough to fit in the tight space of the Basecamp, but strong enough to lift trailer/vehicle to assist with installing/removing trunions? Lastly, can you install a 2 5/8inch ball onto the Fastway hitch that I buy from you? I want to know that its torqued properly. Thank You,

asked by: Ed C

Expert Reply:

I highly suggest the etrailer.com Electric Jack # EJ-3520-BBX for the Airstream Basecamp 16. This has a pretty standard A-Frame mounting plate that will have no issue fitting the front of the trailer. It is also rated up to 3,500 pounds of lifting capacity and will be ideal for this set up.

As to the weight distribution, the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution System # FA92-00-0600 will have a maximum tongue weight of 600 pounds and a minimum tongue weight of 250 pounds. This will put you right where you need to be with the capacities of the Basecamp 16. Unfortunately we cannot install a ball, like the # 63840, on these systems before shipping.

That being said, the front end of the Airstream Basecamp 16 does look a bit cluttered with what looks like a propane tank case. This could inhibit the use of standard weight distribution system brackets. This can be confirmed by contacting Airstream to verify. Depending on what they say, you may need to go another way.

The Reese Strait-Line # RP66082 will use a chain style connection that can be paired with Bolt On Chain Hangers # RP58305 that will not have any issues with limited space. This would be a bolt on application, but is still rated up to 600 pounds of tongue weight and will actually offer better sway control.