Airstream Basecamp 2007 User manual

A TRAILERING GUIDE
AIRSTREAM
OWNERS
MANUAL
BASECAMP

INTRODUCTION 2007 MODEL
The Owners Manual for your new Airstream trailer is designed to respond to the most
frequent inquiries regarding the operation, function and care of the many systems that
make modern trailering a joy.
Airstream realizes our customers possess varying degrees of expertise in the area of
repairing and maintaining the appliances in their trailer. For this reason, the service
and trouble-shooting information found in this manual is directed toward those with
average mechanical skills.
We also realize you may be more familiar in one area than you are in another. Only you
know your capabilities and limitations. We want you to use this manual, and hope you
will find the information contained in it useful, however, should you ever feel you may
be “getting in over your head” please see your dealer to have the repairs made.
A brief explanation of the operation of the appliances such as refrigerator, furnace,
water heater and others are explained in this manual. However, you will also find
the manufacturer’s information supplied in a packet included with this manual
more detailed.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on
the latest product information available at the time of publication approval. If and when
new materials and production techniques are developed which can improve the quality
of its product, or material substitutions are necessary due to availability, Airstream
reserves the right to make such changes.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual. Always read and
obey all safety messages.
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.

INTRODUCTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in property damage.
NOTE: Important information regarding the maintenance of your recreational vehicle.
(Optional) This denotes items that may be an option on all or particular models.
Additionally, some optional items can only be included during the manufacturing
phase and cannot be added.
The inclusion of optional items does not imply or suggest the availability, application
suitability, or inclusion for any specific unit.
Important Safety Precautions
You’ll find many safety recommendations on this page and throughout this manual.
The recommendations on the next two pages are the ones we consider to be the most
important. They are covered in depth in later sections of this manual.
Do Not Allow Passengers to Ride in the Trailer During Travel
The transport of people puts their lives at risk and may be illegal. The trailer does not
have seat belts, therefore, it is not designed to carry passengers.
Reducing Fishtailing or Sway
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces.
Excessive sway of your travel trailer can lead to the rollover of the trailer and tow
vehicle resulting in serious injury or death. Be sure to follow the instructions in this
manual.
Mold
There are mold and mold spores throughout the indoor and outdoor environment. There
is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the
way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Towing and Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your travel trailer. A recreational
vehicle with the cargo distributed properly will result in efficient, trouble-free towing.
Be sure to follow the instructions in this manual.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building
materials and numerous household products. It is also a by-product of combustion
and certain other natural processes. Thus, it may be present inside the trailer with
some individuals being sensitive to it. Ventilation of the unit normally reduces the
exposure to a comfortable level.
Generator Safety
Do not operate the generator in an enclosed building or in a partly enclosed area such
as a garage. Nor should the generator be operated while sleeping. Be sure to follow
all instructions and warnings in this manual.
Lug Nut Torquing
Being sure wheel mounting nuts (lug nuts) on trailer wheels are tight and properly
torqued is an important responsibility that trailer owners and users need to be familiar
with and practice. Inadequate and/or inappropriate wheel nut torque (tightness) is
a major reason that lug nuts loosen in service. Loose lug nuts can rapidly lead to a

INTRODUCTION 2007 MODEL
wheel separation with potentially serious safety consequences. Be sure to follow the
instructions in this manual.
Appliances and Equipment
The appliances (stove, refrigerator, outdoor grills, etc.) and equipment (hot water
heater, furnace generator, etc.) typically operate on LP gas. LP gas is flammable and
is contained under high pressure. Improper use may result in a fire and/or explosion.
Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual (see page xxx) as well as
the specific owners’ manuals of the appliances and equipment.
Tire Safety
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying
capability of your vehicle. Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major
cause of tire failure. Be sure to read the Tire Safety Manual Addendum included with
your owner’s packet.
Chemical Sensitivity; Ventilation
Chemical Sensitivity
After you first purchase your new recreational vehicle and sometimes after it has been
closed up for an extended period of time you may notice a strong odor and chemical
sensitivity. This is not a defect in your recreational vehicle. Like your home, there
are many different products used in the construction of recreational vehicles such
as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery, etc. Formaldehyde is also the
by-product of combustion and numerous household products, such as some paints,
coatings and cosmetics. However, recreational vehicles are much smaller than your
home and therefore the exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is significantly less
than a home. These products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures
and/or humidity, may “off-gas” different chemicals, including formaldehyde. This off-
gassing, in combination with the minimal air exchange, may cause you to experience
irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and sometimes headache, nausea, and a variety
of asthma-like symptoms. Elderly persons and young children, as well as anyone with
a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems, may be more susceptible to the effects
of off-gassing.
Formaldehyde
Most of the attention regarding chemical off-gassing surrounds formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance. It is also a key industrial chemical
used in the manufacture of the numerous consumer products which we referred
to above and used in the construction of recreational vehicles. Trace levels of
formaldehyde are also released from smoking, cooking, use of soaps and detergents
such as carpet shampoos, cosmetics, and many other household products. Some
people are very sensitive to formaldehyde while others may not have any reaction to
the same levels of formaldehyde. Amounts released decrease over time.

INTRODUCTION
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing it is of utmost importance
that you ventilate your recreational vehicle. Ventilation should occur frequently after
purchase and at times when the temperatures and humidity are elevated. Remember
off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity. Open windows, exhaust vents, and
doors. Operate ceiling and/or other fans, roof air conditioners, and furnaces and use
a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air in. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing
the recreational vehicle increases the formaldehyde level in the indoor air. Please
also follow the recommendations contained in Chapter 2 regarding tips to avoid
condensation problems. Many of the recommendations contained in Chapter 2 will
assist in avoiding exposure to chemicals that off-gas.
Do Not Smoke
Finally, we recommend that you do not smoke inside your recreational vehicle. In
addition to causing damage to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke releases
formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
Medical Advice
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of formaldehyde, please consult
your doctor or local health department.
Warranty Exclusion
Chemical gassing is not a “Defect” in your recreational vehicle and is not covered by
the Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendations in this manual to address
this concern.
Appliances and Equipment
All appliances are delivered to Airstream Inc. with in depth Owner’s Manuals. Those
manuals are included in the delivery case supplied by your dealer. The manuals may
contain warnings, cautions, and operating instruction that should be read and followed
before operating the appliances. The information contained in the appliances manuals
supersedes any information contained in the Airstream Trailer Owner’s Manual on
appliances. If you believe contradictory information on appliances is contained in this
manual, please contact the Airstream Customer Service Department at 937-596-6111
or write:
Airstream Factory Service Center,
P.O. Box 629
419 W. Pike Street
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
If any appliance manuals have not been provided with your trailer, contact your dealer,
the respective appliance manufacturer, or Airstream Customer Service. A manual will
be provided to you.
Maintenance: Follow the instructions and warnings noted in the appliances and
equipment owner’s manuals as well as the ones listed below:
Annual maintenance should be conducted on propane gas appliances and
equipment by an authorized dealer or repair facility.
Insects can build nests in the burners of various appliances and equipment. The
burner and burner orifice of the propane gas appliances and equipment should
be cleaned out by an authorized dealer or repair facility anytime circumstances or
conditions warrant., but no less than on an annual basis.
•
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INTRODUCTION 2007 MODEL
NOTES

TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Warranty
Warranty Explanation
Service
Reporting Safety Defects
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Parts & Supplies
B. TOWING
Tow Vehicles
Brakes
Loading
Weighing your Trailer
Hitching Up
Towing Tips
Pre-Travel Check List
Ram Air System
C. CAMPING
Camping Safety
Campground Setup
Leveling & Stabilizing
Hook Ups
Rear Doors
Rear Step
Windows
Prolonged Occupancy
D. EXTERIOR
Cleaning
Chassis
Axle and Running Gear
Electric Brakes
Tires
Chassis Wiring
Kelty Tent
E. INTERIOR FURNISHINGS
AND ACCESSORIES
Fabric Care
Flooring & Fixtures
Features & Switches
Smoke Alarm
LP Gas Detector
Fire Extinguisher
CO Detector
Medical Kit
Floor Tie Downs
Sofa
F. PLUMBING
LP (Liquid Petroleum) Gas
Fresh Water System
Winterizing
Toilet
G. ELECTRICAL
12-volt Operation
Battery
Converter
Fuses and Breakers
110-Volt System & Components
TV Antenna
H. APPLIANCES
Air Conditioner
Cook Top
Refrigerator
Roof Vent, High Volume
I. SPECIFICATIONS

A
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
A - 1
WARRANTY COVERAGE
When you buy a new Airstream Travel Trailer from an authorized Airstream dealer,
Airstream, Inc., warrants the trailer from defects in material and workmanship as fol-
lows:
BASIC WARRANTY PERIOD
This warranty extends for a period of one year from the date of original retail purchase.
ITEMS COVERED
Any part of the trailer or any component equipment installed by the factory is covered
by the basic warranty except the following items, which are not covered:
• Tires
• Batteries
The tire and battery warranties will be handled by their respective service points and
according to their written policy. This limited warranty does not include failure caused
by accident, abuse, normal wear, overload or any cause not attributable to a defect
in original material or workmanship of the trailer or component equipment as installed
by the factory.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
All warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, whether written or
oral, expressed or implied, shall extend only for a period of one year from the date of
original purchase. There are no other warranties, which extend beyond those described
on the face hereof and which expressly excludes conditions resulting from normal wear,
accident, abuse, exposure or overload. Some states do not allow limitation on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
AIRSTREAM’S RESPONSIBILITY
The basic Airstream Limited Warranty applies for a period of one year from the date
of original purchase, and the application date of all warranties is that indicated on the
owner’s Limited Warranty. Defects in items covered under this Warranty will be cor-
rected without cost upon the return, at the owner’s expense, of the trailer or defective
part to an authorized Airstream dealer.

A
A - 2
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
This warranty covers only defective material and/or workmanship; adjustments are
made at the factory prior to shipment, and rechecked by the dealer prior to delivery to
the customer. Adjustments thereafter become a customer responsibility.
Part of the Airstream exterior (not including the underside) is clear coated to pre-
vent oxidation. This application is covered by a one-year warranty against peeling.
Prolonged exposure to salt air or industrial fall-out will permit penetration through the
coating material, causing damage to the exterior finish. Since Airstream, Inc., has no
control over these conditions, it is necessary for the owner to wash and maintain their
trailer as instructed in the Owner’s Manual.
The owner is also responsible for following all recommendations, instructions and pre-
cautions contained in the Airstream Trailer Owner’s Manual and the individual manuals
furnished by the chassis, appliance and other manufacturers.
INSTALLATIONS NOT COVERED
Airstream, Inc., does not accept any responsibility in connection with any of its trailers
for additional equipment or accessories installed at any dealership or other place of
business, or by any other party. Such installation of equipment or accessories by any
other party will not be covered by the terms of this warranty.
IF REPAIRS ARE NEEDED
If your trailer needs repairs under the terms of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty,
you should:
1. Take your trailer to your selling dealer or other Authorized Airstream Dealer.
2. If the dealer is incapable of making the repair, request that he contact the Service
Administration Department at Airstream, Inc., for technical assistance.
3. If repairs are still not made, the customer should contact:
AIRSTREAM, INC.
419 W. Pike Street - P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
Attention: Owner Relations Department
Furnish the following information:
• The complete serial number of the trailer
• Mileage
• Date of original purchase
• Selling dealer
• Nature of service problem and steps or service, which have been performed.
(The owner may be directed to another dealer at the owner's expense.)
4. If, after taking the above steps, repairs are still not complete, the Airstream owner may
request the trailer be brought to the Factory Service Center at the owner’s expense.

A
WARRANTY AND SERVICE
A - 3
DEALER REPRESENTATION EXCLUDED
The full extent of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty is set forth in detail in the
folder, and in the explanation of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty covered in the
Airstream Trailer Owner’s Manual. Airstream Inc. will not be responsible for additional
representations or implied warranties made by any of its dealers to the extent those
representations are not a part of, or are contrary to, the terms and conditions of the
basic Airstream Limited Warranty.
CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
Airstream, Inc., will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental ex-
penses or damages resulting from a defect. Incidental expenses include, but
are not limited to: travel expenses, gasoline, oil, lodging, meals, telephone tolls,
and loss of work and loss of use of the trailer. Some examples of consequen-
tial damages would be: stained curtains due to rain leaks or delaminated floor
caused by a plumbing leak. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you.
WARRANTY TRANSFER
The basic Airstream Limited Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the
duration of the warranty period. Warranty transfer application forms are available from
your dealer or the Airstream Inc. Service Administration Department.
CHANGES IN DESIGN
Airstream Inc. reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements upon
its product without imposing my obligation upon itself to install the same upon its
products theretofore manufactured.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
EXPLANATION OF AIRSTREAM LIMITED WARRANTY
The Airstream Limited Warranty is detailed on a Warranty Card. It is filled out by the
dealer and presented to the owner during delivery of a new unit. The Limited Warranty
must be presented to a dealer to obtain warranty service. It should be kept in the trailer
during the warranty period.
EXCLUSIONS:
Normal Wear
Items such as tires, curtains, upholstery, floor coverings, window, door and vent seals
will show wear or may even wear out within the one year warranty period depending
upon the amount of usage, weather, and atmospheric conditions.
Accident
We strongly urge our dealers and customers to inspect the trailer upon receipt of