Expending our horizons - adding a bike carrier to your Airstream Basecamp using an EZ Utility Bumper mod.

Airstream Basecamp gets the 'EZ' bump.

Airstream Basecamp with the EZ Utility Bumper carrying an 80 lbs eBike.

Here at EZ RecRacks we are always looking for new opportunities to expand and diversify. After recently acquiring an Airstream Basecamp trailer we quickly realized that it could use some "EZ" touch to further increase the practicality of independent outdoor exploration.  The lack of hitch at the rear of the trailer made it impossible to carry any additional cargo in a convenient way.  We decided to change that.  Now, there is an easy way to add a bike carrier to your Airstream Basecamp. 

Design and mockup process of the EZ Utility Bumper.

EZ Utility Bumper prototype installed on the 16' Airstream Basecamp.

After designing the initial model in 3D space, we proceeded straight to a quick mockup using simple materials and PVC tubing to figure out the spacing and placement for the finished metal construction. We made sure we left enough room to allow access for the spare-tire lowering mechanism opening, and allow enough space for the rear hatch to open freely.
​The only piece of DIY is cutting out slots in the rear plastic cowl for the metal arms to slip through. The metal arms attach straight to the frame with several bolts. This idea turned out great and provided us with a strong, rigid base. Finishing the prototype with a nice black texture finish powder-coat, we could now move on to field testing. 

16' Airstream Basecamp and EZ Utility Bumper's maiden voyage to the YellowWood National State Park.

With its tough steel construction, EZ Utility Bumper is an attachment designed specifically for Airstream Basecamp trailer which provides a universal receiver for all kinds of aftermarket cargo/bike carriers. You can now gain extra storage space for your bikes, firewood, generators and more.  We decided to test our prototype with a converted motorcycle carrier and an 80 lbs eBike. With the bumper itself weighing in at around 33 pounds, the total weight we carried on the back of this trailer was in the ball park of 140 lbs. 

Airstream Basecamp with the EZ Utility Bumper carrying a cargo basket attachment.

Because the bumper contains a universal hitch receiver it will accommodate most of the attachments available on the market.
There are also number of reducer sleeves you can purchase to adapt the receiver for differently sized options.  With this multifaceted approach the EZ Utility Bumper should be able to handle most of your outdoor cargo needs. 
From our initial road trip we can tell that the trailer tows true and smooth, and the bumper doesn't affect it in any way.  You still have to be conscious of your load distribution, but we are happy to report no major issues with our 140 lbs experiment, even at 70 mph. The height of our hitch is also at a comfortable level providing a lot of clearance for those off-road scenarios. 

We hope that this invention will help out Airstream Basecamp owners as we plan to develop many more attachments that will fit our design and provide even more convenience for the Outdoor enthusiasts. Hopefully we'll get to come up with many more interesting solutions for 'overlanding' purposes and get to expend our customer base and catalogue of EZ accessories, making your journeys that much more convenient.

* To see the EZ Utility Bumper in action, check out our video *

Happy travels.

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