Airstream Bambi small travel trailer review - Roaming Times
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Airstream Bambi
"A trailer that will last for generations"

See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page


 

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See also the 2011 Airstream Classic Limited travel trailer review

 
Airstream Bambi 75th Anniversary Edition

Airstream says "The most compact Airstream on the road, these travel trailers are perfect for those of you who like to get up and go, at a moment’s notice. A happy marriage of economy and efficiency, every Bambi inch is designed for maximum livability in minimum length. They’re easy on the highway, easy on the hills, easy on your car, and best of all, easy on your budget.

Thanks to its lightweight, hand-riveted, all aluminum aircraft construction, you can travel with a Bambi as fast and as far as with your car alone. Think of your Airstream Bambi as your efficiency apartment at the beach, in the desert or beside a babbling brook. No motel or hotel reservations necessary.

This is a trailer that will last for generations. In fact, it probably has more years of experience behind it than any other trailer ever built. Its great grandfather was first built in 1929 and its design has been road tested and perfected in the years since. When it comes to small trailers, the Bambi is the finest trailer investment you can ever make."

The Bambi comes in the following models:
(Prices 2009/2010 - info to RoTi from Airstream)

  • Sport 17  (base MSRP $30,505)
  • Design Within Reach (base MSRP $49,737)
  • International CCD 16 Bambi (base MSRP $42,134)
  • International CCD 19 Bambi (base MSRP $49,286
  • Flying Cloud 19 Bambi (base MSRP $48,096)

 

 Floorplans:

This shows the floorplan of the Safari Bambi 16.
This trailer is only 16'7" long with the lowest hitch weight - just 390lbs.

The Safari Bambi 19 floorplan is shown below.  This trailer is 19'2" long with a hitch weight of 480lbs. The extra length gives a shower and bigger kitchen. This is very nice arrangement with options as shown below the floorplan.

75th Custom Anniversary Edition (base MSRP $60,676) floorplan is shown below.
Airstream says "The 75th Commemorative Edition Travel Trailer combines ultra-refined, polished aluminum interiors with rich, natural materials such as warm wood veneers materials and details which pay homage to founder Wally Byam’s original designs. Designer David Winick took the lead in creating an interior space that is both ultra modern and retrospective. Natural linoleum in warm tones brings out the highlights of genuine wood veneers. Upholstery inspired by 1940’s tailoring heightens textural contrasts, reflecting in an array of aluminum surfaces. Porthole windows, round vents and yacht-inspired details further integrate the past and future in this very special travel trailer."


Bambi 75th Anniversary Edition dinette area


Safari Bambi interior - Stratus option
RV dealers with internet specials on campers
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RV dealers with internet specials on campers
Little Dealer, Little Prices RV - Arizona
Pedata RV - Arizona
Robert Crist RV - Arizona
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Rice RV - rentals and sales - San Diego, CA
Longview RV - CT
Longview RV - FL
Collier RV - IL
American RV - MI
Bill Thomas Camper Sales
WholesaleRVClub.com
Crossroads Trailers - New Jersey
Driftwood RV Center New Jersey
Jeff Couch's RV Nation, Ohio
Specialty Auto and RV - Ohio
Colerain RV - OH
George M. Sutton RV - Eugene OR
Stoltzfus RV - Pennsylvania
PTRV - sales and rental - WI
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Some of the features of the Bambi:
  • All models about 9'5" exterior height (including A/C) and 7'7" exterior width
  • Lightweight, hand-riveted, all aluminum aircraft construction
  • Wide range of options   
     

  See also the 2011 Airstream Classic Limited travel trailer review

    

Airstream Bambi
"A trailer that will last for generations"

See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page

Base MSRPs between about $30,000 and $49,000


  
READERS' COMMENTS
 (LATEST COMMENTS FIRST)

What do you think? - add your comment here
 
authorcomments
HooverWe bought new in 99, 19 ft Bambi, initial problems solved by buying a F250 diesel instead of V6 Explorer. It pulls great hardly know its there, but hard on SUV driveline. Towed over the biggest grades into Crater Lake, Los Angeles, Down highway 1 to Santa Barbara, up to Reno and many points in between. The bed is tough to make but sleeps 2 6fters fine, the shower is a dream, can stand up tall. Would like a bit more room, inside, and a 2 compartment kitchen sink. Sounds like I've been spoilt, is pulling the box trailers different? May sell if the offer is right Hooverdawg(at)gmail(dot)com
STACEI see there are a few other posts regarding renting an airstream but there are no replies. My family is would like to rent a bambi this summer 2010 for 10-14 days. We are in B.C. but can pick up in Washington... 8/16/2010
Rita KTo Thomas Beach - why is a mercedes worth more than a ford. Airstreams are the classic. You want cheap? look at another brand.
Thomas BeachYeah... Airstream trailers are very nice. Yeah, they have a no maintenance outer skin. But I would like for someone to tell me why I should plunk down $30,000.00 for a 16 ft. trailer?!?!? I'm sorry. But these trailers are simply overpriced for their relative worth.
Earl FisherI would like to rent a Bambi for one week in the summer (2010). Please email me. catenbroker@earthlink.net. Thanks. Earl
RickI would like to buy a 04 to 08 bambi.I have $25000.00 that I can spend.Please email me if someone has one for sale prescottaz1@yahoo Thank You Rick
AnneHi - I'm considering buying a Bambi. I live in Canada and want to use it in the winter some of the time. I've heard there are issues with condensation / corrosion. Love to hear some feedback. Thanks.
Wrapped in Aluminum I am a very happy owner of a 16' Bambi and not only take short trips in it but have spent as much as 3 months at a time in it. I saw a couple posts that seem to infer that it doesn't have a bathroom or shower. That may be true for the T@B but I can assure you that the Bambi is fully self-contained. I can also say that yes, it holds its value but I would have to be terribly hungry to ever even consider parting with it!
Dana De AnoMy husband and I are looking to rent a Bambi Airstream for a week Summer, 2010. ANYTHING OUT THERE, help!
ZaWe are looking for a small RV that is safe to leave our dog in while we site see. We would like to park in a camp ground and do day trips etc and would like to take our dog with us. Any info/advice would be helpful.
NewbieDolly J., do you have any pics to post of your '63 Globetrotter? I'm trying to find the perfect model to hone in on and yours sounds promising...
Randolph I have a well loved 2000 19ft Bambi for sale. Hate to sell but must. All original, Less than 10,000 miles, GREAT shape, lots of pictures. Have a couple of adds running. Serious inquiries only. randolphs@charter.net
Biflly JReally would like to buy a used Bambi. I think there is just something about this model that's really cool. Anyone with one for sale please email me at billyj4729@yahoo.com Any year.
R. HawthornI have only one issue. In 1929 Bambi was fine on the road at 45-50 mph with a single axle. Today's highway speeds of 65-70 mph I feel justify a dual axle arrangement. Bambi's current single axle design is an accident waiting to happen. Think safety Airstream - not nostalgia.
Happy CamperOver the years my family has owned various travel trailers and motor homes, so I recognized the quality immediately when we purchased a 5 year old Bambi. The previous owner logged approx 30,000 miles with it, it weathered 2 hurricanes, and they admittedly never washed it. With just a good cleaning, all our camping buddies thought the unit was brand new. The full time bed means no sofa converting every day, the shower is bigger than it needs to be, and the dinette is just right. For 2 people it is perfect. I've had offers to sell for more than I paid, but that's not going to happen any time soon.
MorrisI've always wanted an Airstream and the Bambi is THE model but it's too small and too pricey. How can any couple sleep in the bed. I agree with the comment that RV manufacturers should sleep in their own product. But I do like Airstream and just looking at the pictures makes me want one.
DominickHaving that corner bed in the newer models makes it difficult if not impossible to make and if one is sharing the bed you have to crawl over each other in order to get in or out of the bed, It has only one tiny closet for storage. no drawers for silverware. And a area with a vanity that could have been use for more storage or bigger closet instead.Makes one wonder if the designers have ever camped in their creations...Dominick
jwohlfeilWillTravel - I agree ! ! ! Being a tent camper and astronomer I fell for the T@B when I saw it. And once I saw it in person I realized the T@B was too small, and on the same lot was the Airstream Bambi. I want one. But the price is the biggest issue with the Airstream. After two years of dreaming about an Airstream, I'm currently shopping for a "white box" travel trailer. I'll still keep it small (18 foot) but something like the Fleetwood Pioneer is only about $12,000 - and believe me, I understand - NOT cool or cute at all, but gets me into a travel trailer for cheap (at least cheaper than the Airstream.) For now I'll just keep dreaming about the Bambi (now discontinued), and thinking one day I might have a Safari to pull around.
CountryBoyI am very familiar with the great history of Airstream, the perfect camper or camp. I have checked out the others and nothing compares. I am a disabled guy on limited income but I will find a way, even if it is used I think I will be happier with one than any other brand.
Dolly J.I have a 1963 Airstream Globtrotter that I just finished restoring and I wouldn't trade it for anything. At 19', I can tow it with my SUV and go just about anywhere. I think I would prefer to live in it than my lovely restored vintage home! I looked at new and used before going the restoration route. Something about the quality and feel of years gone by. She is just about the cutest thing I have ever owned. The "silver bubble" is perfect for me. Wouldn 't trade it for the world!
MikeWe bought our first little trailer, a used 2001 17' hybrid (Wanderer Lite) 18 months ago to see if we liked trailering. We do and are now considering another small trailer. The Airstreams are nice but very pricey. The t@b is cute as is its cousin, the t@da, but we don't think cute justifies the price. For two people, we think that in terms of construction quality, tow weight, layout, and useful amenities, a 17' Casita Delux provides the best value for the buck.
jayohI looked at a 2005 Bambi before I bought my Taylor Coach, Bobbie also hand made, but in Hamilton, ON Canada. We are now on our way home from a Mexican tour that took us to the top of the El Rosario monarch butterfly sanctuary. That's nearly 9,600ft.!We've hit 3 topes at speed and have put 30,000 km on this rig and there are only minor quibbles. I can pull it with my Jetta TDI 4 cyl. and at $12,000 it pays for about 3 Bambi's. The Bambi's are beautiful with their panoramic window but this is RV'ing. get outside and hike and really see our countries. The Bambi is too expensive and needs to be more rugged based on these comments above.
karen w.We are looking for the easy way to go !! I use it for work, to save on hotel. We have had all the luxury, class a and expense, and experience we need. Is the Bambi my answer ??? We have a Cad. SUV 2006, but I will have to handle all.
masdcalove it, love it, love it!
Paul Like many small trailers and even larger ones, manufacturers seem to be building them for midgets. Is there a married couple out there that can sleep in a bed that is only 48" wide? I personally don't know any couples with a bed smaller than a Queen-size (60") so I always wonder who it is besides single people that actually camp in these trailers/rvs.
Airstream addictAirstreams are great looking units, but they lack seriously in the areas of quality, particularly for the prices paid. The industry in general has very poor quality, but when you pay these premium prices, you expect a well engineered product. Ask the company why there are so many problems? The answer you get is: "It's a hand made product." Wish I could give that answer to my boss when things go wrong. Bottom line, if you have money to burn and want to drag your unit all over creation for service and repair (and you will need this regularly to deal with all the issues), go for it. My suggestion would be to buy a good used one where most of the issues have been addressed. Hopefully the unit you buy, new or used, won't have an exterior body that corrodes after just 6 months off the assembly line.
Hillary NewnesThis is not for people who want all the amenities, I've had them but prefer this. You either like these little trailers or you don't. They're not fancy motorhomes, they're little trailers. I love them.
LoriNot all campgrounds(such as state parks, etc.)have showers. Many have toilets, but no showers. I think many of you guys are missing the point. If you are camping, you have to do a bit of roughing it. If you want the luxury of home buy a 40' RV or stay home!
sadbambiWe own a 2005 Bambi. Do not plan on using this unit on anything but the best paved roads. The slightest bumps cause the interior to come apart. The fridge has broken twice, the roof leaks, dust leaks into the unit, fit and finish are horrible. very disappointing for the money.
George M SuttonThe 75th Anniversary Edition Airstream Bambi was a huge success for us. Now the new "DWR" 16 foot model has taken it's place. Plus, Airstream is just now bringing out the new Safari Sport. It comes in two sizes, a 17 and a 22, both are very light weight and less expensive than comparable other Airstream's. We have found Airsteam's to be a hot selling product and life is good in Eugene, Oregon!
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