1961 Bambi '16 (Serial #16TDSS1728)

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by downtime

Try to replace the original water heater with a concealed ac unit. (We can heat water on the stove or install an insta-hot)

What about showers? Do you only camp in campgrounds, like cold showers or forgo bathing while camping? I for one prefer the privacy & cleanliness of my own bathroom...one of the main reasons to have a trailer.

Shari

[downtime]

Shari,
I agree the only difference between a Trailer and a tent is the toilet, shower and being a foot above the ants. But let's face it, if we own bambi's and not the 2 or 3 axle Airstreams, we are willing to adapt.
Here's my train of thought.
The old water heater is too big for the value it gives. We can heat water in a tea kettle for dishes or to fill a 2 gallon 'sun shower' bag for a good, if not lenghty shower. This takes care of the hot water issue.
Now we will install the ac unit in the water heater space under the following conditions:

1. We find a sutable ac unit (one that fits)
2. The outside shell must remain unchanged. I want another bambi owner to think I still have the original hw tank.
3. We can get enough power to run it from a 2k Honda generator.

If it comes down to hw from the tap vs. AC, I'll take the AC. However I will not put an ac unit on the roof under any circumstances.
The small problem is that I do not know if this has been done or if it will work. But it sounds like a chalange and hopefully some fun.
Merry Christmas,
Mark

[Andy R]

Originally Posted by aztlanco

I'm curious as to what is hanging below the rear of your trailer? Could it be a set of wheelie bars to protect a low hanging tank?

I don't think they are to protect a low hanging tank because there is no tank at the back there. The only tank is the black water tank under the toilet and that is above the plywood. They are wheelies for protecting something though. I have found that the rear bumper would drag when going through some uneven terrain (like a big dip in the road) and then the wheels do a good job so the trailer does not drag. The bumper on my unit is extended out about 12" by a previous owner. I suspect that is when they might have added the wheels...

[aztlanco]

Andy R;Thanks for the answer. I get it now. I also think that is a very good idea, specialy if you do a lot of off-road camping. I might do that to mine in the future!Ernie'58 Traveler, 18ft.

[InsideOut]

"Wheelies" or skid plates to protect your single axle trailer in case of a flat tire.

Shari

[Lone Rangerette]

Originally Posted by downtime

Andy,
I've been a member of the Fourm for awhile but have never posted. I thought it was about time, so here goes...
I'm the third owner of 1724 (haven't given her a proper name yet). We've had her for about 2 years. She has most of her original stuff so as you know she's very tired and cranky.
My goal is to keep her lines and feel as close to orignial as possible while making her safe and pratical. This includes new axle and brakes. Partial floor replacement. (the original water tank leaked). Fix a leak in the grey water line. Try to replace the original water heater with a concealed ac unit. (We can heat water on the stove or install an insta-hot)
Finally, polish her up and install a theme interior.
I plan on relying on the wisdom of the forum to help me thuough the rebirth of 1724.
Good luck with yours. Merry Christmas
Mark (downtime)

I am looking for vintage Bambi 16' and found one without air....since I live in Texas, air conditioning is a necessity. Did you figure out how to replace hot water heater with air unit? I like the idea keeping the Bambi as close to original look as possible.

[rbrown]

Hidden A/C unit. Good idea to use the space of the hot water heater. I have seen A/C units installed in the floor area with ducting. Have you explored:
1. An outside ground mounted unit with flex hoses to connect the supply and return ducts. If you are hauling a generator, and A/C might fit. Also it quiter for my application, if I do it.
2 How about a marine unit hidden is several places. No exhaust outside because they use a water heat exchanger to take away the heat. Expensive to purchase I am sure.
We have just been puting up with the heat when we travel to Key West.
A Fan is presently used.
The ground mounted A/c unit is good unless there is a roof top unit that is 2 inches tall. But then I do not want the water to run down the shell after I spend my time completing the job.
Richard