'02 "Safari" Bambi

rfield54 · 08-11-2003, 10:04 PM

I just purchased an '02 Safari/Bambi 19', and I am curious about one trivial thing. It is labeled "Safari" on the sides (no sign of Bambi anywhere). Was this something AS did only in '02? Were some '02's labeled Bambi's as well? Inquiring minds want to know. It's a fine trailer, though I'm thinking of having my left knee removed so I can use the toilet. All kidding aside, any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Silvertwinkie · 08-12-2003, 07:15 AM

I heard (and this is only rumormill stuff) that Airstream had planned to call the Bambi the Safari and changed their minds even after some left the factory. Dealers that had stock were ordered to remove the Safari badging and replace it with Bambi tags. My '03 has Bambi tags, however, I hear that they are again using the Safari name on the Bambi as well in '04. It seems to be listed that way on the A/S website too.

BTW, if you have the upper bunk, you are one of the luck ones since it was discontinued after the '02 year.

Sound to me like you have one of the Bambis that got away with the Safari tags and the bunk.

**Chuck** · 08-12-2003, 07:56 AM

Funny you should mention that...I just met one of these trailers (and its owners) at the Region 1 rally last weekend. I asked about it, as I was curious about the Safari tags, too. It doesn't say "Bambi" anywhere. The owners said that it was somewhat rare; "Safari" was supposed to be a trim package for the Bambi, and they changed their minds mid-stream, I guess. So there aren't many of them around.

Here's a pic; can't see the tags, though, but take my word for it. It says "Safari" on the side. This is "Vintage Row" at the rally. Why were they parked in vintage row, you ask? well...long story. we also had a 2001 31 footer and a similar vintage big-mutha MH parked nearby. the owner's are "vintage" at heart, and in the same local unit, and usually hang out together. It was a fun time. (this particular unit is a young, fun, anti-establishment branch of the wally club. Looks like I'm gonna renew my free membership )

Oh, my trailer is the 3rd one down the row; between us and the safari/bambi is a '68 caravel.

rfield54 · 08-12-2003, 03:39 PM

Yo silvertwinkie, when you mention "upper bunk", I assume you mean bunk bed? My 19' Safari doesn't have one, and I can't picture where one might fit in such a small trailer. Please enlighten me.

Silvertwinkie · 08-12-2003, 04:04 PM

I believe it was an option. The front upper area was either a storage space or a bunk bed depending on if you purchased the option.

David (dtbw) has an '02 and a pic of the upper bunk.

Eric

WayWard Wind · 08-12-2003, 09:26 PM

We have a 02 Bambi & it is labeled Bambi on the trailer side. I have been confused ( not unusual for me ) regarding what a 02 "Safari" Bambi looks like & how it differs from our unit. Still not sure. You mentioned your left knee regarding the bathroom area & A/S has told me that a person can loosen the screws on the stool flange & turn the bowl slightly to the right a little, for just that "right" feel. If you look closely at the floor plans, it kinda indicates the bowl is turned to the right. When we picked up our Bambi, we were given a Safari owners manual. Man was that confusing. Called A/S when things were not where the manual said or didn't include the item. A/S tech finally asked me where I was getting the info & that's when we discovered that Safari thing. They tried to explain, but it left all confused. Still am, but love the unit.
Best,

rfield54 · 08-12-2003, 09:56 PM

Well, I emailed Jim at AS with the '02 question and he replied:

"The reason they did this was that in that model year ['02] they had released the 16' and they wanted to name it the Bambi. So they elected to name the 19' a Safari."

Apparently that answer is only partly correct. I'd be curious to know: out of all the 19's made in '02, how many were Bambi's and how many were Safari's? And are they at all different? (I doubt it)

Pahaska · 08-12-2003, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rfield54
Well, I emailed Jim at AS with the '02 question and he replied:

"The reason they did this was that in that model year ['02] they had released the 16' and they wanted to name it the Bambi. So they elected to name the 19' a Safari."

Apparently that answer is only partly correct. I'd be curious to know: out of all the 19's made in '02, how many were Bambi's and how many were Safari's? And are they at all different? (I doubt it)

When I was shopping, my dealer had two trailers side by side ... one with a Bambi nametag and one with a Safari nametag. I spent quite a while, first in one and then the other, then back again. There was absolutely no difference in the trailers except the name tag.

The dealer told me he had been sent a Bambi tag by Airstream to replace the Safari tag, but he just hadn't put it on yet.

rfield54 · 08-12-2003, 10:42 PM

Could it be that Airstream's decision to label the 2002 19's "safari" was at some point determined to be a mistake, and then AS sent the dealers the "Bambi" letters to enact the change mid year? If so, then they apparently created more confusion than they avoided. Inquiring minds . . .

Silvertwinkie · 08-13-2003, 06:08 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Silvertwinkie
[B]I heard (and this is only rumormill stuff) that Airstream had planned to call the Bambi the Safari and changed their minds even after some left the factory. Dealers that had stock were ordered to remove the Safari badging and replace it with Bambi tags. My '03 has Bambi tags, however, I hear that they are again using the Safari name on the Bambi as well in '04. It seems to be listed that way on the A/S website too.

So maybe it is true.....

Stormy Weather · 08-17-2003, 09:18 PM

rfield54.....

You wouldn't have been the guy who drove all the way from Colorado to Utah to buy the Bambi/Safari that I was interested in??? If so, you lucky dog! You got a excellent deal!

Signed,

Still looking.

rfield54 · 08-17-2003, 09:39 PM

Yes Stormy Weather, that would be me. It cleaned up rather nicely, though the small dent in the rear left a bit of a crease after it was suctioned out. Were you the one who looked at it the day before I arrived? It's a small world after all. If I find another deal, I'll let you know . . . Roy

Stormy Weather · 08-18-2003, 07:19 AM

Roy,
That was me. I was a bit disheartend when I heard it was sold, but I'm happy for you. I'm still looking and unfortunately still persuading my wife as to why I want to pay so much for a trailer. Please do let me know if you hear of another deal. I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Tom

**Chuck** · 08-18-2003, 10:03 AM

found a better pic of that "Safari-Bambi"...

http://www.wbcci1.org/ne/photos/2002...latt_Bambi.jpg