Bambi Bunks

[RangerJay]

I’m not sure whether anyone else might have had the same observation – but we "noticed" that the Bambi’s 48” bed is mighty narrow. We can live with it through a weekend – tolerate it for a week – but for an extended trip the world’s greatest sleep experience becomes a distant memory.


So … we thought bunks might be kinda desirable ....


We contacted Airstream about getting the hardware associated with the “bunks” option that was available on a 19’ Bambi …. not possible …. the frame was beefed up at the time of construction.


So that left me with trying to figure out how to do this on my own ….


The “givens” I gave to myself:
- no interference with the wrap-around curtains
- no interference with the windows – particularly the emergency exit.
- no major renovations (i.e. live within the existing construction) - this meant keeping:
o the overhead cabinetry
o the base cabinetry for the 48” bed.
- must be able to be returned to original state for resale.


I was able to meet my own “givens” but there are several things worth noting:
- the “meat and potatoes” are pieced from an old bunk frame hanging around from when our kids were very young – I covered this frame with oak that is stained to match the rest of the trailer.
- the weight of the unit worked out to be the same as the original mattress.
- the entire unit is very solid – anchored between the fridge wall, the shower wall and the floor of the trailer.
- the sleeping “head” of each bunk is against the refrigerator – just doesn’t work the other way.
- we opted for 1 ½” self-inflating sleeping pads to save vertical space between each bunk (we like them a lot – but others may not).
- if you are claustrophobic the lower bunk will not be your preferred choice.
- also with the lower bunk – previous employment with the Cirque-de-Soleil is helpful in getting in and out (but I’m 57 years old, 230 pounds and have gotten used to it).
- we originally thought the bunks would be fairly intrusive – but the opposite is true – they look good and actually give you a little more working storage space (extra shelf and clothing hook against the toilet/shower wall) and much more “changing” space now that there is a “bench” adjacent to the lower bed.
- tear down and restoring to the original condition takes about an hour – and would require the filling of about a dozen screw holes with plugs (or adding a bit of moulding to cover them) – either way it is not a big deal and the integrity of the original design is able to be easily maintained.


This “prototype” has now completed its first season – a number of smaller 3 – 5 day trips and a major 6 week trek to Newfoundland. We’re very pleased with the outcome. If I were to do it again I think I would add at least an inch (maybe 1 ½”) between the lower bunk and the upper bunk … but I think that is a matter of negotiation with the person who claims the upper bunk ….





Jay