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Bambino1 · 08-20-2013, 05:33 AM

First post, just joined yesterday, after looking at a Bambi 16' Sport.

Went camping many times as a child with my family in a '66 VW Camper. So it's in my blood but as a 51 year old now it has been a long time. What are the necessities that you fill your Bambi's storage spaces with, all those plastic bins (and cargo area of your tow vehicle), for cross country trips?

Are there any basic modifications or additions to the unit that are the norm? For example, incandescent light bulbs, solar panels, an upgraded fridge fan??, bedding that fits that sized mattress, what do people use?

All input is appreciated!

eliset123 · 08-21-2013, 10:08 AM

Bambino1, just picked up a sport 16 last week. You can buy sheets from the airstream website that fit the rounded corners of the bed. Did not add the solar, but may get a a small Honda generator that can run on propane. Also added aluminum propane tanks. Have fun.

murreywalker · 08-21-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliset123

Bambino1, just picked up a sport 16 last week. You can buy sheets from the airstream website that fit the rounded corners of the bed. Did not add the solar, but may get a a small Honda generator that can run on propane. Also added aluminum propane tanks. Have fun.

AB Lifestyles Home Store will do the same on bedding, at a much better price.

dkottum · 08-21-2013, 11:12 AM

We traveled for 35 years with a series of VW campers and that experience has been invaluable in using our Airstream. Learn to make do. The Airstream is works well as is, and the dealer is supposed to provide basic hookup stuff.

Begin by traveling as lightly as possible and add in what you can't live without. You will soon know. Nice-to-have's quickly overfill any Airstream, especially a Bambi.

Never lose sight of the fact that it is a camper, not a house, or you will never have enough trailer and truck to satisfy you.

doug

PharmGeek · 08-21-2013, 01:37 PM

I got to recently looking into this question of sheets as we have a new bunkhous on order....mixed reviews on the airstream store ones...found at least 4 or 5 folks dissapointed...

Ill probably first try the route of buying standard sheets and putting those suspender do-dads on them to keep it all taught....then if that fails will have wife attempt to sew some fix for it....then if that fails, perhaps the AB Lifestyles site....seems like most in the other threads I checked were happy with the quality and fit of these...and price reasonable it seems....

murreywalker · 08-21-2013, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I got to recently looking into this question of sheets as we have a new bunkhous on order....mixed reviews on the airstream store ones...found at least 4 or 5 folks dissapointed...

Ill probably first try the route of buying standard sheets and putting those suspender do-dads on them to keep it all taught....then if that fails will have wife attempt to sew some fix for it....then if that fails, perhaps the AB Lifestyles site....seems like most in the other threads I checked were happy with the quality and fit of these...and price reasonable it seems....

Aistream buys third party sheets; of that I'm sure.

We've bought from both and are VERY satisfied with AB. They use Airstream mattress templates to start with.

Drathaar · 08-21-2013, 02:27 PM

Get a copy of the "The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming", by Rich Luhr. It's a great little book, with lots of good information for both newbies and old salts. I think it will cover just about all of the necessities. You can add and subtract from there.

I do recommend solar, as it keeps your batteries topped off at all times, unless under covered storage. There is a parasitic draw at all times, and it will drain your batteries in about a month (or less), if not charged regularly.

So now... The first thing to get? A good coffee maker. We use a number 6 Melita cone that fits into the mouth of a Stanley thermos. Nothing like French Roast to start the day.

BTW, the advice to be careful and not overload the trailer is excellent advice.

eliset123 · 08-21-2013, 03:07 PM

I second The Newbies Guide as well. I will post about sheets after my next trip .

I am torn between solar or propane generator. Any advice would be helpful.

Drathaar · 08-21-2013, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliset123

I second The Newbies Guide as well. I will post about sheets after my next trip .

I am torn between solar or propane generator. Any advice would be helpful.

Solar is always there and working, nice and silent. I don't know about now, but earlier propane generators would go through the fuel.

If you want a generator, and only charge the batteries, then a Honda or Yamaha 1000 would be a good choice. I've had a Yamaha for about 10 years. No problems, except when I left gas in the carburetor over the winter. I now run the gas out after every trip, plus use Stabil in the gas. BTW, I just picked up a Yamaha 2800 for boondocking times when we need to run the AC. A bit noisy, but it does the job.

JackDog · 08-22-2013, 01:38 PM

Bambino1;

We also have a 16' Sport and since we had a Casita prior to the AS and before that a 8' tent trailer we still travel light.

We ended up using only four of the plastic bins for our trailer stuff which left room for folding chairs, lantern, folding table and other stuff. Now the only items inside is one soft sided clothes bag and extra bedding on the rear bed. We are able to utilize the storage bins front, back and kitchen area so now the floor is clear of stuff and it sure makes it easier when setting up at a campsite.

We use all plastic items for the kitchen. When we have hook ups we plan alot of meals using the microwave and places like Trader Joe's has top quality pre made food items that makes meals a breeze.

We stay mostly at places with hook ups but prior to pick up from the AS dealer we had them add a second battery in front and have changed out all the inside lights to LED.

A solar package is in the works and will be going back to the AS dealer to install the segment protectors for the front that the factory doesn't offer on the 16' Sport.

Good Luck

Jack Dog
in So Cal

m.hony · 08-22-2013, 06:09 PM

Red meat to cook on the grill...

That's wassup!

dkrug · 08-22-2013, 06:17 PM

I will also advise the Newbies Guide. Lots of useful information.
We always carry a notebook and pencil. When you think of something you forgot, or might like, write it down.
Most of all, have fun!

Navy76 · 10-02-2013, 07:55 PM

Have a blast and go out and use it. We too have a Bambi 16. take a cheap level tool. A bag of leveling blocks. Black and white hoses. Zero gravity chairs. Be prepared for all the attention the Bambi 16 attracts. My wife always has her pad and pencil to write down what we need for our next outing. Don't over think it - go have fun.

JackDog · 10-09-2013, 05:21 PM

On the day we picked up our 16' Sport I had the dealer level the trailer and I installed some adhesive bubble levels on the front and side of the AS.

There black and blend in nicely against the silver skin and makes leveling the trailer a breeze.

Jack Dog
in So Cal

ROBERT CROSS · 10-09-2013, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambino1

First post, just joined yesterday, after looking at a Bambi 16' Sport.

Went camping many times as a child with my family in a '66 VW Camper. So it's in my blood but as a 51 year old now it has been a long time. What are the necessities that you fill your Bambi's storage spaces with, all those plastic bins (and cargo area of your tow vehicle), for cross country trips?

Are there any basic modifications or additions to the unit that are the norm? For example, incandescent light bulbs, solar panels, an upgraded fridge fan??, bedding that fits that sized mattress, what do people use?

All input is appreciated!

Don't obsess too much.....after two or three trips you'll have pretty much everything you'll need....Camping & Wally Worlds are everywhere.

WD40 if its stuck.
Duct tape if its not.
Zip-ties just in case.

I don't "modify", I up-grade.

Converter, LED's,(most used interior, porch & step outside.), water pump, skylight, batteries, brake shoes, flooring in storage compartments and trunk, etc etc.
You'll have a good idea whats needed before long.

Bob

ROBERT CROSS · 10-09-2013, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drathaar

.......snip..... I don't know about now, but earlier propane generators would go through the fuel.

18-20hrs pancake tank...normal usage.(no AC).

Bob

Bambino1 · 10-14-2013, 11:26 PM

Thanks for all the replies on this, lots of useful ideas.

m.hony · 10-19-2013, 02:59 PM

We take too much...
Groceries- just got home and had to remove too huge coolers full of groceries from the trailer.
2 crock pots...
Ice cream mixer...
Pink flamingos...
16 short sleeve shirts
14 pairs of shorts...

Bambino1 · 10-19-2013, 11:08 PM

Ok, the pink flamingos I can see.

Globie64 · 10-20-2013, 12:42 AM

I find that we reduce what we take each time. That said, I take stuff to cook and bake with, but everything fits into two small duffles- I empty out the trailer after each trip because we had a problem with a mouse. That's been solved, but I still store the stuff in the garage. I take a floor jack in the back of the car, in case I need to change a tire on the trailer. We use regular sheets and just fit them around the two mattresses... that way, you can get sheets you really like. It does make a difference.