Wow, what can I say,its home with me and a dream to pull. I was a little apprehensive about pulling it with my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V8 318 engine.All went well I can't wait for my first rally.Oh the prodigy brake controller is great. Oh,PSS.I am pulling it with a anti- sway bar only.
Congratulations on your new purchase.
We used to tow an Argosy 20 with a similar Dakota, but 2WD
You really should look into WD systems, it will help more than you think.
I am confused,Congratulations on your new purchase.
We used to tow an Argosy 20 with a similar Dakota, but 2WD
You really should look into WD systems, it will help more than you think.
__________________
The only constant is change.
"WD systems"?
FIredog,
WD is shorthand for weight distribution hitch, allowing for more evenly balancing the tongue load of the trailer across the front and rear axles of your tow vehicle.
You'll find many good discussions here and I'd encourage you to use the search tool to browse for varius topics, and don't hesitate to post simple questions.
Finally, if you haven't one already, I'd strongly recommend that you find an experienced travel trailer dealer whom you trust near your home. They can be invaluable in helping you through and saving you money.
Good luck,
Marshall
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Marshall Swartz
2001 19-ft Bambi
2006 Honda Ridgeline RTL
Greensburg, PA - Falmouth, MA
I am in the wannabe stage. I own a 2005 Dodge Dakota, quad cab, 4X4 small V8. Concerned about how it may tow. I purchased the truck before I got the A/S bug.
I am in the same boat as Larry - I just started looking for a good trailer to travel with my family (2 adults, 3 kids under 10), and Airstreams seem wonderful. I have a preference for older, quality craftsmanship, especially if it lasts and can be fixed up! I think I'm in the right place.
I have two questions -
1. Is there a website similar to Blue Book that gives approximate values on used Airstreams\trailers in general? I just saw an ad for a 2005 16' Bambi for $5,000 - seemed absurdly cheap, I wonder what is wrong with it.
2. The Bambi aside - even if it's OK I'd worry that would be too small for my family and I would rather have an older model anyway. Does anyone have a recommendation for what a reasonable size trailer is for a family of 5? We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max) but I'm wondering how small we can get away with and still be comfortable (bed arrangement is key - we can do very small if the beds work out). Would a Bambi even be possible for us? Other recommendations?
1. Is there a website similar to Blue Book that gives approximate values on used Airstreams\trailers in general?
If it's vintage values you are looking for try this: Price vs Condition . If it's a more current model I think NADA has a guide...someone else will have to chime in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
I just saw an ad for a 2005 16' Bambi for $5,000 - seemed absurdly cheap, I wonder what is wrong with it.
If the ad you saw was on ebay, it was most likely a reoccuring scam...if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Some here even make a game of outing them, see this thread: Ebay Scams
Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
2. The Bambi aside - even if it's OK I'd worry that would be too small for my family and I would rather have an older model anyway. Does anyone have a recommendation for what a reasonable size trailer is for a family of 5? We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max) but I'm wondering how small we can get away with and still be comfortable (bed arrangement is key - we can do very small if the beds work out). Would a Bambi even be possible for us? Other recommendations?
Personally, I think a Bambi would be too small for 5...especially on rainy days or as your kids get older. Unless they are game for sleeping in a tent outside while you get the trailer... I would think a TradeWind or 24-25' newer model would be as small as you would want to go. Some TradeWinds/Overlanders & bigger units even had bunks.
Also, another factor to keep in mind is that the older trailers are lighter foot-for-foot than the newer ones, which is better option for towing flexibility.
Good luck with you search for the trailer that's right for you and your family!
Shari
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max)
The 5.4 is the workhorse of the F series line of trucks. It will have the power to pull just about any trailer. An F250 is capable of towing a 30' trailer without any issues.
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Van
2005 F-150 FX4, SC, 4X4, 5.4 V8
former '78 Argosy 20' Minuet owner
former '77 23' Safari owner
current 25' Fun Finder X-250BHS SOB owner
Wow, what can I say,its home with me and a dream to pull. I was a little apprehensive about pulling it with my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V8 318 engine.All went well I can't wait for my first rally.Oh the prodigy brake controller is great. Oh,PSS.I am pulling it with a anti- sway bar only.
I received a personal tour of firedog's new rig last month and have to comment that it is a sweet Airstream. (Not that I am partial to 19' Bambi's or anything! )
Good luck with it and look forward to camping with you again sometime.
I am very pleased with my Bambi.My truck pulls it very easy.I was a wanna bee for 3 years and thats how long it took me to find a airstream that i could afford and tow with my 96, dodge dakota 4x4 318 v8.
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Oh,PSS.I am pulling it with a anti- sway bar only.
Congrats Firedog 
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