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as77 · 06-09-2014, 09:42 AM

Hi there, my husband and I are considering a used 2009 22ft sport Bambi that is for sale near us. We are a couple with one small child (she's 17 months old). We drive a Toyota Tacoma TRD that tows my horse trailer no problem so I am sure it will be a perfect tow vehicle for this. The trailer has one small dent in the rear lower corner (where the bumper would be if it had a bumper). Aside from that it's in excellent condition. I know a fair amount about horse trailers and towing but not a lot about Airstreams in particular and I'm hoping this forum will be a great resource. Is there anything I should be considering that I'm not thinking of? Thanks in advance for any advice!

**moosetags** · 06-09-2014, 09:45 AM

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. You've found the right place for all of the Airstream information that you will need to make informed decisions.

Brian

Rich W · 06-09-2014, 10:56 AM

Welcome AS77

The Tacoma should be fine if you have the towing package on it. Do you have the electric brake controller?

Do they have a clear title (no liens)?
How are the tires? How old are they as over 5 years is not especially good. Remaining tread is not a good indicator as trailer tires usually don't wear like car tires.

How about the control panel, do all the tank sending units work?
How old are the batteries?
Ask them if they have or had any leaks
Are all the owners' manuals available?
Do all the appliances work?
Is the awning in good condition?

Enough ???

as77 · 06-09-2014, 12:43 PM

Thank you! Yes it's a 2009 so the tires are new and everything works. The Tacoma has a break controller. It's definitely set up for towing. Horses are much harder to tow than campers because they are live weight with a high center of gravity. So I know it should be fine.

boliversr · 06-09-2014, 01:04 PM

Anybody know what grit of sandpaper you can use to remove light marks on the aluminum before buffing

as77 · 06-09-2014, 01:17 PM

I'm interested to know if anyone has particular issues with the 22 ft sport model that I should know about?

J. Morgan · 06-09-2014, 01:18 PM

Start as rough as you absolutely need to be to accomplish the cleanup, i say no more coarse than 600 grit, working your way to about 1500 or 2000 before polish.

Remember that anything can be cleaned up right up until the Alclad coating is sanded through .

So be as conservative as possible with the sanding.

Rich W · 06-09-2014, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boliversr

Anybody know what grit of sandpaper you can use to remove light marks on the aluminum before buffing

This seems to be posted in the wrong forum. This is member introductions.

Rhino33 · 06-09-2014, 01:26 PM

Welcome to the Forum!
Best of luck with your possible Bambi purchase. We bought a rather neglected 1980 31' International knowing there was a fair amount of repair needed, so we're not much help for a newer unit.
When were the wheel bearings last repacked?
Is the hitch included with it?

AnnArborBob · 06-09-2014, 02:41 PM

The most important thing to look for in evaluating a "newer" used Airstream which cannot be readily determined by a superficial visual inspection is water damage to the sub-floor (i.e., rot) due to a persistent water leak. Get a moisture meter such as the one below available at Amazon and probe the floor with the probe pins (which you may have to sharpen with sandpaper or a file) through the vinyl or carpet floor-covering in several places around the perimeter of the trailer, especially under the windows and entry door. If the wood floor is dry, then you have eliminated the biggest potential problem.

There are numerous threads on this forum about floor rot. Peruse them so you are aware of the issue, but don't let the "horror stories" deter you. Most Airstreams are fine if you maintain the caulk sealing the windows, roof penetrations and aluminum panel seams on a regular basis. This problem is not completely unique to Airstreams, and it occurs on a lot of SOB's as well. However, most SOB's succumb to some other ailment before the floor rot does them in.

(Sonin 50211 Rapitest 10% to 28% Pinless Analog Wood, Concrete, Plaster, Carpet, and More Moisture Meter - - Amazon.com

Ahab · 06-10-2014, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by as77

I'm interested to know if anyone has particular issues with the 22 ft sport model that I should know about?

They come with a GR24 battery. I've changed out ours with a GR29 which gave us a bit more juice for boondocking but you will need a bigger battery box. No issues.