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raptorron · 11-12-2006, 01:14 PM

We just purchaced a 2006 Bambi Quicksilver from Camper Clenic II in Buda Texas. The only thing significant about this is we live just north of Atlanta, GA. When we finaly decided on a 16' Bambi we really liked the Quicksilver interior and the closest one we could find was in Texas.

Before it arrived last week we visited the North Georgia Rally in Hiawassee. Everyone was very nice

and extremely helpful as we were hungry for Airstream information. We had several "open house" tours and really enjoyed our day.

We added a "Hensley Arrow" hitch. Prior to ordering it I searched this forum and could not find anyone who said anything bad about it. I have just got it installed (very easy in about 2-hours) but haven't towed with it yet.

I want to up-grade the axle, wheels and tires to a greater capacity. There are sereral threads on this subject and one says "Bill Payne" upgraded his 2006 Bambi. I would like to contact Bill on the subject but don't know how....so if anyone could help or ask him to contact me I would appreciate it.

I have been viewing the "Forum" for several weeks and have found it both enjoyable and informative.

We are looking forward to meeting many of you and to enjoying Airstream activites.

streamer23 · 11-12-2006, 01:43 PM

Congrats on the new 'addition' to the family

yukionna · 11-12-2006, 02:03 PM

I have a soft spot in my heart for Bambi's! The Quicksilver is a cutie!

rickandsandi · 11-12-2006, 03:00 PM

Ron & Cindi, welcome to the Airstream Family. Congrats on your brand new Quicksilver! Curious, why would you want to change out the axle and tires? The trailer, most importantly the FRAME is designed to carry a very specific load. Exceding the designed GVW will definatly void your warranty and you very well may run into liability problems if something were ever to go astray.

Again welcome to a great family here in the forums!

PS, to find Bill just do a search.

hendrie42 · 11-12-2006, 03:22 PM

ron----congrats on your new purchase ,be on the look out for the signs of aluminitis it will sneak up on you-----------

**moosetags** · 11-12-2006, 03:42 PM

Welcome to the Forums and congratulations on your new baby. Check out the Florida Get Together. It's fairly close (300) miles in the Florida Panhandle. You may want to consider attending, and we would love to have you.

Eddy · 11-12-2006, 04:01 PM

Congratulations on your new Bambi!

Roscinante · 11-12-2006, 04:14 PM

Welcome to the Bambi branch of the Airstream family. My wife and I just bought a 2006 Bambi Safari and LOVE IT! We have made two trips in it so far. This site is a wealth of information. Everything from towing and backing to wish toilet chemical works/smells the best! The more time we spend in our Bambi the more we are convinced we made the right decision to upgrade from our T@B.

Jerry

raptorron · 11-12-2006, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

Ron & Cindi, welcome to the Airstream Family. Congrats on your brand new Quicksilver! Curious, why would you want to change out the axle and tires? The trailer, most importantly the FRAME is designed to carry a very specific load. Exceding the designed GVW will definatly void your warranty and you very well may run into liability problems if something were ever to go astray.

Again welcome to a great family here in the forums!

PS, to find Bill just do a search.

The Bambi 16 CCD has a 3500 GVW axel 14-inch wheels and "C" tires. The Euro version (CSA) has 15-inch wheels "D" tires and a 4300-GVW axel and same frame. The change done by the dealer does not effect waranty, the change just makes it the same as a CSA. Right now if I add 80 pounds cargo I am at gross weight and with the change I will pick up another 800 pounds cargo capacity. I will probably put in approx 300 pounds and will then have a safety margin.

If I search with the name it does not find Bill....I need his "screen name"

Coloradobus · 11-12-2006, 05:29 PM

raptorron,

Congrats on the Bambi Q. We have one as well. I have gone around and around with Airstream about the insuffient Axle arating. They even told me to travel without water. Imagine that!!!! To travel in a travel trailer with no water.

They told me, it is what it is.

Bill Payne, you mentioned above is in our Denver Unit. He didn't do any modifications to his 19 foot Bambi. What he did do, is increase his axle rating by adding a pair of 5000 lbs rated axles on his "30 Foot Interanational with Slide Room." Both his tires, wheels, axles were grossly under rated for what they were carrying.
A good source to talk to about changing out the Bambi's axle, talk to David Tidmore at Roger Williams Airstream in Texas. He is an absolute fountain of information and experience.

raptorron · 11-12-2006, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

Welcome to the Forums and congratulations on your new baby. Check out the Florida Get Together. It's fairly close (300) miles in the Florida Panhandle. You may want to consider attending, and we would love to have you.

We have been reading about the Florida Winter Get Together and I have just finished making reservations for site #158. We look forward to meeting you and everyone else there!!

... Cindi

**moosetags** · 11-12-2006, 05:57 PM

Ron & Cindi-

We are glad you are coming to the Panhandle. In your plannning, remember that this part of Florida is in the Central Time Zone, so you will gain an hour when you come in to Alabama. We travel to Atlanta often to visit our son in Lawrenceville. If you are unfamiliar with the best route to the "good" beach, please call or PM us and we will share it with you. We know that it is a good AS roaute as we travel it regularly (we came that way last week). If you want to call, my cell is 850-830-9444. We live about 3 miles from the Tops'l RV Park

Coloradobus · 11-12-2006, 06:07 PM

raptorron,

I need to give you the complete name, Roger Williams Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 1-817-596-0050. ask for David Tidmore .

GStephens · 11-12-2006, 07:20 PM

I second asking David Tidmore's advice. He's EXTREMELY knowledgable without the hype. I'd trust anything he might tell me.
GStephens

campadk · 11-12-2006, 07:50 PM

Congrats Ron & Cindi!

You must have found one of the last available Quicksilvers. I had only seen one listed when I was doing some inventory searches last week. Really wanted to see one up close in person.

Enjoy!

Cheers

3Ms75Argosy · 11-12-2006, 08:42 PM

I'd get new axles/wheels before redoing the axles. What is the tire rating (should be on the sidewall). If some 15" tires would fit with a higher loadrange, I think you'd be good to go. Just check out where your axle arms are, and see if they go up when you load it up.
Marc

Bettymsb · 11-15-2006, 10:24 AM

Welcome, We Love, Love our Quicksilver. We put 10,000 miles on our little
baby this summer. Started the last of March as soon as we could get her
out of storage when the snow melted, we were off south to Texas and many
trips to Steamboat Springs, Co. One of the last trips was to Canada,Banff &
Lake Louise. WE had to turn around as it started to snow. Ended up at Lake
Owyhee in Oregon.
You might load more in your tow V. and save the weight in the Bambi. I get
yelled at all the time that it has to go in the Pickup. we tow with a Ford F 250 super duty with a v10 engine and John gets teased all the time by guys who say ..Ya think you
have enough power to pull that rig?? Ha! Happy Trails and have fun...Warm
Regard, John & Betty

2airishuman · 11-15-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raptorron

We added a "Hensley Arrow" hitch. Prior to ordering it I searched this forum and could not find anyone who said anything bad about it. I have just got it installed (very easy in about 2-hours) but haven't towed with it yet.

I want to up-grade the axle, wheels and tires to a greater capacity. both enjoyable and informative..

hi raptorron and welcome to airstreamn and the forums...

if you've got any issues with your haha, ask'em over here...

http://www.airforums.com/forum...de-26279.html?

we have a resource going for the hitch...

if you plan to spend the money on axle changes, i'd suggest upgrading to disc brakes too....

better stopping power, more progressive, less fade and fewer parts to maintain...

david tidmore at the weatherford dealership owns a bambi and added the kodiak disc brakes. they do quality upgrades of this system...

the factory service center will also do the disc upgrade. i've seen 'em do the work...

price is the same both places. i'd trust either to get it right.

cheers and happy camping
2air'

ljmiii · 01-03-2007, 06:42 PM

After a bit of contemplation I've decided to go for it. I don't really need 4300lbs, but I'm tired of living on the edge at 3480 lbs without water. And wondering if my 1850lb/C rated tires will blow if I have to hit 75 to avoid being smushed between a pair of semis.

And so I'm scheduled to go to Jackson Center to get the axle/wheel/tire/disc brake upgrade on Feb 13th and 14th. I'll let you all know how it goes.

enjoy,
leo

(ps pardon for the multiple postings...the 16' Bambi GVWR issue had a few threads)

chrislinck · 01-04-2007, 03:36 PM

Can some one please explain to me what we are talking about. Are you saying that a new Bambi has literally ZERO extra weight capacity besides it's own weight. That's what I'm reading. No water?....what in the world are these people thinking when they design these trailers. Carolyn and I are in the market to buy but the negative stuff I read on this site actually scares me away from plunking down my hard earned cash.
doors don't fit....brand new roofs leak..Fit and finish below par for the Mercedes reputation and price tags and now I'm being advised that I will need to take canteens of water slung on my truck bumper because the trailer can't support it own weight waddling down the road..Whoa is me...
Please straighten me out here guys...I'm totally confused....
Chris