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There are threads on finding transport and towing services, storage and parking options, as well as thousands of tips on repairs, restorations and maintenance, as well as ideas for using and enjoying your trailer...
Keep the faith, as the journey has begun..
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Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
Hi from Laguna Beach, I bought a 2004 Bambi 19' CCD and am looking forward to my first trip out. I chose a newer model since I'm not a real fix it type and I also liked the fact that it has the larger holding tanks. I'm not sure where to go for the first trip since I really am 'green' to the whole camping thing, hauling etc.
If there is anyone in the SoCal area who might buddy with me on a day trip or something and be willing to answer some really dumb questions?
I'm planning on taking this little Bambi boondocking out in the wilds where I can paint the gorgeous scenery! I'm also interested in anyone who can give any suggestions on how to 'boondock'.....see? I told ya I was green.......!!
Last edited by Babeebloos; 09-09-2006 at 01:03 AM.
Reason: to add photo
Hi Babeebloos - welcome to the forums and congrats on your pretty new-to-you Bambi! Very cool that you'll be using it as a mobile art studio. For boondocking tips, check out the search feature at the top of the page - enter your key words and read away. Good luck and happy travels.
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Mel
1960 Caravel "Boris"
1967 Safari "Sparky" My Photos
Welcome and congrats, and we're looking forward to meeting at Nor-Cal rally in October... Notwithstanding some anxiety, boondocking is really easy, and some folks do it without thinking by just pulling into rest area or Wal-Mart parking lot or other informal stopping point...
Assuming you have mastered the driving part (slow and patient and let the crazy people on I-5 or 101 go by.. Don't tailgaite, and when some #*&! swerves in front of you just smile and back away a little further..), the challenge to boondocking is to avoid the challenges that full hookups eliminate: Water, waste water, propane and electricity....
For power, make sure the batteries are charged, and have a plan if they run out.. Generator? Flashlights? Solar? Ask neighbor to use generator? Move to place you can plug in? Recognize that refrigerator and heat and hot water will all stop when electricity is gone.. Think about real long skinny extension cord, for emergency use to recharge battery. (Not enough to run A/C, etc)
Fresh Water? Decide whether to tow full of water, or plan to fill tanks when you get to camping site. Ask ranger or others where you can fill up with water. Carry a long hose and maybe a second one...
Waster water? Make hard decisions about environment and paper plates etc.. Decide how you'll fill gray water tank, and stick to plan. If showers critical, take good short ones, shutting water nearly off whilst soaping. Don't run water long time to brush teeth or prep to wash dishes. Cook things that don't generate dirty pots and pans.. Gray water tank will be the first to fill and create a potential issue...
Propane: Tanks should be full, or have a plan to fill. Try to avoid furnace use, since it consumes a lot. Use comforter or fleece. Save gas for water heater (see showers above..) and refrigerator..
After this list, it's a matter of food and jug of water for inside, and entertainment, which could include painting or reading or "resting"... A checklist of required food and beverage items to pack makes sure you don't run out of wine or paper towels or ice... Might also be good to keep older jacket and fleece and bathing suit etc in closet just in case...
John McG
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Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
Earlier in this thread someone mentioned that you get your first rivet at 5 posts. I'm somewhere around 35 and I don't see any under my name. Is it only invisible to me or is it not there? Is it based on postsmade, or threads started?
Hey Fyrzowt, when you edited the "custom user title" under "edit profile" under "user cp" (above on the blue menu line) you put in "Fyrzowt". Remove that and your rivets will show up.
Jim
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What is that line from "Miracle on 34th Street"? Something like "Maybe he's only a little crazy, like those men in Washington."
Welcome and congrats, and we're looking forward to meeting at Nor-Cal rally in October... Notwithstanding some anxiety, boondocking is really easy, and some folks do it without thinking by just pulling into rest area or Wal-Mart parking lot or other informal stopping point...
Assuming you have mastered the driving part (slow and patient and let the crazy people on I-5 or 101 go by.. Don't tailgaite, and when some #*&! swerves in front of you just smile and back away a little further..), the challenge to boondocking is to avoid the challenges that full hookups eliminate: Water, waste water, propane and electricity....
For power, make sure the batteries are charged, and have a plan if they run out.. Generator? Flashlights? Solar? Ask neighbor to use generator? Move to place you can plug in? Recognize that refrigerator and heat and hot water will all stop when electricity is gone.. Think about real long skinny extension cord, for emergency use to recharge battery. (Not enough to run A/C, etc)
Fresh Water? Decide whether to tow full of water, or plan to fill tanks when you get to camping site. Ask ranger or others where you can fill up with water. Carry a long hose and maybe a second one...
Waster water? Make hard decisions about environment and paper plates etc.. Decide how you'll fill gray water tank, and stick to plan. If showers critical, take good short ones, shutting water nearly off whilst soaping. Don't run water long time to brush teeth or prep to wash dishes. Cook things that don't generate dirty pots and pans.. Gray water tank will be the first to fill and create a potential issue...
Propane: Tanks should be full, or have a plan to fill. Try to avoid furnace use, since it consumes a lot. Use comforter or fleece. Save gas for water heater (see showers above..) and refrigerator..
After this list, it's a matter of food and jug of water for inside, and entertainment, which could include painting or reading or "resting"... A checklist of required food and beverage items to pack makes sure you don't run out of wine or paper towels or ice... Might also be good to keep older jacket and fleece and bathing suit etc in closet just in case...
John McG
Thanks John for these 'GREAT TIPS'...this is exactly what I'm looking for!
I'll try finding some more...
Debra
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Officer says ..."Step AWAY from the toaster Ma'am"
Babee, if I lived anywhere near you I'd gladly buddy-camp so we could learn together. However (I'm assuming you're a woman), there is a REALLY cool group called Sisters on the Fly that would welcome you. A lot of them have singlehandedly restored their trailers & they are incredibly adventurous. Also, check out this thread, which mentions the Sisters: http://www.airforums.com/forum...ht=sisters+fly
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Of course I'm an elitist. Look around you.
We purchased an Interstate rear sleeper (Mid-Bath) model about six months ago and have been using these forums to resolve issues every since. Our first trip was to Upscale Automotive in Oregon to have Koni shocks, a heavy duty sway bar and helper springs installed. Thanks for that tip, it made all the difference in the world! They also installed a tuning module and high flow air filter. Our rig weighs in at around 8350# and we are able to get between 21 and 25mpg.
We've put about 12,000 on in two trips and have the bugs pretty much worked out. Needless to say it is used as a "Touring Coach." Most of our stops are dry camping in National Forests, BLM lands and yes, even truck stops.
We have been amazed and enlightened by all the terrific information we've been able to get from the various A/S forums. It seems like we're on the way to joining a very helpful, friendly and adventursome group! We've just ordered a 2007 Safari 25' SE fb and will now wait restlessly for its arrival in Dec.
We have lots of questions--many answered generously in the forums--but haven't come accross any addressing one of our concerns:
We really don't want to be camping in a parking lot atmosphere, regardless of the amenities. We cruised a couple of AAA recommended sites in our central coastal CA area this weekend and we were really disappointed. They were near much scenic beauty but you couldn't see a thing from the campgrounds. Others that were highly rated not only weren't too appealing but actually very claustraphobic. Are we being unrealistic? Are there resources out there that will direct us to the kinds of sites (views, space, quiet) that we're getting our Airstream for?
Just re-read this and it sounds so whiny and picky but we're really not! Help!
Our kids are grown (although we'll welcome them as visitors--especially if we're near good surf spots...) and we'll be travelling with our 3 small dogs.
So we've been very encouraged by the pet forums!
Can't wait to get out there and see the country and fellow travellers.
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Newbie 'Artist' from Laguna Beach
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