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09-12-2020, 11:19 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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Getting a 2021 Bambi RB and heading for cold and I am a newbie
Hi all - Planning to live FT w dog in the Bambi and take delivery sometime after Sept 18 thru maybe Oct 1.
Brand new to RVs. Heading for SD area (WY, MT maybe as side trips). I know it sounds crazy. Adventure?! And I have lived in hot hellish places all my
Life and love cold and snow and pines etc.
Reading what I can while trying to un-clutter (everything must go) about living FT in cold places in a Bambi 16RB w a dog. I have no idea yet where exactly I am going. Leaning toward SD to establish domicile first at least and figure out mail etc. (not that I get much snail mail). Have to get a new DL and all that. Figure oit internet (must have excellent internet).
My questions are many. But I thought I would just do a sort of general post here to say hi and see if anyone had any tips for my plan (other than “Don’t go up to the cold!”) heh
One concern I have is setting up in advance for cold temps. I read a little about “skirting” and special hoses so pipes don’t freeze. Is this the kind of stuff I should “have done” before I leave VA? Or can I get this kind of critical stuff done once I am in SD? Or on the way somewhere?
I can learn later how to do SOME things myself but honestly my situation is such that I need to get outta Dodge — so to speak — asap. This means learning to drive the thing (tow vehicle is a 2002 Escalade), and basic operations of course. Fast as I can.
I don’t know what to focus in first but I would hope I can get some “cold weather” stuff done in advance in VA if I know what to do first. And who to get to do it if it’s stuff I cannot do. I am by no means a mechanic or anything like that. Just a woman with a dog.
Thanks and hope this makes sense. At least a little. Very stressed with stuff going on here and thank you for your patience with me.
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09-14-2020, 09:18 AM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
Crockett
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 81
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Hey! Sometimes this can be a slow moving talk forum so be patient and you’ll get some great advise from knowledge people.
I’m a new Bambi owner and I can tell you that the only confusing thing about my camper has been preparing for winter. I’m beginning to figure things out but I’m not credible enough to offer up good advise on that subject. What I can tell you is that you need to take your time and do a really good walk-a-round before you tow your camper. Good luck and be safe!
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09-14-2020, 09:48 AM
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#3
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Trilla the Traveling Tube
2018 22' Sport
Dayton
, Wyoming
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 303
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It was a suggestion by a member of the forum that we do a "dry-run" of our 2018 22FB Sport in our driveway to get a feel for everything - this was one of the best tips ever as this gave us a feel for how things worked on our AS.
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09-14-2020, 10:10 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2018 25' International
Slidell
, Louisiana
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,725
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Welcome to the Airstream family! There are a couple of good threads where folks in a trailer like the Bambi documented their challenges with sever cold. See if you can find them.
Here is my takeaways as I recall:
Above 22 degrees is not to much trouble, just some common sense insulating and water freeze management to do. If you have shore power (recommended) get a mini electric heater to conserve propane. Skirt the trailer to the ground to draw in heat from the earth and protect the tanks again so you don't need to use the furnace much (it warms the tanks). Disconnect and drain water hose when not in use or keep a tiny bit of water running to the grey tank and to the sewer. Learn to manage humidity now so when it is colder you have it down pat.
22-10 is more challenging, Tank and sewer exit freezing is an issue so more insulation is in order. Spare tire area is not well insulated and needs help. You'll need to periodically run the furnace for tank heat. Windows need insulation help. Humidity in the trailer gets hard to manage.
10 - -10 Is not for the meek. Everything begins to get difficult. The Wall insulation is at its limit.
Below -5 the consensus is Airsteams are just not up to the task
FYI, Propane will not have sufficient vapor pressure to deliver gas through the regulator below -22 F
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09-14-2020, 02:51 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
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Sherimica, Have you looked up the climate data for the areas you are considered? Do you have a Plan B?
Also, have you honestly assessed your winter driving skills? A former boss blocked the entrance to his culdesac in his behemoth Yukon one Chicago winter. (tee-hee) You don’t want to experience this while boondocking. A duck hunter friend once told me the difference between 2WD and 4WD is the two miles further off road you go before you get stuck.
__________________
-Don
(That man in that tiny can)
(Same man, Bigger can)
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09-15-2020, 06:24 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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Stay in touch, if you can, fellow new Bambi person who is also prepping for winter! I'd love to hear what you end up doing as far as getting things "ready" or whatever. I hope I don't have to spend an additional fortune to make a non-winter TT ready for FT cold-living. When I say cold I mean maybe it goes down to 20 once in a while. So my SD idea may not work at all. I have no idea. I am in a situation right now where I have VERY little time to read or plan. I am just trying to get the Bambi in my sweaty little hands ASAP. Promised by Oct 1 AT THE LATEST. Leaves factory for dealer Sept 18.
TO ALL: I will be staying at the dealer's LOT overnight to learn to do everything and practice etc. I will NOT drive back to pack up the Bambi with what stuff I have left until I am CONFIDENT it is safe. I have ridden motorcycles, and driven all kinds of cars and trucks, so I am confident I can tow a 16' travel trailer safely. I have also lived at 8000 ft elevations in snow and put chains on tires, I can read, learn, and will ask for help when I am uncertain. I lived in a tent for a year and a half in a very remote location building a custom home. Not my idea of fun, but we survived, again at high elevation and with no "camping" equipment to speak of.
I'm older now, and if there is even a slight "red flag" that something is not safe, I will not being doing it, have no fear.
I thank you all for your suggestions.
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09-15-2020, 06:38 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2018 16' Sport
Charlotte
, Vermont
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 596
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I have heard of people discovering their battery(ies) dead upon arrival due to sitting in the dealer lot without getting charged. Be sure to check your battery condition before leaving. When you have a chance to read, Rich Luhr's two books are essential as is the owner's manual and literature for the non-Airstream stuff-heater, water heater, fridge, AC, toilet. Glad to hear you are experienced at roughing it and are spending some time in the dealer lot. Best wishes.
__________________
Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy...
Kim
Charlotte, VT
2010 F-150, 5.4l, V8, 3.55; Bramble: 2018 Bambi Sport 16
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09-15-2020, 06:42 AM
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#8
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Welcome Aboard 👍
As noted....an AS in Winter WILL be challenging, consider becoming a Sno-Bird.👍
Sweet Streams in whatever you decide.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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09-18-2020, 08:07 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,077
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Get a lasso electric heater
We use model ctc30710c instead of the noisy and weak oem heater
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09-18-2020, 10:22 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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Just to update. The dealer says the Bambi they promised is “lost.” Now they say one will leave factory Oct 31. And I would have it Nov 15. It was supposed to leave factory today. I have no idea what to do. I am pretty upset. No fam or anything. Thank you all anyway.
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09-19-2020, 06:49 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
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Given the significant frustration and disruption from this situation, you deserve more than a “check back in six weeks “ response. Will the dealer let you sit in on a call to Jackson Center? Refund your deposit if you are not comfortable with what you are offered?
RVing, especially FT, involves taking the initiative and being in control.
__________________
-Don
(That man in that tiny can)
(Same man, Bigger can)
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09-19-2020, 07:10 AM
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#12
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Sorry to hear of the delay, but it may be that WALLY is saying that your first Season should a bit warmer.
Stay positive...the road will smooth out.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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09-19-2020, 11:11 AM
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#14
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2 Rivet Member
Crockett
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 81
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That’s horrible news! Well at least you can now search for a good used one with all the kinks worked out. If you do that then if look at the 2020 models. I’m pretty sure that their a little wider, giving you more walk space inside.
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09-19-2020, 08:47 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
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Getting a 2021 Bambi RB and heading for cold and I am a newbie
The recent news from the dealer and Airstream is unacceptable.
I would change plans and also remember to always have a plan B. I would go after an Airstream in stock or a used Airstream.
I would also consider a Lance trailer that supposedly has a winter package available and insulated glass windows. Look at Utube videos from Travels With Delaney. Princess Craft RV in Round Rock, Texas has a good stock.
Airstream and SD may not be a good idea. Make sure you do your homework.
Good luck, Dan
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09-19-2020, 10:28 PM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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Thanks all - I am in hold mode, kinda dead in the water in many ways. I contacted AS corporate. Be interesting to see if they respond. Dealer MIA. Promised to call today and of course did not. I will be getting my $1500 deposit back if I have to make a scene. I am disgusted by this dealer. I will not be doing any business with them. I had made plans and serious changes in reliance on their assurances. I don’t, at this moment, want a trailer at all. I am sure some of you may be able to understand. Thank you.
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09-22-2020, 11:38 AM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2023 25' Flying Cloud
Fort Collins
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 50
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I think ditching the trailer for this winter is a good idea. Maybe drive out to SD and try out living there first. Then you will have a better idea of what you want and need.
__________________
Silverback & Abby
2018 20ft. FC
2019 GMC Sierra
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09-23-2020, 03:57 AM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
Williamsburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 29
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It's not that, it's the way I was treated by the dealer.
Period. Thanks. I will be leaving the forums, since I am not buying an Airstream for the foreseeable future due to the "service" I received at dealership.
Best to all.
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09-23-2020, 07:16 AM
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#19
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Trilla the Traveling Tube
2018 22' Sport
Dayton
, Wyoming
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 303
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Don't leave the forums - Just because you aren't getting an AS when you thought you would, doesn't mean you will never get one!
I joined the forum a year before we found our 2018 22FB (purchased late June). We were looking at new AS's last summer but found this great unit from private seller.
Please stay and don't let one dealer ruin it for you - we can help in locating the right unit for you :0)
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09-23-2020, 07:54 AM
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#20
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Trilla the Traveling Tube
2018 22' Sport
Dayton
, Wyoming
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 303
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