Visit our Popular Forums

RoadKingMoe · 05-29-2007, 12:37 AM

> Fortunately, there was never any noticable sign of overheating of any of the fluids.

How high did your transmission fluid temperature gauge get?

> Okay, if we had a 19' Bambi (say CCD or 75th Anniv., for example) and carried 700# less stuff (and took any driving speed advice you may be so kind as to to offer), how do you think the Ridgeline would perform?

I think it is going to be working a lot harder than it ever did with the Basecamp. With no options, no propane, no water, and none of your stuff, these 19s start out at least 1,000 pounds heavier than the most your Basecamp should've ever weighed (2700 pound GVWR?) fully loaded. They also probably have more frontal area and higher coefficient of drag than the Basecamp, a major factor at highway speeds.

If you want a 19, get a 19. I don't think it would be an unsafe combination at reasonable towing speeds, 55-65 mph. Just make sure to put the rig on a CAT scale once you get it to make sure you aren't overloading anything.

jonyama · 05-29-2007, 08:22 AM

Jerry - I towed my 19' Bambi from Portland, OR to Central Oregon this weekend. This trip involves going from sea level, up to 4000', down to 3400, up 4100', down to about 2400', then up to 3400', then back home. It was about 80 degrees for most of the trip there. For the most part, I was able to move along at the speed I wanted, except for a couple of miles through the steepest parts, all of which has passing lanes, where I went about 45-50 mph at 4000-4500 rpm. The coolent temperature needle never moved from its normal location. I had a full fresh water tank and water heater, firewood in the truck, a full fridge, 2 adults and a child, and about a hundred or so pounds of gear/clothing. I also have a canopy, which is over 100 pounds. I am not a terribly experienced "tow-er", but the Ridgeline sure seems fine for the job to me. I would highly recommend the Equal-i-zer hitch, it seems to do a great job. Jon

BamCamper · 05-29-2007, 09:35 AM

There are probably as many opinions and preferences as there are trailers.

I'm a die hard 16 footer fan. I have the Quicksilver Edition and as hard as the dealer tried to get me to go larger I stuck with the 16 and LOVE it. I can turn on a dime and squeeze into any space. Tows like a dream. It's cute as a button and everyone just loves to check it out. I use the dinette for a work space too and it's no problem. I don't mind the shower at all (kind of fun sitting down to wash the feet) and haven't had any problem with the grey/black tank. It's almost too easy. There is so much storage that I still haven't filled it all.

I would suggest going to the dealer and sitting in all kinds of Bambis and imagining yourself living/camping in them. Everyone's needs are different.
But you can't really go wrong with any Airstream.

Airhog1 · 05-29-2007, 11:10 AM

Jerry,

FWIW...I have sold several 16' Bambi's over the last four years and most of those owner's have been back in to trade up to a 19'...just more room...wet bath...better access to bed...and more storage are some of the few reasons that I hear for trading to a larger (but still small and towable) unit.

Either way, you are still looking at the best travel trailer on the road today!

G

JerryMcMunn · 05-29-2007, 09:38 PM

Folks,

Thanks for all the fantastic information you provided. It was invaluable. Based on it and the experience we gained by owning a Basecamp for two months, we have decided to begin looking for a 19' CCD with a decor that is pleasant to us.

In case I forgot to mention, we took one 2000 mile trip in our Basecamp. Subsequently, it was completely destroyed in a fire at our dealer's repair shop. The fire was reported to have started in a diesal repair shop that was adjacent to our dealer's space. The fire destroyed the entire building and all the contents as well as 5-6 RV's sitting outside but close to the building.

We liked the Basecamp but hope we have better luck with the Bambi.

Thanks again,

Jerry

JerryMcMunn · 07-01-2007, 09:18 AM

Hi,

We did it. We replaced our fire-destroyed Basecamp with a new 19' Ocean Breeze CCD Bambi. It's maiden voyage was successful and we are looking forward to our planned one week trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Regards,

Jerry

vswingfield · 07-01-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

go for the largest trailer you can tow. The longer the trip the more room it is nice to have.

The advice given to me by an Airstream owner in the 1980s who had owned several sizes was, "Go for the biggest one you can afford. The difference in towing a small trailer vs. a large trailer is negligible compared to towing vs. not towing.” I have found space to be very valuable.

Vaughan

JerryMcMunn · 07-01-2007, 06:42 PM

Hi Vaughn,

Obviously, we agreed with the advice given you. We liked the Basecamp and, had it not been destroyed by fire, we would have enjoyed it for years. In its absence, we chose to go with the 19' Intl. CCD Bambi for the additional space & convenience but regret having to give up the toy-hauling capabilities. It was wonderful riding the motorcycle among the mesas in northeastern AZ this April!

Jerry

sparky5 · 07-01-2007, 07:08 PM

This is after the fact, of course, but I think you will love your 19' CCD. I have an '04 CCD 19' and LOVE every inch of it. As for ease of travel, I travel alone most of the time( my husband has less time available than I do) and I can handle everything about the trailer by myself. I'm just a 5'4" 50-something woman and this is no probelm for me. I tow it with a Dodge Dakota and trust me, I pack it with all my essential needs....art/scrapbooking supplies, dog, plenty of clothes, you get the picture. I always travel at apporpriate speed limits and managed to get from CT to WY last summer with 2 friends and their belongings in tow. I think you will be very happy with your choice.
ENJOY!

JerryMcMunn · 07-01-2007, 07:22 PM

Thanks Robin,

(Rock and) Roll On!!!

Regards,

Jerry

Road Ruler · 07-01-2007, 08:18 PM

Jerry, these links may interest you..

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...ers-33775.html

Ridgeline's can tow (photos) - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums

Don Cook · 07-01-2007, 08:20 PM

I have the 16 CCD and we think it is the greatest. The wet bath isn ok for us cause we are boaters and the boat has the same. Thye bed is ok. It is definitely the coolest looking Airstream of all and can go anywhere. I agree the 19 might be pushing it for the Ridgeline. You can't go wrong with the i6 even if you decide to trade up. Don't think you will though.
DC