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04-07-2006, 06:25 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1992 29' Excella
Currently Looking...
JOY IN
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 650
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19 Foot Bambi Home Today.
Wow, what can I say,its home with me and a dream to pull. I was a little apprehensive about pulling it with my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V8 318 engine.All went well I can't wait for my first rally.Oh the prodigy brake controller is great. Oh,PSS.I am pulling it with a anti- sway bar only.
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04-07-2006, 06:38 PM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Congratulations on your new purchase.
We used to tow an Argosy 20 with a similar Dakota, but 2WD
You really should look into WD systems, it will help more than you think.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-07-2006, 06:58 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
1951 21' Flying Cloud
Western
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 228
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Congratulations, May you have many a safe and happy trip.
__________________
Greg Jones
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04-07-2006, 09:33 PM
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#4
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3 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Falmouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 124
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Firedog,
I hope you have many memorable experiences with your Bambi. If I can help contact me.
Marshall
__________________
Marshall Swartz
2001 19-ft Bambi
2013 Honda Ridgeline RTL
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04-07-2006, 09:51 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1992 29' Excella
Currently Looking...
JOY IN
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 650
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I am confused,Congratulations on your new purchase.
We used to tow an Argosy 20 with a similar Dakota, but 2WD
You really should look into WD systems, it will help more than you think.
__________________
The only constant is change.
"WD systems"?
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04-08-2006, 05:47 AM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
2001 19' Bambi
Falmouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 124
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FIredog,
WD is shorthand for weight distribution hitch, allowing for more evenly balancing the tongue load of the trailer across the front and rear axles of your tow vehicle.
While you didn't bring up sway control on a Bambi, take a look at this thread for some discussions on sway control and weight distribution: http://www.airforums.com/forum...rol-17986.html
You'll find many good discussions here and I'd encourage you to use the search tool to browse for varius topics, and don't hesitate to post simple questions.
Finally, if you haven't one already, I'd strongly recommend that you find an experienced travel trailer dealer whom you trust near your home. They can be invaluable in helping you through and saving you money.
Good luck,
Marshall
__________________
Marshall Swartz
2001 19-ft Bambi
2013 Honda Ridgeline RTL
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04-08-2006, 06:46 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1994 30' Excella
Currently Looking...
Milwaukee
, Wisconsin
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,935
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Welcome to the forums. Doesn't it look nice to see a shiny Airstream sitting in the driveway? I hope you have many happy camping trips.
__________________
Chaplain Kent
Forest River Forester 2501TS
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06-13-2006, 08:17 PM
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#8
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2 Rivet Member
Mickleton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 49
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Congrats Firedog
I am in the wannabe stage. I own a 2005 Dodge Dakota, quad cab, 4X4 small V8. Concerned about how it may tow. I purchased the truck before I got the A/S bug.
Larry in Mickleton, NJ
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06-14-2006, 10:41 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
1963 28' Ambassador
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 22
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Also a wannabee
I am in the same boat as Larry - I just started looking for a good trailer to travel with my family (2 adults, 3 kids under 10), and Airstreams seem wonderful. I have a preference for older, quality craftsmanship, especially if it lasts and can be fixed up! I think I'm in the right place.
I have two questions -
1. Is there a website similar to Blue Book that gives approximate values on used Airstreams\trailers in general? I just saw an ad for a 2005 16' Bambi for $5,000 - seemed absurdly cheap, I wonder what is wrong with it.
2. The Bambi aside - even if it's OK I'd worry that would be too small for my family and I would rather have an older model anyway. Does anyone have a recommendation for what a reasonable size trailer is for a family of 5? We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max) but I'm wondering how small we can get away with and still be comfortable (bed arrangement is key - we can do very small if the beds work out). Would a Bambi even be possible for us? Other recommendations?
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06-14-2006, 11:38 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Safari
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Vintage Kin Owner
Conifer/Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,702
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Welcome aboard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
1. Is there a website similar to Blue Book that gives approximate values on used Airstreams\trailers in general?
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If it's vintage values you are looking for try this: Price vs Condition . If it's a more current model I think NADA has a guide...someone else will have to chime in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
I just saw an ad for a 2005 16' Bambi for $5,000 - seemed absurdly cheap, I wonder what is wrong with it.
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If the ad you saw was on ebay, it was most likely a reoccuring scam...if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Some here even make a game of outing them, see this thread: Ebay Scams
Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
2. The Bambi aside - even if it's OK I'd worry that would be too small for my family and I would rather have an older model anyway. Does anyone have a recommendation for what a reasonable size trailer is for a family of 5? We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max) but I'm wondering how small we can get away with and still be comfortable (bed arrangement is key - we can do very small if the beds work out). Would a Bambi even be possible for us? Other recommendations?
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Personally, I think a Bambi would be too small for 5...especially on rainy days or as your kids get older. Unless they are game for sleeping in a tent outside while you get the trailer... I would think a TradeWind or 24-25' newer model would be as small as you would want to go. Some TradeWinds/Overlanders & bigger units even had bunks.
Also, another factor to keep in mind is that the older trailers are lighter foot-for-foot than the newer ones, which is better option for towing flexibility.
Good luck with you search for the trailer that's right for you and your family!
Shari
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06-15-2006, 12:32 AM
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#11
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4 Rivet Member
1977 23' Safari
Hillsboro
, Oregon
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 348
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Quote:
Originally Posted by campbell
We don't have the strongest engine on our truck - an F250 4x4 V8 5.4l gas engine - and we'd need to pull a smaller trailer (my husband says 21-24 ft max)
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The 5.4 is the workhorse of the F series line of trucks. It will have the power to pull just about any trailer. An F250 is capable of towing a 30' trailer without any issues.
__________________
Van
2009 F-350 FX4 Crewcab 4x4 6.4l
former '78 Argosy 20' Minuet owner
former '77 23' Safari owner
former 25' Fun Finder X-250BHS SOB owner
current 26' Komfort Trailblazer 262BSLE SOB owner
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06-15-2006, 06:12 AM
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#12
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Rivet Master
Massachusetts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: 1964 17' Bambi II
Posts: 4,282
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Quote:
Originally Posted by firedog
Wow, what can I say,its home with me and a dream to pull. I was a little apprehensive about pulling it with my 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 V8 318 engine.All went well I can't wait for my first rally.Oh the prodigy brake controller is great. Oh,PSS.I am pulling it with a anti- sway bar only.
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I received a personal tour of firedog's new rig last month and have to comment that it is a sweet Airstream. (Not that I am partial to 19' Bambi's or anything! )
Good luck with it and look forward to camping with you again sometime.
__________________
WBCCI Region One
Attitude is the only difference between ordeal and adventure
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06-15-2006, 08:22 AM
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#13
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2 Rivet Member
1963 28' Ambassador
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 22
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Thanks Shari and Van for the helpful replies!
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06-16-2006, 05:33 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
1992 29' Excella
Currently Looking...
JOY IN
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 650
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19 footer
I am very pleased with my Bambi.My truck pulls it very easy.I was a wanna bee for 3 years and thats how long it took me to find a airstream that i could afford and tow with my 96, dodge dakota 4x4 318 v8.
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06-23-2006, 03:04 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
Mickleton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 49
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2007 23' Safari
We are scheduled to take delivery Friday, June 30th. Hitch will be installed on my 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4 quad, 287cid. Can I tow with stock mirrors on the truck? PS- No experience in trailering. I was told my dealer they will give some training prior to departure. Will have to tow home about 70 miles.
Thanks
Larry
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06-23-2006, 04:59 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mickleton
We are scheduled to take delivery Friday, June 30th. Hitch will be installed on my 2005 Dodge Dakota 4X4 quad, 287cid. Can I tow with stock mirrors on the truck?
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Sounds like a good combo. Please let us know of your more developed experience on 2-lanes in the Alleghenies or W.Va. if you ever get there.
Airstream says the 23' is 8' wide. If your mirrors aren't tow-package extendable I'd say you'll appreciate the extra visibility of some aftermarket mirror. I have stock GM extendable mirrors and an 8'6" wide Safari -- that isn't nearly as nice as tow-package extendables when I pulled my 7'9" or so Argosy. I could really see what was going on with the Argosy. I currently can't see the curb side of my Safari while underway. My GMC manual actually says the tow-package extendables are not for trailers over 8' wide (a little C.Y.A. there...). Having convex mirrors on both sides of your tow vehicle also adds a lot!
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06-23-2006, 05:06 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
Mickleton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 49
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Thanks Bob, so I can live with the stock mirrors until I find a suitable replacement. I did not want get in the truck on delivery day and find out I can't see anything. I will try and find some mirrors this week.
Larry
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06-23-2006, 06:28 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud
, Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
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Larry -- the gold standard for aftermarket is supposed to be McKesh mirrors. I saw a pair on a TV when we were out in a regional state park last weekend but didn't manage to talk to the owner about them -- I want to do that some time. Using simple search words I looked at Forum results -- confusing with a lot of returns. I know a couple weeks back somebody was surprised how well some suction cup mirrors worked but there was some doubt if they'd hang in there for the long run...
This is just my sense from multi-reads in the Forums. Quality of this response is directly proportional to the amount you paid for the advice. Best wishes!
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06-23-2006, 06:59 PM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
2004 19' International CCD
Ridgefield
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 67
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For what it's worth I tow a 19' Bambi with my 2004 Dodge Dakota 4X4 V8 also- no problems. I opted for the 19 ' because I tend to "collect" things when I trvel and I wanted the option of coming home with a heavier load than I left with. I also looked at the 22', but would have been limited in my extra stuff capacity. I have had NO PROBELMS at all with the combination I have, in fact I don't even know it's there when towing. Sometimes I forget and look in the rear view mirrow and briefly wonder who is following me so close! The 19' would definately be too small for a family of 5 unless you can pack all 3 kids into the dinette bed- but they'll grow out of that before you know it!
__________________
Robin
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06-23-2006, 07:08 PM
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#20
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RivetAddict
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Louisville
, Kentucky
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,861
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firedog, welcome and congradulations! Alway nice to see someone from my neck of the woods get bitten by the bug. Went to University of Lowell and grew up in Billerica. My folks still live in North Andover. Enjoy!
__________________
Steven Webster
1986 Airstream 345 Classic Motorhome
AIR 1760
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