Help on picking Bambi 16' or 19'

[Skip Mac]

Hi, new member.. Interested in buying a new bambi, first trailer. I'm leaning towards Bambi 16' concerned about weight and backing, I'm using a Hummer H3 and don't want to overload. Dealer says 19' is the way to go but I like the 16' any advice?

[campadk]

We had this dilema ourselves. I figured the wet bath was a half solution and we might regret later. It was also a bit tight compared to the 19ft. We are camping over 30 days a year and figured we wanted to have a bit more space and storage. It certainly is cute though! Not sure about towing with the HU3. We were just out at a dealer tonight looking to upgrade our Jeep to a Yukon with a V* to haul about our 19ft (Bambi will be delivered soon!).

Good luck.

[2airishuman]

hello and welcome skip mac,

there aren't many (any) folks posting here who use the h3 for towing air...

you should search towing issues as there is lots of good info in the archives.

do your homework learning about towing safety, hitches and so on.

airstreams are great trailers. 16 has a bigger bed but 19 a little more space. per foot these are really the most expensive and most popular models for new folks...

h3 does not have the capacity for a new 19 once you sort things out.

barely enough for the 16s really....i won't mate the two...

vintage single axle airstreams yes but again still very near the limits.

with the hummer alone at 5k or so and the gcwr only in the mid 9k range,
and a tongue limit of 400lbs...really it isn't enough horse for the wagon.

airstreams are gonna be too much for anything but sunday camping in the driveway...

don't be offended the h3 is cute and functional...just not for rv towing.

cheers
2air'

[pod people]

Skip Mac

We had the same issue. We tow with a Land Rover Discovery - and "technically" could have towed the 19' Bambi. We liked both trailers and were torn. I have to thank our Aristream dealer who said - "you can tow the 19' - as long as you don't mind being the last folks at the campground." So - we went with the 16' and have been very happy. It tows well - and is a much better match for the Discovery.

The big issue for me was that the 19' had 2 batteries, more grey/black waste storage, a slightly bigger fridge and an oven. So it was hard to pass these up and be logical enough to have a better tow vehicle match.

But absolutely no regrets with the 16'. It is super - good storage and a very livable floorplan. We haven't been too good this year - but last year we did over 30 nights - and we love the 16 footer.

Good luck with your decision!

[Skip Mac]

Thanks for the info on the size, sounds like the 16' is the way to go..anyone with additional advice?

[moosetags]

The 16' in cuter than a puppy, but the 19' is much more usable. The 16' has a combo gray/black holding tank. Not a lot of use there.

[Goin camping]

Skip, Since you live in So Cal. like I do I would make this observation. We have wonderfull weather and many places to camp without being in a campground. The Desert. Colo. River and many mountains and forests. With a 16 footer you can squeeze/sneek into many places. All you really need the trailer for is sleep, bathroom and some cooking. You will find yourself outside quite a bit so you can be comfortable with a 16 footer.

[pod people]

Skip Mac

Have you made a decision?

[JimGolden]

I looked very hard at both out at Jackson Center on the line in March. I liked the 19. 3' longer outside, but felt like double the room inside.

But don't listen to me, I have a 31 footer with a 4-door diesel pickup

Truth is they're both nice. Totally personal preference. Get the one that makes you happy.

For what it's worth, the biggest sellers are 19' Bambis and 25' Safari's.

Best of luck!

[pod people]

Congratulations on the 19'!

I agree that the 19' somehow seems alot bigger inside. I also think you'll find the 2 batteries, add'l tankage, etc - to be really beneficial. The 19' Bambi really is the most practical of all the smaller trailers. (But I do love my little pod).

A 19 footer will also look alot better behind that big TV! (If I had a crew cab diesel pickup - I probably would have done the same as you.)

Again - enjoy!

[GO Bob]

It is about what you can live with. When I have been asked about RVs in general I tell people to rent one for the weekend. A few hundred bucks is cheaper than wasting thousands on something you dont want or is not what you need.