Newbie, Looking

[Underblog]

Hi Folks

First time poster, been trolling for a while.

I am looking for a Bambi, either a 16 or 19 footer, and I would really like to hear about others' buying experiences, from dealers and from private sellers. On eBay, a large dealer in AZ appears to be well-stocked.

I can see the benefit of a dealer -- accountability if something is broken; but I can also see that a private seller MAY be a little less expensive. That last being said, I have seen some pretty ambitious asking prices for the littler trailers, ie prices for used approaching those for new.

Is it the case that Bambi's command a premium since they are towable by more vehicles?

I appreciate in advance the assistance, and I have appreciated what I have been able to learn here just by cruising the boards.

UB

[dkottum]

The 16' and 19' are excellent vacation and weekend trailers and are popular. My dealer says he sells more 19's than any other size.

When people love the Airstream lifestyle they tend to trade up to something larger. We did. So quite a few of these come up for sale. Internet search will show lots of finds, but seeing them in person can be quite a disappointment, you never know. You may want to keep your search close to home, or at a really good reputable dealer.

If you can find a New Mexico or Arizona trailer that is good because it's susceptible metal shell and components may not have been exposed heavily to northern road salt or ocean spray.

Who is the AZ dealer? Might be a good place to look if they have a nice one in stock. And there might be members of this forum near them who would take a look for you. We just returned or I would help you there, if you're still looking next winter let me know.

doug k

[cwf]

Don't do it! You do realize aluminum has been linked in studies to degenerative brain maladies? Once you do the aluminitis of Airstreaming you will never be the same!

If you must answer the call, remember first this will be a relationship not ownership.

I wish you happy trails in your journey and many star and fellowship filled nights and days. May the road go on forever.

Seriously, if you can, educate as best you can here and elsewhere so you "know" what to look out for on New and Previously loved or previously Used units. They are not CLONED but are hand crafted individuals. So each has its own personality to love and endure.

[Sbb]

I purchased off the forum classified section 19' 2006 Ccd Bambi. I would say the true meaning between you and the seller of the word excellent, good etc to descibe a trailer could different. I was so over come with OMG i found an AS, I purchasd site unseen. Knowing what I do now and knowing my personality I am ok with my decision, although many things were not as I expected. For instance it was not untl we met half way that I discovered the First owner had parked under a tree and got sap on the side. To make it worse brillo was used to unsuccessfully remove it. I now have a bult in conversation starter. Same for a few long brush strokes. If you were looking for a pristine A#1 outside, this would not be the one for you.( never mentioned in any calls with PO, and next time I will know to asked if the AS had sap on it!)

Service records with dates very important and try every single part and dodad. Just because you can't see a rooftop does not mean it doen't need proper care. I purchased mine and added quite a bit more in fixes, that little broken handle on the black tank was really part of a leaky black tank valve and the reason water did not stay in toilet was a gasket thingy that required the whole toilet to come out to get repared.

All that being said, I am currently out for five days enjoying every moment. For others reading this.... why does a top door hinge keep working its way out?

[Underblog]

The dealer we found is Desert Autoplex. There is a dealer in Albuquerque, but all the 2013's have been sold. Just 2 used units in stock. I may go over and kick a tire or two. . .

[Underblog]

My wife and I are entry-level first-time Airstream shoppers. We are looking for something used, at least for the first one. We like the idea of something small, but I am somewhat spooked by the very small tanks on the Sports. I was thinking perhaps a Safari in the 19-22 foot range would be manageable for my Ford Flex, and be sufficiently sized for my wife, dog, and me to camp in (boondocking) for a couple of days if necessary.

The primary use for this trailer will be providing us lodging as we drive between NM and MN, where we have a cabin. Summers, the trailer could serve as a guest room. The secondary purpose of the trailer would be for trips of a couple of weeks between seasons, to CA and the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

My specific questions are what pitfalls should I be looking for in specific years? When I mentioned I was looking at a 2004 Safari, a couple of folks referred me to service history problems with them. (I have yet to find the relevant posts on Air Forums.) When were these issues addressed by Airstream?

What years / models should I be particularly careful about purchasing? Though I get the impression that almost every thing that can go wrong with an AS has been reported and fixed by someone posting here, I'd like to make myself as an educated a shopper as it is to be without actually owning one.

I thank you in advance for sharing your buying adventures and advice for us.

UB

[TBRich]

I am not aware of any particular years of Bambis that are historically problematic. (If I am wrong, someone will surely correct me!) We have been very pleased with our 2006 19' Bambi Safari SE (The Safari SE was re-branded as Flying Cloud in 2009 I think it was.) We bought it new during the next model year so we got a bit of a break on it. We have had only minor issues and we have enjoyed it very much. Of course there are times when we "talk" about having a larger AS, but for now this is perfect for us, and frankly, I think it might be a little hard to let go of it since we have tweaked it so much.

I do know that the 16' and 19' units appear on the market frequently, but they don't last long because they are quite in demand. Good luck in your search and one day in the no-too-distant future — we hope — you will be trailing happily!

[MarcCarol]

I have a 2008 17 ft Safari that I would sell for $20k. I bought it a year ago and I am taking it from Prescott Arizona to the northwest and Canada, leaving mid June. I have never tried to sell it, but at the Balloon Fiesta rally, a canadian airstreamer was interested in buying it to live in in Toronto but he was unable to pick it up due to family medical problems. I had found a 23 foot in California that I would have bought if he had bought mine. It is in really great shape and everything works fine. I would be happy to talk with you when I get back in mid July or earlier if you like but we are going on this trip. My name is Marc Hammond and my phone number is (928) 899 8204.

[Bk Yd Safari]

My wife and I are first time RVers and purchased a 2008 20' Safari from a retailer 400 miles from home. We have had a couple of needed repairs and are fortunate to have a reliable RV dealer (not Airstream) close to home that took care of our needs. We looked at units from dealers as well as indivuals and found little difference in price on comparable units.
We have spent up to 6 weeks at a time in the unit (no kids, no pets) and not felt cramped. The 20' model is almost 2' longer than the 19' and with the bed in the front and turned across the width (the bed in the 19' runs in the lenght) you get close to another 2' useable floor space.
Good luck with your search
ps we tow with a 1500 Chevy with a heavy duty tow package