Lift Kit 2002 Bambi

[tgh97531]

Would like to lift my 2002 19'Bambi for back road camping. My Airstream has a single Duraflex #4300 cap serial # 3031885 MFG By Henschen IND. Has anybody lifted there 20002 19" Bambi? Any suggestions?

[Al and Missy]

I replaced the Henschen axles on a 2002 Classic with Dexters. I got some additional clearance, but not as much as I wanted so I lifted the trailer using the Dexter lift kit. The mounting holes in the frame for the Henschens were slightly different than the holes in the new Dexter replacements and the lift kit. This is not a big problem. We slotted the rear mounting holes in the axles and later the lift kit about 1/8" or so and they dropped right in. As long as you slot the same hole (front or back) the alignment will not be affected because the frame has clearance holes, not slots.


You might want to consider replacing the axles, as old as they are. Mine had lost about half of their movement range due to sitting still most of their lives. Look at the swing arm the wheel is mounted on. Under full load it should be roughly horizontal. If the wheel center is higher than the pivot point, either the axle is overloaded or the rubber has taken a set. Measure the distance from the wheel well molding to the edge of the rim at the top. Jack the trailer up until the wheel is off the ground and measure it again. It should drop about 2.3" from where it was under load.



Al

[MAJORJDB]

While not a 2002 Bambi, we raised our 1989 31' Excella when we replaced the axles in 2017. Our replacement axles were Dexters and they offered a 3" lift kit. Colin Hyde, an AS restorer in upstate New York did the work. He had no problems with the lift other than redirecting the l.p. lines. The results were great, we had upgraded to 16" tires/rims and have much better clearance in the wheel wells and can now fit under the trailer without lifting it. Helps with inspection/maintenance duties. Our unit tows, handles and brakes no differently than before the lift. However, the hitch ball was raised to its height adjustment limit to tow level. Hope.this helps... Good luck and safe travels!! Jim and Gretchen

[tgh97531]

Ok, which axle and lift kit for a 2002 19' Bambi to replace the Duraflex #4300 cap serial # 3031885 MFG By Henschen. This is something I would like to have done professionally. How much can I expect to pay to buy my way out of this chore?