If you are one of the many RVers who share a love affair with Airstream trailers but haven’t yet taken the plunge to purchase your own dream camper, let me introduce you to Airstream Bambi. 

This little firecracker offers great versatility and agility, while providing a premier camping experience. 

With its lightweight design and flexible storage options, Bambi might just be the RV that turns you from dreamer into Airstream owner.

In fact, here’s one huge reason we love this trailer, some of our 5 best crossover SUVs may be rated to tow it!

Airstream Bambi History

Bambi was born out of necessity in 1961, when RVers were actively looking for smaller, less cumbersome travel trailers to be pulled by more gas-efficient vehicles.  Airstream designed a shorter, more lightweight model on a single axle, making their new vehicle more agile and fun. 

It could be towed by a car and maneuvered into unusual and small campsites with ease.  And it was cute!

After taking this 16-foot wonder on the Cape Town to Cairo Airstream Caravan, Airstream founder, Wally Byam was introduced to a miniature deer in the Angolan countryside.  Known for its sure-footedness and strength, “O’Mbambi” stood for everything he knew his new camper encompassed. 

The Umbundu name was shortened to “Bambi,” stamped on the new trailer, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ever since that maiden voyage, Bambi has come to represent small, single-axle Airstreams that exhibit speed and stamina, no matter what the model number. 

Current Bambis range in length from 16 feet to 22 feet long, and all have that unmistakable Airstream quality construction.  They are the perfect vehicle to step from tent camping into the world of recreational travel trailers.

How Much Does an Airstream Bambi Cost?

New models of the Airstream Bambi have MSRP prices ranging from $51,000 to $68,000.  Many shoppers can find valuable used Bambis on the marketplace for less.

This depends on upgrades and care that previous owners have taken with their vehicles.  

Pro Tip: Here are the challenges of Airstream ownership.

Airstream Bambi Current Floorplans

Bambi comes in 4 shapes and sizes, all resting on a single-axle frame.  Take a look at the differences in each floor plan for their models:

Bambi 16RB

This single axle Airstream measures 16 feet long. It has a rear double bed and a front dinette that converts into a second small bed. This trailer sleeps up to 4. 

The trailer comes with a galley area, complete with a propane stove top, sink and small undercounter refrigerator and microwave.  There is even a wet bath. 

The Bambi 16RB weighs in at 3,500 lbs. fully loaded.

Airstream Bambi 19CB

The Bambi 19CB is, indeed, 19 feet long, with a corner double bed (CB).  It, too, has a converting dinette for extra sleep space up to 4.

And with the extra 3 feet in length, it also has a dry bath, with separate shower and bathroom sink.  Kitchen space is more prevalent, too. It has a large refrigerator and microwave on one wall, and a stove and sink on the other. 

This shiny trailer has a GVWR of 5,000 lbs.

Bambi 20FB

One foot longer than its predecessor, the Bambi 20FB has a front bed that sits under panoramic windows.  The Bambi has the most countertop space of any model.

The kitchen wraps around the side and back walls. It features a two bowl sink, stovetop, refrigerator, and microwave. 

There are plenty of storage cabinets, and the 20FB is the shortest travel trailer around with a full bathroom.  With an easily convertible dinette, 4 people can rest comfortably in this trailer.  It comes rated at a GVWR of 5,000 lbs.

Airstream Bambi 22FB

The 22FB is the largest in the Bambi line. It has a front bed measuring 54″ x 80″ with hampers at both ends. This trailer has a large U-shaped dinette across from the kitchen. The kitchen features a double sink, stovetop, fridge, microwave, and TV.

Also, the entire back end of the trailer has by a 3 piece dry bath. 

The Bambi 22FB can seamlessly sleep up to 4.  Its GVWR rating is 5,000 lbs. 

Tips for Buying a Used (Or Vintage) Airstream Bambi Trailer

It is not unusual to find well-cared-for vintage Airstream Bambi trailers, as most owners take great pride in their classic RVs. 

If you are interested in buying a used Bambi, here are some tips you might want to consider that will make your purchase more dependable and worry-free.

Have it Inspected

Find a licensed RV inspector to go through the Airstream Bambi, checking that all systems work as they should and to make sure there is no damage to the vehicle. 

If problems arise, you will at least be forewarned and can make an informed decision regarding purchase and/or repairs that might be needed. 

Also, an inspection may also provide information that you can use as a price negotiation tool.

Pro Tip: An RV Mechanic share what systems will break first in your RV.

Do Your Research on Price and Value

Depending upon the condition of the rig, Airstreams can be collectible.  Like other RVs, they may lose a bit of their value through depreciation over the years.

But they do tend to be more valued because of their quality construction and unusual appearance.  Because of this, Airstream model values can be easier to research. 

Do your due diligence and search for other Bambis of the same year and condition to see what the general value might be.  Talk with other Airstream owners via groups on social media and through Airstream Club International.

Verify Seller Legitimacy

Make sure the seller actually owns the Bambi they have for sale.  Ask for the VIN number and search for it online to see the history of that particular vehicle. 

And if the Bambi you are interested in was built before 1987, there is a good chance it was issued a unique number at Airstream headquarters, or possibly a reassigned number that can be tracked.

Ask For Records

Ask for maintenance and repair records. This will give you a good idea of what has been repaired and when something may need maintenance, based on its history. 

It will also show you how well the vehicle has been cared for by the previous owner.

Get a Detailed Tour

Have the owner give you a detailed tour of the coach, showcasing how everything works, what modifications or repairs they have made, and any quirks the RV may have.

You Can’t Go Wrong With an Airstream Bambi

Airstream is a well-respected, dependable RV manufacturer, with fans across the world.  And The Bambi is certainly one of its best-loved offspring, adored especially by first-time RVers who value its flexibility and ease of use. 

No matter what the reason you find to embrace this feisty, comfortable, and versatile travel trailer, I’m sure you will begin a lifelong appreciation of the Airstream brand.

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: