From the approachable size to the amenities cleverly included inside, hear Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler explain why so many people choose a Bambi travel trailer as their first foray into Airstreaming.
What is an
Airstream Bambi?
The first single-axle Airstream travel trailer launched in 1961, and it was affectionately nicknamed the “Bambi.” Today, we apply the Bambi name to all single-axle Airstream travel trailers, as a distinction for people who are looking for our most agile and, honestly, adorable models. They’re immensely popular, not just because of how they look, but also because they’re easy to tow and incredibly versatile – proof that great things really do come in small packages.
Single Axle vs. Dual Axle
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1
Length
Bambi travel trailers range from 16 to 22 feet in length. To put that into context, an average car is around 15 feet long, while trucks are generally around 20 feet long. So, Bambi travel trailers aren’t much longer than your average vehicle on the road.
2
Towing
Because Bambi travel trailers are small and lightweight, they’re inherently easy to tow. In fact, you can usually tow a Bambi with an SUV – which means you don’t need to have a truck to enjoy a travel trailer. And less trailer weight usually means better fuel efficiency.
3
Axle
The axle of the trailer refers to a shaft that rotates a set of two wheels. A Bambi travel trailer has one axle and one set of wheels. Because there are only two wheels and tires, maintenance costs can be lower with a Bambi travel trailer.
4
Aerodynamics
The iconic Airstream aluminum shell makes Bambi and larger travel trailers equally aerodynamic on the road. Even our Nest and Basecamp travel trailers are designed to reduce wind resistance.
1
Length
Standard double-axle Airstream travel trailers range from 23 to 33 feet in length. That means double-axle travel trailers are longer than SUVs and trucks on the road, but shorter than most commercial or heavy-load vehicles.
2
Towing
Because double-axle travel trailers are heavier and longer, they can be more stable to tow in inclement weather or high winds. You can also inherently bring more along with you inside a double-axle trailer – more gear, more luggage, more of the things you love.
3
Axle
The axle of the trailer refers to a shaft that rotates a set of two wheels. A double-axle travel trailer has two axles and two sets of wheels. Often the weight distribution across four wheels and tires instead of only two can mean your wheels, brakes, and tires last longer.
4
Aerodynamics
The iconic Airstream aluminum shell makes smaller and larger travel trailers equally aerodynamic on the road. No matter the length of the trailer, the curved shape lets you slip through the wind on the highway and achieve incredible fuel efficiency.
Single Axle
Single-axle Airstream travel trailers range from 16 to 22 feet in length. They’re smaller, more lightweight, and easy to tow. In fact, you can usually tow them with an SUV.
Double Axle
Double-axle Airstream travel trailers range from 23 to 33 feet in length. They’re heavier. longer, and can be more stable in inclement weather or high winds. You can also inherently bring more with you inside of the trailer.
The perfect intro into Airstream life
Small travel trailers are more popular than ever
Bambi travel trailers have always been a favorite among Airstreamers. Back in the 1960s, Americans were looking for shorter, lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles, but those vehicles inherently lacked the power to pull a heavy trailer. The Bambi’s genesis was a proactive response to this nationwide trend, and continues to be a perfect fit for people with smaller vehicles who want to hit the road for the adventure of a lifetime.
