Airstream Bambi

The Bambi isn't being offered by Airstream in 2008. You can still find used models—some barely used—but no new ones this year. Instead, Airstream wants you to try the Basecamp, which, as far as I can tell, tries to fit closest to the key Bambi characteristics: small and compact.

Unfortunately, the Basecamp doesn't quite replace the Bambi. In my opinion, it doesn't replace it at all. But that's just my two cents.

Anyway, I always thought the Bambi was kind of pointless, so I'm not bemoaning its loss. To me, the financial step up to the Safari trailer always seemed worth the increased size you were getting. Yes, the Bambi was as cute as its namesake, but it wasn't functional enough to justify paying Airstream prices for it.

I wonder if it ever sold well.

Airstream Basecamp

I was intrigued when I first heard about this latest Airstream creation: the Basecamp. Designed by the folks at Nissan, it was to be a kind of antithesis to the other Airstream trailers. As the Basecamp's advertising went, it was not to be "a living room on wheels".

The final product is probably best described as cute. The Basecamp looks very European, in that quaint Old World kind of way. Hence, while I can imagine it in front of a log cabin in Switzerland, I have trouble trying to visualize it cruising through the Rockies. Perhaps it's just my own peculiarity, and I'm not sure what exact market Airstream was aiming with this, but I have my doubts whether it will sell in North America.

My first impression of the aesthetics was also rather reserved. I like the classic Airstream look and think the latest designs keep nicely within that tradition; but the Basecamp deviates too much, in my opinion. It's too futuristic; it looks like something The Jetsons would use to transport some kind of miniature robotic horse! Once I got more used to the shape, however, I started to admire it more. I'm still not entirely convinced, but it's not as bad as my first impression.

In terms of what it's supposed to be: the Airstream Basecamp is a two-person travel trailer. And I highlight the word travel. This not so much for tourists, at least in the way Airstream describes it, as it is for people who want to travel, go adventuring, go exploring. The name suggests much the same, too. Drive it somewhere, set it up, use it as a base camp! The Airstream site also draws attention to the fact that the trailer's big enough to be used to haul small vehicles like ATVs and such. So you could use it to haul around a small robotic horse!

Now, the layout.

It's very symmetrical, and has a slightly teardrop shape, when seen from above. In other words, the back, where you walk in, is narrower than the front. Next, you notice two consoles—one on the left and one on the right. It's a bit like the consoles you find in a minivan. On the left, you also find the power control. Next, as you step forward—and stand under what could be a large skylight—you're flanked by two seats/beds (both 50") and fronted by the main console. Here, starting on the left, you find a round sink; a "work center", or, as I like to call it, empty space for you to do stuff like slice vegetables; and cook top. It's all very cozy.

With all that out of the way, we can take a look at some numbers and specifications.

The Airstream Basecamp is 16'2" long, 7'2" wide, and 8'2" tall. That's exterior, however. Inside, it's 6'1" from floor to ceiling, which ain't much, and 72" across. The trailer's gross weight is 3,250lbs, which is up 500lbs from the 2007 edition.

And, finally, price:

The Airstream Basecamp runs around $30,000 for the 2008 model. For me, that's just too pricey for what's offered. But please feel free to disagree!

Where can I buy Airstream parts online?

This is a rather common question. But there's no real compact answer on the Internet. Which is a shame, because most people think Airstream RV parts are some kind of rarity, and end up severely overpaying for them from sellers who capitalize on general consumer lack of information. So don't fall for that, do your research, and find the best price.

Here are two places to start looking:

RV Parts Suppliers

Many of the parts used in Airstream trailers are not "Airstream parts", but, simply RV parts. In other words, they're not uniquely made for Airstream trailers. Hence, one of the first places to look for new and used parts for your trailer is at any RV parts supplier. Here's a list of suppliers whose catalogues are available online:

Dyer's RV

Iowa Boys

RV Parts Outlet

TJ Trailers

Ebay

Finding parts at auction takes equal parts hunting and equal parts luck. However, there are some unique bargains to be had! I'd suggest you take a gander every once in a while, just to see what's to be had. Some suggested Ebay searches are:

"airstream"

"rv parts"

"airstream + [your part here]"

"rv + [your part here]"

There are also parts suppliers who don't have online catalogues but who do offer good selections and decent enough prices (though you'll seldom beat Ebay in that department!). Ask your local RV dealers for their print catalogues, instead.

Airstream Parts

One of the most frustrating things about being an Airstream owner—and there aren't many—is that it sometimes seems tough, if not near impossible, to find and buy spare parts for your trailer.

"Where do I buy Airstream parts?"

And, to make things even worse, the downside of quality is longevity, and the downside of longevity is that by the time you need to replace something in your Airstream, you find you'd need a time machine to get it!

But, don't despair. There are options:


1. Ebay

Probably your best friend when you need an Airstream part is Ebay. Do a site search for "Airstream", "Airstream parts" or "Airstream used parts" and you're bound to find some interesting, perhaps unexpected, results. It's especially useful when you stumble upon a quality used part that won't empty your wallet faster than you can say Paypal. Deals abound, if you look close and long enough.

The biggest problem with Ebay is that its "inventory" fluctuates. There are a wide array of Airstream parts available on auction, but they're not all available all the time. So you need to do some hunting, and that takes time.

It's good, then, that Airstream owners are a patient bunch.


2. Catalogs & Magazines

Another good source for tracking down parts. Unlike Ebay, this one's a one-off deal, and what you read is what you can get. But there's lots of reading to do. So, if you do your homework and work through the sellers, you'll eventually find what you're looking for. Even many older Airstream parts are still available, if you know where to look.

The bad side of parts dealers: they'll most likely charge you and arm and a leg for anything more expensive than a cup holder!

As to where you can get a parts catalog: your Airstream dealer is sure to have them, and some are also available to order online (PPL RV Parts Superstore will send you one for free, for example, if you call them: 1-800-755-4775). Since the RV business is not rotting away in the stone age, I'm sure you could find a few online catalogs, too.


3. RV Graveyards

Sound spooky? They kind of are...

But, also quite useful. Basically, they're like junkyards for cars—except, obviously, for RVs. You can find individual RV junkyards online, then compile a list of locations, plot them on a map, and stop by if your travels bring you within earshot. I assume if you have an RV, let alone an Airstream, you have intense wanderlust, so it shouldn't be too much trouble.

Junkyards do rely somewhat on your own knowledge of parts, however. You have to know what you're looking for, and, especially, what kinds of non-Airstream parts will do the job you need. Because many parts are compatible. If you're looking for older parts, for example, look for RVs made in the same period as your own.

As for the quality of the part you'll find: it's a crapshoot.


Overall, finding Airstream parts is not as insurmountable a problem as you may think. But you need to be proactive. In our consumer age, we're used to products coming to us. In this case, you still have to go to the product.

Good luck!

Airstream Books

We all know that one of the greatest pleasures in an Airstream is finding a cozy camping spot and settling down with the company of a great book. Reading, it is often said, is best done like meditation: alone.

Here are some reading materials related to Airstream, its history, its inspiration, and the joys of travel.

A big, hardcover collection of Airstream photographs. A nice book to open and take in with the day's first cup of coffee, savouring both. A nice touch: the shape and colour of the book mimic the trailer itself.

Another volume of photos. For these, however, the author sought out vintage Airstream models and personally photographed them along with their owners. A book very much in love with the Airstream aesthetic, a kind of visual history.

With only his dog Sweetzer for company, famed Colorado essayist Jim Fergus spent six years crossing and criss-crossing America in his Airstream: hunting, fishing, discovering nature, and writing about it. A light read full of wonder and subtle insight.

Patricia Young is a poet and writer from Victoria, British Columbia. I added this volume of her short stories because of the title and the cover. Isn't it fascinating how strong a connotation the word and image of the Airstream have in North America? One word, one picture: one lifestyle. And, these, are stories inspired by it.

Another Canadian poet: Ken Babstock. And another case of connotation and inspiration. On the cover, the peculiar curves of the Airstream; in the title, the Airstream as a "land yacht". Brings back a romantic vision of the settlers going West in their covered wagons, discovering America for the first time...