AutoCamp Adding an Airstream Bambi

We have come across a very interesting article that indicates that the new AutoCamp Asheville will have 6 Airstream Bambi campers. This is huge news! To date, AutoCamp has only had custom Airstreams that do not fit the size or description of any commercially available Airstreams.

So, to read that there will be Bambi models, this is very outside the AutoCamp formula to date.

Airstream Bambi

So what is the Airstream Bambi? The Bambi is the smallest of the iconic “silver bullet” luxury campers. While the Basecamp is actually smaller, it does not fit the “silver bullet”/iconic look. The Basecamps are more so made for more rustic camping. They do not have fixed beds. The seating/table area converts to a bed. The have a “wet bath, ” meaning the toilet is in the shower.

The Airstream Bambi starts at as little as 16′ and goes up to 22′. The AutoCamp custom Airstream is 31′, so this is a very great difference in offering the Bambi. However, it will also allow AutoCamp to offer a more affordable option compared to both the custom Airstream and the X suites.

AutoCamp Russian River has added 2 very small “Happier Camper” campers.

As you can see, these are super tiny little campers! They do not have bathrooms. When price comparing, the Happier Camper was renting for $179 a night while the classic Airstream was starting at $259 a night.

The tents at AutoCamp do not have a toilet or shower. The X Suites and custom Airstream are quite large, and their price tag is, too. Offering the Bambi will fit a hole in the AutoCamp lineup that is clearly not being filled by the Happier Camper – and won’t be filled by the Basecamp.

Which version of the Airstream Bambi will AutoCamp offer at AutoCamp Asheville? Let’s look at the 4 lengths and floorplans (click image to enlarge):

The Happier Camper is 13′ including the tow hitch. It’s actually only 10′ long. The 16′ Bambi has approximately a 3′ tongue, making the interior 13′, or 3′ longer than the Happier Camper. As you can see, it’s small. Too small to fit this niche for AutoCamp? We think so.

We also think the 22′ might be too big. Again, they’re trying to provide

a) an iconic and classic Airstream experience

b) a more affordable alternative to the custom Airstream and X suites that provides..

c) a toilet and shower

We find it super interesting that the article so specifically mentions the Airstream Bambi. As we covered in great length, the 31′ custom Airstream is unlike anything in the retail Airstream lineup.

The Bambi is absolutely in the Airstream lineup. In fact, it’s the lower of level of the Caravel and the Bambi. They have identical lengths and floorplans. However, the Caravel starts at $16,000 more than the Bambi. What accounts for this difference? “Finishes”. The Caravel has more luxurious finishes – think fixtures and materials – and also technology and electronics.

This is a long video, but it compares the Airstream Bambi to the Airstream Caravel:

Conclusion

AutoCamp has big plans to open 4 new AutoCamp locations in 2023 and to expand to the top 25 metro areas in the US. It’s not surprising that they’re going to be looking to diversify their lodging options, as we’ve seen with the Happier Camper at Russian River and cabins at AutoCamp Catskills and other locations. Most interesting is that they may be using a retail version of the Airstream Bambi. Considering how greatly different the AutoCamp Custom Airstream is compared to retail Airstreams, they could appeal to more Airstream fans who want a genuine Airstream experience.