How Much is an Airstream Bambi? Full Cost Breakdown

One of the most well-known Airstream travel trailers is the Airstream Bambi, which Airstream has been making since 1961 when they released their first single axle trailer nicknamed the Bambi.

But just how much is an Airstream Bambi?

A new Airstream Bambi which ranges in length from 16 to 22 feet, will cost between $55,000 and $70,000 depending on the size you choose.  While a used Airstream Bambi will cost anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on the age, condition, and length.

For a complete cost breakdown on the Airstream Bambi though, make sure to keep reading.

As we go into great detail about how much an Airstream Bambi will specifically cost you, as well as why Airstreams are so expensive.  

Full Airstream Bambi Cost Breakdown

There can be a wide range when it comes to the cost of an Airstream Bambi due to several factors, including age, length, and condition of the trailer.

So to help give you a better idea of what a specific length or model of an Airstream Bambi might cost you, we’ve broken down the cost of a Bambi using three main categories including age, length, and condition.  

Model	Year	Length	Condition	Average Cost
Bambi 16RB	New	16 Feet	New	$55,000
Bambi 19CB	New	19 Feet	New	$60,000
Bambi 20FB	New	20 Feet	New	$62,000
Bambi 22FB	New	22 Feet	New	$65,000
Bami 19	2005	19 Feet	Good	$40,000
Bambi 16	1961	16 Feet	Excellent	$36,000
Bambi Signature 19	2007	19 Feet	Good	$43,000
Safari Bambi 19	2006	19 Feet	Average	$32,000
Bambi 16	2015	16 Feet	Good	$36,000
Bambi 22FB	2017	22 Feet	Excellent	$52,000

How Much Does a New Airstream Bambi Cost?

While some might assume the new Airstream Bambi is just a single trailer.

In actuality, the Bambi designation is used by Airstream to describe an entire line of their smallest and lightest single axle trailers.

As the new Airstream Bambi actually comes in four different trim levels and Bambi floor plans that all have different lengths and weights, including the 16RB, 19CB, 20FB, and 22FB, which range in price from $55,000 to $65,000.

Airstream Bambi 16RB

• Average Cost:  $55,000
• Length:  16 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight: 3,000 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  3,500 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

The smallest and lightest Bambi travel trailer that Airstream makes is the Bambi 16RB, which has an overall length of just over 16 feet and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds.  

This small lightweight single axle trailer features a queen bed on one end and a convertible dinette on the other, which also converts into a sleeping space, allowing this compact camper to sleep up to 4 people. 

In addition, this small travel trailer is also equipped with a wet bath as well as a full kitchen with a small two-way fridge, a two-burner propane stove, and a good amount of storage.  

Airstream Bambi 19CB

• Average Cost:  $60,000
• Length:  19 Feet 1 Inch
• Dry Weight: 3,650 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  5,000 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

The new Airstream Bambi 19CB is the smallest and lightest Airstream with a dry bath.  

To see other small lightweight campers with a dry bath, check out our article “The 10 Best Small Campers with a Dry Bath“.

The travel trailer also provides an additional 3 feet in length compared to the Bambi 16RB, which allows for more room to move around.  

Airstream Bambi 20FB

• Average Cost:  $62,000
• Length:  20 Feet 7 Inches
• Dry Weight: 4,000 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  5,000 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

The new Airstream Bambi 20FB provides another 2 feet of living space compared to the Bambi 19CB and provides a much larger dry bath and kitchen.

However, this larger Bambi travel trailer can still only sleep up to 4 campers at a time, just like the smaller two Bambi floor plans.

It does provide much more comfortable accommodations for those four campers though, compared to the smaller and more compact Bambi trailers.  

And for those that like to cook, this Bambi trailer is also the first floorplan that actually provides a decent amount of countertop space to prepare a meal adequately.  

Airstream Bambi 22FB

• Average Cost:  $65,000
• Length:  21 Feet 11 Inches
• Dry Weight: 3,900 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:  5,000 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity:  4

The largest Bambi that Airstream makes is the 22FB, which has a length of 21 feet 11 inches and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,900 pounds.

This larger Airstream Bambi features a large rear dry bath, with an enclosed shower that includes a bench, as well as a large bathroom counter making it super easy to get ready in the morning.

In addition, this Bambi travel trailer also has a unique U-shaped dinette instead of the standard bench dinette, allowing for a much more open and flexible seating area inside the camper.  

What is the Cheapest Airstream?

The cheapest new Airstream is the Airstream Bambi, which ranges in price from $55,000 to $65,000, depending on the model. 

But if you’re willing to buy an older Airstream or one that needs some work, you can easily spend much less than this.

For example, with a quick search on rvtrader.com, I was able to find a 1971 Airstream International Land Yacht for only $9,000. (Pictured Above)

But be forewarned, if you find an Airstream Trailer for less than $20,000, you are more than likely going to have to put a lot of work into the trailer or perhaps even perform a complete restoration.

As was the case with the above 1971 Airstream International Land Yacht, which can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.  

However, if you buy a used Airstream that is only a few years old but still in good condition you can save a lot of money compared to a new one.

To illustrate this point, take a look at how much cheaper a used Airstream can be if you’re willing to buy one a few years old.

Used Airstream Prices

Model	Year	Length	Price
Airstream Safari Bambi 19	2006	19 Feet	$31,900
Airstream Safari	2005	30 Feet	$35,500
Airstream Bambi 16	2015	16 Feet	$38,900
Airstream Flying Cloud F23	2010	23 Feet	$39,999
Airstream International Signature Bambi	2007	19 Feet	$42,500
Airstream Sport	2018	16 Feet	$42,550

Why is Airstream so Expensive?

After seeing the price of an Airstream Bambi, you might be wondering why Airstream is so expensive?

Considering the fact that an Airstream travel trailer is usually at least two if not three times more expensive compared to a comparable camper from another brand like Winnabego or Forest River.  

Airstream travel trailers are generally more expensive compared to other RV brands because of their all-aluminum body, high-quality finishes and components, value retention, build quality and longevity, and their iconic and timeless brand.  

All-Aluminum Body Construction

The main reason why Airstream trailers are so expensive compared to other campers is their all-aluminum body construction which requires higher material and labor costs.

To begin with, Airstream uses on average 1,200 square feet of high-quality “aircraft grade” aluminum alloy to construct its aluminum body trailer.

Which is a far more expensive material compared to plywood, fiberglass, and rubber that most RV manufacturers use.

Airstream travel trailers also require a lot of man-hours, usually around 350 hours per trailer, to build, thanks in large part to their hand-riveted double-walled aluminum body.

Which is constructed by first riveting on an exterior aluminum shell over a steel frame, then insulated, before riveting on the second layer of aluminum inside the trailer, which typically requires around 3,000 rivets on average.

This is a stark contrast compared to how other RV manufacturers build their travel trailers, which are usually built on a fast-paced assembly line with very little attention to detail.

High-Quality Finishes and Components

When you walk into an Airstream travel trailer you can quickly tell the difference between an Airstream trailer and trailers from other brands.

Because Airstream is really beyond reproach in the RV industry, when it comes to build quality and high-end finishes.

As Airstream only uses high-end appliances, and fixtures throughout the trailer as well as in-house custom-made cabinetry, that is built to the highest of standards and made to accommodate the curved interior of an Airstream trailer.  

Airstream interiors also have a very minimalist modern design with tons of large windows throughout the RV, which really lets nature take center stage while camping even when inside the trailer.  

Value Retention

While Airstream trailers are not exempt from the woes of RV depreciation, they do tend to fair better and hold their value for longer compared to other RV brands. 

If you want to see how fast RVs depreciate, check out our article “14 Reasons to Buy a Used RV Over a New One“, brace yourself first though, because it’s not pretty.    

So while Airstream trailers require a much larger upfront investment, they do tend to hold and retain their value for much longer.

As it’s not uncommon to see Airstream trailers that are 40 or even 60 years old still selling for $40,000 or more!

Build Quality and Longevity

Most standard travel trailers and RVs are built and designed to last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. 

And while this might seem pretty good and is certainly long enough to get your money’s worth out of it.

Airstream trailers take build quality and longevity to the extreme, as a well-cared-for Airstream trailer can last for 50 years or more. 

Making an Airstream trailer truly a family heirloom that could be passed down from generation to generation.  

And most of this longevity is achieved because of the all-aluminum body construction of the Airstream which holds up extremely well in all types of environments, greatly reduces the likelihood of a water leak, and requires very little exterior maintenance.  

This is because unlike other types of travel trailers which often have a rubber membrane roof and use mainly wood construction, the aluminum body of an Airstream trailer has an all-metal roof as well as sidewalls, which are much less likely to leak.

In addition, Airstream uses very little wood in its construction, with the only exception being its plywood floor that allows furniture and appliances to be screwed down.

Iconic and Timeless RV Brand

Airstream released its first and now iconic all-aluminum trailer called the Clipper, which slept four, had electric lights, a water tank, and even an air conditioner powered by dry ice in 1936.

And ever since then, Airstream Inc. which is now owned by Thor Industries has been making timeless and iconic campers.

Because of this, when you buy an Airstream trailer you’re not just getting a trailer but you’re also getting the rich history of the Airstream brand and carrying on its legacy.

Also, let’s face it, there is nothing quite like the look and design of an Airstream travel trailer, which is always a crowd-pleaser where ever it goes and the highlight of any campground.  

How Much is a 16-Foot Airstream?

When it comes to the 16-foot Airstream trailer there are surprisingly several different options to choose from, including the Airstream Bambi 16RB, Airstream Caravel 16RB, and the Airstream Basecamp 16X, which all have different prices.  

As a note, there actually used to be a fourth 16-foot Airstream called the Airstream Nest 16U, which was a fiberglass Airstream trailer.

However, Airstream no longer makes this trailer due to a lack of interest, and only made the fiberglass trailer for three years starting in 2018 and ending in 2020.

Airstream Bambi 16RB

To start things off let’s take a look at the most popular 16-foot Airstream trailer, which is the Bambi 16RB, as it’s the smallest and cheapest Airstream trailer that still maintains the iconic Airstream aluminum body.

The small and compact Airstream Bambi 16RB trailer, which has a convertible bench seat, a wet bath, and sleeps four, has an average price of $55,000.

Airstream Caravel 16RB

Unless you have a trained eye, you more than likely will not be able to tell a difference between an Airstream Caravel 16RB and an Airstream Bambi 16RB as they both look very similar.

However, the 16-foot Airstream Caravel actually has numerous upgrades over the 16-foot Airstream Bambi, making it the superior camper.

Some of these upgrades include stainless steel front stone guards, a Thule aluminum entry step, rear and side window awnings, panoramic windows, as well as several interior upgrades.

But all these upgrades don’t come cheap, as the 16-foot Airstream Caravel will cost you about $15,000 more compared to the Airstream Bambi, with an average price of $70,000.

Airstream Basecamp 16

A relatively new entrant for Airstream is the Airstream Basecamp 16, which was first produced in 2007.

The 16-foot Airstream Basecamp 16 is very different compared to the more traditional Airstream aluminum trailers and was built with the adventurer in mind.  

The good news, however, is that the Airstream Basecamp 16 is also the cheapest 16-foot trailer Airstream makes, with an average price of around $48,000.  

How Much is a 20-Foot Airstream?

Just like the 16-foot Airstream trailer, Airstream also makes several different trailers with a 20-foot length, including the Airstream Bambi 20FB, the Airstream Caravel 20FB, and the Airstream Basecamp 20.

Airstream Bambi 20FB

Much like the 16-foot Bambi trailer, Airstream packed a lot into the 20-foot Bambi trailer, including a large rear corner kitchen with tons of counter space, a separate and enclosed dry bath, and accommodations for four campers to sleep comfortably, thanks to the convertible dinette in the trailer.  

But all this convenience and comfort comes at a cost though, as the average price for a 20-foot Airstream Bambi 20FB is $62,000.

Airstream Caravel 20FB

Just like the 16-foot Airstream Caravel, the 20-foot Airstream Caravel features numerous upgrades over the standard 20-foot Airstream Bambi, including many interior and exterior upgrades.  

Due to these upgrades though, the 20-foot Caravel is about $18,000 more expensive compared to the 20-foot Bambi, with an average price of $80,000.

Airstream Basecamp 20

The last 20-foot trailer that Airstream makes is the Airstream Basecamp 20, which was built with the adventurer in mind, as this rugged compact trailer can pretty much go anywhere.

But even with all the ruggedness and versatility, the Airstream Basecamp 20 is still the cheapest 20-foot trailer that Airstream makes, with an average price of $56,000.  

Additional Resources

17 Fun Airstream Accessories Every Airstream Owner Needs