Airstream 2001 Bamby User manual

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
2001
INTRODUCTION
The Owners Manual for your new Airstream trailer is designed to respond to the most frequent inquiries
regarding the operation, function and care of the many systems that make modern trailering a joy.
Airstream realizes our customers possess varying degrees of expertise in the area of repairing and maintaining
the appliances in their trailer. For this reason, the service and trouble-shooting information found in this manual
is directed toward those with average mechanical skills. We also realize you may be more familiar in one area
than you are in another. Only you know your capabilities and limitations.
We want you to use this manual, and hope you will find the information contained in it useful, however, should
you ever feel you may be "getting in over your head" please see your dealer to have the repairs made.
A brief explanation of the operation of the appliances such as refrigerator, furnace, water heater and others are
explained in this manual. However, you will also find the manufacturer's information supplied in a packet
included with this manual.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in the literature are based on the latest product
information available at the time of publication approval.
Throughout this manual CAUTION and WARNING notations are used. Failure to observe "caution" can
damage equipment. "Warning" notes the possibility of personal injury if not observed.
The next page of this manual is a table of contents. Point your cursor to the subject, colored blue, you would
like to research. Right click your mouse while it is on the subject title and you will be taken to that area of the
manual.
To get back to table of contents, click on the back arrow in the tool bar at the top of the document. The arrow
will be lighted.
The next two pages contain an index of subject material in alphabetical order.
Note: If and when new materials and production techniques are developed which can improve the quality of its
product, or material substitutions are necessary due to availability, Airstream reserves the right to make such
changes.
© Airstream, Inc. 2000

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Warranty
Warranty Explanation
Service
Reporting Safety Defects
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Parts & Supplies
B. TOWING
Tow Vehicles
Brakes
Loading
Weighing
Hitching Up
Towing Tips
Pre-Travel Check List
C. CAMPING
Camping Safety
Overnight Stop
Extended Stay
Leveling & Stabilizing
Hook Ups
Winter Traveling
D. EXTERIOR
Cleaning
Chassis
Power Jack
Tires
Axle and Running Gear
Electric Brakes
E. INTERIOR FURNISHINGS AND
ACCESSORIES
Fabric Care
Lounges & Tables
Bathroom Exhaust
Features & Fixtures
Storage Areas
Smoke Alarm
Gas Detector
Fire Extinguisher
Exterior Windows
F. PLUMBING
LP (Liquid Petroleum) Gas
Water
Winterizing
Drain and Waste
Toilet
G. ELECTRICAL
Battery
Converter
12-Volt System & Components
TV Antenna
Satellite Antenna
Solar Panel
110-Volt System & Components
F. APPLIANCES
Air Conditioner
Furnace
Range/Oven
Microwave
Refrigerator
Water Heater
I. SPECIFICATIONS

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
2001
INDEX
Accessories............................................B-13
Air Conditioner....................................... H-1
Antenna TV .......................................... G-26
Appliances.............................................. H-1
Axles .................................................. D-7
Awning .................................................. D-2
Backing .................................................B-11
Battery .................................................. G-2
Bath Exhaust............................................E-3
Bathroom.................................................E-4
Bearing .................................................. D-7
Beds ...................................................E-2
Black Tank..............................E-3, F-9, F-16
Bottles, LP...............................................F-2
Brake Controller ........................... B-10, D-9
Brakes .................................. B-2, B-9, D-9
Break-Away Switch........................ B-2, D-9
Bulbs .................................................. A-8
Camping ..................................................C-1
Carpet ...................................................E-2
Capacities .................................................I-1
Cargo ...................................................B-4
Caution .....................................Introduction
Chassis .................................................. D-3
Check List..............................................B-12
City Water Hook-Up .......................C-4, F-6
Cleaning.................................................. D-1
Circuit Breakers..................G-6, G-30, G-33
Condensation...........................................C-5
Converter..............................G-3, G-4, G-30
Connector
7-Way..........................................G-3, G-5
110 volt.............................................. G-30
Couch ...................................................E-2
Counter top..............................................E-2
Coupler .................................................. D-3
Curtains ...................................................E-2
Control Panel...........................................E-3
Dimensions...............................................I-1
Dinette ...................................................E-2
Doors: Main ......................................... D-2
Screen....................................... D-2
Drain Valves............................................F-8
Drain System ......................F-16, F-17, F-18
Drapes ...................................................E-2
Dump Valves................................F-16, F-17
Electrical................................................. G-1
12 Volt.................................................. G-1
110-volt....................................... C-5, G-30
Circuit Breakers................G-6, G-30, G-33
Diagrams
12 Volt.................................................. G-9
110-Volt................................................ G-3
120 Volt.............................................. G-35
Power Cord................................. C-4, G-30
7-Way Cable................................. B-3, G-5
Trouble Shooting.................................. G-6
Emergency Escape Window........... C-1, D-2
Exhaust Fans............................................E-3
Extended Stay..........................................C-3
Exterior Maintenance ............................. D-1
Factory Service....................................... A-5
Fans ...................................................E-3
Faucets ...................................................F-6
Fill Valves, LP.........................................F-1
Fire Extinguisher .....................................E-8
Flat Tire.......................................... C-3, D-4
Furnace .................................................. H-2
Fuses ..........................................G-1, G-3
Galley ...................................................E-2
Gas, LP ....................................C-5, E-7, F-I
Grey Tank (Aux) .....................E-3, F-16, I-1
Ground Fault Interrupter....................... G-33
Grounding............................................. G-33
GVWR ...................................................B-4
GAWR ...................................................B-5
Hitch ............................................B-6, I-2
Hitching Up .............................................B-6
Hitch operation ....................................... D-3
Holding Tanks ................................F-16, 1-1
Hitch Ball Height.....................................B-7
Humidity..................................................C-5
Interior ...................................................E-1
Jacks .......................................... C-3, D-4

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL
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INDEX
Leveling...................................................C-3
Lights ...................................................E-4
Loading .............................................B-4E-4
Lounge ...................................................E-2
LP Gas ................................... C-5, E-7, F-1
LP Gas Detector.......................................E-7
Maintenance Parts................................... A-8
Maintenance Record............................... A-9
Maintenance Schedule............................ A-6
Microwave.............................................. H-4
Monitor Panel..........................................E-3
Oven .................................................. H-3
Overnight Stop.........................................C-2
Parking ...................................................C-2
Passing .................................................B-10
Plumbing..................................................F-1
Power Cord................................... C-4, G-30
Range .................................................. H-3
Refrigerator............................................. H-5
Regulator, LP...........................................F-2
Roof Vents...............................................E-3
Rotation, Tire.......................................... D-6
Safety ...................A-5, C-1, E-8, F-3, H-6
Safety Chains...........................................B-8
Sanitizing.................................................F-5
Screens .................................................. D-2
Service .................................................. A-4
Seven Way Connector ............ B-3, G-3, G-5
Sewer Hose...................................F-16, F-17
Shower ...................................................E-2
Sink ...................................................E-2
Smoke Alarm...........................................E-4
Sofa ...................................................E-2
Solar Panel............................................ G-29
Specifications ...........................................I-1
Stabilizing................................................C-3
Step .................................................. D-2
Storage ........................................... E-4, F-9
Stove .................................................. H-3
Table ...................................................E-3
Tires ...........................................D-4, 1-1
Tire Changing................................. C-3, D-4
Tongue Latch.......................................... D-3
Tongue Weight ........................................B-5
Toilet .................................................F-28
Towing ...........................................B-1, B-9
Tow Car...........................................B-1, B-7
TV Hookup..............................................C-4
TV Antenna .......................................... G-26
Upholstery ...............................................E-1
Valves, Drain...........................................F-8
Vents ...................................................E-3
Warning.....................................Introduction
Warranty................................................. A-1
Washing.................................................. D-1
Waste System ........................................F-16
Water System...........................................F-5
Heater ...................................E-4, F-8, H-6
Filter ...................................................F-6
Tank .................................... F-5, F-8, 1-1
Pump ....................................E-3, F-5, F-6
Inlet Connection ....................................F-6
Drainage ..............................................F-16
Strainer ..................................................F-6
Water heater By-pass Lever, 16 Ft. .........F-7
Waxing .................................................. D-1
Weight ...................................................B-4
Weight Distribution.................................B-6
Wheel
Torque .................................................. D-4
Alignment.......................................D-7, I-1
Bearing ................................................. D-7
Windows................................................. D-2
Winter Traveling......................................C-5
Winterizing..............................................F-9
Wiring See Electrical

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WARRANTY COVERAGE
When you buy a new Airstream Travel Trailer from an authorized Airstream dealer, Airstream, Inc., warrants the
trailer from defects in material and workmanship as follows:
BASIC WARRANTY PERIOD
This warranty extends for a period of two years from the date of original retail purchase.
ITEMS COVERED
Any part of the trailer or any component equipment installed by the factory is covered by the basic warranty except
the following items, which are not covered:
Tires
Batteries
The tire and battery warranties will be handled by their respective service points and according to their written
policy. This limited warranty does not include failure caused by accident, abuse, normal wears, overload or any
cause not attributable to a defect in original material or workmanship of the trailer or component equipment as
installed by the factory.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
All warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, whether written or oral, express or implied,
shall extend only for a period of two years from the date of original purchase. There are no other warranties, which
extend beyond those described on the face hereof and which expressly excludes conditions resulting, from normal
wear, accident, abuse, exposure or overload. Some states do not allow limitation on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
AIRSTREAM'S RESPONSIBILITY
The basic Airstream Limited Warranty applies for a period of two years from the date of original purchase, and
the application date of all warranties is that indicated on the owner's identification card. Defects in items covered
under this Warranty will be corrected without cost upon the return, at the owner's expense, of the trailer or defective
part to an authorized Airstream dealer.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
This warranty covers only defective material and/or workmanship; adjustments are made at the factory prior to
shipment, and rechecked by the dealer prior to delivery to the customer. Adjustments thereafter become a customer
responsibility.
Each Airstream exterior (not including the underside) is sprayed with paint or coating to prevent oxidation. This
application is covered by a two-year warranty against peeling. Prolonged exposure to salt air or industrial fall-out
will permit penetration through the coating material, causing damage to the exterior finish. Since Airstream, Inc.,
has no control over these conditions, it is necessary for the owner to wash and maintain their trailer as instructed in
the Owner's Manual.
The owner is also responsible for following all recommendations, instructions and precautions contained in the
Airstream Trailer Owner's Manual and the individual manuals furnished by the chassis, appliance and other
manufacturers.
INSTALLATIONS NOT COVERED
Airstream, Inc., does not accept any responsibility in connection with any of its trailers for additional equipment or
accessories installed at any dealership or other place of business, or by any other party. Such installation of
equipment or accessories by any other party will not be covered by the terms of this warranty.
IF REPAIRS ARE NEEDED
If your trailer needs repairs under the terms of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty, you should:
1. Take your trailer to your selling dealer or other Authorized Airstream Dealer.
2. If the dealer is incapable of making the repair, request that he contact the Service Administration
Department at Airstream, Inc., for technical assistance.
3. If repairs are still not made, the customer should contact:
AIRSTREAM, INC.
419 W. Pike Street - P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
Attention: Owner Relations Department
Furnish the following information:
The complete serial number of the trailer
Mileage
Date of original purchase
Selling dealer
Nature of service problem and steps or service, which have been performed. (The owner may be
directed to another dealer at the owner's expense.)
4. If, after taking the above steps, repairs are still not complete, the Airstream owner may request the trailer to
be brought to the Factory Service Center at the owner's expense.

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DEALER REPRESENTATION EXCLUDED
The full extent of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty is set forth in detail in the folder, and in the explanation
of the basic Airstream Limited Warranty covered in the Airstream Trailer Owner's Manual. Airstream Inc. will
not be responsible for additional representations or implied warranties made by any of its dealers to the extent those
representations are not a part of, or are contrary to, the terms and conditions of the basic Airstream Limited
Warranty.
CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
Airstream, Inc., will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental expenses or damages resulting
from a defect. Incidental expenses include, but are not limited to: travel expenses, gasoline, oil, lodging,
meals, telephone tolls, and loss of work and loss of use of the trailer. Some examples of consequential damages
would be: stained curtains due to rain leaks or delaminated floor caused by a plumbing leak. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you.
WARRANTY TRANSFER
The basic Airstream Limited Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the duration of the warranty
period. Warranty transfer application forms are available from your dealer or the Airstream Inc. Service
Administration Department.
CHANGES IN DESIGN
Airstream Inc. reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements upon its product without imposing
my obligation upon itself to install the same upon its products theretofore manufactured.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to
state.
EXPLANATION OF AIRSTREAM LIMITED WARRANTY
The Airstream Limited Warranty is detailed in a separate folder. A plastic WARRANTY IDENTIFICATION
CARD is sent to you after Airstream receives notification from your dealer of the sale. Since this I.D. card is
necessary to obtain warranty, it should be kept in the trailer or on your person during the warranty period.
EXCLUSIONS:
Normal Wear
Items such as tires, water purifier packs, curtains, upholstery, floor coverings, window, door and vent seals will
show wear or may even wear out within the two year warranty period depending upon the amount of usage, weather,
and atmospheric conditions.
Accident
We strongly urge our dealers and customers to inspect the trailer upon receipt of delivery for any damage caused by
accident while being delivered to the dealer, or while it is on the dealer's lot. Damage of this nature becomes the
dealer or customer's responsibility upon acceptance of delivery, unless Airstream is notified and the person making
the delivery verifies the damage. Glass breakage, whether obviously struck or mysterious, is always accidental and
covered by most insurance policies.

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Abuse
Lack of customer care and/or improper maintenance will result in early failure for which Airstream cannot be held
responsible.
Exposure
Not unlike a car, the steel parts of a trailer can and will rust if subjected to prolonged exposure to moisture, salt air,
or corrosive air-borne pollutants without repainting. Aluminum oxidizes when unprotected under similar conditions,
and refinery chemicals of a sulfurous nature are harmful to finishes if not washed off periodically. Extremely hot or
direct sunlight will deteriorate rubber and fade curtains and upholstery. Conditions of this nature, although they may
be normal for the area, are beyond Airstream's control and become the responsibility of the owner.
Although it is our obligation to correct a rain or plumbing leak within the terms of the limited warranty, it is the
owner's responsibility to use reasonable, prudent care to minimize foreseeable secondary damage, such as a
delaminated floor, stained upholstery, carpeting, drapes etc.
Overload
Damage due to loading, either beyond capacity or to cause improper towing because of improper balance, is beyond
Airstream's responsibility. The Airstream trailer is engineered to properly handle the gross vehicle load rating on the
certification label. Load distribution has a definite effect upon the towing characteristics and attitudes of the trailer.
Level hitch installations are a necessity, and very important on a tandem axle trailer. There are limits to the amount
of load that can be safely transported depending upon speed and road conditions, and reasonable cause to believe
these factors have been exceeded could void the Airstream warranty. For additional information on the loading of
your trailer, consult your Owner's Manual or gross vehicle weight rating plate.
The Airstream axle is manufactured to a tolerance of 1-degree camber and 1/8" toe-in. These tolerances will only
change if the trailer is subjected to abuse, such as dropping off a sharp berm, striking a curb, or hitting a deep hole in
the road. Such damage could be considered as resulting from an accident which risks are not covered under the
warranty. Abnormal tire wear and/or wheel alignment resulting from such damage is not covered under the terms of
the warranty.
SERVICE:
The Airstream Silver Key Delivery Program is an exclusive Airstream program. Before leaving the factory, each
and every vital part of the trailer is tested for performance. Each test is signed and certified by an inspector. After the
trailer arrives on your dealer's lot all of these vital parts and systems are again tested. When you take delivery of
your new trailer you will receive a complete check out.
Silver Key Delivery does not stop here. At that time a specified list of performance checks on your trailer equipment
will be conducted and any deficiencies you have experienced since taking delivery will be corrected.
Please contact your dealer if you need service. Major service under your Airstream Limited Warranty is available
through our nationwide network of Airstream Dealer Service Centers. An up-to-date list of Dealer Service Centers
has been provided with your new trailer. This list is current as of the date of this publication.

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Occasionally dealerships change, or new dealers are added who may not appear on this list. For this reason, it is
suggested that you contact your local dealer from time to time and bring your list up to date. He can also provide
you with additional copies if you need them. ALL CENTERS OPERATE ON AN APPOINTMENT BASIS FOR
THE UTMOST EFFICIENCY.
When you require service from the Airstream Factory Service Center, or a Certified Dealer Service Center, please
contact the service manager for an appointment, and kindly inform him if you are unable to keep the appointment
date or wish to change it.
Service may be arranged at the Factory Service Center by contacting the Service Coordinator at
Airstream Factory Service Center P.O. Box 629
419 W. Pike Street
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
937-596-6111
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect, which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying
Airstream, Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in
individual problems between you, your dealer, or Airstream, Inc.
To contact NHTSA you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN YOUR COACH CAN CAUSE PREMATURE AND
UNEXPECTED PARTS BREAKAGE AND/OR ERRATIC OPERATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS.
Note: See appliance manufacturer's literature for further information
EVERY 1,000 MILES OR 60 DAYS
Escape Window Check operation of latches and upper hinge.
*Battery Check water level
Smoke Alarm Test and replace battery as required
Tires Check tire pressure (See Specifications)),
Hitch Check for loose bolts or unusual wear.
GFI Circuit Breaker Test and record.
WARNING: On new trailers check lug bolts at 200 miles and 1,000 miles. Torque 85 ft. lbs.
EVERY 5,000 MILES OR 90 DAYS
Exterior Door locks Lubricate with dry graphite
Exterior Hinges Lubricate with light household oil
LPG Hold Down Lubricate with light household oil
LPG Regulator Check bottom vent for obstructions
Main Door Striker Pocket Coat with paraffin.
Wheel Lug Bolts Torque to 85 ft. lbs.
Break Away Switch Pull pin and lubricate with household oil
7-Way Plug Spray with contact cleaner.
Hitch Ball Latch Lubricate with non-detergent motor oil
Hitch Ball Lubricate with hitch ball lube or wheel bearing grease.
Range Exhaust Hood Clean fan blades and wash filter.
Roof Vent Elevator Screws Lubricate with light household oil
Main Door Step Lubricate moving parts and check.
* As a battery ages and becomes less efficient, the water level should be checked at more frequent levels.

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
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EVERY 10, 000 MILES OR 6 MONTHS
Brakes Inspect, adjust or replace as necessary
Wheel Bearings Clean and repack
Tires Inspect and rotate
Spare Tire Carrier Lubricate moving parts.
Seals, Windows & Door Clean with mild detergent and coat with "Slipicone".
TV Antenna Lubricate all moving parts with silicone lubricant.
Exterior Wax
Escape Window Lubricate latches with WD-40.
EVERY YEAR
Battery Clean, neutralize and coat terminals with petroleum jelly.
A-Frame, Step Wire brush and paint frame at front and rear.
LP Bottles Have purged by LP supplier.
Seams Check and reseal exterior seams, windows, lights and vents if
necessary. Use Ten X or equivalent.
Hitch Coupler and Ball Check for wear or damage. Assure all parts operate freely.
Replace any component if worn or damaged.

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SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PARTS AND LUBRICANTS
BULBS, EXTERIOR
Taillight #2057
Back Up #1156
License Plate # 53
#C-168 16FT Bambi only
Clearance Light #194
Door Light #1003
Convenience Light (Dump Valve) # 53
BULBS, INTERIOR
Ceiling Light (Incandescent) #1141
Wardrobe Light & Dinette Light #561
Wall Light #1076
Reading Light #JC-10
MISCELLANEOUS
Water Hose Gaskets Wheel Bearing Grease
Extra Hair Pin Clips for Hitch Grease Seals
Dry Graphite WD-40 or Equivalent Aerosol Lubricant
Oil Can with 30 Weight Non-Detergent Oil Silicone Lubricant
Light Household Type Oil Spray Contact Cleaner
Hitch Ball Lube (May use wheel bearing grease.) Sealer - Ten X

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MAINTENANCE RECORD
DATE
DEALER
SERVICE PERFORMED

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
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NOTES

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TOWING YOUR AIRSTREAM
TOW CAR EQUIPMENT
If you plan to buy a new vehicle to tow your trailer we suggest that you include in your purchase the towing options
offered by most automobile manufacturers. These include such things as a heavy-duty alternator and radiator, heavy-
duty springs (See Note:) and shock absorbers, transmission cooler, heavy-duty fan and flasher unit and others,
depending upon the make of the vehicle.
Transmissions may be manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission may prolong your car’s life and generally
does a better job of controlling engine loads than the average driver using a manual shift.
Having adequate power is very important when considering the purchase of a new vehicle or the trailer towing
capability of your present one. American manufacturers realize more than 30% of the vehicles they sell will be used
for towing some type of trailer. The dealers are provided with guidelines to use when helping a customer decide on a
tow vehicle. The guidelines are not just determined by the power output of the engine. The gear ratio of the
differential is also a very part of the guideline.
Inspect vehicle's hitch regularly for loose bolts or nuts, cracked welds, loose ball mounts,
New trailerists often carry more food and other supplies than really needed. Remember that every item you take
along is one more thing to stow and adds weight to the total load you must pull. Consolidate items in shelves,
lockers, and in the refrigerator. It is better' to have one full and one empty locker, than two half empty ones. Special
care must be taken not to overload the front and rear ends of the trailer.
NOTE: Be realistic when ordering heavy duty springs. Only springs heavy enough to support your loaded vehicle
(not including trailer) are necessary. Too harsh of spring rate will only shorten the life of the tow vehicle and trailer,
and will make your journeys less enjoyable.
WARNING: Too stiff of springs can hinder the action of the weight equalizing hitch and prevent the transfer
of weight to the front of the vehicle.

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ELECTRIC BRAKES
The brakes are operated by 12 volt current from your tow vehicle and MUST BE HOOKED UP SO THAT YOU
HAVE AN INTEGRAL SYSTEM WITH YOUR TOW VEHICLE BRAKES. To prevent problems and insure
satisfactory braking action, install an electronic controller in line with the brakes in your tow vehicle.
An electronic controller installed in your tow vehicle will synchronize the trailer brakes with your tow vehicle
brakes. It is designed to apply the trailer brakes with your tow vehicle brakes.
Your brake controller should be adjusted to provide for a slight lead of the trailer brakes over the tow vehicle brakes.
Follow the directions provided with your controller and keep the information for future reference. Don't be afraid to
ask questions! If you don't understand the directions, have the installer explain the procedures.
Due to normal brake lining wear, the brakes and the controller setting should be checked and readjusted, if
necessary, during the trailer manufacturer's recommended inspection intervals.
Note: Brake lining adjustment should be periodically checked (fully) to be sure trailer brakes are in the same
adjustment as the tow vehicles.
Properly set these adjustments will provide for safe comfortable stops. They will also help assure optimum brake
and tire life for both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
In THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL SEPARATION of the tow vehicle and the trailer, the BREAK-AWAY
SWITCH will set and lock the trailer brakes for a sufficient length of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated
when the wire attached to it and to the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front of the unit. THIS PIN
SHOULD BE PULLED OUT, LUBRICATED WITH LIGHT HOUSEHOLD OIL, AND REPLACED EVERY 90
DAYS.
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch's pin straight forward and spray the inside of the
switch through the hole with an electric contact cleaner (such as Spra- Kleen) and reinsert pin. A drop of light
household oil on the groove near the base of the pin will allow the pin to operate freely. WHEN THE TRAILER IS
CONNECTED TO THE TOW VEHICLE, THE BREAKAWAY SWITCH LOOP SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO
THE PERMANENT FRAME OF YOUR HITCH. When disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle remove wire
loop from the frame. DO NOT REMOVE PIN FROM SWITCH BECAUSE THIS WILL APPLY THE TRAILER
BRAKES.
CAUTION: Do not use breakaway switch for parking brake.

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AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
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LOADING
Below is a sample of the weight information chart provided in all Airstream vehicles. This information can be found
in your vehicle on the back of the first wardrobe door on the curbside of the vehicle about 60" up from the floor.
When loading heavy objects such as tools, skillets, irons, and boxes of canned goods, etc. keep them as low as
possible - preferably on the floor. Try to hold additional weight behind the axle to a minimum.
WARNING: Never add items such as generators, heavy toolboxes or motorcycle racks to the back of the
trailer. Weight behind the axle will tend to magnify any sway that may occur when passing trucks or in gusty
wind. If a heavy generator is mounted on the rear bumper what may have been an almost unnoticeable sway
turns into a severe sway you may not he able to control.
CAUTION: Damage to your trailer caused by mounting heavy objects on the rear is considered abuse, and is
not covered by warranty.
WEIGHING YOUR TRAILER
The diagram below shows how to weigh the trailer on scales

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
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The allowable personal cargo must be distributed in your trailer in such a manner that the Gross Axle Weight Rating
is not exceeded.
To determine this it is necessary to load all of your allowable personal cargo and variable weights. Then hitch the
trailer to the tow vehicle with load equalizing hitch properly adjusted as shown on the following pages.
Place the trailer on a scale with both axles only on the scale (see 2). If the weight on the axles exceeds the axle
system G.A.W.R. then some of the personal cargo must be redistributed forward in order to place some of this
weight on the tongue.
The tongue weight should be in between 10% - 15% of the trailer's total weight, but must not exceed 1,000 lbs.
Some tow vehicle manufacturers may restrict the amount of tongue load to a lower value. To determine tongue load,
unhitch tow vehicle and place the tongue hitch post on a scale. The trailer must be properly loaded as determined
above, with your allowable personal cargo and variable weights.
C,
A scale, which has a lower weight limit than your tongue load, such as a bathroom scale, may be used to check the
tongue weight by using the following method (see illustration).
Place a piece of wood of approximately the same thickness as the bathroom scales on the ground in line with the
trailer hitch jack as shown. It should be so spaced that a short piece of pipe or other round piece will lay exactly one
foot from the centerline of the jack extension. Place the scales so that another round piece can be exactly two feet
from the centerline of the jack extension in the other direction. Place a 4 x 4 on the two round pieces and screw the
jack extension down on the top of the 4 x 4 until the tongue of the trailer is supported by it. Multiply the scale
reading by three. This will be the tongue weight of your trailer. If you exceed the capacity of the bathroom scales,
increase the two foot dimension to three or four more feet, but always multiply the scale reading by the total number
of feet between the wood and scales.
CAUTION: Be sure trailer is level when you read scales.

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
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HITCHING UP
Hitching up your trailer is something that will become almost
second nature with practice. The following section includes
proper hitch load distribution and a procedure for hitching up.
Equalizing Hitch Load Distribution
When a trailer is hitched up properly to a tow vehicle with a load
equalizing hitch, approximately 1/3 of the trailer's tongue weight
will be on the trailer's axles and 2/3 will be transferred to the tow
vehicle, 1/3 of this weight transfer will be carried by the front
wheels and 1/3 by the rear wheels of the tow vehicle (See
diagram), Thus, the tire load of each wheel on the tow vehicle
will be increased by 1/6 of the trailer's tongue weight. The tire air
pressure of the tow vehicle should be increased to compensate
for this additional weight. Refer to the vehicle's owner’s manual
for this information.
CAUTION: The tongue weight should he approximately 10% of
the trailer's total weight, but MUST NOT EXCEEDS 1,000 lbs.
And, under no condition should it exceed the hitch rating. Your
hitch rating information should be provided to you by your hitch
installer.
Sway Control Device
Although Airstream has not intruded into the hitch
manufacturers field of expertise and performed formal testing,
we find the vast majority of Airstream owner’s purchases sway-
control devices.
When passed by large trucks or when exposed to sudden crosswinds the trailer will be "pushed" and this action will
be felt in the tow vehicle. It's our understanding the sway control devices will reduce the amount of movement and
make towing more comfortable and add some safety.
Follow the directions of the sway control manufacturer when having it installed and using it.
Steps for Hitching Up
Jack up the trailer hitch until there is clearance for the HITCH BALL to slide under. Remove the safety pin, slide the
locking lever forward and raise. Back the tow vehicle straight back to the hitch. (See Fig. 2). This can best be
accomplished through the use of prearranged hand signals with the help of another person; but if you are hitching up
by yourself we recommend the use of a HOOK-UP VIEW MIRROR.
Lower the trailer hitch onto the hitch ball. Then close the locking lever and insert safety pin. (See Fig. 3)
Now raise the trailer and tow vehicle to the full height of the hitch jack (See Fig. 7) and then attach the LEVELING
BARS. (See Fig. 4, 5 & 6). Lower the tow vehicle and trailer (See Fig. 7).