The main Airstream Bambi vs Caravel difference is standard equipment, not size. For 2027 both are single-axle Airstreams sold in 16-, 20- and 22-foot floor plans. The Caravel starts at $92,400, which is $17,000 more than the Bambi's $75,400, and adds an inverter, shock absorbers, ducted air conditioning and larger propane tanks.
| Specification | Bambi | Caravel |
|---|
| 2027 starting price | $75,400 | $92,400 |
| Floor plans | 16RB, 20FB and 22FB | Three, at 16, 20 and 22 ft |
| Sleeps (model page) | Up to 4 | Up to 5 |
| Axle | Torsion axle | Torsion axle with shock absorbers |
| Inverter | None listed | 2,000 W |
| Air conditioner | 13,500 BTU with heat pump | 13,500 BTU ducted, with heat pump |
| Propane tanks | Two 20 lb | Two 30 lb |
| Wheel bearings | Sealed bearings not listed | Nev-R-Lube sealed bearings |
| Battery and solar | 2.5 kWh lithium, 200 W solar | 2.5 kWh lithium, 200 W solar |
| Fresh, gray and black tanks | 23, 30 and 18 gal | 23, 30 and 18 gal |
Prices are the 2027 starting prices on Airstream's model pages, and the equipment comes from Airstream's specification pages, all read on 23 October 2026. Treat these as starting points and ask any dealer for an out-the-door figure that includes options, freight, taxes and fees.
Browse Airstream and other travel trailers for sale on Searchshop.
We compared the two trailers line by line using Airstream's own 2027 model pages for the Bambi and the Caravel and their specification pages, read on 23 October 2026. The differences and recommendations come from published data, not test tows or camping trips.
Each specification page shows one floor plan by default and does not name it. The Bambi page shows a trailer 20 feet 7 inches long. Airstream's Caravel model page does not list per-floor-plan prices or weights, so this article compares equipment rather than weights floor plan by floor plan. Equipment can vary by floor plan and by options, so confirm the build sheet of any trailer you are quoting.
We also used Airstream's own 2022 comparison of the two models to explain how they started out, and Searchshop's listings, read the same day, to see which floor plans turn up on dealer lots.
The extra $17,000 for a 2027 Caravel buys more standard equipment in the same small, single-axle package. Airstream lists the Bambi from $75,400 and the Caravel from $92,400. The Bambi's three floor plans start at $75,400 for the 16RB, $82,400 for the 20FB and $85,900 for the 22FB.
On Airstream's specification pages, the main items the Caravel adds are a 2,000-watt inverter, shock absorbers on the torsion axle, ducted air conditioning, two 30-pound propane tanks instead of two 20-pound tanks, and Nev-R-Lube sealed wheel bearings. The sections below go through those and the smaller trim and comfort differences.
Both 2027 models come in three single-axle floor plans at 16, 20 and 22 feet. The Bambi model page names them the 16RB, 20FB and 22FB. The Caravel model page describes "three single-axle floor plans at 16, 20, and 22 feet" and lists sleeping for up to five, against up to four for the Bambi.
After Airstream introduced the current Bambi and Caravel in 2020, its 2022 comparison said the two models shared the same four floor plans, the 16RB, 19CB, 20FB and 22FB, with "no difference between the floor plan (layouts)". The 2027 Bambi lineup no longer lists the 19CB.
Airstream's 2027 Bambi model page lists a starting price for each floor plan.
| Bambi floor plan | 2027 starting price |
|---|
| 16RB | $75,400 |
| 20FB | $82,400 |
| 22FB | $85,900 |
The Bambi shown on Airstream's specification page, 20 feet 7 inches long, has a unit base weight of 3,900 pounds, a GVWR of 5,000 pounds, a net carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds and a hitch weight of 600 pounds. It stands 9 feet 5 inches tall with the air conditioner.
Net carrying capacity has to cover water, propane, food, gear and anything added at the dealer, and it changes with floor plan and options. Ask the dealer for the weight label of the exact trailer you are quoting, for either model, before you compare it with your tow vehicle.
The Caravel's 2,000-watt inverter is the largest power difference between the two. An inverter turns battery power into household current for outlets when the trailer is not plugged in. Airstream's Bambi specification page lists no inverter. Both models carry a 2.5 kWh heated lithium battery, a 200-watt solar charging system and a pre-wired port for up to 200 more watts of solar.
Both models have a 13,500 BTU air conditioner with a heat pump, an 18,000 BTU ducted furnace and a tankless propane water heater. The Caravel's air conditioner is listed as ducted, and the Bambi's is not. Airstream's 2022 comparison described the Caravel's ducted system as circulating air through multiple ceiling vents.
The Caravel also carries two 30-pound propane tanks, against two 20-pound tanks on the Bambi. Both models list a propane water heater and propane stove, so the larger tanks hold more fuel between refills.
The Caravel adds shock absorbers to its torsion axle, while the Bambi is listed with a torsion axle alone. Airstream's 2022 comparison said shock absorbers add damping for "an even smoother towing experience". The Caravel also lists Nev-R-Lube sealed bearings, which Airstream says do not need repacking, and the Bambi's specification page does not list them.
Other exterior differences on the 2027 specification pages:
- Front stone guard: stainless steel on the Caravel, 3M film on the Bambi.
- Window awnings: the Caravel adds ZipDee rear and roadside window awnings to the patio awning both models share.
- Windows: the Caravel lists handcrafted aluminum window frames throughout, and the Bambi lists them on the front windows only.
- Entry step: a Thule aluminum step on the Caravel, a steel step on the Bambi.
- Rear bumper: the Caravel's polished bumper includes storage.
- Patio light: the Caravel lists a dimmable LED awning light.
Inside, the Caravel's differences are mostly in the kitchen, storage and audio. Both models list a two-burner propane stove and a standard microwave. The Caravel's stove includes an oven, and the Caravel offers an optional convection microwave oven that replaces the stove and oven. The Bambi's stove has a hinged glass lid.
- Overhead storage: sliding doors on the Caravel, overhead cabinetry on the Bambi.
- Audio: a JL Audio stereo with four speakers, surround sound and a subwoofer on the Caravel; a Bluetooth stereo with two speakers and a powered subwoofer on the Bambi.
- Connections: the Caravel adds an HDMI pre-wire and an Ethernet inlet alongside the TV inlet.
- Exhaust fans: the Caravel's roof fan has a thermostat and an automatic rain sensor, where the Bambi's is listed as multi-speed, and the Caravel adds a cooking exhaust fan with a light.
Both models list a 24-inch 12-volt smart TV, a 4.1 cubic foot 12-volt refrigerator, a memory foam mattress and a 48 by 78 inch bed on the floor plan each page shows.
The Bambi and Caravel share Airstream's core construction and the same warranty. Both specification pages list a semi-monocoque aluminum superstructure, an enclosed, insulated and heated underbelly, insulated and heated tanks, a one-piece white aluminum roof, Nev-R-Adjust brakes and a powered hitch jack with a light.
Both carry a 2-year bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year structural limited warranty, and both warranties are transferable. Both also come with a one-year Airstream Club Explorer membership and one year of Coach-Net roadside assistance.
A used Bambi or Caravel can be equipped quite differently from a 2027 model, so check the actual trailer rather than the current brochure. Airstream's 2022 comparison described a Bambi with a heat strip rather than a heat pump, a manual hitch jack and a molded plastic toilet, and a Caravel with a 1,000-watt inverter. The 2027 specification pages list a heat pump and a powered hitch jack on both models and a 2,000-watt inverter on the Caravel.
Used units can also be the 19CB floor plan, which both models offered in earlier years. Searchshop listings read on 23 October 2026 included used 19CB examples of both models. Before you buy, confirm:
- The model year and floor plan on the title and the trailer's data plate.
- Whether the trailer has an inverter, and its size.
- The battery type and capacity, since the 2027 figures may not apply to an older trailer.
- The GVWR and hitch weight on the trailer's label, checked against your vehicle's towing and payload ratings.
Our guide to shopping half-ton towable travel trailers walks through that weight check step by step.
The Bambi suits buyers who put price first and usually camp with hookups, and the Caravel suits buyers who want household outlets on battery power and more equipment as standard.
- Choose the Bambi if you want the lower price, you usually plug in at campgrounds, and you do not need an inverter.
- Choose the Caravel if you camp off-grid and want household outlets on battery power, want larger propane tanks, or want ducted air, shock absorbers and sealed bearings from the factory.
- Choose by floor plan and weight first if your tow vehicle is close to its limits: compare the GVWR and hitch weight of the exact trailer with your vehicle's ratings before choosing a model.
If neither fits, compare the Airstream Basecamp and Basecamp Xe, read our Airstream Bambi review, or see Airstream alternatives from other builders. For more compact options, see our best small RVs guide.
Find a Bambi, a Caravel or another travel trailer for sale on Searchshop.
Shoppers comparing the two small Airstreams most often ask about size, price, power and sleeping space.
No, the two models come in the same nominal sizes. For 2027 both are single-axle trailers offered in floor plans at 16, 20 and 22 feet. Airstream's 2022 comparison said the two models used the same floor plan layouts. The Caravel's model page lists sleeping for up to five, against up to four for the Bambi, so check the sleeping count of the floor plan you want.
The 2027 Airstream Caravel starts at $92,400 on Airstream's model page, read on 23 October 2026. The 2027 Bambi starts at $75,400. Ask the dealer for an out-the-door price covering options, freight, taxes and fees before comparing offers, since the starting price is only a base figure.
Airstream's 2027 Bambi specification page lists no inverter, while the Caravel's lists a 2,000-watt inverter. Both models carry a 2.5 kWh lithium battery and 200 watts of solar. Without an inverter, the Bambi's household outlets need shore power or a generator, so ask the dealer about adding one if you plan to camp off-grid.
The 2027 Airstream Bambi sleeps up to four people, according to Airstream's model page. The floor plan shown on its specification page lists a 48 by 78 inch bed and a dinette that converts to a 39 by 74 inch sleeping space. The Caravel's model page lists sleeping for up to five.
