Replacement AC Unit for 2001 Airstream Bambi

Updated 08/05/2026 | Published 07/24/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner - 13,500 Btu - Ducted/Non-Ducted - White - R32 - AC Unit Only

(1003)

$673.62

Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 Btu - Air Distribution Box Controls - Non-Ducted - R32

(553)

$783.00

Question:

Hello, I have a 2001 Airstream Bambi that Im looking to replace the ac unit. What ac unit do you have that is compatible? The current setup does not have direct 12v connection to battery only 110 power. We only operate ac with shore power. I have a photo if you would like but am unable to attach in this format. Thank you. Tim Holt

asked by: Tim H

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out Tim. I don't have a way to confirm exactly which air conditioner is currently installed on your 2001 Airstream Bambi, but I'm guessing it's a non-ducted, lower-BTU unit that uses the older R410A refrigerant. Beginning in 2025, the industry transitioned to R32 refrigerant, and the newer R32 rooftop units are not backward compatible with the older R410A air distribution boxes and control systems. Because of that, you'll most likely need to replace the entire A/C system, not just the rooftop unit.

For a comparable replacement, I'd recommend the Advent Air RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 BTU - Non-Ducted - R32 # ADV77QR. This is a complete system that includes the rooftop unit and a matching air distribution box with integrated touch controls, so there's no separate wall thermostat required.

One thing that's especially important with Airstreams is the roof thickness and curvature, as not every rooftop A/C is compatible. The # ADV77QR is designed to fit roofs 2-1/2" to 5-1/2" thick, making it a good candidate for many Airstream applications.

Just to confirm, does your Bambi currently have a non-ducted ceiling assembly with controls built into the air distribution box, or does it use a wall-mounted thermostat?

expert reply by: Christopher H

Kelvin

7/31/2026

I bought this unit for my 2001 Intl CCD ( the 21 footer). The original unit was a low profile so this one is about 35% taller. I run it on 110 from a 4000 Watt Generator/Inverter. I also run an inline soft start. The installation was straightforward with no modifications required. I was surprised at how efficient the whole system was (compared to the original) as I typically ran it 4+ hours per day for over a week and use less than 3 tanks of propane while in 90 degree desert heat. Well worth the investment though getting a lower profile unit would have been better for storing under our dogwood.

Christopher H.

8/3/2026

@Kelvin Sounds like quite the setup. Glad that upgrading to the # ADV77QR is working out well for you. Feedback like this really gives folks the confidence to tackle something like this themselves.