Winter Airstreaming - Airstream Excella 1975 Owner's Manual

Winter
Airstreaming
Traveling in an Airstream during the cold
winter months can be one of the most
exhilarating experiences in all trailering. When
we speak of cold, we are talking about
temperatures of zero to -10 degrees. Air-
streams properly outfitted with dual-pane
windows have been cold-soaked at -20 degrees
with no adverse effects and with no real
discomfort. Dual-pane side windows which
are offered as an option, do not require storm
windows. Dual-pane side windows, galley,
bathroom and optional window shades im¬
prove the efficiency of the heating system.
Additionally, a battery charger (12 volt gener¬
ator) that operates off the trailer's gas system,
is available as an option. We recommend this
option when you are planning extensive
winter usage.
There are of course certain precautions which
must be taken as you would in your own
home in low temperatures.
1. There should be heat in the trailer at all
times.
2. You must have a plentiful supply of
propane gas.
3. If your stay is longer than overnight (and
you do not have the battery charger
option), then you should endeavor to have
110 V electricity available. The battery
(fully charged) will not last more than
about 10 hours in zero weather. Of course
you can always run your car to recharge
the battery and normally the battery will
attain sufficient power to run another 3-4
hours by running your engine for approxi¬
mately 45 minutes to one hour at fast idle.
For more detailed information on the
battery see page 68.
4. Minimize use of electricity if 110 volt
power source is not available.
5. Your Airstream has forced air heating in
the holding tank and trunk area. There is
also heating around the water tank.
6. In extreme cold conditions and when 120
volt electricity is available, porcelain lamp
receptacles, with 75 watt bulbs, and ade¬
quate wire guards, over bulbs, may be
used. These should be permanently at¬
tached to the floor adjacent to the inside
wall in the area between the inside wall of
the trailer and the storage compartment
below the front travel lounge. When lamps
are in use this area should be emptied of all
other items. This will give a more com¬
fortable feeling to the living room area and
will minimize condensation.
7. Leave cabinet doors, bed doors and ward¬
robe doors slightly open at night to allow
circulation of air in and around all furni¬
ture components.
8. For extended stays in cold weather, in¬
sulate the water line outside the trailer.
You should remember that low temperatures
in combination with high winds cause an
equivalent chill temperature much below
what your thermometer is reading. For in¬
stance, with an outside temperature of zero
degrees and the wind velocity of 10 miles per
hour, the equivalent chill temperature is
minus 20 degrees F.
There is no substitute for common sense in
cold weather.
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