Winter Airstreaming; Storage And Winterizing - Airstream Excella 500 1973 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 thermopane
windows have been cold-soaked at -20 degrees
with no adverse effects and with no real
discomfort. Thermopane side windows do not
require storm windows and improve the
efficiency of the heating system.
Additionally a battery charger, 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 18 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 9
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 56.
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.
Storage and
Winterizing
When storing your trailer for short or long
periods use the same precautions as you
would in your own home in regard to
perishables, ventilation and rain protection. In
addition, for prolonged storage periods, flush
out all the drain lines and the holding tank.
Also, drain the entire water system including
the water heater and the water storage tank.
Instructions for draining the water system are
explained in the following paragraphs on
winterizing.
Twice a year or after a long storage period, we
suggest you take your unit in for a check-up
and cleaning of the gas operated appliances.
The main consideration in winterizing is to
guard against freezing damage to the hot and
cold water systems, the waste drain system
(including the traps), the waste-holding tank,
the water heater and the battery. To com¬
pletely winterize your Airstream, follow this
procedure:
1. Level the trailer from side to side and
front to rear. Open all the faucets.
2. Turn the water pump switch to the OFF
position.
3. Open all drain valves. On rear bath
models, two are located in the rear trunk
(roadside), and three are under the galley
sink. On center bath models, one is
located under the bed on the roadside and
three are under the galley sink. On all
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