Winter Airstreaming - Airstream Caravanner 1977 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.
Airstreams 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 win¬
dows which are offered as an option, do
not require storm windows. Dual-pane side
windows, galley, bathroom and optional
window shades improve the efficiency of
the heating system.
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. Some states do not allow L.P.G to
be turned on whiie moving. Additionally,
L.P.G. should be shut off when gasoline
is added to the tow vehicle.
2. You must have a plentiful supply of
propane gas.
3. If your stay is longer than overnight, 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 approximately
45 minutes to one hour at fast idle. For
more detailed information on the battery
see page 81.
4. Minimize use of electricity if 110 volt
power source is not available.
5. Your Airstream has forced air heating in
the holding tank 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
adequate wire guards, over bulbs, may
be used. These should be permanently
attached to the floor adjacent to the
inside wall in the area between the inside
wall of the trailer and the storage com¬
partment below the front travel lounge.
When lamps are in use this area should
be emptied of all other items. This will
give a more comfortable feeling to the
living room area and will minimize
condensation.
7. Leave cabinet doors, bed doors and
wardrobe doors slightly open at night to
allow circulation of air around all furniture
components.
8. For extended stays in cold weather,
insulate the water line outside the trailer.
You should remember that low tempera¬
tures in combination with high winds cause
an equivalent chill temperature much below
what your thermometer is reading. For
instance, with an outside temperature of
zero degrees and the wind velocity of 10
miles per hour, the equivalent chill tempera¬
ture is minus 20 degrees F.
There is no substitute for common sense in
cold weather.
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