How would we have fared?

[kb0zke]

A year ago we thought we had our Foretravel sold and were looking for an Airstream and truck. Well, that didn't happen, and we're still full-timing in the Foretravel and thinking about the Airstream.

We spent two weeks over Christmas and New Year's near our children, which coincided with a couple of nights of below zero temps and a couple of days of single digit highs. We used a fair amount of propane, and some electric heaters were also running. We had no problems - no frozen pipes, hot water for showers, etc.

How would we have fared in an Airstream?

[RussRamz]

Having spent the past three weeks in Northern Virginia during this cold snap, I can say a 2018 Classic with an Alde heating system would do just fine. I had a temperature low of 0.0 degrees F. The only issue I had was a 90 degree brass fitting where the city water connection when into the trailer. I mounted a 90 degree fitting and attached a heated water line. The fitting froze, but fortunately I had a full fresh water tank which got me through until I was able to thaw out the fitting. No broken water lines or damage of any sort.

I have since modified the brass fitting with insulation and heat tape. I am expecting some more cold weather this weekend. I'll update with any problems.

[Wayne&Sam]

If it is going to be significantly below freezing, disconnect the city water.

[kb0zke]

The only time a hose is connected is when something is flowing through it. We use the fresh water tank until it needs filling, then dump black and gray and fill. Hoses are then put away until the next time they are needed.

[GMFL]

Cold weather camping. Good to go

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

The only time a hose is connected is when something is flowing through it. We use the fresh water tank until it needs filling, then dump black and gray and fill. Hoses are then put away until the next time they are needed.

We do the same. Works well for us.

Sub zero is pretty cold! We've used our 1992, 29' Classic in sub-freezing temperatures several times. Depending on the temperature and the duration of the cold snap the dump valves on our trailer will freeze. We've never had the contents of the fresh, black or gray tank freeze but we've not been in freezing conditions for more than a few days. We make sure to use the propane furnace because there are two hot-air supplies that dump warm air into the belly pan to minimize the possibility of freezing. We supplement the furnace with two small electric, ceramic heaters.

[RussRamz]

I'm living full time. I don't want to disconnect each time there is a forecast for freezing weather. Frankly, there isn't need if proper precautions are taken. This Spring I'll heat wrap all lines close to the skin for full time connections. Much of the praise must be given to the Alde system. It is outstanding.

The tank heaters worked like a champ. With some minor modifications, this rig is able to handle Arctic temps.

[Seemore2006]

I would not have liked the cold air seeping in the Airstream windows - especially with the wrap around - the motorhome probably has double pane and Airstreams do not - that would make a big difference to me with below zero temps. Also, floors are cold...brr.

We have camped in 14 degree with 30 mph winds and that’s as cold as I want to ever be in the Airstream.

[tevake]

No double panes in my 345 motor home , just lots of very leaky single pane windows with large weep holes at the bottom. All now covered by a clear plastic film installed with sticky back tape. This makes a big improvement!
Could be well installed with a second pair of hands in getting stretched out well when attaching to the tape.

I have heat tape on the dump valves, and a drop light under the bed where the fresh water tank and lots of the plumbing lives.
Also leave cabinets open so the space heaters can warm them.

Cheers Richard

[alantbird]

My last AS was a 79 ambassador with Alaska package ( double pane and extra insulation) I was able to keep it comfy with an old school ceramic heater.

[kb0zke]

Double pane windows didn't arrive in Foretravels until several years after our coach was built. We did leave the doors open under the sinks. FWIW, a thermometer sitting on a shelf by the exterior wall showed 50* but when moved to the center of the bed jumped up to 60.

From what I've read here, it sounds like we would have been fine. Yes, with the smaller tanks in an Airstream we would have had to hook up, dump and fill more often than we did, but that would be true no matter what the temperature is.

Thanks for the reassurance.