A Dream to be Realized.

[D.J. Neder]

Good Morning.
I have always wanted an Airstream for travel and business.

For a number of years I have rented or owned other makes of travel trailers for economic reasons. I have been disapointed with their performance on the highway and somewhat poor manufacture.

I have joined Airstream Forums to be in contact with persons who own airstreams and are knowledgeble about the operation and care of their home away from home.

I am planning to purchase a untitled 2005 Airstream 28" International from a dealer within the next week or so.

I have noticed that it seemed to be somewhat warmer inside than other Airstreams of similar size without the inner aluminum wall/ceiling copvering. Can anyone comment on this?
Thank you
Regards
D. J. Neder

[maxandgeorgia]

Welcome, D.J. Neder! I can't answer your question, but you'll hear soon from those on the forum who can. Meanwhile, best wishes with your new purchase. ~G

[CanoeStream]

Congrats on embarking on your big adventure!

Originally Posted by D.J. Neder

I have noticed that it seemed to be somewhat warmer inside than other Airstreams of similar size without the inner aluminum wall/ceiling covering. Can anyone comment on this?

The R-value of the white fuzzy lining (or zolatone on older trailers) has got to be minimal. Different surfaces would affect emissivity and produce a minor lag in temperature equilibration, but the stabilized interior temperature reached should be about the same. This is something like the null effect of baking potatoes in aluminum foil with dull or shiny side out.

Practically speaking (whew! Moi? Never!! ), my Special Edition has the same aluminum interior as the Internationals and I can't say there is any noticeable problem. I wouldn't be super impressed with the aluminum "stud walls" and only 2" of fiberglass in terms of insulation value either, but we want to have a trailer light enough to pull down the road.

[GlenCoombe]

I'm not up on the newer AS product but I can testify as to the poor insulation quality of the 84 vintage MOHo. I'm working to reduce solar gain in my rig. I've painted the roof a highly reflective white and have tinted the windows of the coach to aid in prevention of heat gain.
If you park in the shade the problem is moot. However in direct sun I'd be wanting to do a real world test prior to forking over a bunch of hard earned cash.
Mine is a work in progress.... seems to never end... but that's what keeps me thinking and learning new things.