Living in Winter

[josephcs]

I'm a project manager, tired of living in hotels. Considering buying an Airstream, probably a 25'er. Could an Airstream serve as comfortable winter living in the Indianapolis IN area?

[SCOTTinNJ]

Will you have at least 20 amp shore power or rely on propane alone?

[josephcs]

Will have at least 20 amp shore power.

[tevake]

Airstreams are not really meant for cold weather living, and are hard to keep warm in freezing weather. It certainly can be done, skirting around the bottom.
Maybe taping visquean over some of the windows. They seem to allow a bit of cold in. But it's a challenge below freezing.

I've been living in my older 345 motorhome in northern Az the last couple of winters at over 5K feet ele. It gets chilly inside once the snow comes despite two electric space heaters running all of the time.
The furnaces are good at keeping things warm, but will use a lot of propane doing so.

Winter living is not one of airstreams strong points.
Have read of brands that claim to be all season capable.

Cheers Richard

[SCOTTinNJ]

Tevake is somewhat correct but it can be done. 20 amp power will help. At least you can run a space heater to supplement the propane. Just know that at least on newer units the tanks are heated via the furnace. So will will have to run it ay least sometimes when it's below freezing.

[nrgtrakr]

I full timed in an old 5th wheel in the Colorado mountains one winter. The coldest was a week of -20F nights and 0F days - nothing froze. Prepped for winter as follows ...
• 110VAC tank heaters on all tanks.
• Exposed belly wrapped in Reflectix.
• Heat tape on fresh water in hose then wrapped in Reflectix.
• Heat tape on dirty water out lines up to slinky connection then wrapped in Reflectix.
• Made a skirt for the main part of the trailer to prevent airflow.
• Propane tanks always full, heat always on.
• 30 amp service, electric heater backup, fridge and hot water on AC.

But I've yet to winter in an AS.

[cwf]

Where will this be parked? Placing some "rectangular hay bales" around base will provide wind and cold barrier. Wrap in blue tarp, Push underneath with blue tarp encircling so that water is kept out. Put a "pool noodle" between the underside of the AS and the hay bale to complete the "seal" while not damaging exterior of the AS.

Wrap pipes as above. Rent a 100 gallon propane tank for higher consumption. Space electric heaters are marginal at best ... Be very careful with them. 20 AMPS will run one fair sized electric heater. The newer "oil" and "heat panel" ones are much more efficient and safer.

Inside the AS WILL HAVE DAMPNESS!!!! Due to your breathing, cooking, bathing.... Moisture will be a problem. Watch what happens under your bed mattress as cool air from underneath contacts warm mattress air! There are threads here with "options me" to remediate.

If you can get "under cover" that would be best to keep snow off roof. And the roof supports may be able to hold up blue tarps for wind deflection. Also may allow some dry storage...or stack hay bales to create a wall.

You will need rat poison as they will want to get warm in your AS. Or in the hay bales. Their drying corpses are better than damaging your AS.

You should "seal" every nook and cranny underneath.... They won't eat through the metal, but there are some holes to tighten up underneath.

Last winter a squirrel tried to nest in our AS heat pump and n the roof. Ate a bunch of wires. And we live in Texas... In the city.

Yes, it is doable.... But prep well. Let us know what you choos!

[josephcs]

Thanks for all of your responses. Even if doable, doesn't sound comfortable. At 71 years old, comfort is important.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by josephcs

Thanks for all of your responses. Even if doable, doesn't sound comfortable. At 71 years old, comfort is important.

what follows is 'tongue-firmly planted - in cheek'...

Awwww... shucks! We were so looking forward to saying 'I told you so!'

Now something totally serious: Looks like you learned something in your 71 years on the planet!!!

While the thought is intriguing and you will likely have a lot to contend with, we wish you well.. just locate your AS below the MD line..for the winter (I haven't heard of anyone 'retiring' to the north of it.)