Making Upgrades for Winter Skiing

[IronGiant]

Hello All

I just purchased my 1970 23 foot Land Yacht and want to make proper modifications to take the family Skiing in Steamboat this next year.

What needs to be done to what, so my AS can Boondock at any ski location. Completely intent on making numerous ski trips, so I want to make all needed improvements up front so I can safely and comfortably utilize the AS. I'm Freshman new to this, so please feel free to make any and all sugestions about AS upgrades as it relates to winter camping. Last but not least take a look her, and let me know what you think. Thanks Pat

[3 Dog Nite]

There are some threads on skirting an AS. Think about using old awnings, thick tarps, or some other flexible material. Theatrical curtains have a chain sewn into the bottom hem to keep them hanging straight while opening. maybe you could do something similar to keep the bottom on the ground. Then it will be easier to move & store than attaching something long like 2x4 wood. Make it longer than needed & roll excess up underneath. If you make it perfect for level ground & have to boondock on unlevel ground there will be a gap at the bottom to the ground. This will keep the wind from under the trailer & the floors warmer. I've seen one TT that had snaps to hold the skirting on.

Ricky

[bullydogsmom]

You do realize that you have no grey water tank in your AS unless someone has installed one right? If you are going to boondock with a family you will need a way to collect the gray water, not a huge deal, just get a blueboy to drain it into. But then you've got to figure out where to legally dump the blueboy.

I would make sure that you have a GOOD reliable furnace, You sure as heck don't want the water lines to freeze. If it's got the original plumbing you have copper lines and when frozen burst, our 72 had copper when we got it and there were many splits in the copper, we have replaced all with pex.

There are others on here that live in their AS's in the winter, I'm sure in time they will chime it with excellant advise for you.

Welcome to the world of Airstreams!

Annette

[nunya001]

Hey Pat - I've done what you want to do - I spend 30 days skiing in Steamboat every year staying in my AS. If you want a complete run down PM me and we can set up a time to talk.

J-

[RESOLUTE]

We are also planning to use our 1967 26' overlander in Steamboat. We are currently renovating our AS, and have just an old radiant heater near the door, although the holes are still there for the original "central" heat. Should we go back to central heat? Any ideas on cost? Or, someone else mentioned electric heaters that look like wood stove...also where do you stay near Steamboat? We found 1 year round campground on RT 40/Yampa River, but don't know if that is the only 1.

[ArtStream]

Welcome to the forums!

Sounds like a great project.

You mention "Boondocking" If that is your plan, the furnace fan will drain your batteries before the night is out.

You need to install a Catalytic heater, which does not use any electric.

Also, you should consider a small 1000 to 2000 watt generator.

Happy skiing,

Michael

[nunya001]

matthews1967 + Steamboat Campground is the only place to stay legally unless you can find a rancher/farmer who will permit you to use their land. That said, showering in a heated bathroom and not dumping tons of moisture into your AS in the severe cold is a HUGE plus. Also the campground is on the free bus route - nie if you want to have a few drinks in town. In the kind of weather you will experience in Steamboat for skiing a generator is a good safety measure - many of the folks who stay at the campground are on the less intelligent side - so having a junction box or plumbing fixture in the ground run over and have to shut down is not out of the realm of possibilities. All that said - once you are dialed in it is a blast.