OK to park Airstream without cover in winter?

[bbjunkie7]

Hi, I am moving from Austin, Tx to Pennsylvania and am wondering if I need to build a shelter for my 2018 25 ft Flying Cloud. I am in the SE part of the state so really heavy snowfalls are somewhat rare, but do happen. I can use a ladder and broom to got the snow off shortly after a snowfall, but still curious of possible damage due to snow and low temps

thanks

[jondrew55]

I think you're always better off under cover no matter where. But from what I see lot's of people here winterize them and do not put them under cover.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

There is no place in the country that is immune to hail storms. Your trailer likely is in storage more than its on the road. Thus your exposure is greatest when parked. Given the cost of a good hit from a hail storm .... yikes .... That said, SE PA is not known for crazy hail storms.

The top of your AS is caulked. Having that sit out in the elements all the time degrades the caulk faster than having things covered. The process of redoing it involves a lot of labor to remove the "old stuff". That makes recalling a pricey sort of thing. Again, not specific to this area other than the freeze / thaw stuff.

Snow wise, who knows. You could get 2 feet later this week. You might go through an entire winter and not see over a few inches in any one storm. Snow tends to blow off / melt off the top of things like trailers between storms.

So: Would I store under cover? Yes, but I'd do that anywhere, not just in PA.

Bob

[Airtandem]

mine sits out all the time. Mine is a 2010 that I put BUS KOTE on 4 years ago and still NO leaks. I do have some small dimples from hail that are hardly visible.

[A W Warn]

My six different Airstream trailers have sat outside without cover over the last 30 years.

One trailer did get a dent when it was exposed to a hurricane, from 100+ mph wind blown debris. Other than that dent, UV damage has caused more problems than any other issue.

Hail up to 3/4" diameter did not cause damage.
Snow and sleet more than a foot deep did not cause damage.
Solid ice 2" thick did not cause damage.

[airmaine]

All it takes is one extreme weather event, and these days unpredictable has become predictable. I would recommend at least a portable enclosure. Avoid any vinyl wrapping. Use a mouse deterrent.

[SailorSam205]

Around me in SE Michigan, there are dozens of storage lots with zero enclosures. There are plenty of Airstreams in each of these lots.
Would a covered spot be better? Probably. A cover will help keep it clean. Is the cost worth it to you? Do you have the necessary funds?

[jondrew55]

Originally Posted by airmaine

All it takes is one extreme weather event, and these days unpredictable has become predictable. I would recommend at least a portable enclosure. Avoid any vinyl wrapping. Use a mouse deterrent.

I'd recommend mouse deterrent no matter how you store it. We like the Tomcat peppermint spray.

[Wazbro]

To answer your question, yes it is OK to park your Airstream for the winter without cover. As others have said it is better to have it in covered storage. How much better, that depends on a lot of things.

Are there trees around? Do you get a really bad storm this year? How old is your trailer? How picky you are about damage? ect....

[Scott S]

By under cover do you mean using a tarp that will be in contact with the trailer, or do you mean placing your trailer under a roof? Do not tarp the trailer, it will scratch it! While storing the trailer under a roof is always better, keeping it outside is fine as long as it doesn't have leaks, is parked away from falling branches, and there is no hail.

[caz]

I recommend you protect your Airstream investment. Build a roof over it. Many options available.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

We're not *quite* into SE PA, but close. Around here, storage under a roof / in a locked garage costs us ~$1K a year. Storage out in the yard was ~$400 a year. Happy to pay the additional $600 and not deal with as much muck all over the trailer.

Bob

[JP Patches]

Originally Posted by caz

i recommend you protect your airstream investment. Build a roof over it. Many options available.

yup!

[guskmg]

Cover is best. The Airstream Factory Service Center recommends recaulking all seams and joints on the roof and sides every five years for Texas Sun airstreams. They use Adseal now and it is easily replaced. However, they use to use caulk that was a bear to remove, like two days for my 35'. I'm not sure when they made the change, but they would gladly tell you. If you are going to leave it outside you need to reseal to prevent leaks and deterioration.
guskmg

[bbjunkie7]

Hi Bob, thanks for your input, would you mind sharing the location where you store you Airstream?

thanks

Tim, BTW, my email address is timjweidman@gmail.com, would be great if you respond directly

thanks!

Tim

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

We're not *quite* into SE PA, but close. Around here, storage under a roof / in a locked garage costs us ~$1K a year. Storage out in the yard was ~$400 a year. Happy to pay the additional $600 and not deal with as much muck all over the trailer.

Bob

[waninae39]

we have used a callmark cover now for 3 years, no issues, no scratches

[steilkurve]

After 2 years inside, first winter outside. No problem so far. Thought I’d have to remove snow often but the wind keeps blowing most off. I visit the trailer regularly and turn on the heat. Everything seems in perfect working order. Of course, inside would reduce wear and tear of really low temps but it is not as bad as I thought.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The "wear and tear" you need to worry about are the seals / caulking on things like the pipes going through the roof. Without climbing up on the roof and poking at them, it's tough to know what's going on.

Bob

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

The "wear and tear" you need to worry about are the seals / caulking on things like the pipes going through the roof. Without climbing up on the roof and poking at them, it's tough to know what's going on.

Bob

That's only true until you find water leaking in, then you know they are in bad shape without climbing onto the roof.

Or did you mean "Without climbing up on the roof and poking at them, it's tough to know what's going on until it's too late."?