Are Airstream campers 4 seasons?
By
Elaine Knight
In today’s blog post, we will discuss: Are Airstream campers 4 seasons? We will explain how you can travel with an Airstream no matter the weather. We will also discuss how Airstreams are made and what options are available for cold winter nights.
Are Airstream campers 4 seasons?
Airstream campers are definitely not fit for all 4 seasons. While Summer and Spring could be great and chilly in an Airstream, these popular campers will just be too cold on late Fall and Winter nights.
But not all is bad news! Even though Airstream does not attach great importance to meeting special standards for winter camping, you can certainly spend a cold night in the European version of your Airstream.
So, can I travel with an Airstream during winter?
You certainly will be able to travel with an Airstream during winter, as long as you take some preventive measures and of course, choose the European version!
But first, let us explain how Airstreams are built and why they could be “habitable” even in winter.
The semi-monocoque hull of the Airstreams is double-walled and insulated with a 60 mm thick Knauf Eco Bat Mat, compressed to 40 mm. To avoid thermal bridges, all connection profiles are covered with a sealing strip. The floor is insulated with a rigid foam 40 mm thick. This construction method results in a very homogeneous hull which has been tested for many decades, in winter as in summer.
In the United States, as in Europe, most caravans and motorhomes are equipped with a simple heating fan. This produces hot air using electricity or gas and distributes it through several outlets in the vehicle. The fan and burner always turn on and off, resulting in temperature fluctuations and considerable noise pollution.
In European models developed especially for the European market, Airstream uses water-based central heating from the Swedish company Alde. These heating systems work with water like in the home, are quieter, more uniform and cover the whole room.
The central heating system of Alde works in principle as heating of residential buildings. The heat is produced in a liquid gas boiler with an additional 230 V heating element. A mixture of water and glycol is heated in it, which is then pumped through the convector and pipe system.
Convectors (small radiators) are located all around the exterior walls and passively heat the air. The air rises and heats the walls and furniture. The rising warm air also forms an air barrier in front of the windows, which prevents cold from entering and condensation from forming. When the warm air reaches the ceiling, it flows down to the floor and is then reheated by the convectors.
Winter in an Airstream: Gas or electricity?
The choice is yours. Water heaters offer the greatest comfort in motorhomes. Without attracting attention, they provide quality warmth. The boiler not only provides pleasant and quiet heat, but also hot water for the shower and the kitchen.
It can run on liquid gas, electricity or a combination of the two. In electric mode, a maximum of 3000 watts of heating power is available in gas mode, even 5500 watts.
The Alde Comfort 3020 HE boiler has a built-in water heater that provides hot water whenever you need it in the shower or kitchen. The water heater provides approximately 15 l of ready-to-use hot water at all times. Enough for hot showers and for washing dishes in the vehicle.
Other questions you may be interested in
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How does the heating system in an Airstream work?
The heating system of the Airstream Europe models is controlled by a clear and user-friendly touch screen. All central functions can be found directly on the homepage of the control panels. As with modern smartphones, menu control is intuitive and easy to use. The remote control is also possible via an app on your mobile phone.
Heating even while driving What is the best heating system for if you arrive at your vacation spot with a completely cooled vehicle after several hours of driving? That is why all European Airstream models are fitted as standard with a crash sensor that allows the heater to run on gas even while driving. This allows Airstream owners to go straight from a hot car to their soft Airstream on the road and at their destination.
Other additional options available for winter camping with an Airstream
In addition to the heating mentioned above, Airstream offers other additional options for winter camping. These include an insulated and heated wastewater line, a Truma Duo Control for automatic switching.
It has been tested and proven in practice for many years.
All European models have been designed by Airstream for operation down to -20 degrees and tested in a cold room. In February 2015, Airstream and Land Rover sent a Range Rover Sport Hybrid and an Airstream 684 to the Arctic Circle in Sweden as part of the #HybridAdventure. The pairing has proven successful even at temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius.
Conclusions
Finally, Airstream is also present with many customers in winter.
“Even though some of our clients may not initially be interested in winter camping, it often develops over time. The combination of a wintry landscape with freezing cold and a warm, comfortable draft with more than 20 real glass windows is a very special experience. Often our customers are brought in to taste winter camping by other Airstream owners and their positive experiences “, explains Armin Heun – General Manager of the European importer of Airstream – Roka Werk.
Do you have any tips or questions on spending a cold night in an Airstream camper? Let us know!
FAQ on Are Airstream campers 4 seasons?
What is the best motorhome for cold weather?
Although there are plenty of motorhomes for cold weather, these are the vehicles that can withstand freezing temperatures, freezing winds, and even snowy conditions:
- Keystone Montana
- Keystone Raptor
- Heartland LM Arlington
- Heartland Bighorn
- Jayco Redhawk 26XD
- Arctic Wolf Forest River
- Jayco 327CKTS Eagle.
What is a thermal package on an RV?
A thermal package on an RV usually means better motorhome insulation to protect you on cold winter days. A thermal package usually includes:
- Insulated, enclosed and heated underbelly;
- Higher-insulation for the roof and the room floors;
- One/two interior fireplaces (on certain RV models) to keep you cosy and warm.
What is an Arctic package on an RV?
An Arctic package on an RV means that the motorhome is better isolated and fitted for long and cold winter days. The package usually includes dual thermal pane windows, preinstalled heating pads for the water tanks, better floor and roof insulation.
How does a heated underbelly on an RV work?
A heated underbelly on an RV has a two-inch diameter hose that transmits heat to the underbelly area of the motorhome to prevent the water tanks (including sewage) from freezing during winter nights.
Are campers cold in winter?
Yes, campers can get quite cold in winter, but this doesn’t mean that you cannot travel during the cold time of the year. As long as you are well-prepared, you can live and travel in a caravan no matter the weather.
