Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 36)

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CAMPING
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WINTER TRAVELING
Traveling in sub-freezing temperatures will require certain
precautions to protect the plumbing system and your
personal belongings from being damaged by freezing.
Whenever possible the heat should be kept on at a
constant temperature. It is easier for the furnace to
keep a constant room temperature than for the trailer
temperature to be allowed to drop to 50 degrees
Fahrenheit then attempt to raise it to room temperature.
NOTICE : If you have the optional air conditioners
with heat pump they should not be used if ambient
temperatures remain below 25 degrees F. for more
than 12 hours.
Only the furnaces are ducted to provide heat to tanks
and plumbing to prevent freezing.
WARNING : Always shut off the LP gas and
be sure all flames are extinguished before gasoline
is added to the tow vehicle.
Some states do not allow LPG to be turned on while
moving. While traveling in these states you must use
your common sense. How cold is it? How long will
it be before you can turn the heat back on? Is the
temperature dropping or raising? Remember, when
towing at 50 MPH the wind chill factor will cause the
interior of the trailer to cool much faster than a trailer
that is parked.
When parked in sub-freezing temperatures make
sure you keep a full supply of LP gas and plug into
a 110 volt power source whenever possible. A fully
charged battery will not last more than 8 to 10 hours if
the furnace is running almost constantly and 110-volt
power is not available.
Leave cabinet doors, wardrobes and bed doors partially
open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing
lines and fixtures. Insulate and/or wrap your exterior
water lines with heat tape.
NOTICE: The exterior water service line to the utility
compartment is in an unheated section of the trailer
and must not be used in below freezing conditions.
A water valve is provided so the water can be turned off
to the line. The exterior water service shut off valve is
located in the lavatory cabinet. Close the shut off valve
and open the water service for a few seconds to drain
the line and prevent freeze damage.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED OCCUPANCY
Your trailer was designed primarily for recreational use
and short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy
the trailer for an extended period, be prepared to deal
with condensation and the humid conditions that may
be encountered. The relatively small volume and tight
compact construction of modern recreation vehicles
mean that the normal living activities of even a few
occupants will lead to rapid moisture saturation of the
air contained in the trailer and the appearance of visible
moisture, especially in cold weather.
CONDENSATION
Just as moisture collects on the outside of a glass
of cold water during humid weather, moisture can
condense on the inside surfaces of the trailer during
cold weather when relative humidity of the interior air is
high. This condition is increased because the insulated
walls of a recreation vehicle are much thinner than
house walls.
Estimates indicate that a family of four can vaporize
up to three gallons of water daily through breathing,
cooking, bathing, and washing. Unless the water
vapor is carried outside by ventilation, or condensed
by a dehumidifier, it will condense on the inside of the
windows and walls as moisture, or in cold weather as
frost or ice. It may also condense out of sight within
the walls or the ceiling where it will manifest itself as
warped or stained panels.
Appearance of these conditions may indicate a serious
condensation problem. When you recognize the signs
of excessive moisture and condensation in the trailer
action should be taken to minimize their effects. For
tips on controlling condensation see the “Tips To
Controlling Condensation” section.