The Astroliner

[Atomic77]

Well, I can't take it anymore. Snow or no snow I'm camping tonight. I really want to test out the Astroliner in sub-zero temperatures. Tonight it will be -10 with a wind chill of -25! I'll let you know how things went sometime tomorrow!



Michael

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[tac422]

Don't forget to crack a widow for ventilation

[Atomic77]

Don't forget to crack a widow for ventilation

Right on Brotherman. You know that's right!

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[Aguyfromohio]

So how did the arctic overnight test go?
Inquiring minds want to know....

[Atomic77]

So how did the arctic overnight test go?
Inquiring minds want to know....

Here's what I've concluded: Anytime you can spend the night in your own creation, it's a good night! Overall, it was great. I went out a couple hours prior and turned on the ceramic heater. It was still a bit chilly when I went in, so I lit the cooktop for about 10 minutes and broke a sweat. The rest of the night it was the ceramic heater only and even with temps in the negative teens, I was comfy! She holds the heat great! I had some frost on the inside of the Stargaizer windows but not too bad. I thought the walls would sweat but they didn't at all. The fantastic fans did collect condensation inside the lids and by morning had started to drip. I gave them a quick wipe and turned them on for a sec and all was well again. As tac422 said, always crack a window for ventilation. I slept like a log and so did the dog! And dang it, coffee is always better the Astroliner way!





Michael

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[Minics04]

Awesome!! Glad your test went well!!

On cold nights, I have cut a piece of Reflectix Insulation to fit into my stargazer window to keep it from getting condensation on it. Works great. My stargazer window is right above where our heads are in bed. This works to keep us from being woke up by cold, little, wet drops in the morning hitting us in the face. I also have reflectix cut for the windows in the doors on cold nights.

I also use a small ceramic heater. I have found the correct combination of cracking the windows in the doors and the fantastic fan lid with the heater thermostat setting to avoid any condensation. I don't mine cold weather camping like this!!!!

[Atomic77]

I fully agree! It's fun to be in our cozy nest for Winter Camping! Granted, this time was just a driveway camp, but we have a little trip planned to go to a boondock spot when the snow isn't quite so deep! But now we know she's nice and warm. Haven't quite figured out how we'll heat with no electricity... Hmmm. Open for suggestions! And your solution for the Stargaizer Window is good. We are making foam pillows for all the windows that don't have shades. Maybe a layer of the Reflectix on the back would be a great idea. Have you had any issues with the Stargaizer leaking? Both ours have leaked.

Here's where ours are located...



Happy Building and Winter Camping!

Michael

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[Aguyfromohio]

Thanks for that update Michael. Good to know a couple thin plywood skins plus foam insulation does the job.

[Atomic77]

Thanks for that update Michael. Good to know a couple thin plywood skins plus foam insulation does the job.

It's actually pretty amazing, really. I can't remember what the R-Value of the foam was, but there's 2" pink in the roof and 3/4" foil backed in the walls. The little heater ran all night but it was -10 and beyond all night with winds whipping! What do you do if you have no electricity?

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[crpngdth2001]

[quote="What do you do if you have no electricity?”

Maybe one of the 12V diesel heaters? Anywhere from $150 for the knockoffs on eBay up to $1,500 in the Espar or Propex models.

[Atomic77]

[quote="What do you do if you have no electricity?”

Maybe one of the 12V diesel heaters? Anywhere from $150 for the knockoffs on eBay up to $1,500 in the Espar or Propex models.

Yes, I've looked at those but it seems the cheaper ones aren't very quality and the more expensive ones are out of range for me. Anyone use an Olympian heater?

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[Aguyfromohio]

Thanks for that update Michael. Good to know a couple thin plywood skins plus foam insulation does the job.

It's actually pretty amazing, really. I can't remember what the R-Value of the foam was, but there's 2" pink in the roof and 3/4" foil backed in the walls. The little heater tan all night but it was -10 and beyond all night with winds whipping! What do you do if you have no electricity?

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I'm still finishing up construction so I can't yet speak from experience.
But we have a high amp DC power line run from tow vehicle to the trailer that will power a little ceramic heater or the air conditioner, if we let the car idle to provide power. We looked at propane furnaces but they take up a lot of space (2 cubic feet) and cost a lot of money (more than $700).

[Atomic77]

Thanks for that update Michael. Good to know a couple thin plywood skins plus foam insulation does the job.

It's actually pretty amazing, really. I can't remember what the R-Value of the foam was, but there's 2" pink in the roof and 3/4" foil backed in the walls. The little heater tan all night but it was -10 and beyond all night with winds whipping! What do you do if you have no electricity?

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I'm still finishing up construction so I can't yet speak from experience.
But we have a high amp DC power line run from tow vehicle to the trailer that will power a little ceramic heater or the air conditioner, if we let the car idle to provide power. We looked at propane furnaces but they take up a lot of space (2 cubic feet) and cost a lot of money (more than $700).

Have you ran the A/C yet?

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[Minics04]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=71241

Yes, my window leaked. Repaired last week.

The double stacked stargazer windows ROCK! Never thought of that!!

[Atomic77]

Thank you but honestly those windows suck. Nothing but problems. Clearly the manufacturer has QC issues. And I'm not just saying that because I personally have two with a 100% failure rate. I have read case after case on other forums with the same issue. Water leaking at the manufacturer's seal between the glass.

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