After numerous discussions with friends who have travelled across Alaska with their camper, it is very clear that we will probably encounter some rough, rocky, gravel roads. And, as such, our truck and Airstream will probably come home with pits of achievement.
So, how do we protect our vehicles to minimize the potential damage?
The Airstream is the most vulnerable from rocks and road debris being hurled from the back of the truck. Although it has factory “rock guards” in the front, they are already pitted just from normal, paved roads. So, they’ll definitely need some reinforcements!
Additionally, there are a few things on the Airstream’s underbelly which hang down precariously and are begging for some protection – propane lines, valves and drains.
These past weeks, I have been researching what others have done to prep for these rough roads and spoken to folks about what damage they have seen or experienced first hand. So, with my newly gained knowledge, tools, time and of course, in some cases money, I began the challenge to shield our aluminum home:
Challange #1 – Tank Valve Controls and Drain Pipe
What design engineer thought it was a good idea to put the black and grey tank drain and controls right behind the trailer wheels…..really? Have these folks ever traveled and used these things? So, I fabricated my own shields with a little bit of stainless steel sheet, a drill and some rivets:
Challange #2 – Propane Gas Lines
The propane gas lines to the stove, refrigerator and furnace/hot water tank run along the underbelly from the propane tanks (which are located in the front of the Airstream). To help give them a little extra protection, I covered them with a plastic, corrugated sheathing:
Challenge #3 – Plumbing Drain Lines
The case of the dangling drain valves. These valves are used to drain water from the hot and cold water lines throughout the trailer. Whenever you don’t use the trailer for long periods of time and/or you need to winterize the trailer, these allow you to get most of the water out of the system so the lines/fixtures don’t freeze or generate bacteria.
However, these valves hang down, under the belly of the Airstream and therefore, I created a little shield to help deflect potential rocks and road debris from hitting them.
Challenge #4 – Deflecting Rocks from the Truck
As we cruise down the road, the truck’s rear tires catapult rocks and road debris up into the front of the Airstream. So, in order to minimize and deflect these, I installed extra large mud flaps, called Rock Tamers, on the hitch and extended mud flaps on the truck’s front and back wheel wells. So, much to Susan’s dismay, we now look like a big semi truck when driving around without the Airstream attached!!
Challenge #5 – Protecting the Panoramic Windows
The Airstream’s front, panoramic windows definitely need to be protected from flying debris; especially from passing trucks on gravel roads. Even though they do have a plexiglass rock guard, I have added a protective, cushioned cover which can easily be put on/off.
Challenge #6 – Protecting the Lower Front Panel
The last area of protection is the exposed lower panel, behind the propane tanks. Some Airstreamers have had rock dings in this area, so in order to give it a little extra protection, I’m applying an automotive film. This 3M film is the same film used for car wraps and also used on hoods, bumpers and fenders to protect from paint chips. The film goes on easily and will not hurt the Airstream’s aluminum coating.
