We're currently on a month-long trip, extending from Tucson, Arizona to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and back. We'll cover 4,000 miles on this trip, and spend 30 nights on the road. It's a trip we've been planning and anticipating for half a year.
Our Airstream is filled with upgrades that I've installed over the past five years, and this trip is putting all of that gear to the test. Of our most recently-installed upgrades, here's what is working for us, and what's not.
Gree air conditioner đź‘Ť
This has been a hot trip so far, with nearly every day well into the 90s. The Gree air conditioner upgrade we installed in September 2025 has been a big win. It's quieter, more energy-efficient (which really matters when you're boondocking), and has better features. For example, the dehumidifier setting is helping keep our towels and other things drier now that we've entered the muggy zones east of the Mississippi.Â
I wish I could say that the Gree upgrade is easy for everyone. But right now there are some heavy considerations for Airstream owners.Â
If you're interested in upgrading to a better air conditioner, a few shops are starting to retrofit Gree and other similar brands. Vinnie's in Sacramento, CA and Colin Hyde Trailer Restoration in Plattsburgh, NY are two of them.
Boost fans on our Dometic hybrid gas/electric refrigerator đź‘Ž
I documented the process of adding boost fans to improve the cooling power of my Dometic refrigerator, but sadly it hasn't entirely solved the problem of our warm fridge. What we've diagnosed is that, when running on propane, the refrigerator compartment temperature rises to 53°F during hot days.Â
However, there's hope.
The fridge cools quite well (34°) when running on electricity. So that suggests a problem with the gas system. The burner just be dirty, or we may need an adjustment on the propane regulator. I'll get into that a bit later.
This is a good reminder that before adding technology to solve a problem, one should consider doing some ordinary maintenance first!
Dinette upgrade đź‘Ť
This is our first trip with our new dinette table and in a word, we'd say the improvement has been massive. Here's the new setup:
Our Globetrotter 23FB had a U-shaped dinette with a dinky table. It was tight for two people to eat at the same time, and the third seating position was so cramped that it was only fit for the dog. It was also not very useful for two people to use their laptops.
I commissioned a woodworker friend to build a new table with hidden storage where the third "seat" was. Now it's really a table fit for two, with space for dinner or two people to work on laptops or projects. This upgrade cost about $2,000 in materials and labor. Definitely worth it.
Sorein Power Station + 400W panel đź‘Ť
We've been big proponents of Sorein Power Stations since we started using one last year. The power station eliminates the need for us to carry a gas generator and fuel, and we can recharge it while we're using it with the companion Sorein 400 Watt Solar Panel.
This came in very handy two nights ago when we were camping at Sugarite Canyon State Park in Raton, New Mexico. Our campsite was at nearly 7,900 feet elevation, where a generator would produce much less power (due to the thin air). The power station works equally well at any elevation, and so we were able to run the toaster and microwave while we were there—without making noise that would disturb other people.
1Up bike rack đź‘Ť
I love this rack. It's easy to load and unload, holds the bikes securely without damage or needing extra straps, won't rust (because it's aluminum), and looks great. We have the 1Up Heavy Duty model, for two bikes.
The only downside I've seen of the 1Up is that it requires a hitch receiver. On a motorhome that's no problem, since they all have a receiver on the rear from the factory, but for a trailer owner that can be a challenge.
There are some pre-made hitch receiver options out there, or you can have a custom receiver fabricated. Either way, adding a receiver to a trailer can cost $800-1,200 with labor. We're glad we did it, because the 1Up rack has been a dream to use.
AIRLoq đź‘Ť
This product won't be available for about another month, so many of you probably haven't heard of it. (I did announce it during an interview earlier this year on this episode of The Riveted podcast.)
AIRLoq is a keyless entry system for Airstream trailers made from 2008 through 2024. It replaces the deadbolt and looks like this:
I've been working on this one for about a year, and we've been testing prototypes on our trailer since December 2025.
Tothie and I have been surprised at just how much we love the convenience and usability of this product. With AIRLoq, we can leave the trailer for a walk or bike ride and leave our keys behind. One button locks the trailer, and a quick press of our personal entry code unlocks the trailer when we're back.
At the risk of patting myself on the back, I have to say that this is my favorite of all the products I've developed for AIR GEAR. And truth be told, Airstreamers who've spotted it on our door during a couple of rallies this year were very interested in where they could buy one.Â
Check out AIRLoq and get on the waiting list to be notified when we are ready to release it. It's scheduled for launch sometime in late summer.
Going to the August ACI International Rally in Minot, ND? We'll be in booth 502 in the exhibit hall with AIRLoq. You can purchase one there, and we'll also have an on-site installation service available if you need it.