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.
[In the comments below, Joel W asked if we'd share the plans for this dinette. Our "plan" was pretty informal, but here's the general idea and measurements. You can right-click on the images to save a larger version to your computer.
We built ours from a single sheet of solid-surface material, which is durable and looks great, but it is quite heavy. Building the underside storage from another material would probably reduce the weight. FYI, the top is not shown. It measures 35" x 36-5/8" and has 3" radius corners.]
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.
15 comments
Rich Luhr
Joel W: Although we don’t have formal plans, I’ve added some details about the dinette design to the blog (above). Good luck with yours!
Rich Luhr
Brad: We haven’t yet been able to test the AIRLoq on a trailer with a square deadbolt, so that’s why we are saying that it isn’t suitable. I wouldn’t want to give you false hope, but if at some point in the future we find that it can be adapted easily, we’ll make announcement to that effect.
Otherwise, we have no plans to make another version of the AIRLoq for the square deadbolts. Unfortunately, the likely number of purchasers is too small to justify the re-development costs.
Joel Weinberger
Would you be willing to share your build plans for the dinette? We have a 2020 23’ GT and have the same issue. Would be great to start with a design that we can further tailor to our needs with a local builder if you’re willing.
Brad
Are you going to offer the AirLoq for the square deadbolt? I’m guessing we have an early 2008 Classic as ours is not round.
Rich Luhr
Mark H: Everyone has told us to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes, but we couldn’t fit it into this trip, sadly. We’ll hit it another time. The priority on this trip was to visit family and friends in northern Michigan.
Krista: I forgot to say, we always love Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora (Denver) Colorado. If you can’t get into there, Chatfield State Park is another nice one not far from Denver.
Rich Luhr
Krista: Regarding the Sorein, we currently are testing a 4 kWh system (2 batteries) with a prototype Main Unit on top, which is why it looks like a 3-battery setup.
We can run the Gree A/C for about 3 hours with this, but with the humidity and heat we’ve had in Michigan recently, we’ve had to run the air 24 hours a day. So the only practical option recently has been to get a campground with electric hookups.
We’ll be using our Sorein Power Station and 400W Solar Panel during the EAA Oshkosh Fly-In soon. We’ve got 3 days of boondocking planned there.
Mark Helmkamp
Greetings Rich and Tothie! Glad to read you are back on the road. Please consider a stay at Sleeping Bears Dunes State Park on your leg along eastern side of Lake Michigan, you won’t regret it! And thanks for providing your gear assessments. As you know, I have several of your Air Gear products which satisfies my constant need for useful RV gadgetry. But I know I am delinquent in providing reviews, so here are three: The AG Sun Shade is an easy add to the ZipDee awning and makes for a nice outdoor space that is deployed easily. I bought some “auger style” ground screws to secure the bottom of the shade when I don’t use the provided sand bags. Also, it is a great compliment to your Outdoor Sand Free Mat to complete the outdoor area because after all, being outside is a big part of the RV deal. This really is “The Last Mat” and is of far better quality material and construction and is clearly superior to those found at RV stores. Finally, the 400 watt portable solar panels. Being able to charge the Sorein Power Station while simultaneously powering the Airstream in more primitive sites (like Big Meadows Campground on the Skyline Drive) or while boon docking makes for a better, more relaxing experience. Nearby RVers appreciate them too! All I need to do now is add a leg to my existing DC-to-DC charging system so I can top-off while on the way. Take care and enjoy your travels!
Rich Luhr
Krista: We particularly liked Van Buren State Park in Van Buren, MI, and Petoskey State Park in Petoskey, MI. Both have excellent beaches and nice bicycling opportunities. From Van Buren it’s a short ride to lovely South Haven.
Rich Luhr
John W: e-bikes are indeed a concern, if you plan to carry them on a receiver attached to the back of an Airstream trailer. The heavy weight of the e-bikes can put a lot of strain on the receiver and cause it to fail, or induce “rear end separation” in the trailer.
For this reason, I would encourage you to look carefully at the design of any receiver you plan to put on, and make sure the load is well spread out across the frame of the Airstream. Some good engineering and possible reinforcement is required here. Just because a receiver is rated for a particular weight doesn’t mean the back of the Airstream can handle that weight, especially when you think about it bouncing over rough roads.
Rich Luhr
John C: The Gree and others like it will use the Airstream ductwork, but will not be able to use the Airstream condensate drain. The condensation will drip off the roof like other brands of travel trailer.
Kat
We have a double fan unit in our LP/110 Dometic fridge the previous owner of our 2013 trailer installed. In the fridge section not freezer. It keeps the fridge at 40F set on #3 even on a 90F day like we are having today in Michigan. Unless I forget to switch it on when prepping the trailer! Smart RV products.com
Krista Harris
I loved this article. I have relied on your honest reviews, experiences and recommendations for many years and we are right in line with most products. We recently purchased the Sorein 32Wh and 400w panels, we’ve had the 1UP for about a year and like you, it’s been a lifesaver. We’d been through just about every other option, Thule Suitcase, and carrying the e-bikes inside, heavy lifting! It looks like you have the 3 stack Sorein, and I’m curious about running your AC on it? We are following close in your footsteps in Sept when we leave Durango, CO and head to Madison in our 28” International. Could you share where you stayed along the way, we are in the planning stages. Thanks for everything. Krista
John Wasniewski
I love the 1UP too!! Never thought about possibly using on our 25FB due to finding a way to mount securely enough to support two heavy e-bikes. Thoughts?
Claudia
Hope to see you in Minot, very interested in the airloq
John Chambliss
Does the new air conditioner work with the Airstream ductwork and condensation drain?