Airstream 2015 Sport, Owner'S Manual

Page: 77 / 94

8
maintenance
Sport 8-13
NOTE
Reconnect the battery cables to the correct battery
posts.
The red cable must first be connected to the positive
(+) post and then the black cable to the negative (-)
post. The polarity of your tow vehicle must also be
negative (-) ground since it must always match the
trailer. Most tow vehicles are negative grounded, but
always check your vehicle owner’s manual to be sure.
Add water to cells as necessary. Check the electrolyte
level at least once a month. When you are traveling
steadily and for an extended period of time, or if you
are in climates above 90°F, check the electrolyte level
about every two weeks.
cAuTION
care must be taken to make sure soda is not
allowed to enter battery cells. Do not fill battery
above the split ring in filler opening. Do not
measure specific gravity immediately after adding
water. the water must mix with the electrolyte by
charging or by driving a few miles.
WARNING
When checking or filling the electrolyte level in
the batteries, do not allow battery electrolyte to
contact skin, eyes, fabric, or painted surfaces. the
electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution, which could
cause serious personal injury or damage to the
trailer. Wear complete splash-proof goggles and
clothing protection when working with batteries.
avoid touching your eyes while working near
batteries.
WARNING
the gases generated within a storage battery cell
may be ignited by an open flame or spark in the
vicinity of the battery. Do not use a match or flame
to provide light for checking the level of the water.
During the winter, the batteries should be removed
from the trailer and stored in a cool, dry place, where
there is no danger of freezing. It should be kept full of
water, cleaned, and charged monthly. A battery that is
allowed to completely lose its charge will never regain
its original power or a full charge.
For battery service or replacement, go to any service
station or dealer who sells and services the make of
battery installed in your trailer.
When being towed, the 12-volt batteries in your trailer
are receiving a constant charge from the tow vehicle’s
generator or alternator through the 7-way connector.
Your tow vehicle’s voltage regulator controls the charge
rate. It is important to keep the seven-way connector
clean. One method is to use “Spra-Kleen”.
Whenever possible, use the automatic, built-in charger
of the converter system for charging. The charging
circuit automatically controls the current, reducing it as
the batteries increases in charge.
At service stations, make certain they give your
batteries a slow charge because quick charges will
drastically shorten the life of the batteries, as will
allowing repeated complete discharges.
Glass mat Batteries (Optional w/Solar Panel
charging System)
If factory equipped with solar panel, the installed
battery is Lifeline GLP-24.
In AGM-sealed batteries, the acid is absorbed between
the plates and immobilized by a very fine fiberglass
mat. No silica gel is necessary. This glass mat absorbs
and immobilizes the acid while still keeping the acid
available to the plates. This allows a fast reaction
between acid and plate material.
Battery maintenance is an important issue. The
battery should be cleaned using a baking soda and
water mix, a couple of tablespoons to a pint of water.
Cable connection needs to be cleaned and tightened
regularly.
Battery Storage
The following recommendations may be helpful if the
battery is to be stored:
• When storing the battery in a vehicle or vessel, it is
not necessary to leave it on charge. Disconnect the
negative battery cable. This will prevent inadvertent
discharging of the battery which may lead to a
complete discharge.
• Fully charge the battery before putting it in storage in
a cool place
• Boost charge the battery every two to three months
to ensure maximum battery life.