Airstream Basecamp 2020, Owner'S Manual

Page: 35 / 88

Interior
2020 Basecamp
5-7
Battery Disconnect Switch
The battery disconnect switch is used to separate
the batteries from the 12-volt distribution panel and
converter charging system�
When the switch is turned to ON and the trailer is
plugged into an external AC power source, the 12-volt
distribution panel will receive power from the converter
and the batteries will be charged through the converter
charging system�
When the switch is turned to OFF and the trailer is
plugged into an external AC power source, the 12-
volt distribution panel will still receive power from the
converter, but the batteries are disconnected from
the system� The batteries will not be drained with
the switch in the OFF position� The converter will not
charge the batteries with the switch in this position�
The charge in the 12-volt batteries can be replenished,
depending on the tow vehicle, from the tow vehicle
alternator through the 7-way cord. This charge will flow
to the batteries regardless of the battery disconnect
switch position� Likewise, if on or off, the solar panel is
still charging the batteries�
Ceiling and Directional Lighting
A wall switch just inside the door controls step, front,
rear and bathroom lights� At the rear door an adjustable
reading light has been installed and is operated by
pressing the lights lens�
Electrical
Battery/12-Volt System Information
The major portion of electrical power in your
Airstream is 12-volt� The 12-volt current powers all
gas appliances for controls and/or ignition as well as
lighting� An exception would be the range which has its
own ignition source�
All 12-volt current comes through the battery system�
The battery is accessed through a removable panel
under the front roadside cabinet of your trailer� Power
from the battery goes to a set of Type 2 thermal
breakers� The breakers are tied together by a brass
bus bar� One breaker (30-amp) protects the 12-volt
tow vehicle charge line coming from the 7-way cord�
Another breaker (20-amp) feeds the trailer brakes
breakaway switch located near the hitch coupler� A
50-amp breaker feeds the battery disconnect relay�
The current leaves the relay and travels to the 12-volt
distribution panel, located in the converter, and then
to the rest of the trailer� Open the decorative door on
the front of the converter to access the panel and its
fuses� A 12-volt layout diagram is shown in Section 8 -
Maintenance�
If you replace a blown fuse and it immediately blows
again, do not replace the fuse again until a qualified
service technician can correct the problem�
If the replacement fuse holds for a week or more and
the gap in the fusible metal is barely melted apart, this
usually indicates an overload condition� Reducing the
number of lights or appliances used on that particular
circuit at the same time could prevent any further fuse
failure�
Refer to Section 8 - Maintenance for important battery
maintenance information�