Airstream Basecamp 2020, Owner'S Manual

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Maintenance
8-10
2020 Basecamp
Battery (Lead Acid)
Your Airstream trailer is factory equipped with an
Interstate battery (SRM-24). When solar panel
equipped an AGM GPL-24 battery will be installed.
Battery Amp Draw and Testing
For example, a battery with a 100 amp-hour capacity
can deliver 1 amp for 100 hours or it can deliver 100
amps for one hour. Batteries are able to deliver current
longer if they are discharged at a lower rate and deliver
less current at a higher discharge rate.
All batteries will have an Amp Hour (AH) rating. The
AH rating on a battery is its C/20 rate or 20 hour
discharge rate. As long as a battery is discharged over
a 20 hour, or longer period, it will deliver 100% of its
rated capacity. If it is discharged in less time at higher
currents it will deliver less capacity.
For proper load testing the battery needs to be fully
charge and the voltage should be greater than 12.8
volts. A typical load test should be 3 times the amp
hour for 15 seconds. At the end of 15 seconds the
voltage of the battery should stay above 9.6 volts. If the
battery cannot reach a fully charged voltage of 12.8 or
greater the batteries will need to be equalized.
NOTE
When checking the state of charge the battery
needs to have been disconnected from a charging
source and any loads for a minimum of four hours.
WARNING
Before removing the batteries verify that shoreline
power is not connected. Risk of electrical shock
may be present.
The following chart shows the approximate % of
charge SOC (State of charge) vs. OCV (Open circuit
voltage) and specific gravity for Interstate batteries.
Battery Cleaning
Battery maintenance is an important issue. Maintain a
clean battery top and check terminals and cables for
tightness and cleanliness. A dirty battery will dissipate
its charge through surface contamination. Clean the
battery top with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
To ensure maximum battery capacity on the charge
and discharge, the battery terminals and the inside
portion of the cable connector should be scraped
or brushed. The terminals should be tight and free
of corrosion. The battery should be cleaned using
a baking soda and water mix, with a ratio of two
tablespoons of baking soda to a pint of water. The
cable connection should be cleaned and tightened
regularly.
For battery service or replacement, go to a service
station or dealer who sells and services the make of
battery installed in your trailer.
NOTE
Reconnect the battery cables to the correct
battery posts.
Battery Storage
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. They 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.
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
and store in a cool place.
• Charge the battery every 30 to 60 days to ensure
maximum battery life.
NOTE
A battery will self-discharge 1-3% per month at 80
degrees.