Help troubleshooting AC

[k9jackie]

I'm heading to a dog show but after testing my AC I can't get it to work on battery. I have an E7 error. My battery said 100% when I started 20 min ago but is down to 75% with just the radio on. I looked at the fuses and they are ok. I reset the switches in the fuse box by flipping them off and back on.... I don't know what to do.


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Airstream Interstate Facebook group
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[GeocamperAS]

I don't have an Interstate nor a newer A/C.
I may be wrong but I don't think the A/C will run off of the battery. But it will run off of the generator.

[UKDUDE]

Quick response - using my iPhone: AC can only run from the generator or while plugged into shore power. The standard inverter can only supply 1 killowatt, the AC consumes 2.5 kilowatts.


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[k9jackie]

OMG thank you!!! That Did it I called colonial service dept earlier and they said I needed to be plugged in and generator won't work but the generator does work Thank you thank you!!!


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[k9jackie]

I'm disappointed that I can't cool the back of the van while in transit though... Unless running the gen. While driving is ok.


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Airstream Interstate Facebook group
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[UKDUDE]

A couple of tips:
If you open the extreme rear windows a little while driving, the cool air from the cab AC will flow through towards the back of the van and out the rear windows and help cool the back of the van in the process.
Don't leave the inverter on unless you need 120v for some reason, and that will likely be for the TV or sockets for charging. It will drain the batteries unnecessarily, and maintaining the batteries is an important part of owning an Interstate.


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[k9jackie]

Thanks for the Tips!!! Really appreciate it 😊


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[Johnvabeach]

FYI...running the generator while driving is absolutely ok, they are designed for this purpose.


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[Protagonist]

If you start with a full tank of propane (a little over 14 gallons) you should be able to run the generator for about 24 hours before you run out of propane. Plan your fuel stops to include refilling the propane as necessary.

That's assuming you don't use propane for anything else while en route.

Also, if you intend to run the generator while underway, make sure the crankcase oil level is where it's supposed to be. The generator has a "low oil" sensor that will shut down the generator, and sometimes— not often, but sometimes— highway maneuvers will cause the oil to slosh enough to trigger the low oil sensor; more often if the oil level actually is slightly low.

If the generator shuts off that way, just pull over somewhere level, shut off the rooftop A/C, and restart the generator. Once the generator is running, restart the A/C and continue on your way.

[k9jackie]

Well that's a little bit of a disappointment… A lot of the dog shows don't have electricity so I'm not sure I've bought the right RV for what I want to do… I want to be able to dry camp for three days with AC since I have dogs with a lot of hair.😁 I guess I could refill On propane after 24hrs but that means breaking down, finding LP and setting up again. Ugh!


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[Ron_CA]

Not sure if there are many options for running AC for 72 hours straight without shore power.

[73shark]

I've heard mention of a "Fast Idle" option that can be dealer installed that would allow extended use of the chassis A/C which should be sufficient at nite unless you're camped in Death Valley.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by k9jackie

Well that's a little bit of a disappointment… A lot of the dog shows don't have electricity so I'm not sure I've bought the right RV for what I want to do… I want to be able to dry camp for three days with AC since I have dogs with a lot of hair.😁 I guess I could refill On propane after 24hrs but that means breaking down, finding LP and setting up again. Ugh!


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There is no B-van RV that I know of that would allow three days of AC without shore power. A Roadtrek E-trek or Advanced-RV would come close but there is a limit to using the Sprinter engine for stationary power. Only a large Class-C or Class-A with a big diesel generator and large fuel tank can do what you propose. Sorry - but the need for AC is a real challenge.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

[k9jackie]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

There is no B-van RV that I know of that would allow three days of AC without shore power. A Roadtrek E-trek or Advanced-RV would come close but there is a limit to using the Sprinter engine for stationary power. Only a large Class-C or Class-A with a big diesel generator and large fuel tank can do what you propose. Sorry - but the need for AC is a real challenge.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

That's what I meant... I probably should have bought a class A but that's a lot to handle on my own! Plus they are not as pretty As my friend said, it's a touring coach not meant for extended stays. I'll have to think about it more but I may do a trade-in next year. This certainly has been a learning experience.

[cwf]

You know where you are headed. Perhaps you can call a 'local' LP dealer to bring you a bigger tank then pick up at end of the show.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by k9jackie

Well that's a little bit of a disappointment… A lot of the dog shows don't have electricity so I'm not sure I've bought the right RV for what I want to do… I want to be able to dry camp for three days with AC since I have dogs with a lot of hair. I guess I could refill On propane after 24hrs but that means breaking down, finding LP and setting up again. Ugh!

Your best bet— in my opinion— is this:
1 - Get a hitch-mounted cargo tray.
2 - Get a Honda gasoline-powered generator. Carry it on the cargo tray.
3 - Get some portable fuel cans, enough to run the Honda generator for three days. Carry them on the cargo tray as well.
4 - At the dog show, hook up the gasoline-powered generator to the shore power inlet.
5 - Run your rooftop A/C for as long as you need.

You should allow the gasoline-powered generator to cool down before refueling, so when it needs to be refilled, switch to the on-board Onan generator for an hour or so until you can safely add more fuel to the portable generator.

Unfortunately, cwf's idea of having a larger propane cylinder isn't practical because transferring the propane from the portable DoT cylinder to your built-in ASME tank is something you're not licensed to do.

[Skater]

I can think of a few other solutions that may or may not work, depending on the situation.

First, some places can deliver propane to you and refill your tank. A campground near here has this service, and it's likely other suppliers do as well. Someone has to refill that tank at the gas station, right? Try calling around to suppliers in that area and see if any will deliver to a motorhome. (Suppliers like Suburban Propane or the other one I can't think of at the moment.)

Two, simply drive the motorhome to a local supplier and refill, then return. Kind of a headache but not the end of the world.

Three, do you really need the generator full time? For example, is it cool enough at night to shut it off and open the windows and enjoy the breezes? If you can, this will help the most, by far.

Finally, note that the propane tank isn't the only limitation you may run into - fresh water has a tendency to run out, and gray water has a tendency to fill up. One person can probably stretch it to three days without a major problem if he/she is careful about usage, though.

[Lily&Me]

The vent fans do a really good job of pulling air in and cooling at night, so you can probably do without AC at night.

If you can park in shade, that will help a great deal, as trying to keep things cool in full sun can be a challenge in very hot weather, even when plugged into electricity.

Running a generator for three days straight may draw ire from neighbors.



Maggie

[Boxster1971]

I think Protag's suggestion to carry a Honda generator for extra power when you need it is a great solution that would allow you to keep using your Interstate.

[k9jackie]

That's a good idea... I will look into an additional generator


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