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jgeurin · 06-19-2016, 07:55 PM

I have just acquired a used 2013 AI Lounge extended, and the house batteries have a severely degraded storage capacity. I want to be able to boondock for a week at a time without too much battery hassle. I have been lurking around on this forum for a week or so, and it looks like upgrading can be somewhere between a minor DIY chore to a major adventure (as in upgrading to lithium). I want to thank everyone for all of the helpful posts - several minor questions have been answered here. I have tried a lot of the hints found here to stop parasitic drain while not using the systems, but this doesn't seem to be the problem.

I don't mind paying a pro to upgrade my system, and maybe now is the time to do it since I will need house battery replacements, but have no idea where to find someone like this. Any ideas/advice?

ghaynes755 · 06-19-2016, 08:16 PM

Check with Marvin Braun. www.precisionrv.com Last I spoke with him he was in Colorado. Maybe something would work out.

Boxster1971 · 06-19-2016, 08:18 PM

Lew Faber (aka Lewster) is a regular on this forum and he does a lot of Airstream Interstate and trailer battery upgrades. He is a busy guy but may be able to suggest someone else if he is too busy. Send him a private message using his "Lewster" ID on this forum.

- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter

RoadJager · 06-20-2016, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgeurin

I have just acquired a used 2013 AI Lounge extended, and the house batteries have a severely degraded storage capacity. I want to be able to boondock for a week at a time without too much battery hassle. I have been lurking around on this forum for a week or so, and it looks like upgrading can be somewhere between a minor DIY chore to a major adventure (as in upgrading to lithium). I want to thank everyone for all of the helpful posts - several minor questions have been answered here. I have tried a lot of the hints found here to stop parasitic drain while not using the systems, but this doesn't seem to be the problem.

I don't mind paying a pro to upgrade my system, and maybe now is the time to do it since I will need house battery replacements, but have no idea where to find someone like this. Any ideas/advice?

Please contact me offline. I am in Tulsa also. I might be able to help.

Lily&Me · 06-20-2016, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgeurin

I have just acquired a used 2013 AI Lounge extended, and the house batteries have a severely degraded storage capacity. I want to be able to boondock for a week at a time without too much battery hassle. I have been lurking around on this forum for a week or so, and it looks like upgrading can be somewhere between a minor DIY chore to a major adventure (as in upgrading to lithium). I want to thank everyone for all of the helpful posts - several minor questions have been answered here. I have tried a lot of the hints found here to stop parasitic drain while not using the systems, but this doesn't seem to be the problem.

I don't mind paying a pro to upgrade my system, and maybe now is the time to do it since I will need house battery replacements, but have no idea where to find someone like this. Any ideas/advice?

You want to make sure your generator is also up and running well, as you will need it to top your batteries off if you are in the same spot all of this time.

I don't believe any batteries in our Interstates will go a week without charging...at least nothing I have ever seen or heard of.

You can also run your engine awhile to do the same, drive from one site to the next, sightsee, etc.

I have done something, at least every couple of days, to top off my batteries when camping without hookups.

Several years ago, while exploring the Rocky Mountains for about a month, driving to a new site every 2-3 days took care of this.

Have a great time.

Maggie

Marks71 · 06-20-2016, 05:33 AM

If you're a big boondocks, I would suggest considering solar upgrade as part of your project, to include panels, wiring, and controller.

LB_3 · 06-20-2016, 07:11 AM

At a minimum the OP should look at doubling the batteries a trippleing the solar.

Lily&Me · 06-20-2016, 07:32 AM

I only have one coach battery, a good one, and do just fine with that and what i have explained, above.

Hard to find a place to put two batteries on an Interstate.

We thought a lot about adding solar, but already had the onboard generator so decided against it as an unnecessary expenditure.

You can do with what you have, or add everything available.

Just depends on how you want to do it.

Maggie

charlesk · 06-20-2016, 11:18 AM

Second on Lew. He just upgraded my batteries and solar. Definitely a professional job.

Lew Faber (aka Lewster) is a regular on this forum and he does a lot of Airstreams.

TulsaBob · 06-20-2016, 02:30 PM

Contact RoadJager, I am also in Tulsa and Lew did a solar and lithium battery on my 2015 Grand Tour. Great Job!! Lew is through Tulsa about 2 times a year if he has a job. He did another one here this spring.

gecko · 06-20-2016, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgeurin

I have just acquired a used 2013 AI Lounge extended, and the house batteries have a severely degraded storage capacity. I want to be able to boondock for a week at a time without too much battery hassle. I have been lurking around on this forum for a week or so, and it looks like upgrading can be somewhere between a minor DIY chore to a major adventure (as in upgrading to lithium). I want to thank everyone for all of the helpful posts - several minor questions have been answered here. I have tried a lot of the hints found here to stop parasitic drain while not using the systems, but this doesn't seem to be the problem.

I don't mind paying a pro to upgrade my system, and maybe now is the time to do it since I will need house battery replacements, but have no idea where to find someone like this. Any ideas/advice?

Lewster all the way!!

jgeurin · 06-21-2016, 07:14 AM

Thanks to everyone for all the input! I pulled off the cover and took a look at the existing batteries. 2 Interstate HD24-DP's. I have ordered some Lifeline GPL-4CT's to put in their place (they will fit). I will install these myself - yes, I know, wire them in series. I have contacted Lewster and have some longer term plans cooking to upgrade solar/system in the fall.