Solar confusion

[lsbrodsky]

John,

Remember after a couple of hours or so to put the battery back on "Store" for about 20 minutes so that it can get back to equilibrium before you note the voltage. Oh and right now be sure you put the switch on "Use" or you will not be charging your battery from the converter.
Larry

[urnmor]

Larry I just checked the display. My bateries read 13.6 and 100% charged. Please explain the purpose of turning the batteries back on store as I have never done that since we purchased the trailer.

thanks
John

[dkottum]

From your Owners Manual

BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH

The disconnect switch is used to separate the batteries from the 12-volt distri- bution panel and converter charging system.

When the switch is turned “use” (on) and the trailer is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, the 12-volt distribution panel will receive power from the converter G and the batteries will be charged through the converter charging system.

When the switch is turned to “store” (off) and the trailer is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, 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 store position. The converter will not charge the batteries with the switch in this position.

The charge in the 12-volt batteries is replenished when towing from the tow vehicle alternator through the 7-way cord. This charge will go to the batteries no matter which position the Battery Disconnect Switch is in.

[lsbrodsky]

What Doug said, plus, in the "Store" position the solar system is still connected to the battery so the batteries will charge, but there are no loads connected except the propane detector in the galley. This is the best way to leave your batteries when you are not using the trailer. John, also, just be sure you looked at the battery voltage and percent charged after it had been in Store for about 20 minutes or after the AC had been disconnected for about 20 minutes. The voltage out of the converter will always be higher than the rest point of the battery. 12.6 is close to fully charged after it has settled. If all of that checks, you are in good shape.
Larry

[dkottum]

Yes, there is no manual switch to turn off the solar charging the batteries, that is the function of the solar controller when the battery is fully charged.

I would add it is important to keep the Battery Disconnect Switch in "STORE" whenever the Airstream is hooked to external power. The "STORE" position will keep the Airstream factory converter/charger connected to the batteries constantly, applying a constant 13.6-13.7 volts to the batteries. That is too high and can damage the batteries over time.

Because we have factory solar (and parked outdoors), it doesn't matter if we have the Battery Disconnect Switch in "STORE" or "USE" when NO external power is applied. In "USE" any phantom loads or limited use of 12v equipment will take power from he batteries, but they will be recharged by the solar. This is a great benefit of a solar system, not to mention boon docking advantages.

I suspect your solar system is operating normally, using the Battery Disconnect switch in the best way. If you can charge the batteries to 12.6-12.7 volts with the solar system it is good, but you must have the Battery Disconnect Switch in "STORE" (no loads) to get a proper reading.

If you cannot charge them to 12.6-12.7 volts with the solar, see if you can charge them to that voltage using the Airstream converter/charger and hooked to external power. You must have the Battery Disconnect Switch in "USE" to charge them with the converter/charger, and you must move the Battery Disconnect Switch to "STORE" for a proper reading.

[urnmor]

I went to turn the battery disconnect switch to "Store" however the light stayed red but I do have the AS connected to shore power.

If I disconnect the shore power and turn the battery disconnect switch to "Store" the light goes out. Is this the way it is suppose to work?

John

[lsbrodsky]

Yep, it will always stay red if connected to shore power. You have to listen for the click.
Larry

[urnmor]

Larry
Thanks

I did hear the click and checked after 20 minutes the battery reading was 12.6. I then disconnected the shore power and will see what it looks like again in 20 minutes.

John

[interstateflyer]

As crazy as it may seem, you may have to remove your radio when not using, when not plugged in to AC. It's a one button operation vs a confusing and unpredictable menu setup.

The Pioneer in my 2014 re-programs itself every time there is any kind of service interruption. It consumes 2 amps+- just sitting there and flashing it's light show.

Also, if you leave your tow vehicle cord hooked to the A/S you may get a 2+- amp draw back into the TV.

And....turn off the antenna booster.

[Larry C]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

As crazy as it may seem, you may have to remove your radio when not using, when not plugged in to AC. It's a one button operation vs a confusing and unpredictable menu setup.

The Pioneer in my 2014 re-programs itself every time there is any kind of service interruption. It consumes 2 amps+- just sitting there and flashing it's light show.

Also, if you leave your tow vehicle cord hooked to the A/S you may get a 2+- amp draw back into the TV.

And....turn off the antenna booster.

Most tow vehicles have a battery isolator in the wiring to prevent what you said about leaving the TV connected. Is there something different about this particular unit?

Larry C

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by Larry C

Most tow vehicles have a battery isolator in the wiring to prevent what you said about leaving the TV connected. Is there something different about this particular unit?

Larry C

I was surprised that the solar control panel showed that draw when the TV was attached. It's a 2013 RAM with a full tow package.....you'd think that there would be an isolator. Had the same issue with a 2002 Tahoe. I always unplug when parked over night.

[lsbrodsky]

John's 2012 is the same as mine and nothing is connected when in Store except the propane detector and the tongue jack. I guess the inverter is wired directly to the battery so if he left that on, it would be a draw for about 1 amp, even with nothing connected to it.

Larry

[dkottum]

Wouldn't you know it. While checking my Battery Disconnect red light to answer urnmor's question I see that my Battery Disconnect is malfunctioning. Damn the bad luck.

With no external power the red light stays on and I am able to use all 12v equipment in either "USE" (correct) or "STORE" (not correct). When switching between "USE" and "STORE" I hear the relay clicking loudly as usual, so that's a head scratcher. It had worked properly for three years since new.

urnmor, I suspect the discovery is that your system works properly and mine does not.

So your turn, help me out. Larry, what do you think?

[urnmor]

Doug
I have greatly appreciated all of your assistance and am sorry to hear that you are now having problems with your system. As to the red light. When you switch does the red light go out? I found that I had to hold it for a second or two then let it go for it to turn off. It does not go out right away.

[dkottum]

Thanks John, you might have a good idea there. I usually do hold the switch for a moment to ensure the relay engaged, I'll try that again. I suppose if I hear a single click that would be correct, a double click would mean the relay is moving over and not holding. I'll see.

[lsbrodsky]

Doug,

My first try with a relay, always, is to try a horizontal slam adjust. Beat on it sharply. I have seen some posts on the forum reporting failures of the relay. I am assuming you have enough voltage to energize the relay.
Larry

[dkottum]

Thanks Larry. Yeah I know about beating on relays from my many years as aircraft electrician. If they work when you beat on them you need a new one. Everything wears out sooner or later.

The voltage is good, 12.7vdc.

[dkottum]

Yep, hold the switch momentarily and the relay worked as it should. Not reason to replace yet but I'll keep an eye on it.

Thanks guys.

[lsbrodsky]

good deal!
Larry

[urnmor]

Great now all we need to do is get the AS hooked up and head on out.
John