Battery disconnect solenoid bad

[denali]

I've had my Airstream in storage for a year and was told I needed a new battery disconnect celluloid. Labor is $125 and I don't know anything about the part. Does anybody have any input that would help me decide if I could fix it myself or have to take it to Airstream for repairs.

Thanks so much.

[Airtandem]

I have a 2010 FC 25 ft and just had to replace mine. I have heard this same problem from others. ??????? JC are you listening??
You could possibly do it yourself.

[DKB_SATX]

If you're looking for the part on your own, you'll have better results searching for "solenoid" instead.

[kokopat]

Why don't you give your battery a good charging and see if that helps to start with.
It's spelled solenoid... good luck, Pat

[Drathaar]

I suspect that you're referring to the disconnect solenoid. I'm not sure where it is located, but would imagine that it is different for each model of trailer. Probably near the main battery buss. Electrically, it has to be pretty simple, but finding it may be the issue. If it is accessible, I'm sure it can be done by the average joe.

[richinny]

as a side note...
that relay needs 12v battery voltage to operate. charge/replace the battery first then try it again.

[LFC]

Never knew there was a battery solenoid on a camping trailer.....sounds like they're taking you on a ride.

[Drathaar]

Originally Posted by LFC

Never knew there was a battery solenoid on a camping trailer.....sounds like they're taking you on a ride.

No ride, there is definitely a battery solenoid. That's what takes if from 'use' to 'disconnect'.

BTW, richinny was spot on about battery charge.

[LFC]

On mine it's just a manual switch behind the couch.

Only experience I've had with "solenoids" was on automobile starters.

[Drathaar]

Originally Posted by LFC

On mine it's just a manual switch behind the couch.

Only experience I've had with "solenoids" was on automobile starters.

Our first AS was like that, so they must have changed in the last ten years or so. It's sure a lot nicer not to have to dive behind the couch.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by LFC

On mine it's just a manual switch behind the couch.

Only experience I've had with "solenoids" was on automobile starters.

A lot of the new trailers have 2 solenoids, in fact. All the new ones have one in the Store/Use battery disconnect, and the ones that have two 120V inlets have an "automatic transfer switch" which also uses a solenoid.

[denali]

Thanks so much to everyone. At least now I know how to spell 'solenoid' correctly. Since I just took it out of storage, the Airstream people told me the battery would not hold a charge due to a bad solenoid. Unfortunately, I'm leaning toward taking it in to have it fixed ... my friend who picked it up for me just didn't have to wait for repairs.

I'm grateful to everybody who participates in these forums. I learn something new every day.