Battery Woe Help Idea

[BTB]

The high number of incidents and questions and frustration visible in posts that members come to the forum for on batteries, charging, inverters, etc etc etc seem to warrant a "sticky" type post providing "newbies" an overall description of a typically layout for a) an AS Trailer and b) an AS Interstate, with some basic functionality descriptions.

Next could be a "When you get your new (to you) AS home, check this equipment out..."

and next could be "Here's what a lot of us have done to overcome all these issues..." with recommendations etc.

It seems this is a very common problem - and certainly not at all peculiar to Airstreams, but we keep seeing these inquiries time and again, so some central guru-type advice written for newbies would surely be very helpful.

Bill

[FCStreamer]

I certainly appreciate all the advice I read here. But sometimes I question the wisdom of taking a new trailer and starting to swap out parts that have not failed. The experience of some members if very valuable but not universal. Your idea is a good one, but with the caveat that a forum is a place where people come seeking answers and help, and may not be indicative of the average experience.

[lewster]

The 'wisdom' comes from years of experience in and around RVs and having 16 years of direct contact servicing the entire spectrum of the industry......... from pop-up trailers to Prevosts.

From my vantage point, there are definite deficiencies that are built in from the factory that need immediate remedial action to enhance your camping and general use experience.

Things like quality batteries, automatic 3-stage converters and other relatively simple upgrades WILL greatly increase the overall usability if your new purchase.

Some folks do these upgrades or once........ some never at all. It depends on how you use your trailer and what your expectations are.

Some folks buy a new rig and immediately spend thousands for solar/ battery and inverter upgrades that enable them to camp in the style they desire. Others leave the trailers as-is and 'make due' with what they have.

The beauty of a forum like this is that your eyes have been opened as you get exposure from all corners of the Airstream community as to what folks have done and what is possible.

It's up to you to decide what works in your trailer and in your situation.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
ABYC Certified Master Marine Electrician
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center*AMS Lithium Batteries
Lifeline AGM Batteries**Magnum Inverters***Victron Energy Components
541-490-6357

[mccrosti]

Once again sage wisdom from the Master . I appreciate all your posts Lew.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[FCStreamer]

Yes, thank you. I also appreciate your posts. In my case I will wait a bit before swapping parts out. It will give me a chance to experience my AS "as-is" before I go the mod route.