1Bombshell, Lewster is right. the first advice any of us should have given you would be to take out the factory unit and installed a quality 3-step charger, one with adjustments for various battery types, and an adjustable float voltage.
Ok. Good. Something else to buy! So this 3-step charger, is this an RV specific item? Or is it something that I would purchase from an auto parts store? With this item installed, am I to assume that it would eliminate any damage to the batteries when the a/s is left plugged in? Am I to understand that leaving the A/S plugged in with out this 3- step charger could have indeed damaged or shortened the life of the batteries? If so, can this be rectified without replacing them? I suppose I need to have them checked, first. I really need to get up to speed on this battery stuff! I'm starting to obsess. I need my meds, now.
It doesn't specifically say but I would guess at least an amp. Over 24 hours you have 24 amp-hours plus, a very significant fraction of the usable capacity of two group 24's.
I still think the OP's problem is relatively simple: too little battery capacity for intended electrical usage.
Ah,yes..., forgive me for running off at the brain. I'ts so easy ,in these days of techno-wizardry to jump right in with expensive fixes. 2Airishuman has a valid point,to work with simple things first. After all: It's only temporary,unless it works.
Ok. I checked the Climate Control switch on the Refrigerator. It was in the ON position! So there's one thing checked off the list and it cost me zero $$! Next stop, a battery shop, to have them checked, not to buy 2 more. I'm not convinced that's the direction I need to go. I actually read some of the manuals that came with the A/S, tonight. There's some good information there. Go figure...
I'm feeling a bit more informed now. To be honest, when we bought the Airstream, it was on a purely esthetic/emotional level. We just fell in love with it. I really wasn't concerned with the technical aspects as I figured it's brand new and hell, what can go wrong with a $60k trailer? It just looked bitchin with the panoramic windows and aluminum interior! So hey, we live and learn. I am feeling a bit more informed and equipped to deal with the issue, now. I'll let you all know what the battery man says.
I'm obsessing again. It's an illness. In regards to the 3-stage charging system. How many of you have actually replaced the factory installed units and replaced them with an upgrade one? Some of you have mentioned that you leave your A/S hooked up to power for long periods of time and have had no problems. I'm not sure that's really a necessary expense. More thoughts and experiences on this anyone? I'm still going with the batteries first. Let's see what Mr. Battery Man says.
I use the stock Parallax 7355 converter with two West Marine (Deka clone) AGM group 24s. I did not have problems with the original batteries using excessive water, and have no problems with it and the AGM batteries.
The only issue (for me) with the Parallax is slow charging time. Otherwise I think it is a good converter. It is well regulated, and introduces no noise into audio equipment.
The stock converter will charge the batteries fully in a couple of days maximum. At times I need a faster charge. Instead of replacing the converter, I bought a Xantrex automotive 40 amp 3 stage "smart" portable battery charger for about $100. If I need a fast charge on the trailer batteries, I click off the battery swich in the trailer and charge manually. It also charges my 2 extra batteries (trailer's original Interstates) for the inverter. I highly recommend having a charger like this on hand for many reasons.
This is not technically correct (disclaimer) because the batteries will not charge and discharge in an exactly equal manner: If you want a very easy way to add an extra battery as needed, wire an extra 7 pin outlet w/ 30 amp fuse to battery connecters. Hook it up to another AGM battery and simply plug the trailer into it (instead of tow vehicle) when you need extra power. There are 7 pin wiring diagrams on the net showing where the hot and negative wires go, be sure polarity is OK before hooking up. The AGM makes a great portable battery because it isn't a leaky messy beast.
I'm obsessing again. It's an illness. In regards to the 3-stage charging system. How many of you have actually replaced the factory installed units and replaced them with an upgrade one? Some of you have mentioned that you leave your A/S hooked up to power for long periods of time and have had no problems. I'm not sure that's really a necessary expense. More thoughts and experiences on this anyone? I'm still going with the batteries first. Let's see what Mr. Battery Man says.
Replaced my original Parallax with a WFCO as soon as I replaced the junk Interstate batteries that came with the CCD. Used a pair of Lifelind GPL-4CT golf cart batteries.......YES...6VOLTS!.........................VERY NICE!!!!! and loads of draw time.
Ok. I checked the Climate Control switch on the Refrigerator. It was in the ON position! So there's one thing checked off the list and it cost me zero $$! .
Me too! I was wondering why the batteries did not last long enough when boondocking in October. Duh! I guess there are times when it pays to actually read the owner's manual!
__________________
Dave
Okemos, MI
T.V.:'05 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Quad Cab Cummins
AIR#2276
Owner's Manual? So that's what's in that big blue briefcase that came with the A/S! I'll let everyone know what I find after I have the batteries checked out. I hope I don't have to replace them. I do know that a generator is in the immediate future. I'm feeling, after what I've read, that the solar panels are less than sufficient for our needs, when dry camping. Anymore feedback or insight on that Gen that's made in China and is 3000 watts? I think it sells at the same price as the Honda 2000. But it's lighter. I forgot the name. I saw it here, somewhere. I usually like to stay with name brands when making big purchases. However, it sounded like a potential good buy. I'll have to find that thread.
Owner's Manual? So that's what's in that big blue briefcase that came with the A/S! I'll let everyone know what I find after I have the batteries checked out. I hope I don't have to replace them. I do know that a generator is in the immediate future. I'm feeling, after what I've read, that the solar panels are less than sufficient for our needs, when dry camping. Anymore feedback or insight on that Gen that's made in China and is 3000 watts? I think it sells at the same price as the Honda 2000. But it's lighter. I forgot the name. I saw it here, somewhere. I usually like to stay with name brands when making big purchases. However, it sounded like a potential good buy. I'll have to find that thread.
I love my Honda. It's been reliable year after year and that has made me a most satisfied consumer. Silvertwinkie & others speak just as highly about their Yamahas. Reliability = value.
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