AGM batteries in 2021 24GT

[Rich5539]

I looked at a 2021 24GT (on 2019 MB chassis) at Camping World today and it had 4 AGM batteries instear of 2 lithium batteries. Is this common?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I believe that if you look at the AS spec sheet, this is the stock configuration.

If you want lithiums, that's an added cost upgrade.

Bob

[Rich5539]

Thanks uncle bob. I'm only asking as lithium batteries are listed as a standard feature for 2021 Interstate 24's and are the only batteries discussed in the owner's manual.

[Blissful]

Yes, 2021 GT on 2019 body was the first year with lithium batteries as standard. That is what I have.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by Rich5539

I looked at a 2021 24GT (on 2019 MB chassis) at Camping World today and it had 4 AGM batteries instear of 2 lithium batteries. Is this common?

Are you sure it is a 2021 24GT? It could be a 2020 since it is on a 2019 Sprinter. The Airstream assigned VIN will tell you the Airstream model year in 10th VIN position. The attached document is only current to 2017 so I can't say for sure what the code would be for 2020 and 2021. But based on the pattern in the series it is likely 2020=K and 2021=L.

https://support.airstream.com/hc/en-...Serial-Number-

[DaveG]

For the nineteen early model year 2021 batteries were not lithium. It was a required upgrade on orders placed after August of 2020. Also the shore power inlet went to Smartplug and the generator was a quieter design.

[Rich5539]

Looking through a lot of AI's for sale, there is a mix of changes rolled out in the early 2021 models.

I passed on the 2021 Interstate 24 I was looking at. Great price, but several systems were somehow blown including the interter/converter, solar panels and electrical management system.

[Gintory]

We have a 2021 camper on 2019 chassis. It has 4 AGM batteries which are now starting to discharge quickly. Wanted to upgrade to lithy's bur Airstream told me today cannot be done, charging system change for coach batteries would not be compatible with chassis battery, since they do interact.

[Blissful]

Dave G is correct in that the lithium batteries were required on the 2021 models ordered after August 2020.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Gintory

We have a 2021 camper on 2019 chassis. It has 4 AGM batteries which are now starting to discharge quickly. Wanted to upgrade to lithy's bur Airstream told me today cannot be done, charging system change for coach batteries would not be compatible with chassis battery, since they do interact.

Hi

With a compressor fridge, battery capacity is an issue. The other things is that it takes a *long* time to fully charge lead acid batteries ( AGM or flooded ). A lot of folks stop the charging process based on voltage readings. That likely only gets you to about half of the usable capacity you should have. ( = you run from 50% charged up to 100% ).

Switching to lithium is more than just dropping in new batteries. As noted, the charging system needs to get changed around. You need a lithium compatible inverter / charger ( which you likely have). It needs the right settings for the new batteries ( so reprogramming is involved). You also need a DC / DC converter between the alternator and the new batteries. Solar also should be reprogramed.

Is all that stuff impossible to do? Certainly not. A dealer should be able to quote you what it will run. Can you do it DIY and save a bit? Sure, but there is some work involved and some tools to buy.

Fun !!

Bob