Airstream Atlas

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by Mary Van

I feel like I’m on a roll, so I’m gonna ask a few more questions…

Recently, my chassis battery is not holding a charge. I thought replacing the battery was the answer. It helped however, I still find the battery. Does not seem to hold a strong charge for long.

I recently purchased a trickle charger and have been using it to get it charged up to 12.9 And sometimes slightly higher. When I removed the trickle charger, within an hour, it falls down to 12.7 . After four or five hours, It settles in to 12.5. It seems to stay here for a day and will drop to 12.4. After another eight hours it drops to 12.3. This is when I am plugged into shore power.

My friend has a Mercedes chassis. She says her battery does this similar thing.

Should I be concerned? I did not have this issue the first 4 years with my battery. It’s something that I’ve started to see this year.

4years on a battery is pretty good for the chassis. Also, at least with my model, there is a built in trickle charger for the chassis as well as a separate solar panel that supports charging the chassis battery. The trickle charger is under the drivers seat. And you should be able to see the solar charger and how it is working. Make sure that those two charging units are doing their job, check fuses, etc.
It could also be that you have things energized that are placing a draw on the battery causing it to drain.

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Wow; and you wonder why many of us stay with our AS TT's! Sorry to hear all the issues with these Atlas models. Lots of money for this model to have these similar issues. When we were considering several years ago when Atlas first came out, we felt there were "other" B+ or C models on same MBZ or similar frames to the Atlas, that had better layouts for sleeping for a lot less money, but decided to stay with the TT from AS instead after owning 3 earlier models. How is resale on these?

I’ve had three airstream tt’s, 25’ excella, 30’ excella with slide-out, and 27’ classic FB. None were perfect, all had issues, even my atlas was not perfect, but almost there now. If one expects any house on wheels to be perfect, they are living in a dream world. Learning how to manage issues is just part of the game.

[Mary Van]

Good to know about the awning and stabilizers. That’s not been my problem Since I’ve only used both features a few times.

[Mary Van]

Good to know about the stabilizers, thanks! I will continue to use them now that they are working.

[Mary Van]

Originally Posted by Streamside

4years on a battery is pretty good for the chassis. Also, at least with my model, there is a built in trickle charger for the chassis as well as a separate solar panel that supports charging the chassis battery. The trickle charger is under the drivers seat. And you should be able to see the solar charger and how it is working. Make sure that those two charging units are doing their job, check fuses, etc.
It could also be that you have things energized that are placing a draw on the battery causing it to drain.

I’ll check to see if my 2018 chassis / 2019 model has the trickle charger under the seat. I have pulled every fuse under the driver seat trying to determine if there was a large draw on my battery. I do not recall see anything other than fuses.

[Mary Van]

Originally Posted by Streamside

I’ve had three airstream tt’s, 25’ excella, 30’ excella with slide-out, and 27’ classic FB. None were perfect, all had issues, even my atlas was not perfect, but almost there now. If one expects any house on wheels to be perfect, they are living in a dream world. Learning how to manage issues is just part of the game.

I am learning how to manage my issues. YouTube has taught me so much! I have never maintained an auto, so this iis all new to me! The drive to the dealership is not convenient, so I find myself trying to do the simpler tasks.

The tips I have taken away from this forum have been helpful, thank you all!

I love my Atlas, it is perfect for me! I love the luxuries of this RV along with the ones that have been added!

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by Mary Van

I’ll check to see if my 2018 chassis / 2019 model has the trickle charger under the seat. I have pulled every fuse under the driver seat trying to determine if there was a large draw on my battery. I do not recall see anything other than fuses.

Sorry, I may have misquoted. Mine has the Victron Buck Boost in that location as well as the solar charge controller.
best

[MoTopper]

We own a 2021 Atlas and the shower pan/floor is not level with the house floor. Is this the same issue you had with it? If so, what was your fix? Thanks!

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by MoTopper

We own a 2021 Atlas and the shower pan/floor is not level with the house floor. Is this the same issue you had with it? If so, what was your fix? Thanks!

This is what I did. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ix-248966.html
May not work for all but my pan drains like it is supposed to. Might depend on how much foam was injected around the drain
Best

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by Mary Van

I’ll check to see if my 2018 chassis / 2019 model has the trickle charger under the seat. I have pulled every fuse under the driver seat trying to determine if there was a large draw on my battery. I do not recall see anything other than fuses.

Once again, I actually went out to my Atlas and looked. The Victron Buck Boost is there as well as the solar charge controller AND The BatteryMiinder is also there. Hard to see but mine is there under the seat.

Best of luck

and of course the trickle charger only works when plugged in, otherwise one would rely on the solar panel to keep the chassis battery charged.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Streamside

This is what I did. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...ix-248966.html
May not work for all but my pan drains like it is supposed to. Might depend on how much foam was injected around the drain
Best

Very nice job and detail on fixing your issue! Wonder if AS has fixed this issue or does it still exist? I recently developed a "leak" of sorts, on my drain in my 28' FCT, where when I shower, water comes out on the floor in front of the shower; when wife showers, everything is fine...(I know, I need to lose a few pounds!) Anyway, I pulled the access panel below, and the fiberglasson the bottom of the shower pan is very sharp when reaching in there to try to confirm the connection from shower drain to the pipe. Got several sharp shards in my arm, so I have not completed the job yet. Wondering if you had similar issues with your fiberglass pan and if so, how did you overcome this issue?

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Very nice job and detail on fixing your issue! Wonder if AS has fixed this issue or does it still exist? I recently developed a "leak" of sorts, on my drain in my 28' FCT, where when I shower, water comes out on the floor in front of the shower; when wife showers, everything is fine...(I know, I need to lose a few pounds!) Anyway, I pulled the access panel below, and the fiberglasson the bottom of the shower pan is very sharp when reaching in there to try to confirm the connection from shower drain to the pipe. Got several sharp shards in my arm, so I have not completed the job yet. Wondering if you had similar issues with your fiberglass pan and if so, how did you overcome this issue?

Never got that close to the fiberglass with my hands. there is a couple of pictures that show the only access that I had to the shower pan. It really was a pretty easy fix.
I have read on the Facebook for the Atlas group that Airstream mother ship is using the procedure that I documented to fix some of the shower pans. Not al can be fixed that way especially if the tech squirting the foam to mouse-proof the drain opening went a little overboard and filled the area under the pan...that would require removing the pan.

My 27FB had a leak at the drain when I got it. During assembly from the factory they never tightened the connections so they came apart and flooded the subfloor. While doing the connection, I experienced the sharp fiberglass issue you mentioned. Im pretty thin skinned and there was blood everywhere..

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by Mary Van

I’ll check to see if my 2018 chassis / 2019 model has the trickle charger under the seat. I have pulled every fuse under the driver seat trying to determine if there was a large draw on my battery. I do not recall see anything other than fuses.

I thought I would pull down the 2019 owners manual. In the electrical diagram, the 12 volt version in the back of the manual, there is no indication a trickle charger within the diagram. Must have been an upgrade when Airstream switched over to Lithium batteries for the house.

I do not know if the Converter/charger in your model will also charge the chassis batteries as well as the house. Being that they are all AGM it might be possible..Call Airstream to see if it is wired that way.

Best

[Mary Van]

Originally Posted by Streamside

There is an “awning” cover over the slide. That is the one I’m talking about. Not using the stabilizers mat cause body flex in the atlas when the slide is extended. Not using the stabilizers may also result in body cracks. In the manual it says to use the stabilizers when extending the slide.

The awning over the slide extends automatically when the slide extends. The leak has occurred when the slide was closed and when I had it out.

[Mary Van]

Thank you!

[mdsteiner]

Hello, newbie here.

Getting ready to take my 2019 Atlas on our maiden voyage from Chicago to KY over XMAS then NOLA for NY. The dealer did a winterizaton via airpressure so as soon as I get to warmer areas I can load up with water. Then on the way back home, I'll be doing a full winterization with the pink RV antifreeze.

I've been reading, youtubing and have trouble finding a lot on the Atlas (specifically the winterization stuff). I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind helping please...

1) Winterization - Do I need to blow pressured air through the system if I plan on using the pink antifreeze?

2) I understand there's a quick disconnect under the bathroom sink where I could 'suck in' the antifreeze through the system and leaving each fixture on until pink starts flowing (bathroom sink, shower, kitchen sink (cold then hot water), outside shower hose, toilet via flushing) and I think that's it. Am I missing anything?

3) Can anyone recommend where I can find out more specifically about the Atlas (such as the winterization / dewinterization)?

I'd truly appreciate any advice you may have.

thank you,
Mike

[Boxster1971]

I don't have an Atlas, but I always winterize with compressed air and then add a little RV antifreeze to just protect the water pump, drains, drain valves and the macerator pump.

There is a video on basic winterization of the Atlas on the Airstream support videos page. It doesn't have a lot of info, however.

https://support.airstream.com/hc/en-...r-Guide-Videos

Originally Posted by mdsteiner

Hello, newbie here.

Getting ready to take my 2019 Atlas on our maiden voyage from Chicago to KY over XMAS then NOLA for NY. The dealer did a winterizaton via airpressure so as soon as I get to warmer areas I can load up with water. Then on the way back home, I'll be doing a full winterization with the pink RV antifreeze.

I've been reading, youtubing and have trouble finding a lot on the Atlas (specifically the winterization stuff). I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind helping please...

1) Winterization - Do I need to blow pressured air through the system if I plan on using the pink antifreeze?

2) I understand there's a quick disconnect under the bathroom sink where I could 'suck in' the antifreeze through the system and leaving each fixture on until pink starts flowing (bathroom sink, shower, kitchen sink (cold then hot water), outside shower hose, toilet via flushing) and I think that's it. Am I missing anything?

3) Can anyone recommend where I can find out more specifically about the Atlas (such as the winterization / dewinterization)?

I'd truly appreciate any advice you may have.

thank you,
Mike

[Streamside]

Originally Posted by mdsteiner

Hello, newbie here.

Getting ready to take my 2019 Atlas on our maiden voyage from Chicago to KY over XMAS then NOLA for NY. The dealer did a winterizaton via airpressure so as soon as I get to warmer areas I can load up with water. Then on the way back home, I'll be doing a full winterization with the pink RV antifreeze.

I've been reading, youtubing and have trouble finding a lot on the Atlas (specifically the winterization stuff). I have a few questions if you wouldn't mind helping please...

1) Winterization - Do I need to blow pressured air through the system if I plan on using the pink antifreeze?

2) I understand there's a quick disconnect under the bathroom sink where I could 'suck in' the antifreeze through the system and leaving each fixture on until pink starts flowing (bathroom sink, shower, kitchen sink (cold then hot water), outside shower hose, toilet via flushing) and I think that's it. Am I missing anything?

3) Can anyone recommend where I can find out more specifically about the Atlas (such as the winterization / dewinterization)?

I'd truly appreciate any advice you may have.

thank you,
Mike

Do be careful if you decide to use compressed air. I read somewhere that the water heater has a maximum pressure that it can withstand. Pull down its Owners manual and read.

There is a “tube” that has a little tag on it for the addition of pink stuff. You can find it after you remove the three drawers in the galley. The valve for the pink stuff addition is also located on the floor under the bottom drawer.
Safe travels
Best

From the 2022 OM. Page 9-14….
After the water has stopped running, apply at most
30 lb of air pressure at the city water inlet. This
can be accomplished at a service station if no air
compressor is available. Air fittings with regulators
can be purchased for the city water inlet. Be sure
the toilet flush valve, toilet shut off valve, all drain
valves, and all faucets are open and the pump
outlet hose is disconnected. 50 lb of air pressure
can be accomplished only if the water heater
bypass valve has been set to its bypass position. If
more than 30 lbs of pressure is used on the water
heater damage could occur.


Also, the service panel for the water heater is accessed behind those drawers you removed. There are two screwed at the top on the panel that you will remove the panel then comes off and you can now get to the drain valve on the water heater.

[Boxster1971]

Good point on using low air pressure. I run my compressor at 30 psi when using it for winterizing. I've been doing this for over 10 years now after my first winterizing using only RV antifreeze. It took a long time to get the taste of the antifreeze out of the water system.