More Sprinter Charging Questions

[robert claus]

You don't want to idle the Sprinter diesel for hours - it could affect the EGR valve operation, which could throw you into limp mode when you go to drive. Mercedes offered an option which raised the idle speed considerably if you needed to idle for long periods.

[Bikerbill]

Yes, sorry about that. I did not really lear of where everything is yet. And that is why we have 2 years with Coach Net. They are supposed to know just about everything, according to Airstream headquarters and normally I'd call Airstream but if its a night or weekend, then Coach Net if I cannot determine what is going on by myself. Some fuses may and are in the panel under the drivers seat. Most all of the fuses in there are Mercedes fuses but it appears that one or more could be Airstream. That panel and the one under the left side of the dash above where your left foot rests are Mercedes fuses. Keep in mind that in most other vehicles there is a fuse box under the hood. Not in the Mercedes though.

What I am learning is that many Airstream Interstate owners are the, "put in the key and go owners." I on the other hand need and want to know how and why the various mechanical and electrical things work. I carry a full set of wiring drawings both printed and on my iPad should I need to look into something.

Just today we took off the driver seat to get a look-see at what is the wiring and configuration under the seat and took plenty of pictures. Also the first week I stepped on the very small, narrow fiberglass lower step getting into the driver seat and popped a screw. Today we spent some time underneath. They only run a screw up into the fiberglass above for the end support. Vertical pull and no nut-bolt arrangement. Poor design. No real support. Have to make plans to improve that one.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Bikerbill

Also the first week I stepped on the very small, narrow fiberglass lower step getting into the driver seat and popped a screw. Today we spent some time underneath. They only run a screw up into the fiberglass above for the end support. Vertical pull and no nut-bolt arrangement. Poor design. No real support. Have to make plans to improve that one.

May want to check out the steps on the 2014 models. Wider, and with substantial support. I'm giving serious consideration to ordering the new steps for my 2012, as soon as I figure out a parts list of all the necessary components. I'll have to see if I can download a 2014 Airstream Interstate Parts Manual, if they're available yet.

[Boxster1971]

Bikerbill has a 2014 model. Maybe those new wider steps are not all that good?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Bikerbill has a 2014 model. Maybe those new wider steps are not all that good?

I think it was a mid-year change, and some early-14's still had the old step. I tried out the new step at Foley RV, and crawled up underneath to take a look at the mounting system. Completely different from the old version on mine, very solid and comfortable to use.

[UKDUDE]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

I'll have to see if I can download a 2014 Airstream Interstate Parts Manual, if they're available yet.

There's a 2014 parts manual here:
http://www.airstream.com/files/libra...e67d7e90c8.pdf
…but I haven't been able to determine if it applies to the 2014.5 versions.
Peter

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by UKDUDE

There's a 2014 parts manual here:
http://www.airstream.com/files/libra...e67d7e90c8.pdf
…but I haven't been able to determine if it applies to the 2014.5 versions.
Peter

Easy enough to find out. I'll e-mail the part numbers to June Boudreaux at Foley RV, and she'll be able to tell in a few days if they're the old or new steps.

[gregpk]

Hi all. I have a 2011 AI 3500 with 2 Optima Blue AGM house batteries (under the rear sofa) and the Tripp Lite inverter/charger . Since this charger is generally regarded as inadequate and will over charge the batteries if continuously plugged in, would it be OK to somehow install a decent portable charger with float capability so it could be continuously plugged in when stored? I'm thinking some sort of way to be able to connect such a charger from the outside of the metal box (e.g., studs isolated from the metal box. to connect the charger clips). I'd make sure it was not plugged in when charging externally. Has anyone done this? Any advice or better ideas? Are there problems or issues that could occur? It looks like UKDUKE may have done something like this before discovering his Magnum charger wouldn't overcharge. Thanks!