New 2023 I19 4X4 Owner

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by DavePDX

I previously spoke with both the Mothership and my dealer about this. They both confirmed (for the 2022) that the Chassis is not charged from Shore Power. I inquired because I noticed that the Chassis was getting low after about 10 days, even when plugged in, if not driven. Their explanation was that only the Battery Minder is only being used to manage the charge from the solar panel. As I mentioned earlier, once I added an additional 50 watt panel, I no longer had any issues. On the 2023, Airstream increased the solar to 100 watts for the Chassis, so I wouldn't expect the OP to have issues unless they store the vehicle under cover for an extended period.

DavePDX, I'm in no way doubting you but that makes absolutely no sense on Airstreams part. They have battery Solar Minder that charges your battery via the solar panel. Why the heck did they add a regular 110v BatteryMinder to the mix. This charges your chassis battery via the AC outlet installed under the passenger seat. I would have them retake a look at this or I would rewire this myself. No tough to do. I did a write up for it on may Mod thread. Again, in no way am I trying to be jerk to you but am scratching my head at Airstream's design. Totally BS!

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

. . . but that makes absolutely no sense on Airstreams part.
. . . Why the heck did they add a regular 110v BatteryMinder to the mix.
. . . scratching my head at Airstream's design. Totally BS!

Pretty much the history of Airstream electrical design on their touring coaches.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Pretty much the history of Airstream electrical design on their touring coaches.

Good point Mike. I should know better by now!

[DavePDX]

Originally Posted by StogieMan

DavePDX, I'm in no way doubting you but that makes absolutely no sense on Airstreams part. They have battery Solar Minder that charges your battery via the solar panel. Why the heck did they add a regular 110v BatteryMinder to the mix. This charges your chassis battery via the AC outlet installed under the passenger seat. I would have them retake a look at this or I would rewire this myself. No tough to do. I did a write up for it on may Mod thread. Again, in no way am I trying to be jerk to you but am scratching my head at Airstream's design. Totally BS!

StogieMan, I agree 100% with your assessment that it makes no sense. I know that my Chassis wasn't charging when on shore power, but whether that was by design or defect, that I didn't know. I went 'round and 'round with Airstream about it, and they gave me a song and dance about how they used to wire it that way, but Mercedes told them it would void their battery warranty. Sounded like BS to me, so I spoke with Mercedes, and they denied that was true.

However, when I saw that the 2023 added more solar for the chassis, I just decided to bite the bullet and go that route. It solved the problem.

Unfortunately, I've discovered the hard way that neither the Mothership nor the dealer are very reliable sources of info about their own design and component locations.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by DavePDX

Unfortunately, I've discovered the hard way that neither the Mothership nor the dealer are very reliable sources of info about their own design and component locations.

Agree! PM if you decide to rewire it and need some help doing so - I've done it myself and it's working fine.

Get use it to them contradicting each other - it's a fine art! Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Airstream way of life!

[cactusjk]

So we have a 2023. My understanding from AS is the vehicle battery will not charge on shore power. What do we need to do to ensure the vehicle battery is maintained when not in use?

We are storing at AS indoors where it will be plugged into shore power.

Originally Posted by StogieMan

Agree! PM if you decide to rewire it and need some help doing so - I've done it myself and it's working fine.

Get use it to them contradicting each other - it's a fine art! Left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Airstream way of life!

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

So we have a 2023. My understanding from AS is the vehicle battery will not charge on shore power. What do we need to do to ensure the vehicle battery is maintained when not in use?

We are storing at AS indoors where it will be plugged into shore power.

First look at my mod thread post #110 & 121. Its been working just fine. The original regular BatteryMinder is charging our chassis battery as soon as it is tied to shore power.

I also have a a Solar Minder that chargers my chassis batteries a soon as there is solar power to charger them.

Make sure that your wiring is setup to charge your chassis battery when tied to shore power. The AC outlet that your regular BatteryMinder is tied to is active when you're tied to shore power. Actually, all you AC outlets should be live when tied to shore power.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

So we have a 2023. My understanding from AS is the vehicle battery will not charge on shore power. What do we need to do to ensure the vehicle battery is maintained when not in use?

We are storing at AS indoors where it will be plugged into shore power.

First look at my mod thread post #110 & 121. Its been working just fine. The original regular BatteryMinder is charging our chassis battery as soon as it is tied to shore power.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f24...-234941-6.html


I also have a a Solar Minder that chargers my chassis batteries a soon as there is solar power to charger them.

Make sure that your wiring is setup to charge your chassis battery when tied to shore power. The AC outlet that your regular BatteryMinder is tied to is active when you're tied to shore power. Actually, all you AC outlets should be live when tied to shore power.

[Rocinante]

Until you get this wiring question resolved you could always just put a good old battery tender on the chassis battery, using the AC power source you are also using to keep the coach batteries happy. It’ll work just fine for now.

[cactusjk]

Well I am down to this last item about the vehicle battery charging. Have reached out to the dealer one last time and will see what they recommend.

Originally Posted by StogieMan

First look at my mod thread post #110 & 121. It’s been working just fine. The original regular BatteryMinder is charging our chassis battery as soon as it is tied to shore power.

I also have a a Solar Minder that chargers my chassis batteries a soon as there is solar power to charger them.

Make sure that your wiring is setup to charge your chassis battery when tied to shore power. The AC outlet that your regular BatteryMinder is tied to is active when you're tied to shore power. Actually, all you AC outlets should be live when tied to shore power.

[Fenix]

[QUOTE=Boxster1971;2665090]Since we use our lounge bed as a U-shaped twin bed, I used two separate twin-sized memory foam pads. They are also easier to store.


Does the twin method "taco" on you or fold up when you lay on them given they are narrow and not secured by a fitted sheet like in a normal mattress? --Thank you :-)

[Boxster1971]

[QUOTE=Fenix;2670500]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Since we use our lounge bed as a U-shaped twin bed, I used two separate twin-sized memory foam pads. They are also easier to store.


Does the twin method "taco" on you or fold up when you lay on them given they are narrow and not secured by a fitted sheet like in a normal mattress? --Thank you :-)

I removed the seat backs on the side seats so it works OK. The memory foam pads have zippered covers. For bedding we use RV Super bags with built-in sheets.

[cactusjk]

Can anyone confirm if a 2023 has a tire pressure monitoring system?

Actually, I found it in the manual.

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

Can anyone confirm if a 2023 has a tire pressure monitoring system? I find the Sprinter manual to be very lacking…

The AI19's all have TPMS.

The AI19 is built on a 2500 Sprinter - TPMS is a standard item on 1500 and 2500 Sprinters. They are required by DOT regulations on those Sprinters.

Mercedes chose to not put TPMS on the heavier 3500 Sprinters because they are not required by DOT.

[cactusjk]

Thanks. Maybe when the dealer gets down with all the delivery questions I will spend some time with it.

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

The AI19's all have TPMS.

The AI19 is built on a 2500 Sprinter - TPMS is a standard item on 1500 and 2500 Sprinters. They are required by DOT regulations on those Sprinters.

Mercedes chose to not put TPMS on the heavier 3500 Sprinters because they are not required by DOT.

[cactusjk]

New question - do people keep track of generator run times and if so how do you do it? Does Firefly log run time data?

Sounds like you are supposed to keep track for maintenance.

[rmkrum]

This:



The little yellow rectangle at upper left of the generator is powered by a wire wrapped around the spark plug lead. Found lurking on Amazon a few years ago. Search for “engine hour meter for generator” and choose your favorite inductive hour meter.

[cactusjk]

For the onboard generator? Thought it was buried somewhere hard to get to?

Originally Posted by rmkrum

This:

Attachment 430591

The little yellow rectangle at upper left of the generator is powered by a wire wrapped around the spark plug lead. Found lurking on Amazon a few years ago. Search for “engine hour meter for generator” and choose your favorite inductive hour meter.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by cactusjk

for the onboard generator? Thought it was buried somewhere hard to get to?

rtm

[cactusjk]

Thanks. It looks line on the 2023 with Firefly it is recorded.

Originally Posted by DaveG

rtm