Owners of Airstream Coaches with E1 Package

[Boxster1971]

Looking to see how many owners with E1 package have required Warranty repairs?

I had to have the Power Distribution Hub (PDH) replaced as the alternator charging of Volta battery was not working.

[Boxster1971]

Received a letter from Airstream today titled:

"Product Enhancement for Airstream Touring Coaches with E1 Volta Package"

Copy of letter attached. It is offering an undefined enhancement to improve performance of the Volta battery pack for owner of 2023, 2024 and early 2025 Atlas and Interstate coaches.

Letter does not say if this is firmware, hardware or both. I plan to contact Airstream support for more details before going to a dealer for this enhancement.

My Volta system is working fine now after the PDH was replaced.

[StogieMan]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Received a letter from Airstream today titled:

"Product Enhancement for Airstream Touring Coaches with E1 Volta Package"

Copy of letter attached. It is offering an undefined enhancement to improve performance of the Volta battery pack for owner of 2023, 2024 and early 2025 Atlas and Interstate coaches.

Letter does not say if this is firmware, hardware or both. I plan to contact Airstream support for more details before going to a dealer for this enhancement.

My Volta system is working fine now after the PDH was replaced.

Mike, that’s good news that they’re finally deciding to address the issue. My thinking is not because they wanted to be proactive but more of the backlash that they’re getting from customers with the E1 package. However, I’ll give them credit for trying to address the issue.

I also think that you’re going about it the right way with caution and waiting a bit before you jump into the fix. You never know if the fix will cause more issues. Either way, good luck and hope that they finally come up with a solid solution for you guys especially with the additional money you had to spend on the E1 package.

[mkhllr]

Hi all,

The letter refers to a few things.

1. A firmware update for the battery pack,
2. an updated touch screen (hardware),
3. and a cable harness that plugs in between the PDH.

I had been in touch with Volta for some months now awaiting this release. I contacted them monthly and they indicated that they were working with Airstream on a solution.

They sent the physical items to me a week ago and I installed them myself. I also scheduled a remote session with a Volta technician who updated the pack firmware. This was all completed by last Friday and I got the same letter today. The timing was amusing.


The combination of these pieces of hardware and firmware update are meant to address the loss of comms to the inverter and also flaky shore power detection.

The touch panel cannot be updated in the field so they send you a new one. I still need to send my old one back to them.

Regards,

Mike

[Boxster1971]

Welcome to Airforums!!

I also plane to see if I can get Volta to do the same for me as I'm three hours from any Airstream dealer that services touring coaches.

Originally Posted by mkhllr

Hi all,

The letter refers to a few things.

1. A firmware update for the battery pack,
2. an updated touch screen (hardware),
3. and a cable harness that plugs in between the PDH.

I had been in touch with Volta for some months now awaiting this release. I contacted them monthly and they indicated that they were working with Airstream on a solution.

They sent the physical items to me a week ago and I installed them myself. I also scheduled a remote session with a Volta technician who updated the pack firmware. This was all completed by last Friday and I got the same letter today. The timing was amusing.


The combination of these pieces of hardware and firmware update are meant to address the loss of comms to the inverter and also flaky shore power detection.

The touch panel cannot be updated in the field so they send you a new one. I still need to send my old one back to them.

Regards,

Mike

[Boxster1971]

I got this reply from Airstream Customer Support yesterday:
===================
Thank you for reaching out to Airstream Customer Support. The service in question pertains to an enhancement, which is not mandatory but highly advisable. It encompasses rectifying the volta battery pack discharge issue, potentially installing a soft start on A/C units, updating Firefly systems, implementing Volta updates, upgrading touch screens, replacing fuses, among other tasks. The estimated duration for the installation of these enhancements is between 2.5 to 3 hours. In certain locations, Volta representatives will be present on-site to provide assistance with the update process. In cases where they are unavailable, they will dispatch the necessary tools to the dealership.

Kind regards,
Tyler Porter | Touring Coach
Owner Relations Representative
AIRSTREAM®
(937)-596-6111
=================

I've already updated the FireFly system when I installed an Eclipse module ealerir this year. Now need to see what Volta can do for me.

[AJDurr]

A couple of days ago coach batteries of my 2023 24GT E1 suddenly drained when plugged in to 30 amps and driving would not charge. Called Volta, and the tech with remote in updated the firmware. Batteries are charging and Volta panel is recognizing the proper source. Waiting on harness and panel to arrive for a DIY job. Still need to go to dealership for fuse installation beca certified tech and dual RIB.

[Boxster1971]

AJDurr - Welcome to Airstream Forums!! Thanks for sharing this info. Do you know what fuse needs to be installed? Also, you might think twice about the Dual RIB, lots of reports that it creates more problems than it solves.

Originally Posted by AJDurr

A couple of days ago coach batteries of my 2023 24GT E1 suddenly drained when plugged in to 30 amps and driving would not charge. Called Volta, and the tech with remote in updated the firmware. Batteries are charging and Volta panel is recognizing the proper source. Waiting on harness and panel to arrive for a DIY job. Still need to go to dealership for fuse installation beca certified tech and dual RIB.

[mkhllr]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

Welcome to Airforums!!

I also plane to see if I can get Volta to do the same for me as I'm three hours from any Airstream dealer that services touring coaches.

Thanks! I need to write an intro post, I know

I am only 1.2 hours from my dealership and they tend to not have a lot of availability for service. It was either leave it with them for weeks and lose a chunk of the season or do it myself. This is my second remote SW update with Volta and I had confidence that I could install the physical components of the fix.

Note: Volta used to provide phone support , but now it's all via email. They turn around responses in 1-2 days.

Regards,

Mike

[Boxster1971]

I'm 3 hours from the dealership in New Jersey, where I bought both my 2013 and 2024 Interstates. Dealer service delays are frustrating.

I needed the Power Distribution Hub (PDH) in my van replaced in February. They ordered and received a replacement from Volta. I refused to leave my van there for a month while the PDH was shipped to Volta in Michigan, repaired and returned. When they got the PDH from Volta I scheduled the repair and took it in for the job. They gave me some BS that they needed to drain and fully recharge the battery, that would take all week. The Mercedes Me app gave me the truth.

While it was sitting at the dealer, I was able to monitor movement of the van using the Mercedes Me app on my iPhone. It is accurate enough to show where the van was sitting on the dealer's storage lot. It sat in the same spot for three days. Then on fourth day they finally moved it into the shop and the same day I got call that it was ready. I picked it up on the fifth day. That was a week for a job that should have been done while I waited. They had all the parts and support from Volta.

My Interstate 19 is one of my primary vehicles and I will not leave it at a dealer unless it is absolutely necessary.

BTW - Volta still offers phone support. You have to call them and get a support ticket created, then a technician will call you back. I will now also be making these Volta updates myself.

Originally Posted by mkhllr

Thanks! I need to write an intro post, I know

I am only 1.2 hours from my dealership and they tend to not have a lot of availability for service. It was either leave it with them for weeks and lose a chunk of the season or do it myself. This is my second remote SW update with Volta and I had confidence that I could install the physical components of the fix.

Note: Volta used to provide phone support, but now it's all via email. They turn around responses in 1-2 days.

Regards,

Mike

[mkhllr]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

I'm 3 hours from the dealership in New Jersey, where I bought both my 2013 and 2024 Interstates. Dealer service delays are frustrating.

I needed the Power Distribution Hub (PDH) in my van replaced in February. They ordered and received a replacement from Volta. I refused to leave my van there for a month while the PDH was shipped to Volta in Michigan, repaired and returned. When they got the PDH from Volta I scheduled the repair and took it in for the job. They gave me some BS that they needed to drain and fully recharge the battery, that would take all week. The Mercedes Me app gave me the truth.

While it was sitting at the dealer, I was able to monitor movement of the van using the Mercedes Me app on my iPhone. It is accurate enough to show where the van was sitting on the dealer's storage lot. It sat in the same spot for three days. Then on fourth day they finally moved it into the shop and the same day I got call that it was ready. I picked it up on the fifth day. That was a week for a job that should have been done while I waited. They had all the parts and support from Volta.

My Interstate 19 is one of my primary vehicles and I will not leave it at a dealer unless it is absolutely necessary.

BTW - Volta still offers phone support. You have to call them and get a support ticket created, then a technician will call you back. I will now also be making these Volta updates myself.

I think we use the same dealership .

I was referring to the fact that Volta used to actually have techs answer the phone as the first few times I spoke to them was like that. I'm sure volume or costs caught up to them and now they primarily use email or scheduled calls

As for performing the updates yourself. They did, for a brief time, have windows and Mac updaters on their firmware page. The have since removed them and said that they would not be able to allow me to perform this update using the updater that I had downloaded.

Even so, with the remove assisted updated, you will need a computer, probably a laptop with a USB-A or USB-C port and a cable that terminates in a USB-B port. The B end plugs into the battery pack under the RV after removing the screw down cover. They have you install team viewer and send you a code so the tech can remote into your computer. I got myself a 13 foot cable so I didn't have to lay on the ground to do this.

Regards,

Mike

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by mkhllr

. . . As for performing the updates yourself. They did, for a brief time, have windows and Mac updaters on their firmware page. The have since removed them and said that they would not be able to allow me to perform this update using the updater that I had downloaded.

Even so, with the remove assisted updated, you will need a computer, probably a laptop with a USB-A or USB-C port and a cable that terminates in a USB-B port. The B end plugs into the battery pack under the RV after removing the screw down cover. They have you install team viewer and send you a code so the tech can remote into your computer. I got myself a 13 foot cable so I didn't have to lay on the ground to do this.

Regards,

Mike

I downloaded a copy of that old updater app from the firmware web page last December and was ready to try it in May after travelling and with warmer weather. Then I noticed it was removed from the Volta support web page. I contacted Volta support, and they told me they were working on a new firmware release.

The letter from Airstream confirmed Volta was busy working to fix the issues. I have a laptop and the required USB cable.

[mkhllr]

Originally Posted by Boxster1971

... I have a laptop and the required USB cable.

Great! Open a support ticket for the update and ask them to send you a new touch screen and PDH cable. They will also send you an email for you to select one of the available tech support windows. Between the physical install and the firmware update, I'd say I spent 40 minutes on this.

Regards,

Mike

[AJDurr]

Hi Mike:
I had my firmware update last week and getting the hardware package tomorrow. Do they come with installation instructions? How does the panel come off? Any tips !
One more Q: was your replaced prior to the upgrade?

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by AJDurr

Hi Mike:
I had my firmware update last week and getting the hardware package tomorrow. Do they come with installation instructions? How does the panel come off? Any tips !
One more Q: was your replaced prior to the upgrade?

Hi AJ - Welcome to the Airstream Forum

I have not yet received the upgrade parts from Volta. They are scheduled to arrive by UPS tomorrow. The other Mike (mkhllr) in this thread has completed this "enhancement".

I think the Volta display just snaps out of the mounting ring like the Firefly display. But I have done that yet. I have removed the Firefly display several times when installing and removing the Firefly Eclipse module. You should be able to remove it with a soft pry tool or strong fingers.

I had the Volta Power Distribution Hub (PDH) replaced in February after I discovered that the alternator charging was not working.

Stay safe,

[AJDurr]

Hi Mike:
Do you have any photos of E1 installs!
Q1. Does the display comes out by gently pulling it?
Q2. For harness, you access PDH under the lounge from the back. Confirming if the covering board on the left needs to be taken out?

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by AJDurr

Hi Mike:
Do you have any photos of E1 installs!
Q1. Does the display comes out by gently pulling it?
Q2. For harness, you access PDH under the lounge from the back. Confirming if the covering board on the left needs to be taken out?

I received the new display today. I was wrong. The display is held in by four screws from backside of the laminated plywood panel it is mounted on. You will have to remove the whole panel that holds the Volta and Firefly control panels.

I do have some photos of the PDH under the lounge on my AI19, but it might be slightly different on your 24 GT. The rear enclose panel will need to be removed.

I’ll post photos later today.

[Boxster1971]

Attached is photo taken through read doors with the rear covering panel and rear lounge seat bottom removed on my Interstate 19 w/E1.

[mkhllr]

The cable installation on the 24x was a bit simpler it seems. There’s a panel beneath the passenger side bench seat cushion and the PDH was easily accessible from there. I also had to remove four screws to replace the touch panel.

[AJDurr]

I remember reading your post perhaps about the Victron controller not plugged in. In my 2023 24 GT E1 I can’t find the solar controller in the app. Can I have a copy of your post about it? I have looked all over and can’t find it.