Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-11-2021, 05:41 PM   #2401
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Wont let me post the PDF of the manual as its 15mb, which is 5 over the Max for here.
I have emailed a copy to Brad and will happily email to anyone else who pm’s me their email address.

Did find this statement tho... [emoji3]Click image for larger version

Name:	RenderedImage.jpg
Views:	30
Size:	420.5 KB
ID:	386765
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-11-2021, 08:00 PM   #2402
4 Rivet Member
 
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Londonderry , New Hampshire
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 287
That looks like a good reading for a diode. The markings on your
old diode must have warn off. When you get your new diode
you can compare it with your old diode and put proper markings
on the old diode and save it for a spare.
Air345Fly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-12-2021, 08:37 PM   #2403
3 Rivet Member

 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Sunnyvale , California
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 206
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
I don’t think I could get 1000w of 64w panels on the roof...
But my previous test a few pages back I managed to theoretically place 9x 100w Renogy compact panels on my roof, iirc.
From there it’s easy to piece together another 100w or more in 50w panels.
The 64w panels might well become static panels for placement when parked if needed
I’m also looking into installing solar panels. Given that space is at a premium, I’m looking for panels that give me the greatest power output per square inch.

In terms of total capacity, I’m not sure I would go for 1kW. It would require quite a bit of battery capacity to match the solar output. In CA during summer, you get about 8 hours of solar capacity, so 1 kW panels could generate about 8kWh of energy per day. That’s the equivalent of 4 200Ah batteries. My thinking is that I need sufficient capacity to cover typical 12V use cases (lights, fridge, internet) as well as occasional (but limited) 110V use cases (microwave). 400 watt (2 panels) are probably sufficient for that. I think that trying to run an AC on solar for an extended period of time is challenging, even with 1kW panel capacity. Most ACs consume more than that, and you never get the full 1kW output anyways.
marcvl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2021, 07:06 AM   #2404
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Agreed.
My current plan is to do the easier one’s first, which is:
6x 100w compact panels(Renogy or HWST). Sets of 3 in my curved frames. On the 345, they fit aft of each AC unit, as shown in my pics the Compact panels 20” width is a great fit 3 abreast across the with if the roof. Normal Panels are 26” wide, and you can’t fit 3 across. Visually, they blend in nicely, with no gaps or space under the edges for wind to catch when stowed.
The front is easy, with space to spare, rear a little tighter. I might mount the rear unit first as the is no fore and aft wiggle room.
My frame design is fixed now but I’m having issues with producing the curve consistently. I know the answer is better tooling, but that’s is $$$. Lol. If others want the frames the cost of the tooling might be justified tho.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2021, 07:36 AM   #2405
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Had Dr appointment yesterday, and some honeydo stuff, but did get a look at the generator

Removed the old switch and it literally disintegrated as I disconnected it.
Clearly a problem. Lol.
Click image for larger version

Name:	63216785612__88B80852-4FDF-489A-9577-6A70F7E1FE3E.JPG
Views:	24
Size:	313.8 KB
ID:	386845

Reinstalled the diode.
Connected battery and tried the switch. There was an electro/mechanical click from somewhere in the genset, but no crank. I tried to locate the noise by operating the switch a few times, and then it stopped happening. Checked the 10a fuse in the controller, and that was fine. The wiring schematic shows a second 10a fuse but I was unable to locate it. Will try it again today.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2021, 11:51 AM   #2406
3 Rivet Member

 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Sunnyvale , California
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 206
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
Agreed.
My current plan is to do the easier one’s first, which is:
6x 100w compact panels(Renogy or HWST). Sets of 3 in my curved frames. On the 345, they fit aft of each AC unit, as shown in my pics the Compact panels 20” width is a great fit 3 abreast across the with if the roof. Normal Panels are 26” wide, and you can’t fit 3 across. Visually, they blend in nicely, with no gaps or space under the edges for wind to catch when stowed.
Yes, I think it will look very nice on the curved frames. Can't wait to see pictures of it installed! But there's a trade off. 3 panels across will give you 300W. If you go with the larger 26 inch Renogy panels, you can only fit 2, but each gives you 200W, so you get 400W.
marcvl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2021, 10:02 PM   #2407
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Some progress.
Got the new start switch installed...,
Required filing out the switch panel opening, as its larger.
Tried to start it... nothing still.
Found one of the connectors was hanging by 1 thread.
Attachment 1

Fixed that.
Still no crank but still hearing a click when I press the start switch... for a few times, then it goes silent again.

Poked around with the Powerprobe.
Found that, despite the + lug being connected as required, there was no power at the starter relay.
Traced it back, and there was not power making it to the back side of the wire. Black wire is live, the original gold wire behind it is not getting voltage.... they are on the same bolt.

Click image for larger version

Name:	63226163988__401E2658-E25C-4EBD-8743-514191D100A6.JPG
Views:	24
Size:	506.2 KB
ID:	386877

Disassembled it and there was surface rust on the bolt...
What’s weird to me is the bolt going thru the piece of the genset chassis that is ground.
When I disassembled it there is just a plastic/nylon top hat section washer insulating the live bolt from the grounded chassis lug. It wasn’t in great shape so I need to figure out a better solution.
Anyone have ideas?

So, I bypassed the mounting temporary..., and guess what...
It cranks over now from the switch!
No spark tho... so I checked the plug, HT lead and coil and all read ok electrically.
I think maybe the ignition system is not getting power.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	63225954939__7CCE1808-BDC4-4AA4-AFFB-AC26BBBF2299.JPG
Views:	26
Size:	305.9 KB
ID:	386876  
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-13-2021, 10:50 PM   #2408
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
https://youtu.be/I7kYAaLwoDs
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2021, 06:05 AM   #2409
4 Rivet Member
 
1986 34.5' Airstream 345
Londonderry , New Hampshire
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 287
Is that connection at the frame supposed to be grounded? If so
then what are the nylon washers for?

If it is not supposed to be grounded they why not clamp both
cables together on one side. That way you have copper to
copper and no rust. On electrical connections i always use
electrical grease to help against rust and corrosion.
Air345Fly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2021, 06:35 AM   #2410
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
That connection in the picture is the main battery feed + input!
The only thing that stops it being a dead short to the hole it passes thru is the nylon top hat washer.
I found it scary.
Will post better pics today.
Thinking about it this morning, I wonder if the is space for some kind of battery disconnect switch.
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2021, 09:48 AM   #2411
Keen amature
 
martin300662's Avatar

 
1975 20' Argosy 20
Chestfield , Kent
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,534
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
That connection in the picture is the main battery feed + input!
The only thing that stops it being a dead short to the hole it passes thru is the nylon top hat washer.
I found it scary.
Will post better pics today.
Thinking about it this morning, I wonder if the is space for some kind of battery disconnect switch.
Seems like a single cable and a P-clip is in your future!
martin300662 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2021, 05:54 AM   #2412
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
This is the main Positive bus bolt, and here is the “top hat” nylon washer that stops it dead shorting to the genset frame....
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0733.JPG
Views:	29
Size:	608.4 KB
ID:	387148

If I get this thing running it won’t be going back configured like this!
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2021, 09:45 PM   #2413
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
Its been a rough month...
Our Lovely Dog, Cole passed away after a short illness.
He would have been 12 this year...
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2021, 11:10 PM   #2414
Rivet Master
 
bobmiller1's Avatar

 
2005 34' Classic S/O
2006 39' Land Yacht 396 XL
north blenheim , New York
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,847
I feel your pain.....lost Hanns 3 years ago, same month, 14 years old.....still miss him. Regards, Bob
bobmiller1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2021, 11:17 PM   #2415
Rivet Master

 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona , California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
1984 Airstream 345 owner (Newbie) need advice!

Sigh. They always take a piece of our heart with them when they leave...sorry for your loss.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0143.JPG
Views:	19
Size:	651.8 KB
ID:	389920

Chewie.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
rmkrum is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 05:10 AM   #2416
Airstream Driver
 
PeterH-350LE's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
Images: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
Its been a rough month...
Our Lovely Dog, Cole passed away after a short illness.
He would have been 12 this year...

Sorry to hear that, Steve.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
PeterH-350LE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 09:27 AM   #2417
3 Rivet Member

 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Sunnyvale , California
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 206
Sorry to hear Steve.
marcvl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 11:19 AM   #2418
Rivet Master
 
Keyair's Avatar
 
1984 34.5' Airstream 345
Foothill Ranch , California
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 4,695
Images: 1
1984 Airstream 345 owner (Newbie) need advice!

Thanks everyone.
We lost our first dog, Moose in 2016 to bloat suddenly, do not our first rodeo.
Cole was healthy and active, and suddenly he was vocalizing pain. I thought it was an ear infection, but it wasn’t. Vet said he was worried but only found blood in his urine which pointed to a UTI. He deteriorated in the next few days and was wobbly on his feet. Got him to an Emergency Vet that had a Neurologist on staff, and they found his spleen was enlarged and more blood in his urine, the tool samples from his spleen and liver, and sent them out. They kept him overnight to monitor. The call on 1/29 confirmed our fears. The Neurologist said she believed he has a brain tumor or meningitis, and the options didn’t look good.
I simply asked the question, would any treatment prolong his life with good quality of life.... her answer was “Slim to none”, so we chose the humane option.
The heartbreaker was he walked into the room to say goodbye, wobbly but unaided.... broke our hearts, but he slipped away quickly and quietly.
2 days later the Cytology report showed Cancer in his spleen, confirming our choice was right.
He’s home now, sitting next to Moose, where he loved to be.
I hope she is waiting for him on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge.
We have turned our attention to bringing Latte, his "little sister" along and up to Alpha Dog, for when we get a new rescue in a few months.
She has been very quiet and subdued, so we know she is a little lost without him... we know we miss him terribly...


Click image for larger version

Name:	63355020096__A5E358BC-8885-4FB5-9B99-AEB638244309.JPG
Views:	23
Size:	440.0 KB
ID:	389949
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1247.JPG
Views:	21
Size:	527.6 KB
ID:	389951
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1723.JPG
Views:	18
Size:	743.3 KB
ID:	389952
__________________
My name is Steve.... and I am an Alumaholic!
Working in my Garage is like playing TETRIS with Tools!
Keyair is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 04:06 PM   #2419
Rivet Master
 
bkahler's Avatar

 
1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,115
That's a real heartbreaker Steve.

Take care.
__________________
Air forums # 1674
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
1975 24' Argosy Motor Home
1974 31' Excella trailer (parting out, as of 4/1/2015 I have wheels & windows left to sell)
bkahler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2021, 04:55 PM   #2420
Airstream Driver
 
PeterH-350LE's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,224
Images: 49
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keyair View Post
..
I simply asked the question, would any treatment prolong his life with good quality of life.... her answer was “Slim to none”, so we chose the humane option.
..

Thats the highest service we can do for our 4 legged friends. Had to do it several times and it was very very difficult. At least I could rest assured that they didn't have to suffer any more. I truly hope you will find comfort in that!
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
PeterH-350LE is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 members and 2 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New Airstream Interstate Owner in SE Louisiana solar-guy Member Introductions 2 12-17-2011 10:49 AM
Hope to be an Airstream owner.......... angellhill Member Introductions 4 08-21-2011 05:27 AM
1984 Airstream 345 Keyair Airstream Registry Discussions 0 08-19-2011 08:32 AM
It's going to FINALLY happen, I'll officially be an Airstream Owner! crazeevw Member Introductions 3 08-18-2011 11:06 PM
Hoping to be a Future Airstream Westfalia Owner 2005-/+ PorcupineRim Member Introductions 1 03-19-2011 10:13 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:33 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.