2016 Airstream Classic “ZEPPY” Issues

[DocHalo]

ZEPPY is currently on 50 amp shore-power, but the Lifeline AGM batteries aren’t charging at all. Current work around is 110 extension cord to shore power with battery charger. Batteries charged to full with this work around. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Sounds like a problem with your converter charger. First thing to check would be the breaker. Second thing to check would be the fuse(s) on the output side of the device. It is indeed possible that the poor thing simply died. Mine gave up after about 12 months of bouncing down rough roads.

Bob

[AirMiles]

Is the “store/use” switch in “use”? My Airstream only charges the batteries with it in use mode while plugged into shore power.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Is the “store/use” switch in “use”? My Airstream only charges the batteries with it in use mode while plugged into shore power.

Hi

Some do and some don't .... it *is* very much worth checking which way your trailer happens to be wired. If you don't like the way yours is set up, it's a quick change (move one wire to the next lug) to have it work the other way. (Yes, I'm sure there is at least one model out there where it's not an easy change, these people never do it the same way all the time ....).

Bob

[Davidwantz]

Same year and model. Same woes.

I just swapped out the converter after buying new batteries. Best Convert. Com

Others on the Forum will attest to this being a knowledgeable and helpful company.

David

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Keep in mind that even "swap out" converters can die. It's something to pay attention to.

Bob

[DocHalo]

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Is the “store/use” switch in “use”? My Airstream only charges the batteries with it in use mode while plugged into shore power.

Hi Air Miles!

Yes, Store/use switch is in use mode ... if I flip to store all light out & nothing works. Thanks for caring and responding ...

[DocHalo]

Originally Posted by Davidwantz

Same year and model. Same woes.



I just swapped out the converter after buying new batteries. Best Convert. Com



Others on the Forum will attest to this being a knowledgeable and helpful company.



David

Hi Davidwantz!

What did you replace your converter with @ Bestconverter.com? I know how to contact them, but don’t need to “invest” in any/all up-sales ... cheers Davidwantz

[DocHalo]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi



Some do and some don't .... it *is* very much worth checking which way your trailer happens to be wired. If you don't like the way yours is set up, it's a quick change (move one wire to the next lug) to have it work the other way. (Yes, I'm sure there is at least one model out there where it's not an easy change, these people never do it the same way all the time ....).



Bob

Hi uncle_bob ... please provide smart phone picks of what you mean about wire/lug swap ... thank you kindly sir!

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by DocHalo

Hi uncle_bob ... please provide smart phone picks of what you mean about wire/lug swap ... thank you kindly sir!

Hi

What's in one trailer may not be identical to another. Here's the basics:

There is a switch that you hit for the "use/store" function. That switch runs a latching relay on a PC board located somewhere else in the trailer. First step is to find that PCB.

The relay on the board does the actual switching for the use / store stuff. It has a wire coming into it from the battery, and one from the converter / charger and a wire going off to power "everything". (indeed the battery directly powers stuff so it's not really everything).

If the wire to the converter charger is on the same lug as the battery, you will always charge, regardless of the use/store setting. If the converter / charger wire is on the other lug, you will power "everything" with the converter on and the use/store switch set to store. (yes that's strange).

The wonders of humans doing the wiring turn out to mean that some trailers get wired each way. They *should* all be the same.

Bob

[Davidwantz]

Originally Posted by DocHalo

Hi Davidwantz!

What did you replace your converter with @ Bestconverter.com? I know how to contact them, but don’t need to “invest” in any/all up-sales ... cheers Davidwantz

I got a Boondiocker model 4 stage converter. No pressure to buy more/ up selling. Ran about $160. Seems to be on sale now for $145 or so. Very happy. YouTube video very helpful.

David

[DocHalo]

Originally Posted by Davidwantz

I got a Boondiocker model 4 stage converter. No pressure to buy more/ up selling. Ran about $160. Seems to be on sale now for $145 or so. Very happy. YouTube video very helpful.



David

Excellent. Thx.