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FishByFly · 09-03-2018, 02:01 PM

We were out this Holiday weekend. Pretty warm and humid so we had the AC running. Was on for about 20 hrs with no issues. This morning, while the wife was getting ready and I was cooking breakfast, we threw the 30amp breaker at the campground pedestal. Our power cord was plugged into our Progressive Industry surge guard. I switched the breaker back on, reduced the number of items on in the trailer, and the power came back on. So did the AC.

In about 5 mins, the pedestal breaker switched off again. This time after restoring the breaker, the only item on in the trailer was the AC. It came on again once the power was back up.

Well, third time in about 5 mins, the breaker faulted. This time when the power came up, the AC would not come on. The trailer had power. The thermostat showed all the proper display but nothing from the AC. Not even the fan. I checked the internal breakers and all looked fine. When nothing can on, I switched all of the ac breakers off and back on. Still nothing.

Is there a reset in the AC somewhere?

CAK

pcskier · 09-03-2018, 03:26 PM

Turn thermostat control to OFF. Press ZONE and MODE at some time. It will read "Init" for initialization. Turn thermostat back ON.

Might or might not fix your issue. Could be a worn out breaker at the pedestal, among other things.

HowieE · 09-03-2018, 03:40 PM

Sounds like you were in a campgroud that did not have enough electric power.

The AC may have a low voltage protector that cut out on low voltage. Get a voltmeter to carry with you for future use. Generally the AC wants to see 105 volts to keep the compressor from burning out. The older ACs had a low voltage indicator light built in.

FishByFly · 09-03-2018, 04:05 PM

I’ll try the thermostat reset.

Just surprised all reset two times before.

We have returned home so I’m going to check it out next weekend. Gathering good info for now like these suggestions.

HowieE, I thought that the PI surge protector would also defend the trailer against low voltage. But it is the pedestal breaker that failed.

GammaDog · 09-04-2018, 09:43 AM

Some surge protectors are also power management systems. The later typically cut off power for low or high voltage. The Progressive EMS-PT30X that I use does include out of range voltage cut off. It also continuously monitors Amps and displays that info in its stream of data. I've seen it read 36 Amps on a 30 amp breaker before the breaker tripped. A google search on your model should show you what protection features it offers. Some also display the last error they encountered (PE3 is Progressive shorthand for "I shut down for low voltage")

I would predict that the AC circuit breaker in the trailer didn't trip since you didn't mention an "E7" error and that the 12 volt fuse is good since the thermostat is working. I'd check both anyway. Resetting the thermostat as pcskier mentioned is the next step. After that, I'd invoke each function from the thermostat separately... fan only... AC (expect a miracle!)... heat pump... furnace. If none of those work then the thermostat is probably bad. If the heat pump works but the AC doesn't (make sure it actually heats and isn't just the fan... just like the AC cycle, in heat pump mode you should hear the fan kick on, then a few seconds later hear the compressor kick on, then the air blowing into the trailer should start to feel warmer) then the compressor is good so either the control board in the rooftop unit or the thermostat is bad.

It seems that your trailer is probably still under warranty... yes? Somewhere about this point I'd take it back to the dealer. If you are a nut case like me and do your own maint and repairs anyway, if the compressor is working then you replace the thermostat first because it is easy and affordable then you replace the control board in the rooftop unit because it is probably the source of the problem all along and the excitement level is high once you ignore the warning placard and remove the cover to expose the control board (first read up about discharging AC system capacitors or place soft objects all around the trailer since it's not clear which way your body will fly if you use it to discharge the capacitor rather than using a screwdriver). Seriously, it is doable if you are committed... or should have been.

Write back, keep us posted or ask questions.

Life is a Highway · 09-04-2018, 10:07 AM

I’ve found the 30 amp breakers are worn out at some sights

I switch to the 50 amp with my 50-30 adapter and my surge protector and AC are happy

Unless the wife is making breakfast with a fan going the toaster ac on microwave and a god knows what else all at once but that’s another story.

AirstreamInc · 09-05-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FishByFly

We were out this Holiday weekend. Pretty warm and humid so we had the AC running. Was on for about 20 hrs with no issues. This morning, while the wife was getting ready and I was cooking breakfast, we threw the 30amp breaker at the campground pedestal. Our power cord was plugged into our Progressive Industry surge guard. I switched the breaker back on, reduced the number of items on in the trailer, and the power came back on. So did the AC.

In about 5 mins, the pedestal breaker switched off again. This time after restoring the breaker, the only item on in the trailer was the AC. It came on again once the power was back up.

Well, third time in about 5 mins, the breaker faulted. This time when the power came up, the AC would not come on. The trailer had power. The thermostat showed all the proper display but nothing from the AC. Not even the fan. I checked the internal breakers and all looked fine. When nothing can on, I switched all of the ac breakers off and back on. Still nothing.

Is there a reset in the AC somewhere?

CAK

Hi FishByFly,

We're very sorry to learn about the issue you are having. Please send us a direct message with your contact information and the last 6 digits of your VIN so we can share it with our Customer Service and Technical Support team. We look forward to helping you get this resolved.

You can also reach Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support at customer_support@airstream.com

Thank you.

urnmor · 09-05-2018, 01:44 PM

Just a suggestion since you are Home is there a way you can hook up the electricity at your house, if so you can turn your AC on to see if it works. If it does then you know the problem was at the campsite.

FishByFly · 09-05-2018, 08:03 PM

SUCCESS!

First off, I want to thank all that offered guidance. It sure helped me prioritize, trouble shoot, and narrow down options. This appreciation is extended to the Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support who replied with their offer to aid in finding a solution.

CONCLUSION: The issue may have some secondary factors that influenced the failure. Ultimately, the failure was caused by ME. Yes. Not directly the campground. Not the Airstream company.

For the inquiring minds that want to know more, this is the rest of the story. I installed a 30amp SmartPlug (great quality product) last week before heading out for our weekend get away. The plug end of the power cord is where I found the issue. I had not gotten the white wire between the setscrew and the clap. On the install, the clap has a tendency to fall outward such that the wire is not catch between the set screw. The white wire did not have firm connection.

Also, prior to turning on the system, I did reset the thermostat too.

All is good.

rowiebowie · 09-05-2018, 08:27 PM

Thanks for posting the "rest of the story" for those of us following. I had a bad wire on my furion 30A that happened before I got it. Someone rewired it and missed the wire with screw clamp also.

Only showed up after running the a/c on home current for a sustained period. The overheated connection ruined my plug and my cord. But at least I found my problem before I left home.

Just check your cord and outlet carfully for damage. If ok, you're back in business. Enjoy your next trip!