AS Interstate batteries low

[Johnsrt]

When I unplug my 2015 AS Interstate from shore power, the battery voltage reading on the solar panel drops to 10.1 volts with 0% battery life remaining all in a matter of minutes and starts blinking. I bought it new 9 mos ago. Could these batteries already be dead? My inverter/charger has been changed out, but it shows charging when on shore power.

[beachbouy]

What are the batteries?


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[boondockdad]

It's possible, but unlikely... even for Interstate Battery's less than two years would be unusual.
Unless maybe a bad (disconnected) cell? Have 'em tested. Warranty might take care of you.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Johnsrt

When I unplug my 2015 AS Interstate from shore power, the battery voltage reading on the solar panel drops to 10.1 volts with 0% battery life remaining all in a matter of minutes and starts blinking. I bought it new 9 mos ago. Could these batteries already be dead? My inverter/charger has been changed out, but it shows charging when on shore power.

Yes, they could be bad. Dealers are sometimes notorious for practicing poor energy management on Airstreams that are still on the lot, and that includes Airstream Interstates. It's entirely possible that the batteries were damaged by excessive discharge while the van was on the lot— and equally possible that the bad batteries didn't show up during your walk-through, especially if the van was plugged in to shore power during the walk-through.

[Johnsrt]

Thanks, I'm taking it in to the shop tomorrow. Hopefully they will take care of it under warranty.

[Johnsrt]

I'm not sure, only access is from up under the coach.

[boondockdad]

Let us know how it works out

[VAtom]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Dealers are sometimes notorious for practicing poor energy management on Airstreams that are still on the lot, and that includes Airstream Interstates.

Ain't that the truth.

Think about it; 300 RV's on the lot, none of them connected to power, none with the battery terminals disconnected.

Every fourth post on the forum is about bad batteries.

I read Greg Gerber's great series about the industry's death spiral. At the bottom of the death spiral must be a pile of Lifeline batteries.

Sign me,
"I am VATom and I have dead batteries."

[guskmg]

A voltage reading in the 10 volt range is caused by a shorted (dead) cell. Each of 6 cells contribute about 2,2 volts to in a series connection inside of the battery. There fore, one of the cells has dropped out of the series. You need a new battery. Check and see if it is under warranty.
Your dealer should make it good if the problem has been with you since delivery.
guskmg