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Rpwrs · 11-29-2017, 06:54 PM

I am sharing my experience when I decided to upgrade my existing (2) 12 volt Interstate SRM-24 batteries. I have a dealer installed roof solar panel. While I could go 2 to 3 days dry camping, the batteries would fall below 50% at the end of that period. The batteries were inadequate. I decided to upgrade based on a YouTube video at Loloho.com. I started by quest.
I contacted both Airstream dealers in Southern California who litteraly shined me on. I didn’t event get a call back!! I found a local guy in Ventura to change the batteries and install a temperature module. I bought the batteries from Powersource. I did the research re settings, equipment and set up as described below.
I decided to use the Lifeline 6 Volt GPL-4CT. It fits the 12 inch battery box with a slight cut in the plastic battery tray. Airstreams prior to 2015 need an extender as it has a shorted box. I was told the Converter was a single stage type and I needed to get a new three stage unit for the AGM battery. Airstream customer service was very helpful. They said the forum posts maligning the Parallax converter were unwarranted. I contacted Parallax directly. They were VERY helpful. To my surprise, my 2017 already had a three stage converter/charger. I am not sure what year Airstream changed to the new units. They recommended adding a TempAssure Module. I did. Easy install. The solar controller made by Atkinson Electronics works with AGM batteries. They were also very helpful. I actually spoke to an engineer who walked me thru steps for clipping a jumper based on the battery manufacturer specs.
So, I am up and running. I made a lot of calls. Airstream, Parallax and Atkinson should be congratulated for excellent customer service. Lifeline also responded to an inquiry quickly. I was very disappointed with the Airstream Dealers.

billrector · 11-29-2017, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rpwrs

I am sharing my experience when I decided to upgrade my existing (2) 12 volt Interstate SRM-24 batteries. I have a dealer installed roof solar panel. While I could go 2 to 3 days dry camping, the batteries would fall below 50% at the end of that period. The batteries were inadequate. I decided to upgrade based on a YouTube video at Loloho.com. I started by quest.
I contacted both Airstream dealers in Southern California who litteraly shined me on. I didn’t event get a call back!! I found a local guy in Ventura to change the batteries and install a temperature module. I bought the batteries from Powersource. I did the research re settings, equipment and set up as described below.
I decided to use the Lifeline 6 Volt GPL-4CT. It fits the 12 inch battery box with a slight cut in the plastic battery tray. Airstreams prior to 2015 need an extender as it has a shorted box. I was told the Converter was a single stage type and I needed to get a new three stage unit for the AGM battery. Airstream customer service was very helpful. They said the forum posts maligning the Parallax converter were unwarranted. I contacted Parallax directly. They were VERY helpful. To my surprise, my 2017 already had a three stage converter/charger. I am not sure what year Airstream changed to the new units. They recommended adding a TempAssure Module. I did. Easy install. The solar controller made by Atkinson Electronics works with AGM batteries. They were also very helpful. I actually spoke to an engineer who walked me thru steps for clipping a jumper based on the battery manufacturer specs.
So, I am up and running. I made a lot of calls. Airstream, Parallax and Atkinson should be congratulated for excellent customer service. Lifeline also responded to an inquiry quickly. I was very disappointed with the Airstream Dealers.

The 2017 does not have a multi-stage converter.

Len n Jeanne · 11-29-2017, 07:27 PM

Thanks for your useful post.

We switched to 2 six-volt batteries for longer boondocking without having to fire up the generator. This worked well until this past summer, so we're wondering if we let them get too low during a long-ish period of inactivity.We inquired of our nearest AS mechanic about rooftop solar panels, but he didn't think the 19' AS had enough open roof space to generate enough power. Ditto on portable solar panels, even though this dealership sells them.

How long is your AS?

I note that some of the SOB micro-RVs now come with solar options, but presumably they're not trying to run so much stuff off them.

Rpwrs · 11-30-2017, 05:12 PM

I have a 100 watt flex solar panel that sits on the roof above the door side. They fit well. I also have a 120 watt portable that we use to catch the sun. You shouldn’t have any problem with the install. Later models are pre wired for solar.