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Old 08-29-2021, 12:14 PM   #1
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2017 23' Flying Cloud
Rocklin , California
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How best to store an Airstream

When storing your airstream, should you leave it plugged into 110V and leave battery disconnect switch in "Use" mode? Or, unplug it from 110V and leave battery disconnect switch in "store" mode?
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Old 08-29-2021, 12:29 PM   #2
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Welcome Aboard...👍

I store with the batt's fully charged, isolated completely, off shore power, with tires removed, on jack-stands and fully Winterized.

Others do other things, depending on other subjective options

POI I wouldn't store unattended on shore power 24/7

Bob
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Old 08-29-2021, 12:35 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hillman View Post
When storing your airstream, should you leave it plugged into 110V and leave battery disconnect switch in "Use" mode? Or, unplug it from 110V and leave battery disconnect switch in "store" mode?
Hi

The use/store switch does *not* fully disconnect the battery. A proper battery disconnect switch is needed if all you have is a use/store switch. The parasitic loads will flatten a battery in two to four weeks if only the use/store switch is employed.

As noted above, if the battery is healthy and fully charged, it can sit for many months without any issues *if* fully disconnected. There is no need to put a supplemental charger on a healthy battery. There are some potential issues if you do so that becomes very much a "maybe yes / maybe no" kind of thing.

Unless you simply never go off grid, healthy batteries are what you want on your trailer. If the batteries are dead / near dead, they will not store well and you also may not make it through the first night "out and about" ....

Bob
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Old 08-29-2021, 02:16 PM   #4
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It depends. I live in a semi-tropical environment. When It is parked in the yard, it is plugged in, use/store switch in “off” and one of my fantastic fans is running in low with the other open but off (I have Ultra breeze covers so rain isn’t an issue. I find the steady low airflow prevents mold and musty odors. Every now and then, I turn the use/store switch to “use” for a few hours.

If I didn’t have power, I would pull one of the leads off the battery bank to completely isolate the batteries and leave both vents open.

If it freezes where you are, you might consider either pulling a battery lead (assuming the batteries are fully charged) or, perhaps, removing the batteries and storing them at home.
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Old 08-29-2021, 02:54 PM   #5
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How best to store an Airstream

Proper disconnect switch installed. Cover is a double duplex outlet cover for wet areas with a bulge added with the cautious use of a heat gun and a 2x2 chunk of wood. Yes, I drilled 8 holes in the aluminum…to install switch and cover.

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The switch is a two position battery switch good for 250 amps continuous load from BlueSea Systems and is connected with a 80 amp MRBF fuse bolted directly onto the positive post of the battery bank. (Two GC-2 golf cart batteries in series)

It kills everything except the tongue jack, breakaway switch, and WD jack system. They have their own fuse.
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Old 08-29-2021, 07:33 PM   #6
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Is there a fuse that can be pulled to shut down everything from the battery?
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Old 08-29-2021, 07:39 PM   #7
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Don’t believe so. The battery feeds the fuse bus…
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Old 08-29-2021, 07:40 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by n2916s View Post
Don’t believe so. The battery feeds the fuse bus…
Has anyone placed the shut-off at the fuse bus?
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Old 08-29-2021, 07:54 PM   #9
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On my Airstream the positive buss is under the front bed. Was easier to mount a switch outside. Crawling under the bed to flip a switch is not an option in an emergency electrical disconnect situation.
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Old 08-29-2021, 07:56 PM   #10
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Thanks.

So many mods; so little time.
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Old 08-29-2021, 09:06 PM   #11
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You probably need to define the word "store". I have a covered lot with power. I keep it plugged in and have been using it every couple of weeks. If I were to be putting it down for a month or two, I'd charge the batteries and disconnect them completely. I check the water level on the batteries every week or so. I don't have a true disconnect switch, so I'd pull the wires off the batteries.

It's not cheap to get covered storage. I like the idea of my aluminum beer can not baking in the Florida sun most of it's life.
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Old 08-30-2021, 06:12 AM   #12
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I kept the use/store switch and mounted the disconnect next to it on the access door to the converter/charger, KISS.

Bob
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Old 08-30-2021, 07:23 AM   #13
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We keep ours by our home and plugged in year around, we use it almost daily where it sits during winter months (mid Dec- Jan) and keep it ready to roll for a trip somewhere almost every month the rest of the year. Storage is not a consideration - we have it to use it.
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Old 08-30-2021, 08:58 AM   #14
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How best to store an Airstream

Ours is parked on our driveway, with the 150 watt solar panel exposed to full sun. I check battery water level once a month and have a battery watering system that makes filling them up easy. The solar keeps batteries fully charged so my fantastic fans run to ventilate the interior.

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Heading out is quick and easy. Ready to go anywhere, anytime. Getting it lined up on the driveway when we return is the ‘interesting in the Spockian’ sense part because of too many cars on a relatively narrow street.

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We unload parked on the street…
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Old 08-30-2021, 09:39 AM   #15
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I keep trailer stored indoors in commercial RV storage facility. It is kept plugged in but battery disconnected.

Reasons:

1. Security against theft and vandalism.
2. No need to winterize or un-winterize.
3. Reduces damage from UV light particularly for tires.
4. I can pickup and go at a moment’s notice.
5. I think this will increase resale value.

Cost is $240/mo for 27’ Flying Cloud.
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Old 08-30-2021, 10:18 AM   #16
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We store our 25FBQ in our shop whenever not in use for more than a few days.
Disconnect the batteries (store mode) from 12vdc buss via the battery disconnect switch at entry door.
Attach a Victron Blue Smart IP65 Charger, 10amp rated, direct to batteries for maintenance/monitoring. Charger integrates nicely via bluetooth Victron App. I could plug into building power via 30amp plug but I don't feel it's necessary to have everything constantly powered.
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Old 08-30-2021, 11:31 AM   #17
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Welcome Aboard 👍

I use that same charger on the boat, but unlike the Victron 712 it won't provide SOC unless it's plugged in.

Disclaimer...I do not leave ANY charger active 24/27.

Nice space BTW...what goes on the lift... Cobra?

Bob
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Old 08-30-2021, 11:45 AM   #18
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I take my batteries out. Put them on the workbench at home and hook them to Battery Tender. It is a trickle charger that shuts down when batteries are fully charged. I check the water level monthly.
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Old 08-30-2021, 02:32 PM   #19
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I store my 2018 Sport 22 in my pole barn winterized with the battery disconnected and a charger on the battery to keep it up. A question I have is what is the best way for mouse control? I've used rodent repellent I've gotten from Amazon and so far so good. Looking
for other ideas.
Thanks
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Old 08-30-2021, 02:43 PM   #20
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Winter looks pretty cool right now, haha. Bramble, 12/20/20, winterized with air and antifreeze, unplugged battery, battery disconnect lever in store or off. As usual here, you get extra advice for free
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