Airstream, Inc

BATTERY & ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dry camping drains the camper battery overnight with very limited use of the 12-volt lights. The battery recharges okay while on landline. A sixty-mile trip did not recharge the battery via an alternator charge. Where and how should I continue to troubleshoot?

First be sure the battery is "fully" charged. Monitor the specific gravity of the electrolyte while charging and record the readingsevery two to three hours. A battery is considered fully charged when the specific gravity peaks and does not increase over a two-hour period. A fully charged battery will have a specific gravity of about 1.265. This may take awhile, so be patient. Do not charge rapidly. Stay below the gassing voltage of 14.3 volts during the complete charging cycle.

Once you are sure the battery is fully charged, look for drains on the system by using a volt-Ohmmeter with a minimum ten-amp scale.Here's how; turn all 12-volt devices off. Disconnect the negative cable from that battery and insert the meter in-line with that cable. Any current draw over 600-800 milli-amps indicates an excessive drain on the system. At the fuse block, remove each fuse, one fuse at a time.The circuit with the drain will be revealed when the current drain disappears as that fuse is pulled. The final step is to simply identify the components in that circuit to find the culprit.

If no drains are found, inspect the positive and negative terminals at the truck/camper connection. Be sure the positive and ground wires are the same gauge. Oftentimes technicians install a large positive wire, (as they should), but neglect to have a like-sized or larger wire on the ground side. Remember, in a DC circuit the negative side of the circuit is just as important as the positive or "hot" side. Look also for frayed wires in the charge line to the camper or the ground connection on both vehicles. Rusted fuse holders, incorrect butt splices, loose terminals, etc., can all contribute to poor charging. Check each inch if necessary. As a final check, have the alternator tested for proper charge output. Batteries should indeed last longer than overnight

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What does the power inverter do?

The RV power inverter is the electrical opposite of the power converter. While the converter takes 120 volts AC power and converts it to 12 volts DC to operate RV lights, pumps and fans, the inverter uses the DC power from the auxiliary battery system and inverts it to 120 volts AC output for use with typical household-type appliances like a toaster, computers, televisions, hair dryers, microwave ovens, etc.

Electronically processed, this inversion is totally silent. There are no moving parts aside from an occasional cooling fan application.The sophisticated models today even have battery charging capabilities so whenever you plug into shore power at a campground, for instance,the inverter senses another form of 120-volt AC, switches modes, and becomes a high output, three step battery charger.

Best installed near the batteries to minimize voltage drop, many inverters can be mounted horizontally or vertically making aftermarketinstallations a relatively easy task.

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What should I know if I'm thinking of adding an inverter to my present RV?

If you are considering adding an inverter to your present RV, realize that certain upgradesare prerequisite to adding the inverter. For optimum results, it is recommended that the following items be employed with inverter systems.

* High quality, properly sized 12-volt battery bank
* High output automotive alternator, (motorhomes)
* Accurate battery monitor (voltmeter and ammeter)
* Solar panels to aid in charging
* Advanced AC to DC converter

Inverters designed for RV applications are available in two basic output waveform technologies; quasi-sine wave, (sometimes referred to as modified sine wave), produced by low frequency transformers, and pure sine wave as produced by microprocessor-controlled,high frequency circuits and components.

Though low frequency inverters are less expensive and considered efficient devices, they are, however, prone to voltage fluctuations which can cause disturbances in some DC circuits in the RV. Pure sine wave inverters, on the other hand, are extremely sophisticated and can produce AC power at or above the quality levels of shoreline power grids. Comparisons can be made by looking at the total harmonic distortion, (THD), produced by each type. The harmonic difference between the low frequency RV inverter wave form and true sinusoidal wave shape is a percentage figure that affects the operation of induction type loads such as motors, compressors, or other capacitor-started devices. The higher the percentage, the higher the heat factor. The higher the heat factor, the more damaging to the device.

Additionally, voltage stability is crucial in many RV applications such as microwave ovens, battery chargers and some televisions. Unpredictable cooking times, buzzing in stereo equipment and video distortion on TVs and computer monitors can be virtually eliminated by installing a high frequency inverter. Ifyou are one of the many RVers with computer equipment on-board, a high frequency inverter is a must for laser printers.

By and large, inverters are worthwhile if you RV often or are considering full-timing.

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What is AC polarity, and how can I determine when it's correct at the campground pedestal?

Understanding the nuances of electricity can be most confusing and daunting. The biggest problem is our propensity to confuse what we know about the RV's DC battery systems with the AC system. Each system has it's own set of rules and most are not interchangeable.

While DC current flows in one direction only, in North America the AC system operates at a frequency of 60 cycles per second or Hertz and it alternates directions. Direct Current has a polarity of positive and negative which remain constant; positive is always positive and negative is always negative. Alternating Current, on the other hand, switches polarity between the hot and neutral wires sixty times per second.

Picture "time" as a straight line drawn across a piece of paper. Above the line is considered positive voltage, below the line it's a negative voltage. Therefore the polarity is positive half the time and negative half the time. They are said to have a polarity of alternating values. Obviously too fast to measure with a typical volt meter. An oscilloscope, however, will clearly show the alternations in the form of a measurable Sine wave.

Wiring is accomplished via a "hot" (black) and a "neutral" (white) along with a third, uninsulated grounded wire. In theory, many AC devices would still operate okay with reverse polarity, (Remember seeing lamp plugs that could be plugged in either way?), but polarity is most important for people and pets around the RV. AC polarity is easily checked with a device called a polarity tester. It simply plugs into one of the receptacles inside the RV and a series of LED's indicates if the polarity is correct or if the hot and neutral incoming wires are reversed, or if any of the wires in the circuit are "open" (not connected). Consider it extremely value-priced (cheap) insurance that could save your life in some situations. No RVer should be without one.

We recommend checking the voltage and the polarity at the campground pedestal before even connecting the shoreline cord. If the voltage is between 105-volts and 130-volts AC and the polarity is correct, you know it is safe to plug in. Also consider the addition of a surge protector for your rig. Both high and low AC voltages can be damaging to sensitive equipment on the RV.

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What should I do with my battery before I store it for the winter?

Batteries in storage:

* Store batteries in fully charged condition. (12.6 volts 100% charge).

* Batteries will loose about 0.1 volt per month even when disconnected. (0.1 volt X 6 months = .6 volts. 12.6 volts - .6 volts = 12.0 volts, state of charge is less than 25% with no draw just setting).

* Charge your batteries every 30 days when disconnected in storage.

* Coach Battery NOT disconnected will use from 0.1 amp to 0.5 amp or more. (A 105 ah battery will be dead in less than 200 hours with a .5 amp draw).Remove the battery cables from the battery if you do not have a battery disconnect, and recharge every 30 days.

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What type of maintenance should I do for my 12-volt battery?

Battery Maintenance:
1. Keep the batteries clean.
2. Check the water levels and fill as needed. (distilled only)
3. Recharge batteries every 30 days even when not in use.

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CHASSIS

How could my Chassis be a different year than my RV?

The chassis of a motorized product is purchased from a chassis manufacturer (Ford, Chevy, Workhorse, Freightliner, Spartan, etc.) as an "Incomplete Vehicle" (with an established chassis serial number). When Airstream completes the vehicle, we assign a model year and an Airstream serial number to the coach portion. The RV industry and chassis manufacturer model years change at different times. In other words, Airstream may introduce the 2004 model year unit in June of 2003, but the chassis manufacturer doesn't introduce the 2004 chassis until September of 2003.
Because Airstream "Completes the Vehicle" and assigns the model year, the value of any Airstream unit is determined by the model year of the Airstream, not necessarily the chassis.

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CONTACTING VENDORS

How can I contact one of your vendors?

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KWIKEE ELECTRIC STEPS

Can you give me some maintenance tips for my Kwikee Electric Steps?

Your electric step should be lubricated every 30 days with a good quality moisture and heat resistant penetration grease. Penetrating oils and silicone lubricants should not be used, as they do not last.

Before you lubricate your step, be sure to clean all dirt, sale and grit from your step completely. Spraying grease on top of dirt can cause more harm, because it holds the abrasive material to the step and can actually cause wear to the pivot points.

Points needing lubrication are:

1. The square shaft bearings. Lubricate under and around head of bearing. On steps equipped with a plastic cover, this cover will have to be removed to lubricate center bearings. If you have a step with a plastic cover this area only needs lubricated every 90 days.

2. 1" O.D. tube bearing – lubricate around drive tube and between head of bearing and drive leg.

3. Lubricate all pivot points on the sides of your step.

Always make sure your step is free from anything that may become lodged between the arms.

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Can you give me some EMERGENCY maintenance tips for my Kwikee Electric Steps?

You are about to leave a campsite and your step will not retract. What do you do?

1. Check to make sure that your fuses are okay. You will have three fuses. A 20-25 AMP for the step motor, a 5 AMP for the power step switch, and 5 AMP for the ignition signal over-ride.

2. If the fuses are okay, start your engine and re-open and close the door. It is possible that you do not have enoughvoltage (min 10.5 volts full loan) required to activate the control board during start up.

3. Check to make sure that your coach disconnects are not turned off. Some manufacturers use both coach and chassis battery for step power.

4. Make sure your batteries have sufficient power to energize the step. (A minimum of 10.5 full load volts is required).

5. Check to make sure your magnetic door switch is aligned properly and/or the magnet has not fallen off. If it is missing, hold a magnet next to the door switch and the step should activate. The step will close if you have a black switch and will open with a white door switch. Leave the step in the closed position and have someone remove the 20-25 AMP step motor fuse. The step will stay retracted until you can get to a servicing dealer.

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I have no magnet or everything checks okay. Now what?

1. First, turn your power switch and ignition switch off. Locate the silver wire connector block or the 2-wire plug connector under the step. Remove the (2) ¼" hex screws or disconnect the plug and you will have a red and yellow connection. Now run a 12-volt source to the motor side of the wires. Positive to yellow and negative to red makes the step retract. Reverse these wires and the step will extend. If you have proper voltage and the step still does not retract, you may have a bad motor. If so, then go to plan two.

2. Above the top step you will see a linkage arm secured to the step frame by a clevis pin with a cotter pin in the end. Remove the cotter pin and using an awl or small screwdriver, drive the clevis pin out with a hammer..(It will be under pressure due to the step being fully extended).Once removed, push the step up out of harms way and tie it up until you can get to your nearest service facility. If the step is stuck, yet is not bent nor damaged, it may be rusted and in need of cleaning. Use WD 40 on the drive rod bushings to break loose any rust. Once free use KWIKEE KWIK-LUBE to keep it lubricated.

If you still have problems, you may call Kwikee Products at 1-800-736-9961.

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LP

I have a gas leak. How can I test and fix this?

Click here to download a pdf of how to perform a pre-appliance gas test.

You may want to take this to a certified mechanic to have this work performed.
This information provided by RVIA.

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Parts

How do I obtain Airstream Parts?

The Airstream Dealer Network is the exclusive distributor of all Airstream. To find your nearest Airstream Dealer, utilize the Service Dealer Locator or contact us directly at 1-937-596-6111.

Note: Your selected Airstream dealer will most likely need the Serial Number of the unit in order to research your parts inquiry.

Note: While Airstream can supply many parts for units not in current production, items such as Decor (upholstery, curtains, floor coverings, and furniture) and certain cabinetry items are "Run type" or "lot" items and typically are not available long after the model year's production cycle. It may be necessary to utilize a local upholstery or cabinet shop to obtain substitutes for these types of items.

I need parts for my Trailer steps but not sure what part I need for sure.

Click here for a break down of the trailer steps.

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PLUGS

Can I see a diagram of the 7-way plug used from 1964 to 1965?

Please see our online diagram of this plug.

Can I see a diagram of the 7-way plug used from 1966 to 1981?

Please see our online diagram of this plug.

Can I see a diagram of the 7-way plug used from 1982 to 1984, and from 1989 to 2002?

Please see our online diagram of this plug.

Can I see a diagram of the 9-way plug used from 1985 to 1988?

Please see our online diagram of this plug.

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TANK DISINFECTION

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISINFECIION OF POTABLE WATER SYSTEMS ON RECREATION VEHICLES

As approved by the U.S. Public Health Service

To assure complete disinfection of your potable water system, it is recommended that the following procedures be followed on a new system, one that has not been used for a period of time, or one that may have become contaminated. This procedure is also recommended before long periods of storage such as over winter.

1. Prepare a chlorine solution using 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite solution). With tank empty, pour chlorine solution into the tank. Use 1 gallon solution for each 15 gallons of tank capacity. This procedure will result in a residual chlorine concentration of 50 ppm in the water system. If a 100 ppm concentration is required as discussed in item 3, use 1/2 cup of household bleach with 1 gallon of water to prepare the chlorine solution. One gallon of the solution should be used for each 15 gallons of tank capacity.

2. Complete filling of tank with potable water. Open each faucet and run the water until a distinct odor of chlorine can be detected in the water discharged. Do not forget the hot water taps.

3. Allow the system to stand for at least 4 hours when disinfecting with 50 ppm residual chlorine. If a shorter time period is desired, then a 100 ppm chlorine concentration should be permitted to stand in the system for at least 1 hour.

4. Drain and flush with potable water.

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Everything you need to know about your tires.

For the most current information on tires visit this link at the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

How do I torque my Airstream tires?
Please refer to your owners manual for the Torque setting

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TONGUE WEIGHT

What is Tongue Weight? How do I determine what it is and/or what it should be?

Tongue weight refers to the amount of the trailer's weight that presses down on the trailer hitch. Too much tongue weight can cause suspension/drive train damage, and can press the vehicle down in back, causing the front wheels to lift to the point wher