Our founder always said, “Let’s not make changes. Let’s only make improvements.” So any time we introduce a new feature into our products, it comes with careful thought, first-hand testing, and our seal of approval for quality and durability. That’s the case for our new lithium battery technology that will now be a standard feature in all 2021 Airstream Touring Coaches. Read on to learn more about why we’re switching and what you’ll love about the new batteries.
First of All, Let’s Talk About Why We’re Switching to Lithium
Without getting too technical about ions and diffusing gases, the main difference between lithium batteries and lead acid (Also known as AGS) batteries is the duration of the delivery of power. Lead acid batteries are often set up for shorter bursts of power, while lithium batteries are “deep cycle,” which means they discharge at a lower rate for longer. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, or any rechargeable tech device, it likely has a lithium battery. What difference does a lithium battery make in an RV? Let’s break it down.
You Can Use Lithium Batteries All the Way Up
The rule for lead acid batteries is never to let them become fully depleted. But lithium batteries are designed for just that, which means you can stretch every last minute of power out of them and then start all over again. In your Airstream Touring Coach, your brand new lithium batteries will last from 3,000 to 5,000 full charges, which is a lot of camping trips, road trips, and a lot of working from anywhere.
Lithium Charges 5X Faster than Lead Acid
It takes about 8 hours to fully charge the 200 AMP lithium batteries in Airstream Touring Coaches with a 25 AMP power supply. And that’s if they’re 100% depleted when you start charging. What’s that mean for your trip? Park at a campground and plug in for the night, and by the time you wake up your batteries will be fully charged and ready to last.
Lithium Batteries Save You Valuable Space in Your RV
Another reason we’re making the switch to lithium is the storage space it allows us to give you inside your touring coach. The new lithium batteries live under the cab of the coach instead of in the trunk, which means you can pack and store another bag for the road. If you’re wondering, the batteries weigh about 30 lbs. each.
Easily Integrates with the Technology Features in Your Touring Coach
Lithium batteries and technology are a natural fit together, and the new batteries in Airstream Touring Coaches are designed to integrate with the electronic technology features throughout the coach. Plus, the radio in the back of the coach runs solely off of the lithium batteries so you don’t have to use the engine or engine battery to stay entertained when you’re parked. There’s also a dedicated solar panel on the roof to charge solely the lithium batteries.
Lithium Batteries are Durable and Virtually Maintenance-free
Lead acid batteries require regular checks and maintenance to make sure fluid levels are correct, they’re corrosion free, and they still hold a charge. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, include a much simpler process to convert electricity into usable power, so the maintenance is virtually non-existent. The lithium batteries in Airstream Touring Coaches are designed for high temperature stability (for hot or cold temperatures), and can hold a charge for up to a year when not in use.
We Stand Behind Them
The new lithium battery feature in our touring coaches comes with a five-year full replacement warranty. And just like our touring coaches themselves, the batteries are assembled right here in the U.S. and held to the highest of quality standards. That’s the Airstream way.
Which Touring Coach is Right for You?
Is a road trip or a mobile office sounding better and better to you these days? Check out our full lineup of Airstream Touring Coaches and use our compare tool to see how they’re different from one another.
