Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 77)

G
G - 2
ELECTRICAL
12-VOLT SYSTEM
BATTERY
The battery (batteries) are located inside doors on the
exterior front plate of the trailer or insidie battery boxes
in the trailer A-frame.
NOTICE: A normal battery can discharge by itself
in 30 to 40 days when not in use, therefore, IT IS
NECESSARY TO PERIODICALLY CHECK THE
BATTERY AND CHARGE IT AS IS NECESSARY.
We suggest checking the battery at least every two
weeks in freezing weather. The temperature at which
a battery will freeze depends on the condition of its
charge. As an example: a fully charged battery with
a specific gravity of 1.265 will not freeze until the
electrolyte temperature drops to - 71.3 degrees F, while
a discharged battery will freeze at +19 degrees F. The
following table shows the freezing points of batteries
at various specific gravity readings, temperature
corrected 80 degrees F.
Do not add water to a battery in freezing temperatures
unless the vehicle will be put to use at once, otherwise
the added water may freeze. Neglect is expensive.
Care costs little. Check your batteries regularly.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN BATTERY TOP AND CHECK
TERMINALS AND CABLES FOR TIGHTNESS AND
CLEANLINESS. A dirty battery will dissipate its charge
through surface contamination. Clean battery top with
a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
The terminals should be tight and free of corrosion.
To clean terminals, neutralize with a solution of baking
soda, rinse in clear water, and dry.
NOTICE: Care must be used to make sure soda is not
allowed to enter battery cells.
To insure maximum battery capacity on the charge
and the discharge, the battery terminals and the inside
portion of the cable connector should be scraped or
brushed until both of these surfaces are shiny bright.
The cable connectors should then be reconnected to
the battery and tightened. The complete assembly,
battery post and cable connector should be coated
with heavy body mineral grease, petroleum grease or
petroleum jell.
NOTICE : RECONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES
TO THE CORRECT BATTERY POSTS. The black
cable should be connected to the negative (-) post
and the red cable to the (+) post. The polarity of your
tow vehicle must also be negative (-) ground since it
must always match the trailer. Most tow vehicles are
negative grounded, but always check your vehicle
owner’s manual to be sure.
ADD WATER TO CELLS AS NECESSARY. Check the
electrolyte level at least once a month. When you are
traveling steadily and for an extended period of time,
or if you are in climates above 90 degrees F, check the
electrolyte level about every two weeks.
WARNING : When checking or filling
the electrolyte level in the batteries, do not allow
battery electrolyte to contact skin, eyes, fabric, or
painted surfaces. The electrolyte is a sulfuric acid
solution, which could cause serious personal injury
or damage to the trailer. Wear complete splash proof
goggles and clothing protection when working with
batteries. Avoid touching your eyes while working
near batteries.
NOTICE: Do not fill battery above the split ring
in filler opening. DO NOT MEASURE SPECIFIC
GRAVITY IMMEDIATELY after adding water. The
water must mix with the electrolyte by charging or
by driving a few miles.
Voltage Freezing point
1.265 -71.3 F
1.250 -62 F
1.200 -16 F
1.100 +5 F
1.150 +19 F