Classic - Airstream

12-VOLT SYSTEM
The major portion of electrical power in your Airstream is 12-volt. The 12-volt
current powers the fans, furnaces, water pump, and water heater ignition. The
exception would be the air conditioner and microwave oven. All 12-volt current
comes through the battery system in the front of your trailer. The battery or
batteries are accessible on the front “A” frame of your trailer. Power from the
battery first goes to a manual master or “kill” switch inside the trailer.
The manual kill switch, 12-volt distribution panel, and converter are located
under the front sofa on most models. Open the drawer under the sofa seat and
look on the roadside of the storage area. The kill switch and distribution panel
are mounted on a hinged panel that lowers to access the converter. On trailers
without a front sofa the 12-volt distribution panel and the kill switch is located
under the computer table. The converter is located on the roadside front wall
and can be accessed by removing cabinet drawers. The master switch should
be left in the ON position except when storing, or a mechanic may use the
switch when servicing the trailer.
Power from the main switch continues on to the 12-volt distribution panel,
and then to the rest of the trailer. The 12-volt distribution panel has reset
circuit breakers and does not require routine servicing. If a short should occur
the breaker in that circuit will “click” off and you may notice some lights or
Electrical
appliances losing power. If this should happen, immediately turn the lights
and appliances off that are on the shorting circuit and reset the breaker by
depressing the small button in the end. If the breaker continues to “click” turn
the main power off until a qualified technician can service your trailer.
The charge in the 12-volt batteries is replenished when towing or when plugged
into 110-volt city power.
The most common failure in the exterior electrical system is an open circuit. An
open circuit is an interruption in the current flow, which may be in either the wire
to the component or in the ground return.
Check the following areas for open circuits:
1. Loose or corroded connections at lighting device.
2. Loose or corroded connections at 7 way connector.
3. Improper grounding at the lighting device.
A continuity light or an ohmmeter will help you isolate the point of the “open”
on the circuit. Another cause of failure is a short circuit usually resulting in a
blown fuse or cycling circuit breaker at the power source. The wire coming in
contact with a sharp edge usually causes a short. The sharp edge wears the
wire’s insulation away until the “hot” wire short to ground.
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