ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12 VOLT OPERATIONBATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCHThe major portion of electrical power in your Airstream is 12-volt. The 12-volt currentpowers the exterior and interior lights, water tap system, cook top igniter, ceiling fan,The battery disconnect switch is used to separate the battery from the 12-volt distributionpanel and converter charging system.TV Antenna Amplifier, and 12 volt power ports for optional equipment.When the switch is turned on and the trailer is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, theAll 12-volt current comes through the converter/battery system. The battery is accessiblein the battery box attached to chassis frame rail under the front of the trailer. A12-volt distribution panel will receive power and the battery will be charged throughthe converter.galvanized cover protects the battery. Inside the cover are two weather proof inlinefuse holders. Just in front of the same chassis frame rail is a 40 amp fuse protectingthe circuit from the battery to the converter.When the switch is turned to off and the trailer is plugged into a 110-volt shoreline, the12-volt distribution panel will still receive power from the converter, but the battery isdisconnected from the converter and will not be charged.A black box on the front of the same frame rail is the 7-way cord distribution center.When a shoreline is not available or the unit is being stored, turning the switch to theThe two inline fuses are a 15 amp fuse going from the battery to the breakaway switchoff position will prevent parasitic draws from discharging the battery.on the trailer tongue and a 30 amp fuse goes from the battery to the 12 Volt batteryGcharge line in the 7-Way tow vehicle plug.Below Floor DiagramThe charge in the 12-volt batteries is replenished from the tow vehicle alternatorthrough the 7-way cord. This charge will go to the battery no matter which position theBattery Disconnect Switch is in.A. BatteryB. 7-Way Distribution BlockC. 40 Amp fuseD. Break-Away SwitchChassis WeldmentONOFFA.B.D. B. A.Battery CoverC.Two Inline FusesA. Turns the battery on/off.Handle Down = OnHandle Up = OffB. Light Switch LocationG - 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMBATTERYsurface contamination. Clean battery top with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.The OPTIMA® BlueTop battery will keep you on the road longer. Its patented SPIRALCELL® Technology means more running time, faster recharge, and up to twice the lifeof traditional RV batteries.Vibration ResistantThe OPTIMA® is over 15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries. Theconstant vibration and jarring from waves can be deadly for traditional RV batteries.The tightly wound construction in OPTIMA® batteries minimizes plate movement andsubsequent damage caused by harsh conditions - extending battery life.Nonspillable/Maintenance FreeThe OPTIMA® is spill-proof and maintenance free. Because of its completely sealedcase, OPTIMA® batteries are extremely safe. Acid can’t leak or spill, making themclean, user-friendly and environmentally sound. In addition, the maintenance freesealed case design eliminates the need to add water or clean terminals. OPTIMA®Blue Top batteries are spill proof, so they can be mounted anyplace inside a boat orRV, in almost any position.Retains Charge Longer / Recharges FasterThe terminals should be tight and free of corrosion. To clean terminals, neutralize witha solution of baking soda, rinse in clear water, and dry.To insure maximum battery capacity on the charge and the discharge, the batteryterminals and the inside portion of the cable connector should be scraped or brusheduntil both of these surfaces are shiny bright. The cable connectors should then bereconnected to the battery and tightened. The complete assembly, battery post andcable connector should be coated with heavy body mineral grease, petroleum greaseor petroleum jell.CAUTION: RECONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE CORRECT BATTERYPOSTS. The black cable should be connected to the negative (-) post and the redcable to the (+) post. The polarity of your tow vehicle must also be negative (-) groundsince it must always match the trailer. Most tow vehicles are negative grounded, butalways check your vehicle owner’s manual to be sure.During the winter the battery should be removed from the trailer and stored in a cool,dry place, where there is no danger of freezing.For battery service or replacement, go to any service station or dealer who sells andservices the make battery installed in your trailer.GIn the off-season, sometimes RV batteries sit for months at a time and lose their charge.But the OPTIMA BlueTop battery has such a low rate of self-discharge, that it can gounused for up to one year without recharging, if kept at or below room temperature.And because of its low internal resistance, it recharges faster, getting you back on theroad quickly.MAINTAIN A CLEAN BATTERY TOP AND CHECK TERMINALS AND CABLES FORTIGHTNESS AND CLEANLINESS. A dirty battery will dissipate its charge throughWhen being towed, the 12-volt battery in your trailer is receiving a constant chargefrom the vehicle’s generator or alternator through the seven-way connector. Your towvehicle’s voltage regulator controls the charge rate. It is important to keep the sevenwayconnector clean. One method is to use “Spra-Kleen”.Whenever possible use the automatic built in charge of the converter system for charging.The charging circuit automatically controls the current, reducing it as the batteryincreases in charge.G - 2