Battery - Airstream Excella 1975 Owner's Manual

Battery Cable Quick Disconnects
Battery
A normal battery will discharge by itself in 30
to 45 days, 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.
A fully charged battery will not freeze under
any normal circumstances, therefore, it is
imperative that you keep your battery
charged during the winter. A safe level of
charge is a specific gravity reading of 1.225. A
fully charged battery has a specific gravity of
1.250 to 1.280. Always use a hydrometer
which has a temperature correction scale.
Maintain a clean battery top and check
terminals and cables for tightness and cleanli¬
ness. 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.
To insure maximum battery capacity on both
charge and 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 assem¬
bly, battery post and cable connector should
be coated with a heavy bodied mineral grease
or petroleum.
Important: Reconnect the battery cables to
the correct battery posts. For example, if
negative ground the black cable should be
connected to the negative ( - ) post and the
red cable to the ( + ) post. The polarity may
be determined by inspecting the battery post
which is grounded on the tow vehicle, since it
must always match the trailer. For example, if
negative pole of the tow vehicle is grounded,
the polarity of the trailer battery is negative
ground.
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 you are in climates above
90°F check the electrolyte level every two
weeks.
Caution: The gases generated within a storage
battery cell may be ignited by an open flame
or spark in the vicinity of the battery. Do not
use a match to provide light for checking the
level of water.
During the winter the battery should be
removed from the Airstream and stored in a
cool, dry place, kept full of water, cleaned
and charged monthly. A battery which is
allowed to completely lose its charge will
never regain its original power, or a full
charge.
On International rear bath and Land Yacht
models the battery is located in a rear
curbside compartment. On International
center bath models it is located in a front
curbside compartment. The battery slides out
onto the opened door for service and removal.
For removal it is not necessary to remove
cables from battery terminals, just pull quick
disconnects apart (see photo).
For battery service or replacement, go to any
service station or dealer who sells and services
this battery. The battery is rated for 105 amp.
hours at 80°F and has a 5 year prorated
warranty.
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