Breakaway Switch; Battery (Lead Acid) - Airstream Classic 2016 Owner's Manual

Maintenance

Breakaway Switch

1 Pin
2 Breakaway Switch
CAUTION
Allow no more than 20 to 30 seconds pin
separation as damage to brake magnets may
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull
the pin out and spray the inside of the switch through
the hole with an electric contact cleaner (such as Spra-
Kleen). Applying a drop of light household oil on the pin
and the groove near the base of the pin will allow the
pin to operate freely. Immediately reinsert pin. Perform
this procedure every 90 days.

Battery (Lead Acid)

Your Airstream trailer is factory equipped with an
Interstate battery (SRM-27).
NOTE
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.
We suggest checking the batteries 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°F, while a
discharged battery will freeze at +19°F. The following
table shows the freezing points of batteries at various
specific gravity readings, temperature corrected 80°F.
NOTE
Specific gravity can be tested with a hydrometer.
Follow usage instructions or see your Airstream
8-12
occur.
dealer.
Specific Gravity
1 265
1 250
1 200
1 100
1 150
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.
To ensure 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 jelly.
NOTE
Reconnect the battery cables to the correct battery
The red cable must first be connected to the positive
(+) post and then the black cable to the negative (-)
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°F, check the electrolyte level
about every two weeks.
CAUTION
Care must be taken to make sure soda is not
allowed to enter battery cells. 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.
Freeze Point (°F)
-71 3
-62
-16
+5
+19
posts.
Classic