Airstream Basecamp 2007 Owner's Manual page 79

BATTERY
The OPTIMA® BlueTop battery will keep you on the road longer. Its patented SPIRAL
CELL® Technology means more running time, faster recharge, and up to twice the life
of traditional RV batteries.
Vibration Resistant
The OPTIMA® is over 15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries. The
constant vibration and jarring from waves can be deadly for traditional RV batteries.
The tightly wound construction in OPTIMA® batteries minimizes plate movement and
subsequent damage caused by harsh conditions - extending battery life.
Nonspillable/Maintenance Free
The OPTIMA® is spill-proof and maintenance free. Because of its completely sealed
case, OPTIMA® batteries are extremely safe. Acid can't leak or spill, making them
clean, user-friendly and environmentally sound. In addition, the maintenance free
sealed 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 or
RV, in almost any position.
Retains Charge Longer / Recharges Faster
In 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 go
unused 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 the
road quickly.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN BATTERY TOP AND CHECK TERMINALS AND CABLES FOR
TIGHTNESS AND CLEANLINESS. A dirty battery will dissipate its charge through
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 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.
CAUTION
: 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.
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 and
services the make battery installed in your trailer.
When being towed, the 12-volt battery in your trailer is receiving a constant charge
from the vehicle's generator or alternator through the seven-way connector. Your tow
vehicle's voltage regulator controls the charge rate. It is important to keep the seven-
way connector clean. One method is to use "Spra-Kleen".
Whenever possible use the automatic built in charge of the converter system for charg-
ing. The charging circuit automatically controls the current, reducing it as the battery
increases in charge.
G - 2
G