12-Volt Operation - Airstream A-Series 2006 Owner's Manual

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12-Volt Operation

The only thing you have to do is make sure the coach batteries don't run down. In
normal usage there isn't any problem, since you would normally drive part of the day
and be plugged into a campground at night. The alternator charges the batteries when
you drive and when you're plugged into city power the converter charges the batteries
and carries much of the load.
Some nights you may not find a place to plug into city power. No problem, the stan-
dard battery system gives you about 400 amp-hours so you can comfortably run your
lights and vents in a normal fashion without depleting the batteries.
If you are not plugged into city power and you're not driving, you'll want to conserve
your batteries by using as few lights and appliances as possible. The generator will
start if the voltage becomes low in your house batteries.
Your motorhome is equipped with a two 50-watt solar panels. The controller is
located on the wall.
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There are two sets of 12-volt fuses and breakers in your motorhome. The main interior
circuit fuses are in the Energy Management System Module located in the front pas-
senger side basement compartment. The brightly colored fuses pull straight out from
the face of the panel. Replacement fuses are available at automotive stores and most
service stations. On the panel covering the fuses is a diagram showing the function
of each fuse or circuit breaker. The chassis manufacturer provides the second set of
fuses. Freightliner fuses are located in the lower compartment forward of the roadside
front wheel.
Many interior lights have been included in your motorhome to give you almost infinite
variable light intensity. The individually switched ceiling lights must be turned to on
before the wall switches will control them.
Just inside the main door are switches for the step, patio light, and forward ceiling
lights.
The dinette lights and the curbside sconce lights two gang switches are located on the
refrigerator cabinet panel.
In the galley area is a three gang switch for the galley spot lights, ceiling lights, and
the galley indirect lights. Also located in the galley is the generator start and monitor
system.
On the forward lavatory panel is the switch for the wardrobe closet light.
On the aft lavatory panel is a two gang switch for the bedroom fluorescent light and the
bedroom ceiling spot lights. Also on the panel is a three gang switch panel controlling
the vanity spot lights, water pump, and vanity make up lights.
In the bath area is a three gang switch panel for the bath ceiling lights, the ceiling
exhaust fan, and the ceiling fan lid power lift.
The forward curbside bedroom panel has the switches for the two bedroom slide
outs.
The bedroom roadside rear wall has switches for the bedroom fluorescent lights, ceil-
ing spot lights, and the rear storage cabinet.
The bulbs in the interior lights are all easily replaced if they burn out.
To change the bulb in the round spot lights, first remove the lens assembly. The lens
cap is threaded and screws off. The bulb inserts into the ballast by two wire prongs.
Grasp the bulb with a piece of cloth and pull it gently straight out from its ballast. Insert
the new bulb, and replace the lens. The lens assembly has two grooves that must be
aligned to the light fixture before snapping the lens back into place.
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