Battery - Airstream 1980 Argosy Owner's Manual

Battery
A normal battery can discharge by itself in
30 to 45 days when not in use, 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. 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 discharge battery will
freeze at
+
1 9 " F. The following table shows
the freezing points of batteries at various
specific gravity readings, temperature
corrected 8 0 " F.
Note: 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 s ~ ~ r f a c e 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 maxirr~um 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 assembly,
battery post and cable connector should be
coated with a heavy bodied mineral grease,
petroleum grease or a petroleum jell.
Important: 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.
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 O F check the electrolyte level about every
two weeks. Do not fill battery above the spl~t
ring in filler opening. Do not measure
specific gravity immediately after adding
water. The water must rnix with the elctrolyte by
charging or by driving a few miles.
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 or flame to
provide light for checking the level of the
water.
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.
It should be 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.
The battery is located in an exterior
compartment curbside of the tongue on all 25,
28 and 31 ft. models. If optional 2nd battery is
installed, it will be located in a similar
compartment, roadside of the tongue. On all
20, 22, and 24 ft. models, the battery is
located in the front roadside corner.
Slide the battery out onto the opened
compartment door for service and removal
For battery service or replacement, go to any
service station or dealer who sells and services
the make battery installed in your trailer.
Original equipment batteries are rated for
105 amp. hours at 80°F.