Battery - Airstream classic 2006 Owner's Manual

12-VOLT SYSTEM

BATTERY

CAUTION
: 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 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 degrees F, while
a discharged battery will freeze at +19 degrees F. The
following table shows the freezing points of batteries
at various specific gravity readings, temperature
corrected 80 degrees F.
Voltage Freezing point
1.265 -71.3 F
1.250 -62 F
1.200 -16 F
1.100 +5 F
1.150 +19 F
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.
Note: Care must be used to make sure soda is not
allowed to enter battery cells.
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.
G - 2
ELECTRICAL
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.
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 degrees F, check the
electrolyte level about every two weeks.
CAUTION
: 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.
G