Battery Disconnect Switch; Converter - Airstream Basecamp 2017 Owner's Manual

Interior

Battery Disconnect Switch

The battery disconnect switch is used to separate
the batteries from the 12-volt distribution panel and
converter charging system�
When the switch is turned to ON and the trailer
is plugged into a 120-volt shoreline, the 12-volt
distribution panel will receive power from the converter
and the batteries will be charged through the converter
charging system�
When the switch is turned to OFF and the trailer
is plugged into a 120-volt shoreline, the 12-volt
distribution panel will still receive power from the
converter, but the batteries are disconnected from
the system� The batteries will not be drained with
the switch in the OFF position� The converter will not
charge the batteries with the switch in this position�
The charge in the 12-volt batteries can be replenished,
depending on the tow vehicle, from the tow vehicle
alternator through the 7-way cord. This charge will flow
to the batteries regardless of the battery disconnect
switch position� Likewise, if on or off, the solar panel is
still charging the batteries�
5-8

Converter

The converter transforms 120-volt AC into 12-volt
DC� The converter/charging system is the interior low
voltage electrical system that enables you to use the
interior lights, fans, pumps, and 12-volt appliances,
whether operating on self-contained battery power or
120-volt city power� The 12-volt light bulbs give off the
same light as regular household bulbs, so that when
operating on self-contained battery power, everything
works normally except the 120-volt convenience
outlets and 120-volt appliances� The converter system
is designed to maintain constant output voltages
regardless of the variances that occur in city power
systems�
The converter is energized only when the trailer is
hooked up to external AC power�
To test the converter, observe the following:
• Confirm 120-volt power is going into the converter.
• Disconnect the 12+ wire from the master switch�
• Using a voltmeter, check voltage output between
heavy gauge positive and negative wires coming out
of the converter�
• The voltage should be within 13�8 and 14�0 volts�
(The meter of the tester should be calibrated
periodically�)
• If converter is not within these voltages, have it
serviced by a qualified technician or replace it.
One of these wires is not spliced onto a wire of the
same color� It is the backup wire that is yellow in the
cable and black in the harness�
A label on the inside of the converter door lists the
circuits and what each fuse powers�
2017 Basecamp