Battery Replacement
Video # 36
Airstream Battery Replacement
In this segment of Classic Rides, Restoration and Bodywork specialist Kevin Tetz addresses the battery and electrical component issues on the 1970 Airstream Overland Yacht trailer that he is restoring. Terry Cooper from Texas State Technical College helps Kevin with this phase of the restoration.
Terry begins by telling Kevin what he does at Texas State Technical College. Terry is the head instructor and one of the programs they have in that college is for training RV technicians.
Kevin says that the 12-volt battery that they took out of the coach was toast. He asks Terry to explain why they are replacing it with two 6-volt batteries. These batteries have high capacities and carry the loads they are looking for. But the required voltage must be equivalent to 12-volts. So Terry says that they should tie these two batteries together to satisfy the voltage requirements of the RV.
Terry also explains why a regular automobile battery will not work for an RV. According to Terry, although the automobile batteries require a quick start to get running, they don't have the depth that the deep cycle type batteries for RVs have. This means that they have the capability to power the vehicle day in and day out.
Kevin also secures the batteries in a vented battery box. This prevents hydrogen gas leakage into the coach. The gas is discharged through a hose that is connected to the battery box and out of the trailer away from all the occupants of the vehicle. Terry also brought in a power inverter, which takes the 12-volt power and converts it into 120 volts for AC appliances such as the trailer's TV and video systems.
Kevin changes the location of the battery box from the rear end of the trailer to under the gaucho bed in the bedroom. He reminds us to unplug the converter before working on the electricals.
All content on UsedAirstream.com is copyrighted and enforced! © 2009
Comments on this entry are closed.